Happy horses win races!
We are a small family run yard based in Scarcroft on the rural outskirts of Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Having lived in Scarcroft most of his life, Simon runs the stables ably assisted by his wife Lorraine who between them have 25 years’ experience in the racing and wider equestrian industry.
Simon also has two grown up children Tom and Lucy. Tom has a great passion for farming running a subsidiary business Whitaker Farming and along with this, assists with day-to-day management of the yard, gallops and productive land at the stables. Lucy has pursued a different career path, recently becoming a rural Chartered Surveyor, although has enjoyed many years previously riding out and helping on the yard.
Prior to taking on the Trainers licence, Simon enjoyed a successful Point to Point career and also rode winners on the flat and National Hunt. Further to his riding career, Simon has assisted his Father Richard for many years and has spent time travelling abroad with horses, working two seasons in Dubai.
Simon has a wealth of knowledge on training and horse welfare and prides himself on the individual time and attention given to each horse at the yard to aid and develop their performance.
Meet the Team
JANE
Office Secretary
She will be able to help if you have any queries or need to call the office.
Dean
Work Rider
Dean is an ex jockey who rides out at the yard most mornings. Dean has a wealth of experience in race riding.
Matt Culley
Farrier
Matt has been the stable farrier for many years and visits twice a week or whenever needed to keep the horses feet in perfect condition. He is an integral part of the team.
Steph
Work Rider
Steph rides out and is an experienced work rider, very kind and patient with her horses.
Abi
Stable Lass
Abi has completed her training at The British Racing School and now rides out as well as going racing and providing a hand around the yard. She has worked at the stables for 18 months.
Vet
Bishopton’s Ben Gaskill
Ben provides excellent advice and treatment for the horses at the stables and visits once a week to do any regular check-ups. Ben also works for a number of other Horse Racing yards so has a lot of experience of the industry and veterinary practices specific to the horse racing world.
Amanda
Work Rider
Amanda is very experienced in all equestrian disciplines, also having ridden in Point to Points. She rides out in the mornings and has been a great support throughout the years. Amanda is very good with the breaking of horses, schooling and stalls training.
Guest Jockeys
Simon frequently invites other jockeys to ride out at the stables, including Phil Dennis and Lewis Edmunds who have both ridden a number of winners for the stables in recent years
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