In the wake of John Bateman’s retirement, Proven Thoroughbreds has linked arms with Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker.
John recently made the difficult decision to step away from training and relocate from Goulburn to the Sunshine Coast.
John was an integral part of Proven Thoroughbreds, having successfully filled the role of our NSW regional trainer for seven years following 14 years under the tutelage of the late Guy Walter, who incidentally was inducted into Racing’s Hall Of Fame last Friday.
During his relatively brief training career, John won the inaugural edition of the Goulburn Country Championships Qualifier as well as several Highway races. His record with Proven horses was exemplary, with an 87.5% strike rate of individual winners to runners.
Multiple Group 1 winning trainer Kerry Parker will step into the void left by John, effective immediately.
Like John, Proven Thoroughbreds’ selection of Parker is derived from our connection to Guy.
Guy admired Kerry as a trainer, and was once quoted “He is one of racing’s best kept secrets.”
″Guy just took the time to give a couple of pats on the back, which you remember. And he sent me a couple of owners.″ Parker told the Sydney Morning Herald last month.
Drawing on more than three decades of experience as a trainer, jockey and strapper, Kerry is a passionate horseman and reached the pinnacle of racing in 2018 when he guided DARK DREAM from a maiden win at Moruya to Group 1 success (Queensland Derby) in a single preparation.
More recently, he has prepared THINK IT OVER to Group 1 glory in the 2021 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.
Kerry will take over the training of a handful of horses from the Bateman stable as well as two yearlings – CARAVAGGIO x COROMANDEL colt (SOLD OUT) and TIVACI x ZAMBEZI colt.
Provincial stables of Kerry’s size will be eligible for Racing NSW’s newest prizemoney initiative – the Midway races – which are due to be scheduled on all Saturday metropolitan programs from July 1.
The already established Provincial Championships Series is another attraction for having a horse trained at Kembla Grange.