Racing: Hill decides to join public training ranks

Hill has been in charge of their training and the 40-year-old has established a reputation as one of the most astute horsemen in the country. Photo / Thinkstock

One of harness racing's most successful partnerships is set for a major change.

However, trainer Brendon Hill is adamant he will maintain close ties with big-time owners Cavalla Bloodstock.

The partnership, which won two New Zealand Cups and a Miracle Mile with Monkey King and unleashed champion filly Carabella on the industry, will cease to be a private training arrangement in coming weeks.

Hill is heading into public training as Canterbury-based Cavalla look to change their business philosophy to become more regular vendors at the sales.

"But we are still going to be working together," says Hill.

"I will be leasing boxes at Dancingonmoonlight Farm and Robert [Famularo, Cavalla boss] has told me he will have six horses in work with me.

"But he wants to become more active selling at the sales and it is a good time for me to go out into public training."

Cavalla Bloodstock have raced not only Monkey King and Carabella but Baileys Dream, firstly with Steven Reid before moving their operations south to Dancingonmoonlight Farm, which has become one of the harness racing industry's signature properties.

Hill has been in charge of their training and the 40-year-old has established a reputation as one of the most astute horsemen in the country, with an outstanding strike rate.

"I can't thank Robert and his family enough for what they have done for me but I am looking forward to the new challenge."