RICHARD SIMPSON - HEAD LAD
Richard is one of our longest serving members of staff, having started here way back in 1990. He is an invaluable member of the team as he knows the place inside out and also rides Juniper Girl in her exercise when she is in training. He describes his best moment in racing as getting up unscathed after jumping off Juniper Girl when the bridle snapped two furlongs into a piece of work recently. His hobbies include sex, golf and football. He lives with his wife Debbie, their three children and dog Poppy in a house on the yard. Richard’s horse to follow for this season is REDFORD.
TIM DENNIS - ASSISTANT TRAINER
Tim joined us in March having been with Phillip Hobbs as his Assistant Trainer for just under four years. Tim is a keen golfer and whilst representing Somerset County he reduced his handicap to 5, which has put the fear into M. Bell who has been reluctant to challenge him to a game. Tim spent three months in Australia in 2006 in Melbourne work riding with leading Australian jump jockey Steven Pateman for Australian Grand National winning trainer Chris Hyland. Tim's horse to follow for this season is ART CONNOISSEUR.
TWYRON LLOYD JONES – 2nd HEAD LAD
Twyron previously worked here from 2002 - 2004 before returning in early 2006. He was promoted to Second Head Lad later that spring and has taken to the task with great professionalism. Twyron looked after crack two year old Nevisian Lad when he won the July Stakes in 2003, which he rates as one of his highlights in racing. In his spare time Twyron is most likely to be found looking after his young son Bryn who he has at weekends when he is not working. His favourite horse in the yard is Metaphoric who he rides most days. Twyron looks after Bin End and his horses to follow for this season are both METAPHORIC and HOUSE OF LORDS
NICOLA JONES –RACING SECRETARY
Nicola has worked for Michael Bell in a couple of different capacities, returning to the yard as secretary in 2001, having previously worked in the office at James Fanshawe’s yard. Nicola is a key member of the team, keeping the boss in check and answering the phone with her cheery "Good Morning Fitzroy House". She is also responsible for taking the excellent photos which are displayed on the website. Outside of work Nicola devotes much of her time to walking and looking after her two very spoilt spaniels, Smartie and Fudge. Nicola's horse to follow for this season is the STRAVINSKY ex PEANUT GALLERY.
HELEN CAVANAGH - ACCOUNTS SECRETARY
Helen has now returned to work after being off for ten months on maternity leave having given birth to her gorgeous son Jack back in April. Helen is a trained nursery nurse and was doing this up until she joined the team at Fitzroy House as the accounts secretary back in January 2004. Helen recently moved into her new home which is a Dutch barge moored on the river and her partner Fletch built this from scratch. They are now in the process of a new project which is building a narrow boat. Helen is a natural at motherhood and when she is not looking after Jack she enjoys going to the gym, shopping and eating out. Helen's horse to follow for this season is NIGHT KNIGHT.
ROY THORPE - TRAVELLING HEAD LAD
Roy is another long-standing member of the team, having joined the ranks back in 1992. His duties include driving the horses to the races and being responsible for the runners during their day at the sports. Before trying his hand with racehorses, Roy served his time in The Kings Troop, where he picked up his nickname ‘The Bombardier’. Earlier this year he married fellow employee Caroline Thorpe and they live happily together in a house in Red Lodge with their dog Snoopy. Roy's horse to follow for this season is JUST LIKE A WOMAN.
GILLIAN DOLMAN - 2nd TRAVELLING HEAD GIRL
Gilly was originally Nanny to the Bells and can lay claim to having had a hand in raising Alex and Amy Bell. She later transferred to the yard and as a groom before resuming her current position of Travelling Head Girl. Gill takes pride in her work and her plaiting often wins ‘Best Turned Out’ awards. She has a disobedient Beagle dog named Flash, who often accompanies her on her travels. Whilst Gill is busy walking the track, Flash can normally be found looking for scraps in the Stable Lad’s canteen! Gilly looks after Spice Route, Oat Cuisine and Ruby (The Hack). Horse to follow for this season is SPICE ROUTE.
CHRIS CONWAY – FEEDMAN & 3rd TRAVELLING HEAD LAD
Chris has worked at the yard for sixteen years. He is known on the Northern Racing circuit as Yorkie and wherever you go he has friends and you are guaranteed a good night out. He divides his time by doing the travelling and he is also our ‘feed man’. During the season when he is not racing he rides out regularly and also can be seen around town on his bike cycling up to Warren Hill to chase the jibbers on to the canter. He certainly is a character and always has a story to tell. His poor wife Yvonne who must have the patience of a saint deserves a medal for putting up with him as they have been married for 42 years. Chris looks after Piquante and his horse to follow for this season is FURNACE.
