Kate Grimwade takes up Godolphin assistant trainer role in Australia

Godolphin has announced that that the organisation’s European pre-training manager Kate Grimwade has taken over as Assistant Trainer at the Carbine Lodge stables at Flemington in Melbourne.

Grimwade brings a rare combination of international experience, proven ability as a horsewoman and exposure within the Australian racing industry.

She comes to the local operation from her role as pre-training manager based at Newmarket, but she has a broad history in the organisation beginning with the Godolphin Flying Start program and in her role as Yearling Manager for Godolphin in Australia. Grimwade also had a term as assistant Stud Manager in Newmarket.

Significantly, she has a first-hand knowledge of Australian racing and the management of a large stable having worked as Racing Manager for legendary Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Kate worked with many G1 winners while with Waterhouse, including eight-time G1 winner More Joyous, high-class juvenile Manhattan Rain, sprinting star and subsequent stallion Northern Meteor and Golden Slipper winner Sebring.

She returned to the UK in 2010 where she had the overall responsibility for Godolphin’s yearlings and pre-training stock in Europe.

Welcoming Grimwade to the team, head trainer in Australia James Cummings said: “Kate is joining a great group in Melbourne.”

“She brings with her an understanding of Australian racing which is invaluable.

“To have someone of her experience and skill at our stable in Melbourne is enormous for our team.”

Grimwade, who officially started her new job on Monday, 20 August, said she was delighted to be back in Australia and to be involved with such a successful stable.

“To have been given such a responsibility by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the Australian team is a huge privilege,” Grimwade said.

“Godolphin’s vision and values are ideals I’ve long been familiar with and which we all look forward to promoting.”

“I know the Melbourne team are an enthusiastic and dedicated group and it will be an honour to work with them.”

Reg Fleming will return to his position as Senior Foreman at Carbine Lodge.