News Corp Australia
First published 27 Mar 2025, 9:20am
Murray Bridge trainer Sam Burford is cutting his final tie to the racehorse industry and selling the stables he has spent more than a decade creating.
Mr Burford, who started as a jockey before transitioning to a professional trainer, retired in January 2024 to spend more time with wife Rachel and their two young children.
The listing of his highly profitable racehorse agistment and training facility, as well as his four-bedroom family home, at 49-53 Commerce Road, marks the end of a successful 13-year career training more than 100 winners.
Horse trainer Sam Burford. Pic: Facebook
Racehorse Grasky ridden by jockey Troy Baker and trained by Sam Burford winning at Allan Scott Park Morphettville Racecourse. Pic: File
With no firm plans on where the family will relocate – although the Adelaide Hills is a strong possibility – Mr Burford said he was looking forward to what the future would bring.
“There’s quite a few avenues I could go down (post-horse racing),” he said.
“I’ve had quite a few different offers to stay somewhat involved in the racing industry or to get out of it altogether.
“I obviously will need an income but … I’ve had enough horseplay in my life. I’m ready to move on.
“A racehorse trainer is a seven-day-a-week, 365-weeks-a-year job. I’m 41 now but I left school (to become an apprentice jockey) when I was 15 so I’m due a bit of long service leave.”
The home’s grand facade. Supplied
Enjoy some open-plan living. Supplied
Who doesn’t love a double shower? Supplied
Working from home is easy. Supplied
Mr Burford bought the 7628sqm property – which is just 4km from the Murray Bridge racetrack – about 10 years ago but, before that, rented the facilities from the previous owner.
A country-style, four-bedroom home was added to the property in 2018, complete with an open-plan kitchen and living area, generous rear games room and a relaxing front deck.
There are also 21 horse yards, including four under quality, near-new shedding, an eight-horse walker, a washdown bay, a 10x20m shed with high clearance, rainwater tanks and three-phase and solar power.
A high-speed equine treadmill and three-horse floats are available for separate sale.
Room for all creatures great and small. Supplied
A nice big shed with room for all of your equipment. Supplied
A stable investment. Supplied
And one of these, for good measure. Supplied
Since Mr Burford’s retirement, the equestrian facilities have continued to be used by other racehorse trainers.
Mr Burford said while a trainer was the obvious buyer, the potential rezoning of the property, which is set on two titles, could also allow for future subdivision by investors.
“I would love to see a trainer come in and do really well here,” he said.
“We’ve built this up to be a beautiful place so it’s always going to be a bit sad (to leave).
“It’s where our kids have grown up and it’s where I started my training career so the place does mean a lot to me and I’m very proud of it.”
Expressions of interest for the property, which is listed with Adelaide Hills Real Estate without a price guide, close on Tuesday, April 15.
– By Lauren Ahwan
English (US) · 