Charles Hazel Pratt, born in Cheltenham in 1894, was one of 6 sons of the Cheltenham trainer Frederick Pratt senior and his wife, sister to Fred Archer. His brothers were Ormonde, killed in 1915, Ernest Hayward, killed in 1917, Arthur Wyndham, died in 1920, Fred, a jockey and later distinguished Lambourn racehorse trainer, and William Archer, a jockey who dead-heated in the Cesarewitch on Cypria. Charles began training in Lambourn before he was appointed trainer for Baron Edouard de Rothschild in May 1931 and travelled to France. When he returned to England in 1932 he built Uplands Stables, at that point consisting of 26 boxes, and trained for J A de Rothschild, amongst others, at Uplands Stables. At Epsom on 20th April 1937 Charlie recorded a famous victory with his grey horse Grey Monarch, owned by J Hart, a London businessman, and ridden by Gordon Richards. Today, in 2022, there is a specific race set aside for greys because of the wonderful spectacle which they provide, but back in 1937 it was less common. The iron-grey Grey Monarch beat the lighter grey Grey Flush, owned by A Sainsbury, with a dark grey Gloriana, owned by S Roy in third. Charlie was still notching up winners after the start of the Second World War, winning the Brook Steeplechase at Gatwick with J A de Rothschild's Luxborough, and who knows what the horse might have achieved in a Grand National had the race been transferred to Gatwick, as it had been during the First World War, rather than being postponed. Straight after the War ended Charlie was purchasing horses at the high end of the market. At the Newmarket Bloodstock Sales in November 1945 he bought Lord Derby's 3-year-old filly Hyades, by Derby winner Hyperion, for 7500 guineas, and Lord Rosebery's filly by Derby winner Blue Peter for the highest price of the day, 10500 guineas, beating no less an under-bidder than Prince Aly Khan. One of Charles Pratt's most loyal owners in the 1950s was D W Morris, and Charles rewarded him with a treble at 3 different courses on Monday 21st May 1956. Albi II won the prestigious George Lambton Cup at Hurst Park, Link Boy won at Chepstow, while the 49/1 treble was completed by El Grandor at Buckfastleigh.
Charlie, aged 68, and his wife Stella, and her brother, were tragically killed on Saturday 11th August 1962 in a light aircraft crash returning from Redcar races having saddled Songedor to win one of the greatest triumphs of his training career, the William Hill Gold Cup worth £6995 to the winner. The pilot, Jamaican born Rene Hadley, experienced difficult flying conditions, driving rain and low cloud, and hit high trees near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, not far from their Lambourn destination, and the Gold Trophy was found near the wreckage. Ironically, Songedor's owner, Mr H V Tyler, was not present to witness the victory having decided that flying conditions were too bad to attempt the flight. Two other people associated with Songedor, its breeders Captain James Brinsley Fitzgerald and his wife Lady Moya Fitzgerald, were killed in a car crash in Bicester, Oxfordshire in April 1962.
1937 Prince of Wales Handicap at Epsom GREY MONARCH 7/2 owned by J Hart, trained by Charlie Pratt and ridden by Gordon Richards
1939 Brook Steeplechase at Gatwick LUXBOROUGH 100/6 owned by J A de Rothschild, trained by Charlie Pratt and ridden by E C Brown
1956 George Lambton Cup at Hurst Park ALBI II 5/1 owned by D W Morris, trained by Charlie Pratt and ridden by Ken Gethin
1956 Merthyr Plate at Chepstow LINK BOY 15/8 owned by D W Morris, trained by Charlie Pratt and ridden by D W Morris
1956 Dean Prior Handicap Hurdle at Buckfastleigh EL GRANDOR 7/4 fav owned by D W Morris, trained by Charlie Pratt
1962 William Hill Gold Cup at Redcar SONGEDOR 100/8 owned by H V Tyler, trained by Charlie Pratt and ridden by T Carter
August 1962-August 1963 Ewart Gladstone Barker
Ewart Gladstone Barker was a National Hunt jockey who was based in Epsom with W Larkin for a considerable time, enjoying particular success at the London tracks. He achieved a double at Hurst Park in 1962 in the Garrett Moore Chase aboard Predial, followed by a victory on Burning Thoughts in Kingston Hurdle. After retiring from race riding he took out a trainer's licence, but in December 1954 he relinquished his licence. He then took up the post of assistant trainer to Charlie Pratt at Uplands Stables, Lambourn until the tragic, untimely death of Pratt in 1962. Ewart G Barker was then granted a temporary licence to train for a year, holding the fort at Uplands until it was sold by auction to Doug Marks.