BECKY GRAY – 4th TRAVELLING HEAD GIRL
Becky started with us in January of 2006. She divides her time between working in the yard and looking after her three horses and doing the spare travelling. She has also been a very good substitute in riding out Red Evie when Mrs Bell is away and also she was a great help last year when Chris Hough broke his leg taking the filly to the races. She has a lovely golden Labrador called Roxy and she can often be seen as a co-pilot on the long trips to the races when Becky drives. Rebecca looks after Sea Chorus, Maryqueenofscots and Milanollo Rebecca’s horse to follow for this season is DANCING ABBIE.
IAN SMITH – 5th TRAVELLING HEAD LAD
Ian joined us in February of this year. He is an asset to have in the yard as before he joined us he was travelling head lad to George Margarson and so if we need another box driver in the middle of the season he can drive the box. He has a little white dog called Dill who is great mates with the boss’s dog Rodney. Dill can often be found in the kitchen eating Rodney and Fudge Bell’s food when the boss leaves the kitchen door open. Ian is a big Chelsea fan (sad bloke!) and will certainly be keen to meet Ashley Cole when he comes to the yard. Ian looks after La Adelita, Savannah Poppy and African Flight, his horse to follow for this season is THE BETCHWORTH KID.
MICK STOKES – YARDMAN
Mick Stokes is well known in Newmarket and he has numerous nicknames such as ‘Milk it Mick’ and the ‘Bag Man’. He reached retirement age in March but we are hoping that he will carry on working as he is an amazing character to have around. The only time he is in a strop is when people fail to turn in for work or when his beloved Billy Goat that hoovers up the yard is broken. Mick is an avid Birmingham City fan and when they were relegated in the 2005/2006 season he had a large wager on them that they would return to the premiership as winners of the championship in 2006/2007. He was due to win a substantial amount of money but sadly Sunderland just piped them to the post. Mick currently looks after Hoh Mike, Red Linnet and Silk Gallery. His horse to follow for this season is HOH MIKE.
DAVE MURRAY – FULL TIME GROOM
Dave Murray is another of our long serving members of staff. He started at Fitzroy House in the January of 1989 and in this year he looked after the horse that launched the Governors career, Pass the Peace. Over the years Dave has looked after numerous good horses and with his experience on the gallops, he is a great asset to have. Dave is a massive Glasgow Rangers supporter and he lives in the flat in the yard with Joe Smith who is a big Celtic Fan. Thankfully this has not caused them to have any differences of opinions over who is the best team - yet! Dave likes to socialize and his favourite drinking house is the Forresters Club in Newmarket, where on his weekend off he likes to go and watch the football and racing. He is also a very good cook and there are often delicious smells coming from his flat. Dave looks after Writingonthewall, Eddie Boy and Garter Knight and his horse to follow for this season is WRITINGONTHEWALL.
JIM PARKER – FULL TIME GROOM
Jim Parker is a real horseman. He started with us in 2000 and left in 2004 and went to James Eustace's to give him the benefit of his experience. He started back with us in November of 2006 and he has been a great help breaking the yearlings in and riding out. He always seems to find a horse that he thinks is a world beater and as soon as this happens the particular horse becomes a pampered pet and Jim takes over training them. When he was here last time it was Topkamp and it has to be said that he did do a fantastic job with her. The current horse that Jim has taken a shine to is Summers Lease who is a very nice filly by Pivotal. Jim hobbies are pool, cards, darts and he follows that team up north called Newcastle United! Some of the lads take the mickey out of him calling him a ‘Macam’ as we are all sure that he originates from Sunderland. Jim looks after Topazes, Ramprakash and Red Horse and his horse to follow for this season is SUMMERS LEASE.
KEVIN MCEVOY - FULL TIME GROOM
Not to be confused with the top jockey of a very similar name! Kevin has been with us since January 1992 and is a very loyal member of staff. He never has a day of sick and looks after his horses really well. He has a wealth of experience in racing and has been on many good outings over the years with his horses. He has been lucky enough to look after some good horses during his time at Fitzroy House. Kevin looks after Dancing Abbie, Shaker and Bubses Boy and his horse to follow for this season is DANCING ABBIE.
IAN HUGHES – FULL TIME GROOM
Ian Hughes started with us in August of 2006. He now rides most of the work in the yard as he has worked for a lot of the top trainers and is a very good rider and has a great wealth of knowledge. Ian’s hobbies include fishing, drinking and socializing. He also likes to spend the odd evening dancing at De Nero’s. His favourite racecourse is Chester as it is a nice track, the accommodation is okay and it provides a good evening out. Ian looks after Ink Spot, Wood Chorus and the Stravinsky ex Peanut Gallery and his horse to follow for this season is HOUSE OF LORDS.
