Champion horseman poised to return

HIS short hiatus from training is about to come to an end.

Making his announcement this morning, Mark Purdon is returning to the training ranks.

Late last year Purdon and his partner Natalie Rasmussen stepped away from the industry to spend more time enjoying the fruits of their labour, with Hayden Cullen taking control of the bulk of the couple’s team.

Cullen has won 54 races from 214 starters during that time.

Rasmussen is not returning to the training ranks with Pudon, who will form a partnership with Cullen as if October 1.

Cullen Racing Stables confirmed the news via an email to their clients this morning which read “A decision has been made that from the 1st October 2021 a new Training Partnership of Mark Purdon and Hayden Cullen will commence.

“We can’t thank each and every owner enough for your support, both immediately and ongoing, and to be entrusted with the training and care of some of the best horses in Australasia. We look forward to our continued association with the team here at Rolleston.”

Purdon recently drove a number of Cullen-trained runners at the North Canterbury trials, including classy youngster Franco Indie.

The son of Always B Miki is one of the leading prospects for the upcoming Sires’ Stake Series.