1926 Garrett Moore Chase at Hurst Park PREDIAL 5/2 owned by Mr Goodwin, trained by W Larkin and ridden by E G Barker
1926 Kingston Hurdle at Hurst Park BURNING THOUGHTS 9/4 owned by Mrs Cornelius, trained by W Larkin and ridden by E G Barker
September 1963-1964 Doug Marks
When Uplands was put up for auction after the death of Charlie Pratt it was bought by Doug Marks, who was then training near Ascot, but was hoping to expand his operation. However, by January the next year he had still not transferred to Lambourn and reluctantly decided that Uplands was too large for him, preferring to move to Lethornes stable, also in the village between Lambourn and Upper Lambourn. Marks offered Fred Winter the chance to buy Uplands from him in a private deal, and Fred accepted the offer.
Fred Winter, born on 20th September 1926 in Andover, was the son of Classic winning jockey Fred Winter senior and spent his early years in a bungalow named Cherimoya, named in honour of his father's 1911 Epsom Oaks winner. Fred, one of 4 children, a brother named Johnny and two sisters, Sheila and Pat, was already riding out with the string aboard his pony at the age of 4, and it was clear at that early age that he would become a champion National Hunt jockey. His first ride, aged 13, was aboard Tam O'Shanter at Newbury when he was unplaced, but on 31st May 1940 he won at Salisbury on the same horse, repeating the success just two weeks later. The decision was then made for Fred to travel to Newmarket to join trainer Henri Jelliss as an apprentice at his Beverley House stables. He went on to become one of the best National Hunt riders of all time, being crowned Champion for 4 seasons, firstly in 1952-53 achieving 121 winners, and then an unbroken run of 3 consecutive titles between 1955 and 1958. He won the Gold Cup twice, in 1961 on Saffron Tartan and the next year on Mandarin; the Champion Hurdle three times, firstly in 1955 on Clair Soleil, again in 1959 on Fare Time, and finally in 1961 aboard Eborneezer; and the Grand National twice, in 1957 partnering Sundew, and in 1962 on Kilmore. However, Fred would probably say that his greatest ride was in the 1962 Grand Steeplechase de Paris at Auteuil when he partnered Gold Cup winner Mandarin. The metal bit snapped in the horse's mouth part way round, but Fred held on and guided Mandarin to victory despite the horse breaking down in the final 4 furlongs.
Fred retired from race riding in 1964 with 929 winners to his name in his 17 years as a professional jockey, and immediately turned his hand to training. Few would argue that, whatever he achieved as a jockey, he surpassed as a trainer. His most important task after retiring was to find stables where he could train, and there were few forthcoming in the Gloucestershire area where Fred, wife Diana, and their children lived at that time. The trainer he rode for regularly, Ryan Price, was serving a suspension at the time and suggested Fred could take over his Findon stables, but Fred turned down the offer. Instead, after much negotiation with Doug Marks, he purchased Uplands in a private deal and moved in in 1964. Remarkably, his first runner, and first winner, was on 21st October 1964 when an American horse, Jay Trump, who had already won the Maryland Hunt Cup twice in 1963 and 1964, triumphed at Sandown. Famously, Jay Trump 100/6 went on to win the Aintree Grand National for Mrs Mary Stevenson when ridden by Tommy Crompton Smith, earning Fred a very special place in the Aintree role of honour, riding and training a Grand National winner. Fred must have liked the feel of winning the great race because he completed the double the next year with Anglo. In a training career spanning 24 years Fred won 4 Champion Hurdles, most notably with Bula in 1971 and 1972, a Gold Cup in 1978 with Midnight Court, and back-to-back King George VI Chase wins with Pendil in 1972 and 1973. A full list of his principal winners is given below. In August 1987 he fell down the stairs at Uplands, causing him severe health problems, leading to the end of his training career, and he died age 77 on 5th April 2004.
Principal winners 1964-1974
1965 Aintree Grand National JAY TRUMP 100/6 owned by Mrs Mary Stevenson, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Tommy Crompton Smith
1966 Aintree Grand National ANGLO 50/1 owned by Stuart Levy, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Tim Norman
1966 Imperial Cup at Sandown ROYAL SANCTION 10/1 trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1970 Gloucestershire Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival BULA 3/1 fav owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1970 Osborne Hurdle at Windsor BULA 2/7 fav owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1970 Benson & Hedges Handicap Hurdle BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1970 Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival SOLONING trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Paul Kelleway
1970 Welsh Champion Chase at Chepstow INTO VIEW 11/8 trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Paul Kelleway
1970 Black & White Gold Cup at Ascot INTO VIEW 4/1 trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Paul Kelleway
1971 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival BULA 15/8 fav owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Paul Kelleway
1971 Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival CRISP owned by Sir Charles Manifold, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1971 Mill House Hurdle BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1971 Kingwell Hurdle BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1971 Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Paul Kelleway
1971 Skeaping Trophy Hurdle BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1972 Cheltenham Trial Hurdle at the Cheltenham BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1972 Osborne Hurdle BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1972 Kingwell Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1972 Cathcart Chase at the Cheltenham Festival SOLONING trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1972 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival BULA 8/11 fav owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Paul Kelleway
1972 Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival PENDIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1972 Welsh Champion Chase PENDIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1972 Black & White Whiskey Gold Cup PENDIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1972 Benson & Hedges Chase PENDIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1972 King George VI Chase at Kempton PENDIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1973 Imperial Cup at Sandown LANZAROTE 5/2 fav owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1973 Black & White Whiskey Gold Cup BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1973 Benson & Hedges Novices Chase BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1973 Champion Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival KILLINEY trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1973 Mill House Hurdle BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1973 Massey Ferguson Gold Cup at Cheltenham PENDIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1973 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton LANZAROTE owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1973 King George VI Chase at Kempton PENDIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1974 Cathcart Chase at the Cheltenham Festival SOOTHSAYER trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1974 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival LANZAROTE 7/4 owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
Principal winners 1975-1979
1975 Sun Alliance Novices Chase at Cheltenham PENGRAIL trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1975 Fairlawne Chase BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1975 Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow LANZAROTE trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Pitman
1975 Sundew Chase BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1975 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton LANZAROTE owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1976 Fairlawne Chase BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1976 Sundew Chase BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1976 Gainsborough Chase BULA owned by Captain Bill Edwards-Heathcote, trained by Fred Winter
1977 Coral Golden Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival OUTPOINT trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Pat O’Brien
1977 Imperial Cup at Sandown ACQUAINT 16/1 trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Nicky Henderson
1978 Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival MIDNIGHT COURT 5/2 owned by Olive Jackson, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1979 Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival VENTURE TO COGNAC trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Oliver Sherwood
1979 Cathcart Chase at the Cheltenham Festival ROLLER COASTER trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
Principal winners 1980-1987
1980 Imperial Cup at Sandown PRAYUKTA 14/1 trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1980 Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival STOPPED trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Ben De Haan
1980 Foxhunters Chase at the Cheltenham Festival ROLLS RAMBLER trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Oliver Sherwood
1981 Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival DERRING ROSE owned by Peter Savill, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1981 Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival FRIENDLY ALLIANCE trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1982 Sun Alliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival BROWN CHAMBERLAIN trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1982 Mackeson Gold Cup at Cheltenham FIFTY DOLLARS MORE trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Linley
1982 Massey Ferguson Gold Cup at Cheltenham OBSERVE owned by R E A Bott Ltd trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1983 Cathcart Chase at the Cheltenham Festival OBSERVE owned by R E A Bott Ltd trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1983 Massey Ferguson Gold Cup at Cheltenham FIFTY DOLLARS MORE trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Linley
1983 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury BROWN CHAMBERLAIN trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Francome
1984 Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival VENTURE TO COGNAC 7/1 owned by N Sherwood, trained by Fred winter and ridden by Oliver Sherwood
1984 Mildmay of Flete Chase at the Cheltenham Festival HALF FREE 16/1 owned by Sheikh Ali Abu Kamain, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Linley
1984 Mackeson Gold Cup HALF FREE owned by Sheikh Ali Abu Kamain, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Linley
1985 Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival GLYDE COURT trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Simon Sherwood
1985 Mackeson Gold Cup HALF FREE owned by Sheikh Ali Abu Kamain, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Richard Linley
1986 Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival GLYDE COURT trained by Fred Winter and ridden by John Queally
1986 Cathcart Chase at the Cheltenham Festival HALF FREE trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Simon Sherwood
1986 Whitbread Gold Cup PLUNDERING trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Simon Sherwood
1987 Cathcart Chase at the Cheltenham Festival HALF FREE owned by Sheikh Ali Abu Kamain, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Peter Scudamore
1987 Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival OBSERVE 14/1 owned by R E A Bott Ltd, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Charlie Brookes
1987 Mecca Bookmakers Hurdle CELTIC SHOT 6/4 fav trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Peter Scudamore
1988 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival CELTIC SHOT 7/1 owned by David Horton, trained by Fred Winter and ridden by Peter Scudamore
1987-April 1998 Charlie Brooks
Charles Patrick Evelyn Brooks, born in Chipping Norton on 3rd March 1963, was the youngest child of Robert and Diana Brooks (nee Todd). He was educated at Eton College and then became an amateur jockey and assistant trainer to Fred Winter at Upland Stables. In 1987 he rode Observe 14/1, owned by R E A Bott Ltd, to victory in the Christie's Foxhunters Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Shortly afterwards Fred Winter fell down the stairs at Upland, sustaining life-changing injuries, and Brooks kept the stables ticking over before taking out his own licence in 1989. Upland Stables was owned by Andrew Cohen who appointed Charlie Brooks to train for him. In July 1994 Brooks took charge of a grey horse named Suny Bay and promptly guided the horse to 3 consecutive wins. He won the 1995 Hennessy Gold Cup with Couldn't Be Better and two years later won the race again, this time with Suny Bay. The grey Suny Bay was unlucky enough to finish runner-up in both the 1997 and 1998 Grand Nationals, firstly beaten by Lord Gyllene in the race which had to be staged on a Monday after the original race was abandoned due to a bomb scare, and then beaten by Earth Summit. After retiring from the training ranks, when Simon Sherwood replaced him at Uplands, Brooks was reinstated as a trainer in 2011.
