Our gallops are second to none set amongst 90 acres of the Hambleton Hills part of the original Hambleton Racecourse. Hambleton Racecourse held the most important aristocratic rural meeting in Yorkshire during the 17th and 18th centuries and was once described as a second Newmarket.
The main race at Hambleton was The Royal Gold Cup donated by the Crown. The race on 8th August 1719 attracted 31 runners, more than ever previously recorded for any turf event. The race was won by The Duke of Rutland’s 4 year old Bonny Black. From 1811 the course became used solely for training purposes, resulting in many winners.
Today we still use the grass gallops and have also put in a 6 furlong woodchip gallop. With the gallop situated on the natural contours of Hambleton, the horses exercise against a gradual yet testing incline. The nature of the land is an added bonus within our training methods and provides one of the most beautiful backdrops you could wish for.
As well as our own gallops we also have the opportunity to use the fantastic facilities at Malton and are allowed to gallop at certain local tracks. This offers a change of scenery for the horses whilst also helping with younger horses gain experience in travelling to and from exercise, something that becomes very important when they begin their racing career.
Starting Stalls – We have our own set of starting stalls and do extensive work with younger horses as they prepare to begin their racing career. The start is vital in a race and it is important to get young horses used to the routine of loading and breaking from the stalls. The stalls also allow us to help any horses that have had problems with loading, going through the routine and helping the horse relax and settle during the process.
There is a chute of 3f that allows the horses to get into their stride once leaving the stalls, understanding the start and building up to racing speed as quick as possible.
Schooling Hurdles – Although predominantly flat, Kevin does hold a dual purpose licence and has trained many NH winners, most notably Gralmano to win the Grade 2 Yorkshire Hurdle. In preparation for any horse to run over jumps they will have extensive training in learning the skills required for the NH game. The hurdles are made from birch and are exact replicas of the ones used at the racecourses, which gives the horses the same feel as they would get on race day.
