Goldstandard angus gold
Sally Ann Grassick chats with Angus Gold, who has been racing manager for Sheikh Hamdam Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stud for 33 years
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FTER 33 YEARS AS RACING MANAGER to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell operation, Angus Gold is a well-known figure at racecourses and sales complexes around the globe. It is admirable longevity in a sometimes fickle business, and it was a significant role for the young 26-yearold Gold to be handed in the 1980s.
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“The fact that I am still here 33 years later is a testament to how patient and loyal Sheikh Hamdan is to have put up with me for all those years!” laughs the typically modest Gold. “I suppose I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. I had no family in racing when I was growing up, but I always loved watching it on television and I loved riding horses. Ian Balding was the nearest
trainer to us at home so I went to ride out for him when I was about 18. “He was very kind to me and that is where I learnt to ride a racehorse as I hadn’t a clue what I was doing! I went from there to Charlie Milbank in Chantilly where I had four fantastic months before returning to the UK where I completed the English National Stud course. “My parents then felt it was time for me
