THE TEAM
Our dedicated staff maintain a high standard in caring for and preparing our horses for racing or sale.
Born on a National Hunt stud farm in southern Ireland, Pat Phelan joined the Irish army at the age of 18, competed at international level in eventing and showjumping, and after being promoted to Captain became O.C. and Instructor at the Army Equitation School detachment at The Curragh, where his role also took in the Irish racing academy. Pat later trained at The Curragh, where he brought on the subsequent Gold Cup winner Jodami, before he moved to Japan to manage a large pre-training centre, with 250 horses and 60 staff. On his return to Europe, he spent two years managing Highclere Stud,and joined Ermyn Lodge in June 2006 as trainer and breeding operations manager. “We’ve got a great team of happy staff, and it’s an ideal combination of racing and breeding,” Pat says.
Gareth Thomas - Assistant Trainer
Gareth is a University Graduate in Equine Science holding a professional Jockey’s licence. After a spell with Ian Williams he spent 6 Years with Nicky Richards at Greystoke. He has ridden 28 winners and will continue his riding career at Ermyn Lodge along with his duties as Assistant Trainer.
Derek Wilmot - Senior Work Rider
Stable Lad of the Year in 2007, who had been in racing for 42 years, riding such as Attivo and Running Stag for Cyril and Philip Mitchell, before he joined the Ermyn Lodge team in 2007.
Alan Davey - Stud Groom
Having been brought up on a farm, Alan brings many years of experience to Ermyn Lodge. He was one of the first employees under the new ownership.
Gosia Szpulecka - Stud Groom
Came to us from a riding school background but with further training has taken very well to the role of sales preparation and stud groom.
Igor Norenko - Work Rider
Progressed through the Ukranian racing school, and has been at Ermyn Lodge since 07/2008.
Julie Deamer - Stud Secretary
Deals with the day to day records of the Stud and has recently attended the intensive Equisoft training course in Dublin.
Bob Smith - Racing Secretary
Coming from a financial background he manages the Racing Partnerships and Syndicates.
Kim McGiven - Head Girl
With over 12 years experience in racing including 3 1/2 years at Richard Hannon and 6 years with Lady Herries where she looked after the Royal Ascot winner "Wunderwood". Started at Ermyn Lodge in October 2009 and took on the role as Head Girl in February 2010
Chrissy Walker - Work Rider
Has been around horses all her life and has ridden several times between the flags including a place ride at Peper Harrow. Before coming to Ermyn Lodge in June 2010 she worked for Albert Ennis. She achieved her NVQ Level 3 in August 2008.
Freddy Mitchell - Work Rider
Currently on work experience at Ermyn Lodge his ambition is to follow his brother Jack and become a successful jockey in his own right.
Christine Powell - Work Rider
After 5 years in Newmarket including spells with Sir Michael Stoute and Michael Jarvis including a season with Paul Nicolls, Christine took a break to have her son Jake. Started at Ermyn Lodge in March 2010 with the ambition to ride her own horse under rules.
Lois Williams - Stable Amateur
Been in racing over 10 years has worked for Mark Johnston, Jonjo Oniell and Nicky Richards. Came to Ermyn Lodge in 2009 rode flat and jumps and looks forward to futhering her career
Shona McLauchlan - Work Rider
A Graduate with a degree in Equine Science from Essex University. She combines riding out at Ermyn Lodge with running her own Equine Sports Therapy business.
Sam Tozer - Work Rider
Never sat astride a horse until November 2009 but graduated from the British Racing School at Newmarket with the highest pass mark of his class. His ambition is to ride competitively under National Hunt Rules.
Nathan Adams - Stable Conditional
Has just been granted his conditional jockeys license. He is a late comer to riding horses although his father was a successful rider on the flat. He previously worked for Tom Dascombe and Jane Chappel - Hyam. Started with Ermyn Lodge in October 2009