THE TEAM
GEORGE & CANDIDA BAKER
George and Candida have grown the business together over the past 8 years. Laughing at the same jokes, sharing the inevitable disappointments, celebrating the good days. George spent far too long shouting down telephones in the City, whilst Candida was an extremely talented business-woman, nominated for “Business Woman of the Year” in 2005. The decision to take out a Licence to train racehorses in 2008 saw a massive sea change in both their lives. Their passion for the sport of horseracing, and their desire to see the business succeed at the highest level, has been a potent mix. By surrounding themselves with some exceptionally talented people, George and Candida have seen the business grow and flourish in recent times.
PATRICK & VALERIE MURPHY – ASSISTANT TRAINERS
Having met at the historic Kildangan Stud, Patrick and Valerie then spent many years as work riders in Dubai. Returning to the UK, they set up a highly successful breaking and pre-training yard in Northamptonshire. Taking in horses from several of the country’s leading trainers, they soon forged a reputation built on hard work and professionalism. When George and Candida bought Far Westfield Farm in Warwickshire to launch their training career, Patrick and Valerie joined the team. They both have an intuitive understanding of the thoroughbred racehorse, and are supremely talented riders and judges of a horse.
GEMMA SPANSWICK – HEAD GIRL
Gemma started with us at Manton on a part-time basis, riding out several lots each morning. She swiftly became an integral part of the team, and we were delighted when she agreed to move with us to Robins Farm. And when the position of Head Girl became available, Gemma moved seamlessly into the role. A pivotal position, and one that she has taken on with great skill and dedication.
DEAN BRADFORD – TRAVELLING HEAD LAD
Deano joined us during our time at Whitsbury, and moved with the team to Manton. When the opportunity to take on the role of Travelling Head Man arose, Dean stepped up to the plate. His care for the horses whilst travelling and at the races is second to none, and he quite rightly wins a large number of ‘Best Turned Out’ awards. He is a very valued member of the team.
DANIELE LONGHITANO DVM, MRCVS, CertAVP (SM) – VETERINARY SURGEON
Dan was born and raised in Italy and following his graduation he completed an internship in the equine hospital, at the University of Perugia. Following this, he worked as an equine vet in Italy and France for five years, predominantly with thoroughbred horses in the racing industry. During his time spent abroad, Dan gained invaluable experience in stud work, orthopaedic, and ambulatory work.
Since he moved to the UK in 2018, Dan had a variety of experiences, working in many racehorses yards and thoroughbred studs. In 2019, he then moved to Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, in Newbury, where he had the pleasure to work with some of the top racing yards in Lambourn, and being the attending vet at Newbury Racecourse.
In 2022 Dan moved to Liphook Equine Hospital where he is currently working, focusing on stud work, lameness and poor performances in racehorses. Dan is a member of the ARVS (Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons) often being the on-site vet at Goodwood Racecourse.
BECKY DEAN – PHYSIO
Becky is with us on a regular basis, and both her pre and post race treatment of our equine athletes is hugely beneficial. As with humans, horses suffer from a variety of aches and pains. Becky’s skilled work ensures that they head to the races without any niggles, and gives them the best chance of performing to the best of their ability.
TOM PHILLIPS – TS PHILLIPS FARRIER LTD
Tom has been our Farrier and shoeing our horses since we began training 11 years ago. He is a first class farrier and can fix all difficult hoof problems. He is a keen runner and has a number of dogs which he trains with great success
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