Sharrock’s move to Melbourne

New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock was happy enough with the fifth placing of his star galloper Kawi in Saturday’s Group I NRM Sprint at Te Rapa.

But he’s not so happy with the state of New Zealand racing and he is planning to do something about it.

On Sunday he boarded a plane out of Auckland bound for Melbourne where he’s on the hunt for some stables.

‘‘There’s nothing happening to improve New Zealand racing so I’m going back to have another look to see what’s available around Melbourne,’’ he said.

Sharrock has already inspected properties in Victoria and is returning to firm up plans for a move across the Tasman.

‘‘I’ve seen a couple of places and have another couple to look at.’’

A regular in the top 20 of the New Zealand trainers’ premiership he has serious concerns around the future of racing in New Zealand unless major changes are implemented to increase stakes money.

‘‘How can I go to the sales and pay $50,000 for a yearling for an owner when the returns aren’t there?’’ he questioned.

‘‘It doesn’t stack up so with the blessing of my owners I’ll go and give it a crack in Victoria.’’

Sharrock has support of his owners who are right behind the initiative

Initially he will keep his New Plymouth operation active with suitable candidates for racing in Victoria making the move with him.

No date has been set for the stable’s launch in Victoria.

Another New Zealand trainer, who wishes to remain un-named until owners are informed, flew back to New Zealand on Sunday after finalising a move to Ballarat.