OWNER Barry Connell intends to take out a trainer’s licence in the autumn.

Connell has recently parted company with trainer Alan Fleming, who remains based on the Curragh and is training for other owners.

“I’ve built a new yard in Nurney, about 15 miles from the Curragh,” Connell told The Irish Field. “For four years I’ve kept young stock and pre-trainers there. Basically I’ve decided now to re-organise things and bring all my horses under one roof.”

As there is no trainers’ course scheduled until the autumn, Connell has installed Keith Clarke as trainer at his new yard until the owner acquires his own licence. Former jump jockey Garrett Cotter is also involved in the enterprise.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Connell said. “Over the years I’ve had horses with different trainers. This is the next step for me.”

Connell won’t have a runner at Galway next week and expects to have no more than a few this summer. Stable star and Cheltenham Festival winner Tully East has just returned to training. “He will probably mix it over hurdles and fences, and could even run on the flat.”