JUMP jockey Sean Curran has found himself with a double handful after setting up as a trainer at Stanford-in-the-Vale.

The 35-year-old Irishman got his chance to join the training ranks after being approached by Charlie Cox, 47, who owns New Barn Farm.

"We talked about it last year and then in the summer we gained consent for an all-weather gallop," says Curran.

"We finished it in November, and we have also got a lot of young horses mainly home-bred and broken them and prepared them, and they should be ready to run shortly."

And Curran, who took out a dual purpose training licence earlier this year, made a dream start to his new career when Explosive Fox gave him a winner with his first runner at Wolverhampton at the end of April.

The five-year-old grey, who is owned by Curran's Brize Norton-based friend, Lee Power, the former Norwich City and Republic of Ireland footballer, romped home at 16-1 in an extended mile-and-a-half handicap under Alan Daly.

"It was very unexpected," admits Curran, who has worked for Jacqui Doyle, James Fanshawe and Paddy Mullins.

"I think it helped because he had had a long break and Alan gave him a great ride.

"It was a bit different to be watching it and not riding it."

Although he has taken on the additional role, Curran, whose biggest win came on Killeshin in the Eider Chase at Newcastle in 1996 for Highworth trainer John Manners is keen to continue riding.

"I keep chipping away. I have no plans to retire yet anyway," adds Curran, who also finished sixth on Killeshin in the Grand National at Aintree.

Curran and Cox, who are joint partners in the business venture, have exciting plans to develop the yard.

They currently have 25 stables with around a dozen horses, but there are plans to develop an old barn with 50 boxes and turn it into the principal yard.

In the meantime, they are keen to attract new owners and anyone interested should ring 07774 146169 or 01367 710289.