Racehorse Trainers

Bailey & Nicholls Racing represents the union of heritage, experience and renewed ambition within British National Hunt racing. Kim Bailey has trained winners of nearly every major race run under National Hunt rules, including multiple successes at the Cheltenham Festival. With a lifetime steeped in jump racing, he combines elite-level achievement with a rare ability to connect personally with owners. Time spent in Kim’s company is never without humour or insight; his passion for the sport is infectious, and his reflections on an illustrious career are as memorable as the champions he has prepared. As Kim often reflects, he has been privileged to train exceptional horses for remarkable people and that ethos remains at the heart of the operation. Alongside him, Mat Nicholls brings 16 years of loyal service and deep practical expertise. Born in Nottingham with no racing background, Mat forged his own path into the sport, beginning as a yard person with Nigel Twiston-Davies before learning to ride and becoming an integral part of the Grange Hill Farm team. He later progressed to Head Lad for Tom George, a role he held for six years, further refining his horsemanship and leadership skills. When Carl Llewellyn transitioned from riding to training in Lambourn, Mat was appointed his right-hand man. It was during this period that Kim first recognised Mat’s calibre through mutual connections within the racing world. A conversation, a prediction about returning to the Cotswolds, and a year later the partnership was formed. The rest, as they say, is history. Now, this collaboration blends Kim’s proven championship pedigree with Mat’s meticulous, modern approach to stable management and horse development. Based at the renowned Thorndale facilities, the team offers a professional yet welcoming environment where owners are encouraged to be fully involved and enjoy the journey. Bailey & Nicholls Racing combines tradition with forward momentum — and invites owners to become part of an ambitious new chapter built on experience, integrity and a shared passion for excellence.

Fergal O’Brien operates one of Britain’s consistently successful National Hunt yards from Ravenswell Farm in the Cotswolds, just minutes from Cheltenham Racecourse. Since taking out his licence in 2011, he has built a progressive and high performing operation, regularly recording 100 plus winners per season and surpassing 1,000 career winners under Rules. Originally from County Limerick, Fergal established his own yard in 2011 and has steadily developed it into a respected and competitive force within British jump racing. The stable competes strongly across novice, handicap and graded company. Grade 1 victories include the Challow Novices' Hurdle, the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase and the Long Walk Hurdle, reflecting the yard’s ability to develop and campaign horses to the highest level. Based at the purpose built Ravenswell Farm, the training programme combines modern facilities with careful race planning and individual conditioning. Horses are trained as individuals, with emphasis on durability, confidence and long term progression. The yard is also at the forefront of innovation in British racing. Heart rate monitoring technology is used routinely in training to inform decisions around fitness, recovery and race planning, and the team has played an active role in advancing its use in race conditions. This work underpins a wider commitment to welfare, performance analysis and continual improvement. Owners are encouraged to visit regularly, watch work on the gallops and be part of the journey from the yard to the racecourse. Communication is open and consistent, with a strong partnership ethos at the heart of the operation. The aim is not only to compete at a high level, but to create an engaging and rewarding ownership experience built on trust and shared ambition. Trainer: Fergal O’Brien Base: Ravenswell Farm, Withington, Cheltenham Licence: Full Dual National Hunt Trainer since 2011

Gary Brown is a dedicated and passionate racehorse trainer based in the heart of the Lambourn training region at Lodge Down Stables, celebrated for his personal approach to horsemanship and development across both flat and hurdle racing. A lifelong horseman, Gary operates out of a serene and purpose-built facility in the famed ‘Valley of the Racehorse’ where careful attention to detail, welfare and preparedness form the cornerstone of his training philosophy. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the successes of horses such as Easter Icon, Groom De Cotte, Hannah’s Return and Bruce Banner, all of whom have secured competitive victories under his guidance in recent seasons. With experience across a broad range of contest types and distances, Gary blends traditional horsemanship with a tailored, horse-centred programme that emphasises conditioning, consistency and thoughtful race placement. His training ethos balances ambition with the well-being of each individual horse, creating an environment where owners can feel confident in both preparation and communication. Gary’s professionalism, hands-on approach and genuine passion for racing ensure a supportive experience for owners and connections alike, underpinned by a yard culture that places welfare, performance and long-term development at its core.

