Key Staff at Ann Duffield Racing
Training racehorses is very labour intensive and Ann Duffield Racing, like all other training establishments, requires a high number of staff to look after the horses. The calibre and commitment of the staff play a huge part in the success of any yard and the team Ann has built at Sun Hill Farm is second to none. She is now surrounded by key staff that she can trust and, who can 'pick up the reins' in her absence.
Whilst too many mention them all in person, the following members of staff are particularly noteworthy either because of the influential role they have within Ann Duffield Racing or for the sheer enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the yard and the job: -
Ian Hounsome - Racing Secretary
Ian was originally Ann's bank manager at Barclays bank in Leyburn and as such was involved in Sun Hill since the first building block was laid. Given his love of racing it was no surprise to see him make a permanent move to Ann Duffield Racing where he has worked miracles on the administration side of the yard. Using skills and discipline gained from his former career, Ian brings order to an ever chaotic racing office which acts as the hub of the whole training operation. Ian will very often be your first point of call when contacting Ann Duffield Racing and you will find his friendly, helpful and organised manner invaluable. Ian's primary job is to take responsibility for the finances on a day to day basis.
James Richards - Head Lad
James key responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of the yard at all times. This includes the feeding regime and ensuring that each horse's personal requirements are met. He is also is in charge of administering daily veterinary care where his attention to detail is vital. James is a first class horseman with a wealth of experience and is an excellent, quiet rider. He is currently training in Equine Touch which will ensure he can provide full back up to the excellent work done by our visiting physiotherapists
Jimmy Bleasdale
As a former Jockey Jimmy is a well known figure on the racing scene and has ridden plenty of winners. He rides out at Sun Hill each morning where his vast experience is put to good use. On many afternoons he will act as a 'race reader' for the Press Association and helps develop apprentice jockeys in their fledgling careers.
Caroline Jones
Caroline spent 6 years with the late Don Enrico and left racing for a short time after his death. Fortunately for all at Sun Hill, Caroline returned to the sport she loved and is now a valued member of staff. She is very dedicated and she adores her horses. Caroline rides out as well as helping with all the yard work and going racing.
Dale Ali
Dale is from Trinidad and has now been part of the team at Sun Hill for approaching two years. He worked in racing, at Arima Park for several years before joining the yard as a work rider. Dale's duties include all yard work, riding out and evening stables. He also enjoys taking the horses racing, where his quiet and kind demeanour really does help our horses to relax.
Our Vets - Stirk & Associates Ltd
Stirks are very experienced and well respected in racing. They provide ambulatory, diagnostic and in-patient services from their bases in Ripon & Middleham with access to the latest diagnostic aids including a video endoscope, nuclear bone scanning, ultrasound & radiography, and stem-cell implantation. Simon Stirk and his team make regular weekly visits to the yard and of course are on call at all other times.
Our Farrier - Londonderry Forge
Huw Dyer and his team at the Forge are our hard working farriers, with two regular visits to the Yard each week, together with regular unscheduled callouts when a horse has kindly pulled a shoe off the afternoon before racing!
Huw Dyer, Simon Stirk and Ann on an Inspection, with James in the background
Vicky Devine - Our Physio
Vicky, using a technique called 'Bowen', regularly works on the Sun Hill Horses along with her husband Kevin. The horses benefit hugely from regular physiotherapy in the same way as a human athlete does; a horse is quite an awkward creature, especially when getting up from lying down or rolling. Muscles can be pulled or just become sore when the horse is in training, building up to peak fitness or occasionally when the little darling's slip up or do the splits. A good physio working in the correct way will alleviate pain, re-align a problem area and help the horses natural healing process's to take place more efficiently.
Laurie Walker - Racehorse Transport (UK) Ltd
Ann makes use of Thirsk based Racehorse Transport (UK) Ltd whenever the yard's own horse box is already fully used. Ann thinks very highly of the company who use a fleet of modern horse boxes that are always spotlessly clean. Every vehicle is steam cleaned and disinfected after each and every trip. Laurie is a key part of the backup operation and can help in saddling up the runners when required.
Other Key staff
New Recruit Harry (below) has soon found his feet and is proving supremely intelligent.
Harry, the Guard Dog
