Our Staff

Name: Rory MacDonald
Position: Chief Executive
Joined: July 1992

I started originally part time. Since then I have been fortunate enough to be involved in all the developments that have happened at the British Racing School since then. We are lucky enough to have a first rate team of staff who, between them, are responsible for all that has been achieved and in making The British Racing School not only the major training provider in the racing industry, but also one of the leading providers in the country. We are world class and proud of it.

Email: rory@brs.org.uk

Name: Duncan Gregory
Position: Operations Director
Joined: April 2006

After 19 years in the Army and keen to find a second career involving sport and training I was fortunate enough to chance upon the British Racing School. I would liken my role here to the oil in an engine. I try to make sure the many working parts run smoothly. Outside of work I play plenty of sport and visit France as often as time allows.

Email: duncan@brs.org.uk

Name: Gemma Dawson F.C.C.A
Position: Finance Director
Joined: November 2006

I worked in practice as an auditor for a top ten accountancy firm for 9 years, working in Surrey, London, San Francisco and Bury St Edmunds. I jumped at the opportunity to move to a job that combines my love of racing with my profession and enables me to continue to ride out every morning for John Berry before I hit the office! I have a range of responsibilities other than finance including recruitment, marketing and BRS Training Ltd, our Conference Facilities trading company. Outside of work and horses I enjoy running, squash, golf, travelling, cooking and eating!

Email: gemma.dawson@brs.org.uk

Name: Colin Johns
Position: Facilities Manager
Joined: February 2001

I had a full career in the Army spanning some 30 years in which I was promoted through the ranks from Trooper and retired in the rank of Captain. One of my many appointments in the service saw me having the responsibility for the discipline, security, welfare and ceremonial of some 800, 16-year-old Junior Leaders as the RSM of the Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps, Junior Leaders Regiment.

I have been the Facilities Manager for a number of years. My primary role at the school is to ensure that all the client and student needs are met whilst they are at the BRS. I enjoy this work immensely because each day is varied and the shared comradeship between staff, students and users of the BRS is not dissimilar to that of my previous service life. My hobbies include offshore sailing (I hold an offshore skippers certificate) motor sport and photography.

Email: colin@brs.org.uk

Name: Colin Rayner
Position: Senior Instructor
Joined: August 1996

I have been involved in the racing industry all my working life. First of all as an apprentice then conditional jockey and work rider, later becoming a Head Lad then Assistant Trainer before going on to train Arab race horses for about ten years. My background as a child was in show jumping and cross country. I am now a keen golfer, although only a 17 handicapper, cars and music are my other main interests.

Email: colinr@brs.org.uk

Name: Sue Donnelly
Position: Quality Assurance Manager
Joined: June 1995

I have worked for the BRS for 13 years, as an instructor, Senior instructor and currently as the Advanced Training Co-ordinator in charge of the NVQ3 programmes.
I started my career in riding schools and show yards, but moved into racing during a 6 year stay in Canada. My racing CV includes stints with Ben Hanbury, Olivier Douieb but mostly for Clive Brittain where I spent 9 of the happiest years of my life.
I spend my spare time reading, keeping fit, gardening and walking my dogs. When not at work, I can usually to be found trail-riding in Spain.

Email: sjd@brs.org.uk

Name: Richard Perham
Position: Jockey Coach
Joined: January 2005

I have always been a keen sportsman in both rugby and cricket as well as Hunting and, as a youngster, with the Pony Club. I rode for 16 years as a professional jockey yielding over 230 winners for many top owners including the Queen. On retirement from race riding I worked as a Presenter for Attheraces (and still do in my spare time)!

Email: richardp@brs.org.uk

Name: Lawrie Gillespie
Position: Deputy Facilities Manager
Joined: October 2002

Having already worked for two years for the BRS in the Kitchen and Dining Room as Catering Manager, I then joined the Hostel staff as Deputy Facilities Manager. Previously I had my own pub/restaurant. I have also served as Head Chef in several establishments and lectured part time at catering colleges.

I love fishing!! No matter where, on the river bank, floating around one of East Anglia's great reservoirs or down by the sea, you will find me in piscatorial heaven.

Name: Clare Higgins
Position: Course Co-ordinator
Date Joined: December 2008

Having been brought up through the Pony Club ranks and progressing to eventing at Intermediate level, I went onto to University to study Equine Sports Science. During my time there I undertook an research placement at the Animal Health Trust near Newmarket and my love of racing was born! Since graduating with 1st class honours I went on to do some traveling for James Eustace and then progressed to Racing secretary for Peter Chapple-Hyam, where I stayed for 3 years. My need for a new challenge in racing has brought me to the BRS as their Courses Co-ordinator.

Email: clare@brs.org.uk

Name: Karin Peberdy
Position: Receptionist
Joined: March 2008

Another member of staff who is ex-military, I served in the RAF for nine years, working on Tornado's and the odd Hercules!
Prior to joining the British Racing School I was studying at Anglia Ruskin University (Midwifery BA Hons Degree). Although I do not have a horse racing background I have ridden since I was a child and am extremely interested in the racing industry. I look forward to learning a lot more about it.

