Archie's decision to start training racehorses – in Ballarat, north west of Melbourne – comes as no surprise to those that have seen him learn the craft from some of the world’s most respected and successful trainers. As the son of Hamish Alexander, who bought Derby winner Generous as a foal and is now working with Goffs Ireland, there were plenty of sales catalogues throughout the house during hi
s childhood and by the age of ten Archie had worked out the training caper was going to be his destiny. School holidays were spent riding out for champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson in Lambourn. On completing school and, wanting to broaden his horizons, Archie relocated to France to work for Mr Alec Head at Le Quesnay before settling in Chantilly, where over the course of four years with Criquette Head-Maarek he became her assistant trainer. With the knowledge that experiences in a variety of racing yards are invaluable, Archie ventured to the United States to work with Todd Pletcher. As travelling foreman, his stints in Chicago, Keenland, Florida and a trip to Dubai with the World Cup runners exposed him to a completely different style of training. From the States, Archie settled closer to home with Mark Johnston in Middleham for three years where he held the position of Yard Manager, before a position arose with Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle to run a fillies yard. Archie – still only in his mid twenties – felt working for one of the greatest racing empires was necessary; especially given that it afforded him the chance to observe the master of perfection at close quarters. When Lloyd Williams invited him to become a foreman and take part in the training of his large European team, in Melbourne, Archie jumped at the chance. There, Archie saw Faulkner win the Caulfield Cup in the Spring of 2013 and a few other major successes. Archie's work at Ballarat brings him closer to his goal: to become regarded as a leading trainer in Australia and abroad. He plans to mix the methods he's learned in Europe and Australia to create a winning formula. Ballarat is very peaceful and he believes this is ideal for the Racehorse. He's learned from the best and feels his ability as a horseman is high enough to compete with the best.
