IT'S the end of an era

IT'S the end of an era tonight when Ernie Gaskin, 72, retires from training after 44 years in the saddle with his last runners at Walthamstow tonight. However, the Gaskin name will hardly disappear, as Ernie Gaskin jnr takes over straight away, writes Paul Brown. 'I'm a dog man in my own right and would like to be treated as such,'' said Gaskin jnr, ``I've never known anything else since I was a boy.

``At weekends and after school I'd be helping out, then in 1992 I took over when dad made one of his many retirements. As they say, he's had more comebacks than Frank Sinatra!

``During that time, around three years with dad helping, we got Greenane Squire to a Derby final and landed two Grands Prix with Redwood Girl, who I reckon is the best bitch we've ever had.''

Gaskin jnr had connections in the USA, and he was then tempted over there.

``I was young, free and single and it was a chance I couldn't turn down,'' he added.

``I got a position at Lincoln Park in Rhode Island, running one of the top kennels there. I learnt a lot about training and life in general while I was there, and I first got into the breeding side of the game then.''

Like many working visitors to the States, Gaskin jnr fell foul of the strict time limits imposed, and it was then off to Ireland.

``I bought some land there, mainly for breeding but with a bit of training coursers for the family as well. The highlight of the coursing was winning the Champion Stakes in 2001, while I suppose on the breeding side it was Olyadne (Puppy Derby winner).''

However, the call of home proved too strong for Gaskin jnr to ignore and he returned to Essex, married and settled back into the routine of helping his father.

``It was always a matter of time before dad finally retired, and now he's decided to do it," said Gaskin. "I won't be changing anything, but dad and I are like chalk and cheese so I'll certainly be putting my own stamp on the way the kennels are run.''