Graham Bradley feels that becoming a trainer would be the "natural progression" following his successful roles as jump jockey and bloodstock agent.

While the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle-winning rider is reticent about his exact plans should he be granted a licence, he is looking forward to the challenge.

"I can't say anything until I've gone through all my modules and everything. It starts on Monday. I've done my NVQ in horse management and have three modules to do, but things are very much up in the air at the moment. I've got to have a meeting with the BHA," he said.

"It's just a natural progression really. It would be a big challenge and is something I've been thinking about and planning for a while. There's lots of water to go under the bridge and lots of things to do before it comes to fruition. I've been planning it for a while and I'm really looking forward to it."

Bradley, 52, is hoping some of the many things he learned from riding for plenty of leading trainers will rub off on him.

"I've learned a lot from some proper geniuses. I rode winners for all three of the Dickinsons (Tony, Monica and Michael)," he said.

"I was stable jockey to Paul Nicholls, to Charlie Brooks, rode winners for Toby Balding, David Elsworth - he's an absolute genius - David Murray-Smith, Jim Old. I've learnt a lot talking to them and I've been around horses all my life.

"I know it's going to be a big challenge, it's not a great time to start training but I just thought it was a natural progression and something I've been thinking about for a long time and planning for a bit, so I've decided to give it a go. I've also learnt a lot from being a bloodstock agent."

Bradley, who retired from race-riding in 1999, has been one of jump racing's most controversial characters. He was warned off for five years for passing information to Brian Wright at a time when he was building a new career as a successful bloodstock agent in Wantage. His ban ended in 2009.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests