Dean Ivory Racing Team 2010  (Updated 5th June 2010)

Dean Ivory - Trainer

Dean with Ambitious
Dean Ivory with Ambitious at Newbury

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 eighth 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 with Ivory Dawn at Lingfield

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-three years and her knowledge of Equine Veterinary and Welfare makes her an important member of the team. 

 

Adrian Hirons

Adrian joined our team in 2010.

 

Beata Oryszczyn

Beata joined our team in 2010.

 

David Warren

David joined our team in 2009.

  

Don O'Connor

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.

 

Emily Crossman

Emily joined our team in 2006

      

Michelle O'Connor

Michelle joined us in 2007 from the Land of the Long White Cloud and Lord of the Rings...New Zealand.

    

Natalie Byrne

Natalie joined our team in 2010

 

Nicola Woodthorpe

Nicola joined our team in 2010

 

Sagir Sayyed

Sagir joined our team in 2008.

 

Vicky Sharpe

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.