The Englishman was born into the horse racing industry, with his father Hamish operating a stud in Yorkshire as well as being a bloodstock agent.

Alexander has gone on to pack a wealth of experience into his 27 years, working with some of the world's highest profile horse racing trainers across three continents.

Now he is ready to take the biggest step of all so far take on training in his own right.

And he has chosen Ballarat as the place for the venture.

Alexander will officially launch the new phase of his career on July 1.

He has secured a 16-box barn and associated day yards from Ballarat Turf Club, next to the Ballarat racecourse.

The stables became available after Malua Racing closed down its Ballarat satellite training operation on the back of John Sadler's move to Aquanita Racing.

For Alexander, it is an ideal outcome.

Alexander said he had chosen Ballarat as his base because of the similarities of the training complex with what he had experienced in Europe.

"It seems very European," he said, in particular highlighting the synthetic uphill straight track.

Alexander said he had a "few" amateur rides over the jumps as a youngster, but a career as a jockey was never going to be his go.

He quickly turned his focus to training, initially spending four years in France as an assistant to Criquette Head, who won her second Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last year.

From there it was off the United States and a year with Todd Pletcher, who trains for Coolmore Stud, has prepared a string of champions and been trainer of the year four times.

It was then back to his homeland to join the stable of Mark Johnston in North Yorkshire for three years.

Alexander's first taste of Australian racing came on a working holiday.

He linked up with Anthony Cummings in Sydney for six months and then spent the same amount of time with Danny O'Brien in Melbourne.

The stable of Ireland's leading trainer, Aidan O'Brien, was to be his next port of call, this time for 12 months.

Alexander has spent the past 18 months with the Lloyd Williams operation at Mt Macedon.

Alexander said he felt the time was right.

He said he already had the backing of OTI Racing, operated by Simon O'Donnell and Terry Henderson.

"It's great to have their support," he said.

Alexander plans to start with seven horses and after a few months build up to 12.

He said with no guarantees in the racing industry, he was prepared to begin slowly and gradually build as he developed contacts and hopefully tasted success.

david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au