In my spare time I like to go walking and climbing and visit the Lake District regularly.

Email: reception@brs.org.uk

Name: Amy Burns
Position: Conference and Events Manager
Date Joined: March 2008

I am the conference and events manager at The British Racing School.

Originally from Durham, I moved to Newmarket at an early age due to my father's career within the racing industry.

I studied Leisure Event management at University, and before coming to The British Racing School, I worked in Cambridge organising private parties, weddings, conferences and networking events.

I am looking forward to furthering my knowledge and experience in the 'events industry' here at The British Racing School and working with the impressive facilities the conference centre has to offer.

Email: amy@brs.org.uk

Name: Cherilyn Williams
Position: Administrative Assistant
Joined: July 2005

I have worked as an Administrative Assistant at the BRS since July 2005 however by profession I'm a teacher. I have spent most of my career working in Europe for Service Children's Education, teaching children of army and RAF families. By the time I left I was working as an advisory teacher with schools throughout Germany.

I enjoy reading, attending concerts and the theatre and gardening.

Email: cherilyn@brs.org.uk

Name: Aimee Hockley
Position: Recruitment Co-Ordinator
Joined: September 2007

I joined the BRS in September as the recruitment co ordinator. Having previously worked at Huntingdon Racecourse for a year as a commercial executive, my roles there involved sales and marketing of the racecourse.

I ride out for a local trainer in Newmarket and have ridden under rules as an amateur- but with very little success!
In my spare time if I have any I enjoy eventing my ex racehorse and walking my two terriers.

Email: aimee@brs.org.uk

Name: Peter Williams
Position: Recruitment Representative
Joined: May 2004

I have worked overseas for several years. I am formerly a Head Teach and OFSTED Inspector. I have also worked for the Tote and as a guide at The National Stud and National Horseracing Museum. I now work at The British Racing School representing them at various Career Events around the UK. I also assist in facilitating some of the School's Trainers Courses as well as helping to establish the School Library.

My hobbies include cross country skiing and I enjoy going to Classical Music Concerts.

Email: peter@brs.org.uk

Name:Sue Hines
Position: Executive Assistant/PA to Chief Executive
Joined: March 1997

I have seen so many changes since I first came to the School and it is wonderful to see how we have adapted to the changing requirements of the Industry. One of the many pluses to working here is that I can bring my Labrador Max with me to work which is lovely.

Email: sue@brs.org.uk

Name: Paul Finch
Position: Contract and Performance Manager
Joined: July 2002

I am responsible for managing our Work-Based Learning Contract with the Learning and Skills Council to deliver Apprenticeships. I also edit and contribute to the School's newsletter and write articles for the website.
I have been a keen punter from a very early age, backing Richard Perham to big race success on Notley in the 1991 Stewards Cup. I selected it as the horse was named after a local village and not through any great regard for the 5lb claimer!

Email: paulf@brs.org.uk

Name: Sarah Hayde
Position: Workplace Co-ordinator
Joined: August 1997

Having completed college work experience at the British Racing School and a brief spell working in Luca Cumani's office, I rejoined the BRS as Assistant Secretary. 10 years on and 3 different jobs later, I am now responsible for co-ordinating the Roving Assessors who travel around the country visiting the Trainees in the workplace.

I also have involvement in the Pony Racing Training the School offers and also the Flexible Learning Programme for 14-16 year olds from local upper schools.

Like many other staff at the School I can combine my interest in horseracing with my job.

Email: sarah@brs.org.uk

Name: Sue Adams
Position: Part Time Book-keeper
Joined: September 2005

I work at The British Racing School for 3 days per week. Other companies I have worked for in the past include a well-known high street bank, a very large firm of London solicitors, a group of car dealerships and a salad and veg-growing company, all in Finance. It's great to be in a "horsey" environment, but the best bit about working here is the fact that the BRS is dog-friendly, so my girls (Sophie & Gizzy) come to the office with me!

Email: sue.adams@brs.org.uk

Name: Glen Sparkes
Position: Instructor
Joined: April 2004

I was a trainee on the foundation course at The British Racing School in 1995 and then went on to work for Luca Cumani as an Apprentice Jockey. I rode on the flat until 2003 riding 40 winners from 700 rides. I was forced to retire due to injury and joined the team at The British Racing School.

Email: yard@brs.org.uk

Name: Tracey Denness
Position: Instructor
Joined: December 1998

I have worked as an Instructor for The British Racing School for 9 years having worked in racing for 20 years and being one of the first female apprentices in Newmarket. I have always travelled horses abroad. My favourite horses at the School are Prospero and Drumochter and I enjoy skiing.

Email: yard@brs.org.uk

Name: Jaki Houston-Campbell
Position: Assistant to the Quality Assurance Manager
Joined: August 2006.

Before joining the BRS I had worked for Ben Hanbury and James Toller. I have also had a successful career as a professional jockey having had over 600 rides. I am proud to have been the first female professional to ride a winner at Ascot and to ride in Dubai.

I have also had success as an Artist and in 1999 won the Best Racing Picture prize at Christie's in London for a charcoal of Swain and Frankie Dettori.

