| Dean Ivory Racing Team 2008 (Updated 1st Jan 2008) |
| Dean
Ivory - Trainer
Dean took over the reins at Harper Lodge Stables in January 2002 from his father Ken. He has been around horses for most of his life. His grandfather kept brood mares which was really where it all started and he encouraged this interest through the very close relationship he had with him. When he was a child he had his own ponies and would take part in local competitions. In his teens he helped school his fathers' horses and rode out with a great deal of enthusiasm. Horses have always been his "first love" from a very early age and he has always been involved behind the scenes assisting and learning from his father whilst he has been training horses. As an owner of several horses he has experienced success and disappointments over the many years, but despite the ups-and-downs, he believes there is nothing better to get the adrenalin going than owning a racehorse. "This will be my sixth year as a Racehorse Trainer and I am looking forward to the challenge this will bring, as well as the excitement of racing and meeting lots of new people, but my prime concern will be the well being of all the horses placed in my care". "In spite of having a very busy schedule, I will make time to spend with my owners when they come to the yard to see their horses work, or just need to chat. Relationships with owners are important to me because as an owner myself I do know that this personal liaison makes so much difference". "We have a small, friendly yard which has enjoyed a great deal of success over the years training sprinters. This will not change, but I am delighted to say that the mile plus all weather gallop will enable me to train horses for all distances". "I also feel it is very important that horses are not kept in stables every day, and normally every one of them will be turned out for a pick of grass in our numerous paddocks and ménages which are available for this purpose". "All owners and horses in my care are treated as individuals and their needs are catered for individually by myself and my team of staff who are conscientious and dedicated". "I am looking forward to building on our success, and I am sure this will be realised because we all work together as a team and we love what we are doing". Graham Mash - Travelling Head Lad
Graham was born in Hemel Hempstead, when he left school in 1979 he joined William Hastings-Bass (Lord Huntingdon) where he worked for 18 months. Leaving in 1981 he went to the Apprentice School, thanks to Ann Cochrane whose father Johnny Gilbert used to run it. Graham joined Ken Ivory at Harper Lodge in May 1981 and signed Apprentice forms in 1982, having three rides that year. He rode his first winner in 1984 on Gentle Star, winning by 6 lengths despite putting up 10lbs overweight at 8st 11lb. His second winner was on the yard stalwart Dawns Delight, being the last leg of the old ITV seven. Graham's third and final winner was on Another Angus owned by Dean, beating Willie Carson by a short head and so depriving him of his 100th winner of the season. In 1986 Graham gave up race riding and became traveling head lad. He can drive the horse box up to 50,000 miles per year traveling all over the country.
Chris Scally - Assistant Trainer Chris is possibly the quietest member of the team, his experience and knowledge of horses ensures that the yard runs smoothly at all times.
Mike Smith - Office Administration Mike's background was in banking, so when opportunity to work in the racing industry arose he grabbed it with both hands. His main interest away from racing is sailing.
Jean Wallace - Veterinary & Welfare Jean has been in the post of Head Girl for over twenty-one years and her knowledge of Equine Veterinary and Welfare makes her an important member of the team.
More information to follow.
Don's main love is jump racing, but as he loves to be around horses whenever he can, he will often be seen helping out with the yard duties. He was the proud owner of "Summer Joy" who is trained in our yard. He did previously own a very promising chaser "Follow Me", trained in the Cotswolds by Jonjo O'Neill.
More information to follow.
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During school holidays she did work experience for H Thompson Jones, riding and looking after the elderly but still great Tingle Creek. She went to British Racing School in 1989 and then to Lambourn to work for Tim Thompson Jones at a very exciting time as Pukka Major ran in the Grand National in 1990.
Leander purchased Mister Clinton when a decision was made that he would have an honourable retirement from racing following a win at the age of 8. He will certainly be missed in the yard but it's always great to know that when horses retire they find a great home to see out their years.
Marc Vandenabbeele - Assistant Travelling Head Lad Marc was born in the carnival town of Aalst in Belgium.
Later he picked up the strings again in Belgium, this time in the different area of trotting. He did this for 7 years doing the driving as an amateur. He became involved in training and building up his own yard of 16 horses which was very successful. Following a move to England he worked for 4 years in the in the pub business progressing to manager during which time he met his lovely wife, Judy whom he married last April.
Ambition: To further develop his career and to get more involved in training
Michelle joined us from the Land of the Long White Cloud...New Zealand.
More information to follow.
Vicky joined the team straight from college where she took a business studies courses. She has been around horses for as long as she can remember.
Has recently joined our team. |
