Trainer Paul Robson has announced he will hand in his racing licence at the end of June 2026, citing financial pressures that have made the sport unaffordable. The former jockey and undertaker described the decision as coming with 'real sadness'.
From Undertaker to Trainer
Robson, who still owns a funeral directors in Hawick, moved from stables in the Scottish borders to Hazelrigg, Northumberland, in 2024 to take over Rose Dobbin's yard. He had realised his dream to train thoroughbreds after his riding career ended in 2005 due to a fall. He launched his training career in 2019.
Robson is the latest trainer to retire, following James Ferguson and Noel Williams in recent weeks.
Financial Pressures Mount
In a statement on his website, Robson wrote: 'It is with real sadness I'm writing this as unfortunately at the end of this month I will be handing in my training licence and leaving Hazelrigg.' He added: 'Sadly, due to a number of factors, things just haven't panned out the way I saw them going and over the last couple of months I've had to do a lot of soul-searching. The result of that is deciding to walk away, since things have just become unsustainable the way they are right now in the current climate.'
Robson told Mirror Racing that an accident in January 2025, which left him with multiple pelvic breaks and a fractured tailbone, required four months of rehabilitation and contributed to his decision. 'Everything spiralled downwards after that,' he said. 'I'm a businessman and when you look at the bare facts you have to come to a sensible decision. The cost of training has gone up so much, the fuel, the hay, the pension contributions, National Insurance and so on. I love horses but it just got unaffordable for me.'
Gratitude to Owners and Future Role
Robson thanked owners including Pat and Colin Thomas, Rhona Brewis, The Potassium Partnership, Carole and Sue, Caroline and Mark Hunter, Richard and Caroline Roberts, Helen Rae, and Isabel and Richard Tebay for their support. He will join Nicky Richards' stable in a supporting role, where he previously rode 11 winners from 56 appearances. 'I'm joining a fantastic outfit at Nicky's,' Robson said. 'They have been like family to me for the last 30 years. A lot of the owners are going to follow us over and I'll be there to lend a helping hand where needed.'
Robson reflected on his training career: 'Although I'm moving on, I think I would have regretted it more if I hadn't given training a go. Seeing Cannock Park win at Cheltenham in November 2023 was the greatest day for me in racing.'