1994 Weedon Novices Chase at Towcester SUNY BAY 5/2 fav owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Dean Gallagher
1994 Fairview Homes Novices Chase at Ascot COULDN'T BE BETTER 5/2 fav owned by R A B Whittle, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Richard Dunwoody
1994 Whirlpool Novices Chase at Towcester SUNY BAY 5/2 owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Dean Gallagher
1995 Steve Smith Eccles Handicap Chase at Cheltenham COULDN'T BE BETTER 4/1 jt fav owned by R A B Whittle, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
1995 Westminster Novices Chase at Warwick SUNY BAY 11/10 fav owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
1995 Silver Fox Handicap Chase at Towcester SUNY BAY 9/4 fav owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
1995 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury COULDN'T BE BETTER 15/2 owned by R A Whittle, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Dean Gallagher
1996 Brown Chamberlain Handicap Chase at Newbury SUNY BAY 11/4 owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
1997 Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock SUNY BAY 7/2 owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Jamie Osborne
1997 Aintree Grand National runner-up SUNY BAY 8/1 owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Jamie Osborne
1997 Edward Hanmer Memorial Handicap Chase at Haydock SUNY BAY 100/30 owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
1997 Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park COULDN'T BE BETTER 7/1 owned by R A B Whittle, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Richard Dunwoody
1997 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury SUNY BAY 9/4 fav owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
1998 Aintree Grand National runner-up SUNY BAY 11/1 owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
May 1998-2002 Simon Sherwood (Top Yard)
Simon Edward Harlakanden Sherwood, born on 19th March 1958, is the younger brother of Lambourn trainer Oliver Sherwood, the pair being introduced to racing from an early age because their parents were successful point-to-point riders. Simon rode professionally for 8 years, notching up more than 350 winners, riding for David Elsworth and Fred Winter. Between 1985 and 1986 he enjoyed two extraordinary lucky breaks, the first in November 1985 when Champion jockey John Francome announced his retirement, because Fred Winter then promoted Simon as his jockey at Upland stables. His second stroke of luck came on Boxing Day 1986 when he was second choice jockey for David Elsworth in that years King George VI Stakes. Elsworth saddled Combs Ditch, runner-up in 1985 behind Wayward Lad, and the grey Desert Orchid. Stable jockey Colin Brown chose the more favoured Combs Ditch, so Simon had to settle for the unfancied Desert Orchid 16/1, winning the race and cementing a once in a lifetime partnership with the extraordinary grey horse loved by the entire nation. Simon rode 7 Cheltenham Festival winners during his career, including a double in 1989 on Barnbrook Again in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and more famously aboard Desert Orchid in the Gold Cup. He won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in 1988 on Floyd, the 1989 Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr on Aldino, and a second King George VI in 1988 on Desert Orchid. He retired from race riding in May 1989 and successfully applied for a trainer's licence, enjoying early success when Duke of Monmouth won the 1992 Triumph Hurdle at the festival. He invested over £3/4 million building the impressive Summerdown Stables in East Ilsley and all seemed to be going well until the stable suffered badly from a virus, before a recession finally put paid to his business model and he had to cut his losses. In December 1996 the persistent virus stopped brother Simon's career in its tracks, but rather than give up training, his entire string was transferred from the East Garston stables to Rhonehurst to join forces with Oliver. At the time the Jockey Club only allowed one name on the licence, and that was Oliver's. In 1998 the Sherwood brother's father Nat died leaving an estate valued at £3 million. Uplands owner, Andrew Cohen, decided to replace Charlie Brooks with Simon Sherwood in May 1998 and Simon inherited the stable star, Suny Bay, winning the Edward Hanmer Memorial Handicap Chase and Tommy Whittle Chase, both at Haydock. After a couple of years in the Stables, in november 2000 Andrew Cohen decided to sell Uplands, leaving Sherwood with an uncertain future, but it was sold to a permit trainer, Lavinia Taylor, who agreed for Sherwood to continue at the Stables. However, he only rented half the yard, Cohen had taken all of his horses away, and Simon trained about 20 horses, which was once again a financial challenge, and Simon decided to retire from the training ranks, choosing a Worcestershire farm instead.
1998 Edward Hanmer Memorial Handicap Chase at Haydock SUNY BAY 2/1 fav owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Simon Sherwood and ridden by Graham Bradley
1998 Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock SUNY BAY 4/11 fav owned by Uplands Bloodstock, trained by Simon Sherwood and ridden by Graham Bradley
2000-2006 Mrs L C Taylor (House Yard)
In 2000 Mrs L C Taylor took over the House Yard at Uplands, training some of her own horses and others which were publicly owned. She remained at Uplands for 6 years and enjoyed particular success in the final year with Jaloux d'Estruval, Monte Cristo and Montgermont. By 2006 Stan Moore had taken over both House and Top Yards.
