Meet The Team
Nick Gifford
Racehorse Trainer. Nick started training in 2003, taking over from his father Josh.
Racehorse Trainer. Nick started training in 2003, taking over from his father Josh.
Liam Treadwell
Jockey (stable Jockey)
Grand National Winning Jockey.
Ridden flat and jumps
Jockey (stable Jockey)
Grand National Winning Jockey.
Ridden flat and jumps
Tina Ford
Racing Secretary
Racing Secretary
Ruth Gifford
Ruth Gifford (Nick’s wife) supports husband Nick at home and at the races and also manages the website and keeps the trainer fed and watered.
Ruth Gifford (Nick’s wife) supports husband Nick at home and at the races and also manages the website and keeps the trainer fed and watered.
Tina Cook
Nick’s sister Tina is a big support on the racing yard, schooling horses, looking round and overseeing evening checks when Nick is at the races.
Nick’s sister Tina is a big support on the racing yard, schooling horses, looking round and overseeing evening checks when Nick is at the races.
Travelling Head Lad
Travelling Head Lad ‘Andrew Veale’ has been working in racing for 20 years and is an amazing horseman. He has been with us for three seasons and prior to that worked at Di Grissell’s as Head lad for 7 years and also David Gandolphos.
Travelling Head Lad ‘Andrew Veale’ has been working in racing for 20 years and is an amazing horseman. He has been with us for three seasons and prior to that worked at Di Grissell’s as Head lad for 7 years and also David Gandolphos.
Emily
is Emiliya Nikolcheva. Bulgarian, and joined us in June 2009. Emily has vast experience in horse breeding, working with young horses working as a rider/groom. Emily is a fantastic member of the team who really loves her horses, a real asset to the yard.
is Emiliya Nikolcheva. Bulgarian, and joined us in June 2009. Emily has vast experience in horse breeding, working with young horses working as a rider/groom. Emily is a fantastic member of the team who really loves her horses, a real asset to the yard.
HEAD GIRL - Carol Double
Carol originally started for Josh in January 1987, 23 years ago and helped Nick with his pointers when he initially started out in early 2000. She used to run the Canteen as well as ride out after having a little time off to have two children. Carol is now full time ‘Head Girl’.
Carol originally started for Josh in January 1987, 23 years ago and helped Nick with his pointers when he initially started out in early 2000. She used to run the Canteen as well as ride out after having a little time off to have two children. Carol is now full time ‘Head Girl’.
Vova
is from the Ukraine. He's been with us since June 2008 and was with James Bethell for 2 1/2 years and Richard Whitaker for 5 months, prior to that. He is a valued member of the team and quite a cheeky character!!!
is from the Ukraine. He's been with us since June 2008 and was with James Bethell for 2 1/2 years and Richard Whitaker for 5 months, prior to that. He is a valued member of the team and quite a cheeky character!!!
Rob McDowall
Robert McDowall previously worked for David Elsworth in Newmarket , having also worked for Donald McCain for six months after leaving racing college. Rob schools the horses and has ridden in charity races and is keen to get his amateur license soon. He is a very valued team member and has a twinkle in his eye!
Robert McDowall previously worked for David Elsworth in Newmarket , having also worked for Donald McCain for six months after leaving racing college. Rob schools the horses and has ridden in charity races and is keen to get his amateur license soon. He is a very valued team member and has a twinkle in his eye!
Jenny Brian
Jenny joined us in 2010, having been in racing for a few years, Jenny is a great addition to the yard.
Freddie
Freddie the Labradoodle.
Freddie the Labradoodle.
Barnaby Gifford
Barnaby Gifford the border terrier, he is often found on the quad bike or in the Landrover on the gallops
Barnaby Gifford the border terrier, he is often found on the quad bike or in the Landrover on the gallops
If you have any questions, or are interested in becoming an owner or an individual in a partnership, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to help you. downs.stables@btconnect.com
