YOU know that autumn and winter are getting close when the talk and racing headlines turn to National Hunt matters. However, the headlines this week were not all of the good kind.

The news that Alan and Ann Potts were moving the remainder of the horses they had with Henry de Bromhead to other handlers was obviously a blow to the Waterford-based trainer, but he handled the setback with good grace.

head scratcher

For a man who has handled such as Sizing Europe, Smashing, Shanahan’s Turn, Sizing Rio, Loosen My Load and Buckers Bridge for the owners, to go from training all their horses to suddenly having none in the stable must leave you scratching your head.

However, as one door was shut, another opened and within 24 hours came the news that Gigginstown House Stud was to substantially increase its commitment to de Bromhead.

This seal of approval must have lifted the spirits of all the team at Knockeen and brought smiles back to their faces. Identity Thief is a current star that Michael O’Leary has with de Bromhead.

It is an occupational hazard of being a trainer that you will lose some owners, though it is also one of the hardest things for a trainer to accept.

Ultimately the owner pays the bills and it is their decision who will train for them, Splits between owners and trainers happen all the time, but it is only the high-profile cases that elicit coverage.

I have no doubt that Henry de Bromhead will just be keen to get on with what he does well, and put this setback behind him.

DISAPPOINTING

On the flat scene it is disappointing to see that David Wachman is to retire from the rank of trainers and he can reflect on a career that saw him show his talent in so many ways.

It is often overlooked that he trained Tuco, the first horse to carry the colours of Michael O’Leary to success and one of the sparks that ignited his passion for racing. He also trained the ill-fated Inexorable for Gigginstown House.

Subsequently Wachman’s attention was focused on the flat and, while Legatissimo’s exploits are likely to be the first to come to mind when recalling his achievements, it should not be forgotten that he enjoyed top-level success with Again, Bushranger, Curvy, Damson, Luas Line and Sudirman. That alone is enough to qualify anyone for the utmost respect in their profession.