2006 Weatherbys Printing Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter JALOUX D'ESTRUVAL 3/1 owned by Mrs D Johnston, trained by Mrs L C Taylor and ridden by Andrew Thornton
2006 Guinness Draught Apprentice Hurdle at Lingfield MONTE CRISTO 17/2 owned by Mrs D Johnston, trained by Mrs L C Taylor and ridden by Neil Chalmers
2006 Reynoldstown Novices Chase at Lingfield MONTGERMONT 17/2 owned and trained by Mrs L C Taylor and ridden by Mark Bradburne
2006 Beginners Chase at Exeter MONTGERMONT 7/2 owned and trained by Mrs L C Taylor and ridden by Mark Bradburne
2006 Bet Direct Handicap at Wolverhampton MONTE CRISTO 12/1 owned by Mrs D Johnston, trained by Mrs L C Taylor and ridden by Chris Catlin
John William Hills, oldest son of Barry and Maureen Hills, was born on 25th September 1960 and was followed 3 years later by twins Michael and Richard. While the twins forged careers as jockeys, John remained a keen amateur jockey and became an adept trainer. His earliest ride as an amateur was at the age of 16 when partnering Matinale (5/1) to success in the historic 306th Newmarket Town Plate on Thursday 14th October 1976, defeating Marie Tinkler on Rowdy Elf. At that time the Town Plate was still recognisable from the Articles presented by King Charles II in 1665, with the first running taking place in 1666. The 1976 version was still run on the second Thursday in October over the Round Course, although it was impractical to run the race in heats. By 2006 the decision makers abandoned the sacred second Thursday in October for an August date, and some purists thought it marked the end of the Town Plate's links with King Charles II. In 2022 it was run in July, not over the Round Course but over just 2 miles, making it literally half the race which King Charles had decreed. John's first ride under the Rules of Racing was aboard Humdoleila (4/7 fav) at Redcar on Tuesday 1st August 1978 in the Rosedale Amateur Riders Stakes which he won by 4 lengths. It was the first of his 21 winning rides, the best of which was aboard the Josh Gifford trained Lumen in the 1979 Moet & Chandon Silver Magnum at Epsom. However, it was always more likely that the twins would become successful jockeys while John was destined to join the training ranks. He enjoyed a good grounding in the art of training through Eddie O'Grady, Tom Jones at Newmarket, John Gosden and Colin Hayes in Australia before becoming assistant to Barry at South Bank Stables. When his father was offered the prestigious job at Manton in November 1986 John oversaw the stables for a short time before taking on the trainers license in early 1987, marrying Fiona in the same year, the marriage being blessed with 4 daughters, Jessica, Olivia, Martha and Isabella. He quickly marked his arrival to the training ranks with a win by Sanamer in the April Maiden Mile at Pontefract on 23rd April 1987 when partnered by his brother Michael. Although he had limited success in high profile races during his time at South Bank, he later won the 1993 Old Newton Cup with Glide Path, the 1994 Chester Vase with Broadway Flyer, the 1995 Group 1 Aral-Pokal in Germany with Wind in her Hair, the 1996 Newbury Spring Cup with Royal Philosopher, the 1999 Hong Kong Mile with Docksider and his sole Royal Ascot success in the 2000 Queen Alexandra Stakes with Dominant Duchess. In late 1990 Barry Hills time at Manton came to an end and he needed to reclaim his old South Bank Stables, so John moved elsewhere in Lambourn to the Hill House yard which Paul Cole had once trained successfully. He remained at Hill House Stables for 7 years before transferring to The Croft, Upper Lambourn. He also took on Uplands Stables Top Yard from 2001 until 2003.
2004-2005 David J Flood (Top Yard)
David Flood was assistant to Kevin McAuliffe during that trainer's brief spell in Saudi Arabia training for the Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. When the pair returned, Kevin to a farm in Faringdon, David successfully applied for a trainer's licence and leased the Top Yard at Uplands Stables, replacing John Hills. He trained there until 2005 and then had a disagreement with his principal owner Mark Serrell, and decided to give up his licence, but later rejoined the training ranks.
2005-2006 Kevin McAuliffe (Top Yard)
Kevin McAuliffe, former assistant to Paul Cole, began training in Lambourn in 1994, basing himself at Delamere Cottage on the Folly Road., and managing double figures winners in his first two seasons. In 1996 he gained his first winner abroad when General Song landed the Premio Stratford at Capannelle, Rome. His most high-profile winner during that initial training spell was Tippitt Boy 33/1 winning the 1997 Norfolk Stakes at the Royal Ascot meeting. Kevin had left Delamere Cottage by 2002 and was appointed as trainer to Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, training more than 160 horses for the Prince in Saudi Arabia. Initially he was given a two-year contract, and trained over 50 winners in the first season, placing him second in the trainers table behind Jerry Barton, but it was mutually agreed that his contract should end after a year. He returned to the UK to take on a dairy farm, spread over 100 acres, in Faringdon, Oxfordshire. He applied for a Flat and National Hunt trainers licence in 2004, training from his farm. Between 2005 and 2006 he returned to Lambourn to take on the Top Yard at Uplands Stables.