Gavin Cromwell is one of Ireland’s leading dual-purpose trainers, excelling at the highest level in both National Hunt and Flat racing from his County Meath base. He has enjoyed outstanding success at the Cheltenham Festival, winning the Champion Hurdle with Espoir d'Allen and the Stayers' Hurdle with Flooring Porter. His greatest triumph came when Inothewayurthinkin, owned by JP McManus and ridden by Mark Walsh, captured the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2025. Cromwell has also made his mark internationally, becoming the first Irish trainer to win the Velká pardubická with Stumptown, ridden by Keith Donoghue, in 2025, and the first Irish trainer to saddle a winner in Bahrain. On the Flat, he has trained numerous winners, including two-year-old scorers at Royal Ascot, where Quick Suzy won the Queen Mary Stakes and Snellen captured the Chesham Stakes, underlining his effectiveness across both codes. Renowned for his attention to detail and the individual care given to every horse in the yard, Cromwell has invested heavily in top-class facilities at his County Meath base. That commitment to standards and horsemanship has seen the operation expand significantly in recent years, attracting high-profile owners and strengthening his position among Ireland’s top trainers.

James Keane is a highly accomplished and internationally experienced horseman whose career reflects both depth of knowledge and modern professionalism. Raised riding and competing in showjumping, eventing and dressage, James developed a strong foundation in horsemanship from an early age. After graduating from university with a degree in History and Geography, he initially pursued a career as a professional showjumper. However, a chance introduction to racing in 2017 sparked a new direction that would ultimately define his path. James moved to Newmarket to become pupil assistant to Ed Dunlop before spending three years as assistant trainer to Lucy Wadham. He was subsequently selected for the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start scholarship, an elite global programme that took him across five international racing jurisdictions over two years, working alongside some of the most respected names in the thoroughbred industry. Following graduation, James joined Roger Varian as assistant trainer, where he was directly involved in the management of five individual Group 1 winners, including a Classic winner. He later spent time in Lambourn with multiple Group 1-winning trainer Charlie Hills before taking the step to train in his own name. Throughout his career, James has worked with every type of thoroughbred from sharp five-furlong sprinters to three-mile chasers and at every level of ability. His broad experience enables him to apply a progressive, welfare-focused and detail-driven approach to training and race planning. Professional, innovative and transparent in his communication, James is committed to delivering an exceptional owner experience while helping every horse reach its full potential.

Based in the picturesque village of Moone, Co. Kildare, Ireland, Jessica Harrington Racing is one of Ireland’s most respected and successful family-run training operations. Established in 1989 by Jessica Harrington alongside her late husband Johnny Harrington, the yard has grown into a world-class racing establishment rooted in tradition, professionalism and family values. Today, Jessica’s daughters Emma and Kate play integral roles within the business, ensuring the ethos of care, communication and commitment extends to every owner and every horse at Commonstown Stud. Set across 120 acres of rolling Kildare countryside, the facility provides an exceptional environment for developing elite racehorses. With three gallops, fences and hurdles, nearly 200 stables, indoor and outdoor schools, extensive turnout paddocks and immediate access to the renowned facilities of The Curragh, the yard offers everything required to produce success at the highest level. Jessica first rose to prominence with Oh So Grumpy at the 1994 Galway Festival, and her reputation for handling top-class jumpers was firmly established through champions such as Moscow Flyer, Sizing John and Our Duke, delivering major victories at Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals. Her success is not confined to National Hunt racing. On the Flat, she has achieved Group 1 and Classic success, including Pathfork’s victory in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, and the outstanding Alpha Centauri, whose Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes triumphs at Royal Ascot elevated the yard to new international heights. These achievements have attracted a global ownership base, including leading international investors and syndicates, reinforcing the yard’s reputation for excellence, integrity and performance. The philosophy at Jessica Harrington Racing is simple: “The harder we all work, the luckier we get — and long may it continue.” For owners seeking professionalism, proven performance and a deeply committed team, Jessica Harrington Racing represents an exceptional opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Michael Keady Having established himself as a highly accomplished trainer since 2022, Michael Keady has already saddled over 50 winners and continues to build a progressive, top-class racing operation with the ambition to compete on an international stage. Central to his vision is the creation of a winning environment where horses can thrive and owners feel genuinely involved and valued throughout the journey. Michael’s training philosophy is built on three core pillars: Healthy Horses, a Motivated Team, and Happy Clients. His approach is hands-on and detail-driven, with a strong emphasis on exceptional horse care, staff wellbeing, and clear, consistent, and honest communication with owners at every stage. Training Location Revida Place, Hamilton Road, Newmarket

