Richardson team back in Queensland to set up stable

By Jordan Gerrans

Adam Richardson is hopeful a hot start in the sulky will only aid his return to the Sunshine State as he aims to re-establish his stable in the state.

Alongside his newly married wife, Alanah Richardson (nee Pitt), the Richardsons have recently returned to Queensland after time living and working in the Riverina region in southern NSW.

Adam was one of the leading drivers in Queensland before opting to move away in the early stages of 2020.

He was on song almost immediately back north of the border over the last week – driving one winner from his three engagements so far – and has two more bookings on Saturday evening at headquarters.

“It was good to get straight back into it like that and kick one home,” Adam said.

The Richardsons were only married a fortnight ago and have since relocated to Fernvale to establish their stable.

“We have brought the team up here and we thought we would give it a go in the training side of things,” Adam said.

“Hopefully I can get back into my driving a little more again and see how we go.

“We jumped at the opportunity to come back.

“We will get settled in and then find out how many we want in work and all that.”

The 33-year-old Adam drove more than 75 winners in each of the three campaigns leading into the move to Leeton – headlined by a 115 victory season across 2018 and 2019.

Despite having a team of 20 in work around the Riverina area, those winning statistics significantly dropped over the last couple of seasons with less meetings to drive at. 

The driving side of the game did take a back seat as Adam was breaking in and educating babies, as well

“There really just was not enough racing unless we wanted to travel as we only raced around the Riverina twice a week,” Adam said.

“There was not enough racing for the amount of horses we had.”

He doubts he will drive as much in Queensland as his previous stint in the state, with wife Alanah also an accomplished reinswoman.

Alanah took two drives at the Tuesday Albion Park meeting has one booking for the Saturday metropolitan card this week.

The 25-year-old Alanah will drive plenty of the Richardson stable runners when they get up and established, Adam says.

They have four in work as well as four yearlings, who will have a couple of weeks off before coming back in soon.

“They are all QBRED so hopefully they will be ready for the upcoming two-year-old season,” Adam said.