Meet the team at Manor Farm Stables

Meet the team at Manor Farm

Jamie - Trainer

Prior to establishing his own yard, Jamie was previously Assistant Trainer and Amateur Jockey to Nicky Henderson at Seven Barrows, one of the most successful National Hunt yards in the country. Jamie had been with the 'Guv'nor' since 2005 where he was honing his training skills, involved with many high profile winners such as Trabolgan, Fondmort, and more recently Jack The Giant. Before Jamie arrived at Seven Barrows he also spent a short period of time with Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat.

Born in 1979, Jamie nurtured a passion for racing from an early age, through Pony Club, hunting, and Point to Pointing. Whilst at Radley College, Jamie rode out for Nigel Twiston-Davies, and during his gap year he worked as an Assistant Trainer for a flat yard in New Zealand.. He continued to work ride for many trainers while at Newcastle University including Sue Smith and Chris Grant. After University, Jamie commissioned from Sandhurst and embarked on a three year spell in The Kings Royal Hussars, rising to the rank of Captain. Jamie continues his Army links with the Wessex Yeomanry.

Since gaining his amateur jockey's licence, Jamie has ridden in the region of 100 winners for numerous owners, including First Love for Her Majesty the Queen. As of the end of June, Jamie decided to hang up his boots in order to concentrate on his training.

Kate - Head Girl

Kate Robinson has spent the last three seasons managing a private yard in Suffolk for Wilf Tolhurst. This has involved running a yard of around 25 horses ranging from yearlings, Point-to-Pointers, to pre-training horses for National Hunt racing. Kate grew up in the county of Cornwall, where she spent most of her childhood with horses, and rode in a few Point-to-Points. After graduating from Aberystwyth University with a BSc in Equine Science, Kate spent 4 seasons as Head Girl on a Point –to-Point and breaking yard in Warwickshire, before moving to Suffolk. With all this experience behind her, Kate will be a huge asset to the team at Manor Farm.

Neil - Travelling head lad

Neil Blackhouse has recently joined our yard as we continue to expand our set up. Neil has spent the last six years at Nicky Henderson's, where he rode work, schooled, and looked after many a good horse including Afsoun. He rides very well, and has a sound knowledge of the racing game. Neil will be a huge help to Kate in the yard, and will be invaluable on the horses.

Fiona - Secretary

Fiona Horstead has taken over from Laura in the office as Laura was drawn towards the bright lights of London. Fiona is a massive help to me in the office, as she is far better at the figures than me....! Having trained as an Accountant, and having many years of experience at the bookkeeping side of businesses, she will be a big part of the team, and essential in the running of our exciting venture.

Matt - Yardman

Matt joined us in February 2010, and has eased all our lives, as he is in charge of all the mucking out. He mucks all the horses out when we are riding them out, therefore giving us more time to ride.

Tom - Lad

Tom has just joined us from the Racing School, where he passed out with flying colours. He is an ambitious young man, who will have a big future. He rides very nicely, and will be a big asset to us, especially when he takes out his amateur licence.