1996 Premio Stratford in (Capannelle) Rome GENERAL SONG (no odds returned) owned and trained by Kevin McCauliffe and ridden by F Javine
1997 Kenilworth Auction Stakes at Warwick TIPPITT BOY 16/1 owned by Highgrove Developments, trained by Kevin McAuliffe and ridden by John Reid
1997 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot TIPPITT BOY 16/1 owned by Highgrove Developments, trained by Kevin McAuliffe and ridden by John Reid
1998 EBF Milcars Watford Stakes at Kempton CHAMPAGNE RIDER 8/1 owned by Highgrove Developments Ltd, trained by Kevin McAuliffe and ridden by John Reid
1998 New England Conditions Stakes at Kempton CHAMPAGNE RIDER 7/4 fav owned by Highgrove Developments Ltd, trained by Kevin McAuliffe and ridden by John Reid
2006-July 2008 Stan Moore (Both Yards)
Stan Moore learnt his trade with some of the best Irish trainers, assisting both Paddy Prendergast and Vincent O’Brien, but in 1990 he decided to apply for a trainer's licence and began training in Andover in premises which had been converted from a dairy to racing stables. He remained there for 5 years before transferring to Lambourn in 1995, where he enjoyed numerous successes with Patsy Grimes. In 2006 he moved to the historic Upland stables where he spent a successful two years, notching up a notable victory with Dubai Dynamo in the valuable Two-Year-Old Trophy, and must regard Redcar as one of his luckier tracks, because he won their Two-Year-Old Trophy again in October 2008 with Total Gallery. By then Stan, and his wife Sara, niece of trainer Richard Hannon senior, had moved again, for in July 2008 they moved to Berkeley House stables, replacing Noel Chance, and achieved a landmark success in October 2009 when Total Gallery won the Prix de L'Abbaye at Longchamp on Arc day.
1996 Sutherland Handicap at Salisbury PATSY GRIMES 12/1 owned by J K Grimes, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by Richard Hughes
1996 St Brides Fillies Handicap at Chepstow PATSY GRIMES 15/2 owned by J K Grimes, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by Aimee Cook
1996 Radio Norfolk Fillies Handicap at Yarmouth PATSY GRIMES 8/1 owned by J K Grimes, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by Aimee Cook
1996 Jack Colling Apprentice Handicap at Newbury PATSY GRIMES 9/1 owned by J K Grimes, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by P P Murphy
1997 Akzo Nobel Holdings Handicap at Haydock PATSY GRIMES 5/1 owned by J K Grimes, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by P P Murphy
2004 Esher Cup at Sandown BARATHEA DREAMS 14/1 owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by John Quinn
2005 Bet Direct Handicap at Lingfield OH SO ROSIE 7/1 owned by Miss Karen Theobald, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by Derek Nolan
2005 Spring Mile Handicap at Doncaster BARATHEA DREAMS 18/1 owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by Martin Dwyer
2005 Sandown Futurity Conditions Stakes DON'T DILI DALI 11/4 owned by Peter Webb and Peter Lay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by John Quinn
2005 Storm Personnel Handicap at Sandown BARATHEA DREAMS 4/1 owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by Martin Dwyer
2006 Loro Piana Handicap at Nad Al Sheba (UAE) AZAROLE 13/2 owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by John Egan
2006 Masaka Listed Stakes at Kempton DON'T DILI DALI 12/1 owned by Peter Webb and Peter Lay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by John Egan
2006 Indore Pears Diamond Winkfield Listed Stakes at Ascot SATULAGI 10/1 owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by John Egan
2007 Frank Whittle Partnership Nursery at Doncaster DUBAI DYNAMO 11/2 owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by John Egan
2007 Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar DUBAI DYNAMO 40/1 owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, trained by Stan Moore and ridden by Dean McKeown
2008-August 2011 David Arbuthnot
David William Patrick Arbuthnot, son of Sir Hugh Fitzgerald Arbuthnot and Elizabeth Arbuthnot (nee Williams), was born on 7th March 1953 and educated at Wellington College. Having worked as assistant in a number of racing stables, he launched his training career in 1981 and, in a career which spanned more than 4 decades, he trained winners at the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. On 12th March 1988 he married Diane Yeomans, daughter of John Yeomans, and the couple had 2 children. In 1991 he gained a Royal Ascot success in the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap with Rinja. In 2002 Zucchero 33/1 gave David an unexpected victory in the early season Lincoln Handicap. One of David's favourite horses was Ringmoor Down who notched up 5 prominent wins between 2003 and 2004, including the King George Stakes at Goodwood, the Lansdown Fillies Stakes at Bath, and the Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh, by which time David was training at Saxon Gate Stables, Lambourn. Oscar Park gave David one of his highest profile successes in 2007 when landing the Pertemps Network Final at the Cheltenham Festival. Shortly afterwards he moved to Uplands Stables where he remained until 2011. He took over the reins at the Andrew Wates owned Henfold House stables, near Dorking, in August 2011, stables made famous by trainer Terry Casey who sent out Rough House to win the 1996 Grand National. David retired from the training ranks in 2019.
