'Don't do it, grandson': Joseph Parr to start training despite Bailey's warning

Joseph Parr is the new trainer on the block on Hamilton Road in Newmarket, where he has succeeded his grandfather Alan Bailey – but he has taken up the reins against the advice of his predecessor.

The 32-year-old, who will saddle his first runner at Chelmsford on Saturday, acted as assistant to the recently retired Bailey and has just finished his BHA modules, allowing him to be the licence holder at Frankland Lodge.

Parr is pursing a training career despite his 80-year-old grandfather advising him against it due to the pressures the role entails.

He said: "Alan advised me against taking out a licence as it's such a tough game these days, but it's always been an ambition of mine to train so I'm happy to give it a good go.

Alan Bailey: advised his grandson against a career in trainingCredit: Chris Bourchier

"I got my licence last Thursday and hope to hit the ground running with Come On Bear, who was my grandfather's last runner, at Chelmsford. She's a bit tricky but would have won at Lingfield last week but for missing the break. If she breaks well I expect her to win."

On his own background, Parr added: "I first worked for my grandfather after I left university, and then for Ed Dunlop for a spell before returning to Cavendish Stables as assistant. I've been preparing most of the runners since Christmas and we've had a 30 per cent strike-rate in that time."

He added: "Cavendish has now been sold but I'm in a great location at Frankland Lodge, where Linda Payne has been a great help. I've brought some of the horses up from Cavendish and also have five two-year-olds, two of which look early types."

Bailey retired last month after a near 40-year career with a licence, during which time he saddled more than 600 winners, including two Chester Cups with Old Hubert (1988) and Silence In Court (1998).

If you are interested in this, you should read:

Senior service: trainer Alan Bailey to call it a day after almost 40 years

Richard Guest moving to Newmarket after 'an offer too good to refuse'

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