MALIN HOLMBERG – FULL TIME GROOM
Malin joined us from the British Racing School after doing the 9 week course. She has settled in well after arriving over here from Sweden. Her hobbies include going out with friends, going to the cinema and listening to music. She was unlucky this year as her horses kept finishing in second place but she was lucky when Dresden Doll won for her and then Khandala. She rides very well and looks to have a rosy future at Fitzroy House. Malin looks after Dresden Doll, Goldrenched and Aura and her horse to follow for this season is AUNT NICOLA.
MATTHEW MORGAN – FULL TIME GROOM
Matthew started with us in September of 2002 after leaving Nick Littmoden’s yard. Matthew like Anna is very lucky with his horses and they always seem to win for him each year. This year he has named his horses himself and we have Big G (Gold Prospect) and Big H (Highland Legacy). Matthew also has a horse of his own that was an ex racehorse called I’m Back Again which he regularly competes and hunts at weekends on. Matthew’s hobbies include football,l both playing and watching. He is a big Norwich supporter and he enjoys going to De Nero's on a Saturday evening. Mathew looks after Highland Legacy, Gold Prospect and Profumo Affair and his horse to follow for this season HIGHLAND LEGACY.
EMMA BAILEY – FULL TIME GROOM
Emma is another member of our staff to work in the Yard pub. She joined us from Michael Jarvis’s in January of 2006. She is a quiet girl who works hard and does her horses really well. She also has a miniature Dashound called Cocoa who is very cute and she brings her into work most evenings. Emma is due to start maternity leave and is due to have her first child later in the year. Emma likes to go out clubbing and enjoying herself and likes to play pool. Emma looks after Montrachet, Top Draw and Amber Moon and her horse to follow for this season is MONTRACHET.
ROBERT JASIK - FULL TIME GROOM
Robert started at Fitzroy House back in December of 2004 from the Czech Republic. In his first season he was lucky enough to look after Eddie Jock who won 4 races for him and these included the Britannia at Royal Ascot. Robert is an asset to have around the place, he is hard working, constantly happy and always has a smile on his face. Robert looks after Regime, The Betchworth Kid and Barbary Boy and his horse to follow is BARBARY BOY.
TOM HEMSLEY - FULL TIME GROOM
Tom joined us in December 2007 after completing the 9 week course at the British Racing School. Since he has arrived, Tom's riding seems to have improved all the time and he is a very pleasant hardworking lad to have around the yard. He is a big Aston Villa fan and goes to watch them play whenever he can. Tom looks after Halfway House, Lochan Mor and Art Connoisseur and his horse to follow is ART CONNOISSEUR.
MICHAEL GREIG – FULL TIME GROOM
Michael Greig joined the Fitzroy team in February 2005. He is originally from South Africa. Micky Jo as he is now known in the yard, his hobbies include football and he is a big Chelsea fan. He also likes sleeping and going to De Nero’s at the weekend. He is currently learning to drive and although has passed his theory test sadly failed his driving test and is now all geared up to take it again. Micky Jo looks after Metaphoric, King's Bastion and Honky Tonk Sally and his horse to follow this season is METAPHORIC.
CAROLINE THORPE – FULL TIME GROOM
Caroline started with us in 2006 having worked for Terry Mills in Epsom. She married our Travelling Head Lad Roy Thorpe in February 2007. Caroline's hobbies include knitting, sewing, baking, reading and taking Snoopy for a walk. Snoopy seems to get more attention than Roy! She does her horses well and this year she had was lucky enough to look after Gull Wing (nickname Seagull), Justlikeawoman and Star Choice who will be a nice horse next season. Caroline looks after Gull Wing, Just Like A Woman and Star Choice and her horse to follow for this season is GULL WING.
JOE SMITH – FULL TIME GROOM
Joe Smith has been with us for what seems like forever. He left once only to return back to us. Joe also works in the local pub called the Yard which is often drunk in by the Bell Staff. He looked after Shabernak for many years and it was really sad to see the horse leave the yard but he has now been re-homed by the Moorcroft Rehabilitation Centre for retired racehorse. Joe’s hobbies are pool, cards and socializing. Joe look after Summer's Lease, Advisor and Bright Wire and his horse to follow for this season is RAMPRAKASH.
SAMRAN AKHTER – FULL TIME GROOM
Samran joined us in January 2006. He came over from Pakistan with his brothers and they all live together and work in town. Samran is a lovely lad and always heads off for a couple of months back home and always comes back and spoils everyone with lots of presents. He looked after Badalona last year who finally won when sadly Samran had returned home. Samran looks after Badalona, Ballantrae and Artsu and his horse to follow for this season is BADALONA.
