Legendary New Zealand horseman Murray Baker has announced his retirement from training with his business partner Andrews Forsman to take over the operation.
Baker, who is the father of Sydney-based trainer Bjorn, has enjoyed tremendous success plundering some of Australia’s best races with horses like Dundeel, Lion Tamer and Nom De Jeu.
Speaking on SEN, Baker said he felt it was the right time to slow down and he plans to finish up at the end of the Sydney autumn carnival.
“I’ve been training for 43 years and the old engine is starting to run down a bit,” Baker said.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have some good horses that have been able to compete over there (in Australia) as three and four-year-olds.
“It’s just a buzz to step onto any of those Australian metropolitan courses, they’re just full of atmosphere and good competition.”
Baker, who is in his seventies, has been in a training partnership with Forsman for several seasons and has no doubt his protégé can continue to be successful in his own right.
“No doubt he can. He has worked for me for 18 years and he knows the ropes,” Baker said.
“He understands racing and knows how to place them. I think he should do pretty well.”
Baker is the second high-profile trainer to announce their retirement this week with Queensland-based horseman Bryan Guy also stepping down after four decades in the industry.