Image © Healy Racing
Paul Bailie’s decision to leave his hospital job and pursue a career with horses received a timely boost at Tattersalls on Sunday, when Boldplay supplied his second success as a handler.
The six-year-old daughter of Malinas stayed on strongly under William Hamilton to defeat Soldier Girl by two lengths in the Crannog Roofing and GAIN Equine Nutrition mares’ maiden, rewarding a partnership that has expanded since Bailie moved to Broughshane during the summer.
Originally from Crossgar, the 25-year-old previously combined training a couple of horses with working as a hospital porter and domestic. He has since joined forces with his close friend Hamilton, with 10 horses now at their PB Racing base, comprising five pointers, two showjumpers and three breakers.
“It was a huge step, leaving the hospital to do horses full-time,” Bailie explained. “I’ve been up here for two months now and it’s been fantastic.”
His interest in training developed through his uncle, Crossgar trainer Colin McBratney, and his first winner came with Votre Sante at Tattersalls in April 2025, also ridden by Hamilton.
However, the subsequent loss of that mare was a significant setback, making Sunday’s return to the winner’s enclosure particularly welcome.
“Sunday was a massive boost for the team after losing the mare.”
Boldplay, whom Bailie owns jointly with Hamilton, had finished third on three of her four point-to-point starts last season. An encouraging piece of work in the build-up to Tattersalls suggested she was ready to improve on that record.
“I rode her in a piece of work with another horse last Tuesday and she went five or six lengths clear. I said to William I’d be disappointed if she wasn’t in the first two.”
The pair agreed on a patient approach, allowing Boldplay to find her rhythm behind the leaders before asking her to close in the latter stages.
She joined issue at the final fence and finished best to open her account on her seasonal reappearance.
“There were only five in the race, so I said to him to sit third, take his time and start asking her questions after the second-last. We both agreed on it and it worked out on the day.”
Bailie also feels treatment for ulcers has helped the mare, who has returned from Tattersalls in good order.
“Ever since we treated her, she’s been a lot happier. She’s such a happy horse.”
The move to Broughshane has allowed Bailie and Hamilton to develop their facilities, including installing a sand gallop of just over a furlong during the summer.
They also use Philip McBurney’s gallops twice weekly for stronger work, vary the horses’ routine with exercise in the fields and have made trips to the beach.
Their own horses are fitted around Bailie’s morning work at Stuart Crawford’s yard, with the pointers exercised in the afternoon before attention turns to the showjumpers and breakers in the evening.
“They’re long days, but it’s fantastic to get results. The showjumpers are going well, the breakers are going well and the racehorses are going well.
“If it wasn’t for his family and my family, it wouldn’t be possible. We’re very thankful for all the support and help we’ve got.”
Hamilton’s involvement extends well beyond riding on racedays, with the friendship providing a strong foundation for their growing operation.
“He’s my best friend. We act like brothers,” Bailie said. “We think alike and we’re giving each other confidence and a boost to keep going.”
Sunday’s prize-money will be reinvested in the yard, with more stables and improvements to the facilities among their plans as they seek to attract additional owners.
Boldplay could next contest a winners’ race at Kirkistown if she remains with the team, while the GAIN Mares Series Final at Ballynoe is another possible target.
“If the phone goes and someone offers us money, we’ll let her go. If she doesn’t sell, we’ll aim for Kirkistown.
“The main target is to get another winner, get a few more horses in training and keep expanding the business.”
