Trainer John Sadler returns to Aquanita

MELBOURNE, March 31 AAP - John Sadler is leaving Malua Racing to rejoin Aquanita at Caulfield as he takes a change in direction with his training career.

In recent years Sadler has been the head trainer for the Malua Racing venture at Flemington alongside general manager Troy Corstens.

But after a recent battle with depression which he made public, Sadler re-assessed his future and decided to return with a smaller team under the Aquanita Racing banner he helped form in 1998.

Sadler will make the move to Caulfield on June 1.

Corstens, who also holds a training licence, will continue to operate Malua Racing which was formed in December 2010.

"I have had a great period with Malua and during my illness Troy has been terrific in helping me manage my team, but with his decision to train and the growth plans for Malua I feel it's a better career move for me to run a more boutique operation," Sadler said in a statement.

"I have enjoyed my time with Troy and feel we achieved much."

The highlight of Sadler's time with Malua came with 2013 Stradbroke Handicap winner Linton.

Sadler said he hoped to have a team of about 35 horses move with him to Caulfield.

Corstens said he respected Sadler's decision and supported the move.

In a release from Aquanita, Sadler said Aquanita's support meant he could "continue to concentrate on training horses and not have to worry about some of the other aspects of running a business day to day".

Robert Smerdon, Tony Vasil and Simon Miller also operate under the Aquanita banner which enables them to train their own teams while utilising Aquanita's support structure which includes administration and management facilities associated with training.