1991 Duke of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot RINJA 16/1 owned by Dr Omar Zawawi, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by John Lowe
2001 Ladbroke Handicap at Newbury ZUCCHERO 20/1 owned by Philip Banfield, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Pat Eddery
2002 Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster ZUCCHERO 33/1 owned by Philip Banfield, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Simon Whitworth
2003 Wokingham Trial Handicap at Kempton RINGMOOR DOWN 66/1 owned by Prof C D Green, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Dane O'Neill
2003 Stan James Rated Handicap Stakes at Newbury RINGMOOR DOWN 5/1 jt fav owned by Prof C D Green, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Dane O'Neill
2004 European Breeders Fund Lansdown Fillies Stakes at Bath RINGMOOR DOWN 11/2 co fav owned by Prof C D Green, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Dane O'Neill
2004 King George Stakes at Goodwood RINGMOOR DOWN 10/1 owned by Prof C D Green, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Richard Quinn
2004 Nolan & Brophy Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh RINGMOOR DOWN 5/2 owned by Prof C D Green, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Mick Kinane
2007 Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival OSCAR PARK 14/1 owned by George Ward, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Tom Doyle
2008 Totexacta Novice Chase at Fontwell OSCAR PARK 4/7 fav owned by George Ward, trained by David Arbuthnot and ridden by Seamus Durack
2012 Charles Egerton
In early 2012 Charles Egerton purchased Uplands Stables and used it as his training base despite buying nearby Saxon House and stables a few months later. Mark Usher, who had trained at Saxon House since 2002, initially remained there as the tenant trainer.
2012-Summer 2021 Warren Greatrex
Warren Greatrex, born in Norwich on 22nd February 1975 is the youngest son of Julian and Valerie Greatrex. His father was a farmer, while his mother taught, and the family lived in Dartmoor. He loved being around horses from an early age, taking part in activities organized by the Spooner and West Dartmoor Pony Club, but he was also an accomplished sportsman whilst at school, particularly enjoying rugby and hockey. After completing his sixth form studies he joined David Nicholson's Jackdaw Castle stables, gaining invaluable experience from a recognized master of his trade. He rode as a conditional jockey for Josh Gifford and David Gandolfo, partnering 13 winners in total, and then joined the Lambourn stable of Bryan Smart who had been training in the village since 1990. In 2002 Bryan Smart moved to Hambleton House Stables in Thirsk, but Warren wanted to remain in Lambourn. He gained further experience working for Jamie Osborne before working for Oliver Sherwood for almost a decade at Rhonehurst Stables. In 2009 he was offered the opportunity to train in his own right by racehorse owner Malcolm Denmark and took over at Weathercock House stables, made famous by Grand National and Gold Cup winning trainer Jenny Pitman. Warren remained at Weathercock House until the 2012 season when he moved further in to Lambourn, taking charge of Uplands stables which Charles Egerton had recently purchased. One of his best horses in the early years was the long distance stayer Cole Harden who won the Grade 2 2014 West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby before landing the Grade 1 Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham when ridden by Gavin Sheehan. A faithful stable servant was La Bague Au Roi who worked her way through the grades, landing the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Novices Chase at Newbury in 2018, and then going on to win the prestigious Grade 1 races, including the Kauto Star Novices Chase at Kempton and the Flogas Novices Chase at Leopardstown. In summer 2021 Warren brought his time at Uplands to an end, moving back to Rhonehurst Stables where he had spent 9 happy years with Oliver Sherwood.
