Key Staff

A previous editor of Raceform and Racing & Football Outlook, Michael’s experience ensures our horses are placed to best effect. Michael and Richard have worked together since the company was set up.

Michael feeds the horses daily as well as being responsible for analysing the heart-monitor data, driving the tractor, fixing things plus many other duties.

Jo has worked for Phillips Racing since 2001. An integral part of Adlestrop Stables,  Jo runs everything in the office and is a firm favourite with all our owners.  After being short-listed on several occasions, Jo was the well-deserved winner of the ‘Dedication’ Award at the industry’s annual ‘Stud and Stable Staff Awards’ in 2021.

Barry is an experienced horseman who joined the team as assistant trainer in October 2022.

Born in Downpatrick, he came to England as soon as he could leave school to work in racing and has a wealth of experience in flat and jumping yards, including spending time in Australia as a track rider.  He has also ridden a number of point-to-point winners in the past.

In his spare time, Barry enjoys playing football and going metal detecting.

Vicki joined the team in August 2022 and has ridden all of her life.  She is a qualifed level 2 racing coach and she particularly enjoys teaching – whether it be people or educating young horses.  As well as being an excellent rider, Vicki also clips all our horses.

In 2024, Vicki’s wonderful attributes were recognised when she reached the final in the ‘Rider/Groom’ category in the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.

In her spare time she enjoys walking her dog Lucy followed by a social drink in the pub.

Leah joined the team in November 2023 and is working towards her Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship through the British Racing School.

Leah grew up on a farm locally and has ridden all of her life but particularly enjoys the speed involved with riding racehorses.

In her spare time she enjoys motocross racing.

Dillon joined us in August 2024 having held an apprentice and conditional jockeys licence in Ireland.

He is an excellent, quiet rider and has recently obtained his conditional licence in the UK.

In his spare time he enjoys playing for a local football team.

Delphi returned to Adlestrop in January 2025 following a year travelling and track riding in Australia.

An excellent rider, with a wealth of equine experience – Delphi is a great asset to the team and has recently obtained her category A amateur licence.

Molly joined us at Adlestrop Stables in August 2024.  She has ridden since she was seven years old and attended the Northern Racing College before gaining five years experience in racing.

Molly loves horses and working with them is not a job for her but a passion.  So much so that her spare time is spent with her own horse, a retired racehorse!

Mel joined the team in October 2023 and works mornings for us ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently on the yard every day.

With a wealth of experience in racing, including working for David Elsworth in the Desert Orchid era and Henrietta Knight, Mel is super organised and a great asset to the yard.

Mel is also a racecourse inspector for the National Association of Racing Staff – ensuring standards are good for staff when working at racecourses.

Our vet is Tom Campbell of NEH Cotswolds who is a hugely experienced and practical racing vet.  He is based in the next village and is always on hand when needed.

Jim is our yard farrier, having joined the team at Adlestrop Stables in 2008. Jim visits Adlestrop Stables at least three times a week and is a valuable asset to the yard. He has been trained to the highest standard and is both highly qualified and experienced with expertise in corrective shoeing.