Bella started working here in December 2014, having previously worked for Donald McCain – she is extremely efficient and very good with all yard duties including helping with the vets on their yard visits. Brilliant and always reliable at the races; Bella led up Monbeg Dude to be third at the 2015 Grand National. A great girl who is a huge asset to the yard.
Favourite horses are Riptide, Cadeyrn and Zayfire Aramis .
Gabby Joined us in July having been with Jonjo O’Neil for 5 years. She is from the Czech Republic having ridden as an amateur there both on the flat and over fences, riding 8 winners form just 16 rides. While at Jonjo’s Gabby looked after Synchronised to win a Gold Cup and More of That to win a World hurdle as well as doing a lot of the travelling.
Her favourite horses here include – Dinnsdale, Viola Eric, Justice Knight, Mysteree and State Sovereignty
Kate Worked at Jonjo O’Neil’s for 10 years before joining in June 2015. She has looked after such horses as Albertas Run, Wichita Lineman, Taquin du Seuil and Holywell – which includes 6 Cheltenham festival winners a Royal Ascot winner and an Irish Grand national winner amongst many others, she is a huge asset to the yard and we are delighted to have her here.
Favourite horses are Kingswell Theatre, Streets Of Promise, Head Hunter, Gaelic Angel and Grace Tara.
Nicky is Michael’s auntie and has been involved in racing all her life. Nicky rode out and helped Michael Snr through his training career and it is great to have her back and part of the team.
Timo was in the Army before attending the British Racing School. From there he joined Hugo Palmer in Newmarket but his wish has always been to be a jump jockey so joined us at the end of September. What he lacks in experience he more than makes up for in hard work.
Favourite horses are Skint, Sounds Of Italy and Playful Prince.
Mike joined the team in October, he is from a hunting background and he works here doing yard duties helping Bella and Nicky in the mornings.
Rachael has recently returned to Eccleswall court having worked for Michael Snr. Racheal comes in every Saturday morning to help out.
Ben, a conditional jockey based with Tom Symonds, and rides out as often as possible for Michael. Ben had his biggest winner for Michael when winning the Devon National on Kingswell Theatre last season.
Conditional jockey based with Philip Hobbs. Tom comes in once a week to ride out. He still claims a valuable 5lb a great lad who works hard and is fantastic with the young horses.
Grand National winning jockey. Liam rides out weekly for Michael and has ridden multiple winners for him, and rode Monbeg Dude to be third in the 2015 Grand National for Michael. Liam is a very good quiet rider and Michael tries to use him as often as possible.
Cheltenham festival winning jockey Richie has ridden 2 winners so far for Michael and rides out as often as possible. Richie has ridden quite a lot of high profile winners such as a Paddy power gold cup on Johns Spirit and 2 winners at the Cheltenham festival aboard Holywell!
Robbie started riding out for Michael this season he is a real horseman and very good on the younger horses, he rides out every week and has ridden a few on the track for Michael too. Robbies biggest win of his career is winning the Scottish Grand National last year aboard Wayward Prince but his most well known now is managing to stay on Vics Canvas after nearly crashing down at Beechers brook in the 20016 Grand national to finish 3rd!! Robbie rode Mysteree to victory for the yard in last seasons Eider Chase.
Ed is our amateur jockey, he started riding out here in the summer having previously been based with Paul Nicholls. Ed has returned home to work on the family farm and to go to university.
Tom is Michael’s older brother – professional jump jockey based with David Pipe – Tom rides the majority of Michael’s National Hunt horses when not riding for Mr Pipe. He rides out and schools Michael’s horses when he can. Their best moment together was Tom winning on Next Sensation at the Cheltenham festival.