Hugo Palmer confirmed to take over at Michael Owen's Manor House Stables

Trainer Hugo Palmer has confirmed he will swap Newmarket for Cheshire and take over at Michael Owen's Manor House Stables as reported by the Racing Post last month.

Palmer had been in advanced talks to succeed the departing Tom Dascombe at the yard for many weeks but terms have now been agreed.

Classic-winning handler Palmer, 41, has been headhunted to replace Dascombe at the property and will relinquish his current yard at Kremlin Cottage Stables as well as his substantial home in Newmarket in the coming weeks.

Owen, who owns Manor House Stables in conjunction with Betfair founder Andrew Black, has persuaded Palmer to up sticks and make the 180-mile move with most of his existing owners in tow.

Michael Owen at his Manor House Stables in CheshireCredit: Edward Whitaker

In a statement via Twitter, Owen said: "I am absolutely thrilled to announce that multiple Group 1 and Classic-winning trainer Hugo Palmer is to join Manor House Stables as our trainer and will be taking up his appointment in readiness for the new season.

"Hugo's CV is there for all to see and it's a huge coup for the area to welcome one of the country's leading trainers. Manor House Stables has made giant strides both on and off the track since we opened our doors 17 years ago and I look forward to furthering that success with Hugo in years to come."

Before Christmas, former England and Liverpool striker Owen announced that his 12-year association with Dascombe would come to an end in early 2022.

Dascombe has trained more than 800 winners at the property since teaming up with Owen in 2008. The pair enjoyed great success with the likes of Brown Panther, who finished runner up in the St Leger in 2011 before going on to win the Irish St Leger, Dubai Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup.

Dascombe said the decision made by Owen to end their successful partnership had come as a "complete shock".

However, Owen's business partner at Manor House, Andrew Black, told the Racing Post his own relationship with the trainer had become difficult.

Palmer's 96-box Kremlin Cottage stables has been put up for sale and those interested in the property can contact chartered surveyors Windsor Clive International on 01672 5211555 or info@windorclive.co.uk.

Read more on this subject:

'It's a complete shock' – Tom Dascombe stunned as Michael Owen ends partnership

'We had a lot of fairly hefty arguments' – Black speaks out on Dascombe split

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday