Written by Keely Mckitterick
Cover image courtesy of Annabel Neasham Racing
On Wednesday, Warwick Farm-based horsewoman Annabel Neasham announced that her racing manager, Rob Archibald, will join forces with her, commencing in the new season on Thursday, August 1.
The Neasham stable, now marking four years of operation, has already established stables across three states. This season, Neasham trained two Group 1 winners: Bois D’Argent (GB) (Toronado {Ire}), who claimed the G1 Doomben 10,000, and the classy Lady Laguna (Overshare), victress of the G1 Canterbury S.
Archibald first joined Annabel Neasham Racing in July 2022, bringing a wealth of experience and industry knowledge. His distinguished career includes a four-year tenure as the racing manager for the powerhouse operation Coolmore Australia, along with international experience from stints with UK-based trainers Hugo Palmer and David Simcock, where he held the position of Assistant Trainer.
Rob Archibald | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Neasham trained her first Group 1 winner, Mo’Unga, eight months into her training career when the handsome entire claimed the G1 Rosehill Guineas. Although Archibald joined the Neasham team at a later date, he was part of the journey that saw the son of Savabeel place in further elite-level events before his retirement to Newhaven Park Stud.
Archibald was also present for the brilliant career of Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), joining the year he won the G1 Champion S. at Flemington. Zaaki would add the G2 Tramway H. and his third victory in the G2 Hollindale S.
Archibald told The Thoroughbred Report, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that Annabel has given me and I look forward to working closely with her to help bring the best out of each horse that we have in our care.
Annabel Neasham
“Annabel, alongside our amazing staff and owners, through a lot of hard work has built a formidable business and it’s just a real privilege to be apart of it and I look forward to the challenges that will be ahead of us.”
In a press release, Neasham commented, “Forming a partnership with Rob was the next logical step for our business as we continue to grow and operate across multiple states. Rob’s expertise will be crucial in maintaining a hands-on approach to training, as well as playing a fundamental role in managing our team of horses and staff. Rob has built an excellent rapport with our owners and is committed to achieving outstanding results for our clients.”
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that Annabel has given me and I look forward to working closely with her to help bring the best out of each horse that we have in our care.” - Rob Archibald
In the Australian Trainers’ Premiership, Neasham sits fifth, having trained 184 winners from 1,329 starts, striking at 13.80 per cent with prizemoney totalling $16,992,820. Meanwhile, in the New South Wales Trainers’ Premiership, Neasham is fourth with 110 winners and $8,933,560 in prizemoney.