MICK ANDREWS – FULL TIME GROOM
Mick started with us in January 2006 firstly as a yardman and then after getting his weight right down started riding out for us. He is a big fan of jump racing and recently schooled Rawdon over the hurdles when the jockey failed to turn up. He did a fantastic job and later told M. Bell that he had not schooled a horse since 1973! His hobbies include golf, snooker and watching racing. Mick looks after Mezzanisi, Furnace and Allied Powers and his horse to follow for this season is MEZZANISI.
VICTORIA NICHOLLS - FULL TIME GROOM
Vicky joined us in January of this year having worked for Michael Jarvis and Terry Clement. She has only been with us for a short time but is already a popular member of staff - it could be that other staff members are slightly wary of her as she has taken up Kick Boxing which takes place twice a week at the Astley Club in Newmarket. Vicki looks after Fly Free, Payne Relief and the Alhaarth Ex Pilgrim's Way and her horse to follow for this season is LOVEINANELEVATOR.
YURIY ROZSTRUSNYY - FULL TIME GROOM
Yuriy is from the Ukraine and joined us just before Christmas after leaving Clive Brittain's yard in Newmarket. For a short while his girlfriend Katerina worked whilst she waited to take up her position with Darley. Yuriy is a good horseman and is a very pleasant member of staff to have working for you. He does his horses well and always has a smile on his face. Yuriy looks after Great Charm, Bahamian Babe and Dove Mews and his horse to follow for this season is HALFWAY HOUSE.
MARTINA HALLENHEIM – FULL TIME GROOM
Martina has only recently joined us from the British Racing School. Like Malin she was born in Sweden and what is nice is that these two both share a house together. Martina is a girl who is always smiling and is never in a bad mood she is a real pleasure to have around. Martina’s hobbies are reading, hanging out with friends, listening to music and going to the cinema. Martina looks after Redford, Sofonisba and Steel Free and her horse to follow for this season is CALYPSO CHARMS.
SERGEY SHESTAKOV - FULL TIME GROOM
Sergey is from Russia and he joined us at the begining of the year having worked up in Doncaster for John Balding. Sergey is a very talented horseman who rides very well. He can often be seen running round Newmarket Heath to keep fit. Sergey looks after Far Gone, Loveinanelevator and Gunnadoit and his horse to follow for this season is FURNACE.
BLANCA SARINOVA - FULL TIME GROOM
Blanca is from the Czech Republic and she joined us in January of this year having ridden out for us before whilst visiting her good friend Zuzanna who also work in the yard. Blanca rides very well and has been round horses for many years. She has a great knowledge of horsemanship and is a delight to have at Fitzroy House. She lives not far from the yard with her dog Shiney. She looks after Night Knight, Secret Society and Red Zoe and her horse to follow for this season is SECRET SOCIETY
RIASAT ALI - FULL TIME GROOM
Riasat Ali or Ali as he is known in the yard arrived at Fitzroy House from his native Pakistan. He rides well and is a very good worker around the yard. He is a popular member of staff and does his horses very well Ali looks after Direct Debit, Red Expresso And The Mujadil ex Waaedah and his horse to follow for this season is EDDIE BOY.
ANNA KAMPER BLOWER - FULL TIME GROOM
Anna started with us back in January 2004. She left the yard in November of last year to travel for three months to Australia and only recently returned. She is very lucky with her horses and last year she looked after Juniper Girl who went on to win the Northumberland Plate for her. She also looked after Redford before she left who also won for her. Anna has also worked for Peter Harris, Alan King and Norma Macauley. She currently looks after Golden Bishop, Earthshine and the Dr Fong ex Merewood. She will also look after Juniper Girl when she comes back in later in the year. Anna's horse to follow for this season is JUNIPER GIRL.
SO CHARMS.
BEN MORRIS - FULL TIME GROOM
Ben joined us just over a month ago having completed the British Racing School’s 9 week course. He did some work experience with Julia Feilden before attending the course and this was the first time that he had sat on a horse. He has fitted into life at Fitzroy well and although he has already fallen off Red Horse twice in one day his riding is improving all the time. Ben currently looks after Italian Goddess, Miss Brown To You and Lizzie Wiggins. His horse to follow for this season is MISS BROWN TO YOU.
VANESSA MACDONALD - PART TIME GROOM
Vanessa used to work at Fitzroy House full time back in 2005 where she was a real asset to have as she helped out driving the box and doing the spare travelling. She left us in November of that year to take up a job with Darley in the pre-training yard that they run on the Hamilton Road. She started work for us again in February of 2007 and now rides one lot out during the summer months before dashing of to Cambridge to start her full time job. Vanessa's horse to follow for this season is ARTSU.
