Varian to move yards after purchasing former Brittain base

Newmarket trainer Roger Varian will move to Clive Brittain's historic Carlburg Stables for the 2017 season after purchasing the property.

In a straight swap, Simon Crisford, who currently rents boxes from Brittain, could be the new occupant at Kremlin House come the end of the season.

Varian took over Kremlin House in February 2011 after the retirement of his mentor Michael Jarvis and has grown his string into one of the biggest in Newmarket, but will now expand his blossoming career further at the former home of 82-year-old Brittain.

Varian said: "It's an honour and a privilege to purchase such a historic yard in Newmarket. I have great admiration for Clive Brittain as a person and a professional and I hope that myself and my family will enjoy Carlburg for as many years as Clive and Maureen have.

"An extended thank-you must go out to all of my owners whose continued support has made this possible."

Brittain first made Carlburg famous in the mid-1970s. The six-time British Classic winner and international pioneer retired at 81 after an incredible career spanning five decades.

"It will give me enormous pleasure to watch what he can achieve from a yard which has been a very generous landlady to me over four decades," said Brittain. "My experience tells me that Roger's dedication bodes well, and I wish him, his owners and of course his staff every success".

The move vacates another of Newmarket's most historic yards, Kremlin House, from which Varian sent out Kingston Hill for victory in the 2014 running of the St Leger and Postponed's triple Group 1 campaign this season.

Godolphin's former racing manager-turned-trainer Simon Crisford looks to be the front-runner to take over the 90-box stable still owned by Jarvis's widow.

"I am hoping we can swap stables," said Crisford. "I have been talking to Gay Jarvis along those lines, but nothing is confirmed yet, it's all in the melting pot.

"It wouldn't mean an increase in numbers for me, as I will still have around 80 horses for next season, so it will just be a straightforward switch."

Crisford started training in 2015 after his departure from Godolphin and saddled 22 winners from 85 runners in his inaugural season, in which he registered his first Group success with First Selection in the Solario Stakes at Sandown.

Both numbers have grown this year, with the trainer saddling 32 winners so far from 197 runners in Britain and recording a career-best £367,373 in total prize-money.