Email: yard@brs.org.uk

Name: Rachel McIlwraith
Position: Night Warden and Yard Assistant
Joined: March 2005

I am a night warden at The British Racing School and am also an assistant with the Flexible Learning Programme [Link to FLP page].

Name: Frank Conlon
Position: Yard assistant
Joined: January 2006

I have worked in racing for over 53 years with top Trainers including 30 years with Henry Cecil and 6 years with Sir Michael Stoute. I am now semi-retired but I spend my time working for The British Racing School assisting with trainees, jockeys and visitors. I also provide tours of Newmarket for The Racing Museum.

Name: Jacqueline Hodge
Position: Senior Roving Assessor
Joined: October 1995 (Part Time) / April 2003 (Full Time)

Steve Cauthen's PA for four years before working for British Thoroughbred Racing & Breeding plc, the first multiple owner racehorse syndicate company, as Club Secretary.

Rode out for a number of trainers, including Barry Hills, Toby Balding, Fulke Walwyn, John Francome and Terry Casey - which all show my age !

Rode in Point-to-Points, flat & NH as an Amateur in 1980's - outside of racing interests: Rugby.

Email: jackie@brs.org.uk

Name: Laura Whitehouse
Position: Roving Assessor
Joined: September 2003

I am a Roving Assessor at The British Racing School covering East Anglia, I am also involved in the BRS delivery of Train to Gain in Suffolk.

Email: laura@brs.org.uk

Name: Sylvia Robinson
Position: Roving Assessor
Joined: May 2005

I joined the British Racing School several years ago as a Roving Assessor. I have been lucky enough to find that my whole working career has been with and around horses both in racing yards, event horses and riding schools. I have travelled all over the world with my equine qualifications and prior to joining the BRS I worked as an equine college lecturer. I currently ride, train and compete my own hunter chase and point to point horses as well as re-schooling ex-racehorses for alternative careers after racing.

Email: sylvia@brs.org.uk

Name: Shirley Bold
Position: Senior Roving Assessor
Joined: 2002

My first love is jump racing and point to point racing, I help with the training of my own racehorses before and after work. I have always worked with thorough bred horses and I have always enjoyed teaching, the job I have now combines the both. I do a lot of driving with my job and meet the most interesting people - no two days are ever the same. I get a lot of job satisfaction from watching the learners develop and achieve their ambitions.

Little know fact - "I can sing in French due to spending two years working with racehorses and competing showjumpers in the South of France - its amazing the ways you find to remain calm whilst riding down the side of mountain!"

Email: shirley@brs.org.uk

Name: Amanda Cave
Position: Assessor and IV
Joined: 1996

Prior to joining the BRS I rode under rules on the flat and over jumps riding some 40 winners including Point to Points. I have ridden work for Martin Pipe and David Elsworth and have also trained approx. 50 winners. My work for The British Racing School involves visiting trainees in the workplace and assessing them as they work to complete the various units that make up their NVQ qualifications.

Highlight of my job - " This has to be meeting Best Mate and Edredon Blue, plus other truly amazing and brave racehorses."

Photo coming soon!

Email: amanda@brs.org.uk

Name: Penny Picton-Warlow
Position: Roving Assessor
Joined: April 2002

I was previously an instructor for the British Racing School before becoming a Roving Assessor for the South West of the country.

Email: ppictonwarlow@aol.com

Name: Nicola Wright
Position: Roving Assessor
Joined: February 2007

I returned home to Britain last November after ending my race riding career in Canada due to injury. Feeling at a bit of a loose end and missing racing I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to work for the BRS. Although my riding days are over I'm glad to still be involved in racing and to be able to help and encourage the students and see them progress.

Little known fact: When I wasn't race riding I would swap my riding boots for dancing shoes. I took some courses in Salsa dancing in Vancouver and became totally hooked!

Email: jockette77@googlemail.com

Name: Rachel Hume
Position: Roving Assessor
Joined: February 2007

I joined the BRS after working in yards for approx 14 years. I've been lucky enough to look after horses good enough to take racing throughout Europe, to the Breeders Cup in Kentucky and Japan.

Little known fact : I once was running to collect my runner (who had won at Sandown) and slipped and fell, ripping my knees and hands open. It was very
embarrassing to meet the late Queen Mother in such a state!

Email: rachelhume73@hotmail.co.uk

Name: Mark Cox
Position: Groundsman
Joined: January 1999

I have worked for the BRS for the last 8 years, although I qualified as a carpenter by trade. My hobbies are wood turning and golf. Having recently attended one of the School's horse handling courses this has helped me in catching the odd loose horse when the occasion arises.

Name: Sharon Clarke
Position: Hostel Housekeeper
Joined: September 2003

Before joining the BRS I was a Care Co-Coordinator, I am now responsible for the housekeeping of the hostel accommodation and assisting in the welcoming of the new Foundation Students on their arrival at the BRS. I have contact with the students on a day-to-day basis and I'm always ready to listen to and help solve any of their problems. I enjoy the work because of continually meeting new students and being responsible for such a nice environment.