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Robin Parke

Epsom Derby-winning trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam, sensationally sacked by leading owner Robert Sangster in England two days ago, is a top candidate for a position in Hong Kong.

 Chapple-Hyam, who will leave the celebrated Manton training base in November, is considered an ideal choice for the training position that will be available at the end of the new season, which kicks off in 10 days' time.

 A new stable block will be completed and that ensures the appointment of at least one new trainer, although changes to the existing complement cannot be ruled out as more stringent performance criteria are expected to be implemented for this season.

 Jockey Club director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said yesterday: 'I have heard the news from England and I cannot say I was totally surprised.

 'There is no doubt that, in theory, Peter Chapple-Hyam is exactly the right type of overseas trainer we would look for in Hong Kong.

 'He has an excellent background and a proven record in some of Europe's biggest races. He is also at the right age for a challenge such as Hong Kong.

 'But I would also say that we must be careful to have the right balance between local and expatriate trainers,' he added.

 At least one mass-circulation English newspaper has already linked Chapple-Hyam to Hong Kong. The Sun reported that he had received an offer from the Jockey Club.

 Chapple-Hyam is currently in Portugal and was not available for comment after the dismissal which made headlines across Britain.

 The 36-year-old son of a market gardener has had a brilliant career, winning the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby within 18 months of taking over Manton for Sangster, who will now instal Newmarket-based John Gosden in the training centre.

 Gosden, a regular raider of Hong Kong's international events, was formerly assistant to the legendary Vincent O'Brien when the Irish maestro and Sangster carried all before them in the 1970s.

 Chapple-Hyam, who is good friends with former Hong Kong champion trainer Ivan Allan, won the Guineas with Rodrigo de Triano and the 1993 Derby with Dr Devious.

 He has a host of big-race victories to his credit, including the Irish 2,000 Guineas with Spectrum and Turtle Island, the Dubai Champion Stakes and Juddmonte International, the Prix de l'Abbaye and the Italian Derby twice.

 He is married to Jane, a daughter of Sangster's second wife, Australian-born Susan.

 The Hong Kong link with internationally known trainer Allan is strong as he sold him the former Desert Boy, who soared to local heights as Horse of the Year, Oriental Express.

 Stories that Chapple-Hyam would split with Sangster broke earlier this year and were vehemently denied.

 At that time Chapple-Hyam said that he had not talked officially with anyone from Hong Kong.

 It is now being suggested that he has since been officially approached, although other reports have him set to re-establish in England.

 Sangster said: 'Things have not gone exactly as Peter and I would have liked over the past months. It is unfortunate when these things do happen.

 'I understand that Peter will set up in England and if he does, then I will support him.'  Chapple-Hyam, who is believed to have talked informally to Allan about Hong Kong, could be faced with a choice of outlaying a small fortune to set up in training himself - or come to Hong Kong where it is, essentially, all expenses paid.



'There is no doubt that he is exactly the right type of overseas trainer we