Mark Purdon's shock move to Christchurch could be the start of New Zealand racing first truly national training operation.
While other northern trainers have established satelite stables in the South Island before, Purdon's move is a whole new ballgame.
He is not dipping his toes to test the water - he is jumping in at the deep end.
Purdon, his wife Vicky and their sons Michael and Nathan will become Cantabrians in May and the 37-year-old champion trainer says he is in the move for the long haul.
"We have made our decision and are looking forward to the move," said Purdon.
"Obviously we will still have the stable up here and I am not saying we would never move back but I like Canterbury, I like the lifestyle down there.
"I think it will be a good place to bring up our family."
Purdon will move to a property owned by his good friend John Seaton 10 minutes from Christchurch airport. Seaton and Purdon raced champion pacer Il Vicolo and now stand him at stud while Seaton also owns a string of other horses in Purdon's care, including Victoria Derby contender Perfect Seelster and outstanding juvenile Jack Cade.
"John has been a great owner and obviously his horses will make up part of the team in Christchurch."
Purdon and Seaton have been developing their Russley Rd property - believed to be worth $1.4 million - which currently has 12 boxes but will have a new 16-box stable built. The property already has a training track but that is being reconfigured.
"We have pulled up the fences and are getting the track done, which is one of the first things to get right.
"There is still a bit of work to do but I we intend racing horses at the Addington premier meetings in April and May and I would like the new place to be up and running by then."
Purdon will have room for 30 horses under his care in Christchurch and thinks another 40 could continue to be trained in the stable's northern headquarters where Tony Herlihy and stable foreman Gareth Dixon are likely to run the operation with advice from Purdon's father, training legend Roy.
So while Purdon sees the move as a lifestyle change it could spark an explosion in horse numbers.
The stable already has a significant owner base in the North Island and Australia and the new southern stable is certain to attract South Island owners, with smart horses in the care of small time trainers in the deep south a prime likely source of quality stock.
"We already have quite a few southern owners anyway and the whole structure of ownership has changed. Two of our owners this season live in the United States.
"I think there will be Auckland owners who want their horses to come south but I also totally understand those who want them in Auckland. It is up to them."
Purdon will then have the option of placing his horses to their best advantage, whether it be racing at Addington or Alexandra Park, while also having two bases from which to launch his assaults on the premier meetings.
So that is how New Zealand's biggest harness racing operation is going to work. But that doesn't answer the most obvious question. Why?
Why would man starting down a career path which could lead to him becoming New Zealand's greatest ever horse trainer take the gamble of moving away from his home and an enormous family support base?
"There are several reasons, some of them personal, some of them more work-related," admits Purdon.
"But I am not really in training to win the premiership, even though it is great to achieve.
"There are more important things in life and while I will still be training like I used to but this move brings some new things to our life.
"I have been thinking about this move for nearly a year and the time is right."
The move will be softened for the family by Vicky's parents having recently moved to Christchurch.
Racing: Southern move in mind for year
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