2014 West Yorkshire Hurdle (Grade 2) £21,072 at Wetherby COLE HARDEN (9/4) owned by Robin & Mrs Jill Eynon, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2014 Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Grade 3) £22,780 at Wetherby DOLATULO (14/1) owned by Chasemore Farm, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Dougie Costello
2015 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade 1) £170,850 at Cheltenham COLE HARDEN (14/1) owned by Robin & Mrs Jill Eynon, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin SHeehan
2015 Doom Bar Juvenile Handicap Hurdle £25,992 at Newbury ALZAMAAR (17/2) owned by the Sandmoor Partnership, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2015 Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase £25,024 at Newbury ALOOMOMO (5/1) owned by the Large G & T Partnership, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2015 Henrietta Knight Mares NHF Race (listed) £11,390 at Huntingdon LA BAGUE AU ROI (5/6 fav) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2016 Sidney Banks Memorial Novices Hurdle (Listed) £14,860 at Huntingdon MA DU FOU (3/1) owned by Walters Plant Hire and James & Jean Potter, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2016 EBF British Stallion Studs & TBA Mares NHF Race (Listed) £11,390 at Sandown THE NIPPER (9/2) owned by Smith, Radcliffe & Bowring, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2016 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) £88,235 at Punchestown ONE TRACK MIND (10/1) owned by Andy Weller, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2016 TBA Mares Novices Hurdle (Listed) £13,968 at Newbury LA BAGUE AU ROI (5/4 fav) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Harry Bannister
2016 Neptune Investment Management NHF Race (Listed) £17,085 at Ascot WESTERN RYDER (8/1) owned by The Albatross Club, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2017 Sidney Banks Memorial Novices Hurdle (Listed) £17,085 at Huntingdon KEEPER HILL (9/2) owned by McNeill Family, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2017 Challenger Series Mares Chase Final Handicap Chase £30,950 at Haydock MAGIC MONEY (8/1) owned by Michael Fennessy, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Harry Bannister
2017 Olbg.com Mares Hurdle (Listed) £12,529 at Wetherby LA BAGUE AU ROI (10/11 fav) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Richard Johnson
2017 OLBG Mares Hurdle (Listed) £14,238 at Kempton LA BAGUE AU ROI (11/4) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Richard Johnson
2017 Bet365 December Novices Chase (Grade 2) £20,554 at Doncaster KEEPER HILL (5/2) owned by McNeill Family, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2018 The Warfield Hurdle £28,810 at Ascot LA BAGUE AU ROI (8/11 fav) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Noel Fehilly
2018 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Amateur Riders Handicap Chase £41,972 MISSED APPROACH (8/1) owned by Aland & Andrew Turner, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Mr N McParlan
2018 Weatherbys Bank Standard Open NHF Race (Grade 2) £25,322 at Aintree PORTRUSH TED (25/1) owned by the McNeill family, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2018 Ladbrokes Novices Chase (Grade 2) £22,780 at Newbury LA BAGUE AU ROI (5/4 fav) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Richard Johnson
2018 Kauto Star Novices Chase (Grade 1) £56,950 at Kempton LA BAGUE AU ROI (8/1) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Richard Johnson
2019 Brown Chamberlin Trophy £7,342 at Newbury BOB MAHLER (9/1) owned by Bolinbroke, Bunch, Howard & Sutton, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Richard Johnson
2019 Flogas Novice Chase (Grade 1) £67,568 at Leopardstown LA BAGUE AU ROI (10/11 fav) owned by Mrs Julien Turner and Andrew Merriam, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Richard Johnson
2019 Arkells Brewery Nicholson Holman Chase (Limited Handicap) £10,839 at Cheltenham BOB MAHLER (6/1) owned by Bolinbroke, Bunch, Howard & Sutton, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Daryll Jacob
2019 Racing Only Better Betfair Podcast Graduation Chase £31,569 at Haydock KEEPER HILL (18/1) owned by McNeill Family, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Adrian Heskin
2020 Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed) £14,238 at Cheltenham AUDACITY (16/1) owned by The Audacity Partnership, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
2020 Bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap Chase £28,152 at Musselburgh BOB MAHLER (9/2 jt fav) owned by Bolinbroke, Bunch, Howard & Sutton, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Adrian Heskin
2020 Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade 2) £22,887 at Haydock Park EMITOM (7/4 fav) owned by The Spero Partnership Ltd, trained by Warren Greatrex and ridden by Gavin Sheehan
March 2022-present Tom Dascombe
After Warren Greatrex departed Uplands in the Summer of 2021 the stables were made ready for their new occupants by owners Amber Varcoe and Dominic Hoult. Tom Dascombe, who began his training career in Lambourn in 2005 aged 31, having previously assisted Mike de Kock and then Ralph Beckett at Windsor House Stables, Lambourn, moved north to train successfully at Manor House Stables, owned by Michael Owen, for 12 years, including Group successes with Brown Panther who won the 2014 Irish St Leger at 14/1, the Goodwood Cup, King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the Dubai Gold Cup. The Manor House team of Michael Owen, Andrew Black, jockey Richard Kingscote and trainer Tom Dascombe decided to go their separate ways in early 2022, with Tom replaced by Hugo Palmer, and Richard Kingscote teaming up with Michael Stoute in Newmarket.
BULA (1971, 1972 Champion Hurdle, Kingwell Hurdle)
PENDIL (1972 Arkle Trophy, King George VI Chase)
LANZAROTE (1974 Champion Hurdle, 1973 Imperial Cup, Christmas Hurdle, 1975 Welsh Campion, Christmas Hurdle)
CELTIC SHOT (1988 Champion Hurdle, 1987 Mecca Hurdle)
SUNY BAY (1997 Hennessy Gold Cup, 1998 Tommy Whittle Chase, 1997, 1998 Grand National runner-up)
