Tom Dascombe says the decision by football legend Michael Owen to end their 12-year partnership has left him in “complete shock”.
The trainer joined forces with Owen at his 170-acre Manor House Stables in November 2009 where more than 100 horses are stabled.
Owen announced on Wednesday: "After more than 12 years as trainer, Tom Dascombe will be leaving Manor House Stables in the New Year.
"We have shared many great memories that will last a lifetime. I would like to place on record my own personal thanks for all his hard work and support over the years.
“We part on great terms and everyone at MHS will miss him and wish him the very best for the future.”
But Dascombe, successful at Southwell with Skittlebombz for owners John and Jess Dance, said: “It was a complete shock.
"I have absolutely no plans – I have no idea what I am going to do next, but I will be training next year from somewhere.
“We will train winners like we have just done there. It is as simple as that – life goes on. The fact that they don't want me to be here anymore, that's their choice – it is not mine.”
Dascombe and Owen enjoyed notable success with Brown Panther, the winner of the 2014 Irish St Leger and the 2015 Dubai Gold Cup.
Four years ago, Owen finished second in a charity race at Ascot when partnering the Dascombe-trained Calder Prince.
The former England striker, who retired in 2013, added: "Colin Gorman and the rest of the MHS team will naturally oversee things once Tom departs and it will very much be business as usual until we appoint Tom's replacement."
Before Dascombe was appointed by Owen and his business partner Andrew Black, the founder of Betfair, he was a successful trainer in Lambourn after a spell as a conditional jump jockey with Martin Pipe.
