PAUL BLOCKLEY

Paul Blockley was crowned all weather champion trainer in 2004/2005. This was a staggering achievement in only his 2 nd year back with a licence. He was then based at Southwell but that facility had it's limitations so a move to South Wales to take over Jimmy Nevilles old yard was foreseen as progress. Unfortunately trouble with the gallops meant that Paul could never train to his own high standards. It came as no surprise to us when he leased a 40 box yard in Lambourn. The inevitable full move took place soon after and the results are already improving.

We have a great relationship with Paul and although we have recently reduced our involvement in the yard we hope that will just be a temporary measure.

To say the man is happy to be in Lambourn is an understatement. The facilities and gallops are exceptional and he will now make his mark.

Karl Burke

We have known Karl for several years and have always been impressed with his training record. We've found him extremely helpful and knowledgeable in all our dealings with him since we joined forces with.

In January 2004 he invited us to his yard to view a 2 year old by Bold Fact. He was a really good looking individual and we didn't regret buying him. Several month late we repeated this process and ended up buying another 2 year old who we named Thunderwing . I think it is safe to say we didn't regret these purchases and there is no doubt that Karl has a great eye for a bargain

In 2004 Karl enjoyed numerically his best ever season with a total of 64 winners with is testimony to Karl's skill at placing his horses to win realistic targets. He has now trained 300 winners over the last 6 years which is a tremendous record.

The facilities available to the yard are impressive. Middleham Moor is not only a beautiful part of the world but has extensive turf and all weather gallops which are superbly managed.Karl is very ambitious and is looking to expand within the current yard and we are looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with the Spigot Lodge team.

Although implicated with the race fixing scandal(now cleared) you have to admire the man's drive. He is enjoying his best ever season in 2006 and numerically in winners is 6 th   in Britain. Considering he has no major Arab backing his record is second to none. His eye for a bargain eg Precocious Star and his placing of his horses put him firmly in the trainer to follow category.

He is developing the yard and has input major investment in the yard and general facilities. We look forward to increasing our involvement with Karl in the near future.

DEREK SHAW

We have been promising to place a horse with Derek for a while. We have got to know him well and importantly been impressed with his knowledge of his own horses. Not blessed with any superstars the emphasis with Derek is skilfully lining up his charges to get in a position where they can win. He is meticulous and extremely patient. Nothing seems to rattle him and we believe he is definitely the right man for us.

He recently took over the ownership of the Danethorpe yard. It is a purpose built facility with its own all weather gallops. We hope to build a significant string to help move the trainer up the racing ladder.