Les Ross shelves retirement for training partnership

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Les Ross was hoping to be sitting back with his feet up in retirement after selling his training complex at Hendra last year but instead plans to become the latest to join in a training partnership.

Ross is awaiting paperwork to formalize a partnership with Gatton's Brenton Andrew, who has been a quiet achiever on the provincial circuit in recent times. 

The 58-year-old Ross is famously known as the trainer of the “Mishani” horses for millionaire owner Mike Crooks and has arguably one of the best records of winning QTIS races.

“I sold my stables 12 months ago and got a 12 month settlement,” Ross said.

“I was planning to retire in February until Mike Crooks talked me into training until the Magic Millions next year and then suggested I start up a training partnership.

“I’m just awaiting the paperwork to be finalised, hopefully by the end of the month, and we’re waiting for the Brisbane Racing Club to give permission for us to train at Doomben and Eagle Farm.”

Ross currently has a team of 20 horses at Eagle Farm with another 15 at Crooks’ Beaudesert property.

Ross will have only one runner at Doomben on Wednesday when he saddles up The Missionary in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap.

The Missionary has won two of her past four starts.

But, she is coming off an average run last start when she tailed off in a field of nine behind Prince Shalaa over 1350 metres at Doomben on September 10.

“She was a bit disappointing last start and we thought maybe she’s had enough,” Ross said.

"But, she’s worked well since and looks good.

“She won two in a row at the Sunshine Coast then ran second at Doomben before she ran last at her last start.

“If she runs up to her best form, she’ll be hard to beat.”

Ross has booked jockey Tiffany Brooker to partner The Missionary, replacing last start rider Samantha Collett.

Brooker rode the daughter of The Mission in her three previous starts for two wins and a second.