Osborne to be Thistle Bloodstock's private trainer following a ten-year break

Thistle Bloodstock Limited has appointed Robbie Osborne, who managed globetrotter King Jock to big-race successes for the operation a decade ago, as its new private trainer, replacing Pat Shanahan.

The stud and racing operation is owned by successful Dubai-based businessman Jimmy Long and Osborne has described himself as delighted to be back training from the Kilkenny-based farm.

He said: "Jimmy has asked me to train his string of horses for the season.

"We had many big wins together when I last held my licence, including Group and Listed successes with King Jock.

"Thistle Bloodstock have some fabulous facilities and I'm looking forward to returning."

King Jock is not the only high-class racehorse Osborne has had through his hands.

In 2004, when training from his old base in County Kildare, he managed Latino Magic to a Group 3 victory in the Meld Stakes at Leopardstown before snaring the McDonogh Handicap at Galway with the same horse the following season.

Carbon Dating (left) is one of many horses who Osborne is looking forward to trainingCredit: Grossick Racing Photography 0771

Explaining how his relationship with Long will work, the returning trainer said: "Jimmy will be selecting all of the races for his horses and I look forward to carrying out my duties in preparing the horses for such targets.

"I'm delighted to be back in the game again. We have some lovely horses to look forward to. Carbon Dating is a very good performer and there are some lovely unraced horses there as well."

He added: "I've been in the industry since I left training and was involved in the running of the swimming pool at the Irish Equine Aqua Centre on the Curragh in recent years alongside a friend of mine, but it’s very exciting to be back training again."

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