Nick Schofield began training in Lambourn in autumn 2025, bringing with him a wealth of elite experience gained during a distinguished career in the saddle. The son of prolific point-to-point rider Philip Schofield, Nick grew up immersed in horses and competition. From an early age he demonstrated natural ability, enjoying success across a variety of riding disciplines before excelling as a showjumper during his teenage years. His transition into racing saw him combine point-to-pointing with a position at Paul Nicholls’ all-conquering Somerset yard, where he rode alongside some of the sport’s finest jockeys. It was there that Lou Du Moulin Mas provided him with his first winner under Rules at Newbury in 2006. Two years later, Nick was crowned Champion Amateur, cementing his place among the leading riders of his generation. Throughout his riding career, Nick enjoyed significant success at the highest level, including Cheltenham Festival victories and numerous top-flight triumphs. Those experiences, riding for some of the sport’s most accomplished trainers, have shaped his understanding of what it takes to prepare and place horses to win on racing’s biggest stages. Now training in his own right in Lambourn, Nick brings a competitive mindset, deep race-riding insight and a strong focus on horsemanship and communication. His mission is clear: to create a professional, ambitious yard where horses are placed to thrive and owners are fully involved in the journey.

Philip is one of Ireland's most exciting and established trainers, having been training racehorses for the past 21 years with an abundance of winners, including successes at The Cheltenham Festival and other major racing festivals. He believes that a part of success lies with the transparency and honesty he has with his clients, ensuing long lasting relationships and a chance to become part of the Fairwood Stables Family. Philip began his career as a racehorse trainer in 1999. After finishing college, Philip set about creating a training establishment himself at his parents’ home in Fairwood. With the help of his family and Wicklow Rural partnership, Philip put in a six and a half furlong uphill polytrack gallop. This has since been extended to include a two-and-a-half-furlong circle which adjoins the original uphill gallop, all of which is set within the rolling hills of the picturesque village of Tinahely in Co. Wicklow. A huge proportion of the winning horses here at Fairwood Stables are purchased by Philip. This is something that he really enjoys and prides himself on. Philip’s knowledge and ability to purchase horses, both with form and indeed young store horses. Philip is currently in seventh position in the Irish trainers title, and in terms of runners sent out, he is fourth, with only Gordon Elliot, Willie Mullins, and Gavin Cromwell. ahead of him. Philips motto is ‘let's go racing, and win some prize money!’ An ownership with Philip and the team is one of fun and transparency. He looks forward to welcoming new owners to enjoy Fairwood.

Ross Burdon is a dedicated racehorse trainer with a strong background in horsemanship and a lifelong passion for the sport. Originally holding a jockey’s licence, Ross gained valuable early experience riding and working closely with racehorses, developing a deep understanding of their behaviour, athletic ability and care. Following his time as a jockey, Ross progressed through the racing industry working for some of the sport’s most respected trainers. He held senior positions within leading yards, including those of Andrew Balding, Roger Varian, Chris Waller and the late great Sir Henry Cecil. During this time, he gained extensive experience in training, race preparation and the day-to-day management of elite racehorses. These roles helped shape Ross’s calm and considered training philosophy. He firmly believes that every horse should be treated as an individual, tailoring each training programme to suit the horse’s temperament, physical development and natural ability rather than following a rigid system. Ross combines traditional horsemanship with a modern understanding of equine fitness and wellbeing. His focus is always on producing happy, healthy horses and building strong relationships with owners, creating the best possible environment for horses to develop and perform to their full potential on the racecourse.

Tom Faulkner – Faulkner Racing Based at Devauden Court, just outside Chepstow, Tom Faulkner is a dedicated and quietly ambitious racehorse trainer known for his hands-on approach, attention to detail, and strong horsemanship. Faulkner Racing is built on a philosophy of individual care and tailored training, with every horse managed as an athlete in its own right. Operating from a private, calm environment, the yard benefits from excellent access to varied gallops, open countryside, and a setting ideally suited to producing fit, happy, and mentally settled racehorses. The yard is supported by fantastic facilities, including an equine swimming pool, both indoor and outdoor arenas, alongside all-weather and grass gallops, providing a comprehensive training environment that supports conditioning, rehabilitation, and performance year-round. Tom has developed a reputation for being straightforward, approachable, and owner-focused, offering clear communication and a genuine partnership experience. Owners are closely involved in the journey, with transparency and trust at the heart of the operation. With a growing string and a clear long-term vision, Faulkner Racing is particularly well suited to: Owners seeking a personal, boutique training environment Horses that thrive with individual attention and consistency Those looking to enjoy the sport while remaining commercially minded From Devauden Court, Tom Faulkner continues to build a stable founded on horsemanship, patience, and ambition quietly positioning Faulkner Racing as a name to watch within the British training ranks.