European-Bred Success, With Graham Motion

Graham Motion and jockey John Velazquez | Horsephotos

In this series, the TDN catches up with European expatriats working in the Thoroughbred industry around the world. Today's installment features trainer Graham Motion of Herringswell Stables.

Hometown? Herringswell, near Newmarket, hence the stable name.

How did you end up where you are now? My dad chose to move the family when I was 16. He and my mum had already moved across the Atlantic once; my sisters were both born in the U.S. We started off in upstate New York.

What have you found to be the major difference between racing/breeding in America and your home country? Probably the confines of the racetrack are the biggest difference, although Fair Hill has a European feel to it. However, when I first started, training centres were not fashionable.

Name one home comfort that you miss? Simple things like pub food, bakeries and the village life.

Favourite sport or hobby outside of racing? I really don't have one, but plan to take up sailing this summer, something I can do in my retirement! I do enjoy traveling with my family, even though most of it is horse-related.

What would you say is your proudest accomplishment? Obviously what we did with Animal Kingdom was very satisfying. Perhaps bringing him back from injury and finishing second in the Breeders' Cup off a long layoff, and then winning the Dubai World Cup.

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