Meet The Team

Alan Roche – Head Lad

Roche joined us in 2008 as Head Lad, having previously worked for Jonjo O’Neill in the same role for 14 years. He is an excellent horseman and his knowledge of the horses is superb. He is in charge of the horses’ care and maintenance in the yard as well as making sure all the staff know what they are doing.

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Emma Batten – Secretary

Emma has now been with us since 2009, having previously worked as a racing secretary for Jonjo O’Neill. She set up the office when we moved to Hull Farm and keeps things running smoothly, she also does the accounts and rides out.

Will Biggart – Travelling Head Lad

Will has ridden out for us since January 2016 and joined us full time in November 2016, he has previously worked for Sam Griffiths Eventing, competing himself up to two star on his own horse. He has been travelling head lad for the past two seasons and enjoys riding his favourite horses: Cardigan Bay and Dandridge.

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Paul O’Brien –  Jockey

Paul has joined us last season having previously worked for Colin Tizzard and Rebecca Curtis. A good rider who enjoyed his best ever season having joined us. He has probably not had the chances he deserves up until now however has proved himself valuable for his 3lb claim. He enjoyed his first Grade 2 winner on Castafiore at Haydock, having formed a great partnership with her.

Zeniy Glyebov

Zeniy is a crucial member of the staff, able to turn his hand to repair most things, as well has helping with the mucking out, bedding up and any general maintenance around the yard.

Alice Aucott

Alice is in her fourth season with us, she specialises with forming great partnerships with horses, currently it is Old Jeroboam, Jamacho and Western Miller. Alice is a fantastic worker, conscientious and methodical, she consistently turns horses out to a high standard.

Fern Dalziel

This is Fern’s third full season with us, she is an excellent rider, particularly of the slightly difficult ones. She has taken on the responsibility of feeding this season. Mature and responsible, Fern is a brilliant member of the team who loves Forth Bridge, Inawhilecrocodile, Champagne Noir and Storm Goddess.

Alan Alderman

Alan was previously head lad at Gary Moore's and brings valuable experience into the yard. He is an experienced rider who has formed a great partnership with Ballydine.

Jess Benfield - Travelling Head Groom

Jess has been with us since she was 16 and is one of the best riders in the yard, especially on young horses. Her current favourites are Snow Leopardess, The Vollan and Peter's Portrait.

Vadym Masik

Vadym is in his fifth season with us, he is a good yardman and in charge of making sure all the bedding up is done in the yard and the hay.

Vladislav Masik

Vlad is Vadym’s son and apprentice, he started with us three seasons ago and has proved himself a steady learner, mucking out and bedding up in the yard. He helps putting horses on and off the walker and steaming the hay. He has been quickly learning to ride.

Hannah Spear

Hannah joined us after two seasons working for Yorton Stud, she has picked up life in a racing yard well and is always going above an beyond in her job. Her favourites are Stormy Milan, Lochinver and Overworkdunderpaid.

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Amber Jackson Fennell

Amber joined us after a 4 week course at The British Racing School. She is a very good rider who has competed team chasing and has ambitions to take out her point to point licence. She is happy to ride all the difficult or tricky horses, her current favourites are Tuff Times, Dariya, Local Affiar and Miss Molinari.

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Brogan McCarrick

Brogan joined us after working at Paul Webber's for three seasons and a winter in Australia. She is a talented rider who loves riding Checkitout, Strengthofmind and Loose Chips.

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Lee Quirk

Lee also joined us from Paul Webber's, he has worked in Irish point to point yards and is a capable horseman. His favourites are Monty's Award, Lisdoonvarna Lad and Carlow Farmer.

The main team is supported by regular work riders Gill, Lucy, Sinead, Wilf, Neli and Georgia. 

If you are looking for a job and are interested in joing our team, please email us in the office with an up to date C.V.