Derby-winning rider Adam Kirby reveals plans to become a trainer

Adam Kirby has revealed his intention to become a trainer, with the Classic-winning rider aiming to start out from his base near Newmarket next year.

Kirby, 37, confirmed in April that he had retired from the saddle having stopped riding in August 2023, during which time he had further developed his successful pre-training business with his partner Megan Evans.

However, Kirby said on Racing TV's Luck On Sunday programme that his operation at Vicarage Farm in Kirtling, six miles from Newmarket, would be his base to become a fully fledged trainer starting in 2026.

Adam Kirby: won the Derby on Adayar in 2021Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Asked by presenter Nick Luck why he was taking the step, Kirby said: "Adrenaline. Since I've stopped riding I've been looking for something to give me that sort of buzz back and I'm hoping this is going to give me what I need.

“At the time it was a hard thing to let go; I'd been doing it for such a long time, and had some marvellous times. Deep down I didn't want to let it go, but I knew I had to.”

During his 21-year career as a rider, Kirby claimed numerous top-level successes, most notably partnering Adayar to victory in the 2021 Derby for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.

He won the Group 1 July Cup with Lethal Force and Harry Angel, while also partnering Golden Horde, Lethal Force, Profitable and My Dream Boat to major wins at Royal Ascot.

Lethal Force: a dual Group 1-winning sprinter for Adam KirbyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Kirby said the prospect of starting out as a trainer in his own right had reinvigorated him following his decision to stop riding. 

"I will enjoy going racing and enjoy the day win, lose or draw," he said. "Although it's something I'm excited about you've got to keep things realistic and [horses] are going to get beat. 

"You can only try and it's given me a really weird feeling, that I feel like all of a sudden I've found myself again; I feel like I'm even walking quicker. I think it was meant to be."

Read these next:

The dramatic moment when Adam Kirby and brave Adayar secured Derby glory 

'It's mad, it's crazy' - Adam Kirby revels in breakthrough Classic on Adayar 

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