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'Inevitably you upset a lot of people' - Ralph Beckett gets off the fence
NTF president and Classic-winning trainer talks hot topics with Jonathan Harding
Ralph Beckett on the gallops at Kimpton Down Stables near AndoverCredit: Edward Whitaker
Ralph Beckett is often the first to stick his head above the parapet.
When it comes to taking a view on the fiercest debates in the sport the trainer rarely twiddles his thumbs on the sidelines. "My brother-in-law told me I thrive on conflict; perhaps it suits me," he surmises.
That has not always made him popular. However, it is a responsibility the 51-year-old takes seriously as president of the National Trainers Federation (NTF) during a uniquely testing period for British racing.
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more inInterviews
- 'You can see why people end up struggling - when you're trying to pay the electric bill, losing one ride can be massive'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard