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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. 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
With a keen interest in sport, training and education, this position at the School ticks all three boxes. Responsible for the operational aspects of the many moving parts here, it a busy role that requires in equal measure the skills of a juggler, the planning of a military campaigner and the diplomacy of a diplomat. Outside of work I play plenty of sport and visit France as often as time allows.
Email: duncan@brs.org.uk
Name: Gemma Waterhouse 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!
Name: Sue Donnelly
Position: Quality Assurance Manager
Joined: June 1995
I have worked for the BRS since 1995, 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: Carol Casey
Position: Recruitment Co-ordinator
Joined: November 2010
I am the Recruitment Coordinator for the BRS so I spend some of my time out at careers events around the country. I previously worked as PA to a Bloodstock Agent and prior to this I worked at several racing including Mark Johnston's, Ed Dunlops's and James Fanshawe's. I also rode out for Julia Feilden in Exning who very kindly let me have a couple of rides in Amateur Races, having seen the videos back I thought it was time I got an office job! I still ride out occasionally and I have a crazy Jack Russell called Molly.
Name: Natasha Goody (Tash)
Position: Recruitment and Training Office Assistant
Joined: December 2010
I have combined my love of horse racing and Eventing most of my life, having had the pleasure of working for top trainers and the honour of riding the most beautiful horses. I achieved my goal in life to represent Great Britain in 3 Day Eventing, which was the biggest achievement I could of wished for. After working for a Marketing company for the last 3yrs I gained great experience working with top clients to tight dead lines. I am now delighted to be able to share my knowledge and love of horses with important clients who share the same goals.
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: 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: Agnieszka (Aggie) Slobodzian
Position: Assistant Instructor/Yard Administrator
Joined: March 2011
I have worked for several years in the racing industry, at the Polish Racecourse in Warsaw, as a PA and adviser to the Chairman of the Board. I finished the University of Commerce and Law in Warsaw with master's degree in economics. Before I moved to England I have worked three years in a trade company as export manager. When I settled in Newmarket in 2006, I started working for Ed Dunlop where I worked for 5 years.
In my spare time, apart from horse riding, I enjoy reading, traveling, dancing and learning Spanish.
I am really delighted to join the BRS team and can combine my love for horses with my profession.
Email: aggie@brs.org.uk
Name: Lissie Mitchell
Position: Conference and Events Manager
Date Joined: December 2010
I have worked in the hotel events industry for 5 years, from organising meetings and conferences to lavish parties and high profile weddings, and given my passion for horses I jumped at the chance to work in an establishment dedicated to the horse racing industry.
From a young age I have enjoyed horse riding and show jumping, taking part in eventing around East Anglia. Outside of work I also enjoy travelling, music concerts and cooking.
I am excited at having the opportunity to work in such an impressive conference centre and look forward to settling into this role.'
Email: lissie@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. Rewarding too to see the trainees start their course with a little trepidation and uncertainty and finish it so confidently and looking forward to their jobs.
Email: sue@brs.org.uk
Name: Adrian Ward
Position: Contract and Performance Manager
Joined: August 2009
After various financial roles within the petrochemical industry, I am delighted to have joined the British Racing School. Finally, I hope to put my degree studies in Sports and Business to some good use! As well as enjoying racing meets, I still play cricket and sadly support Cambridge United. My role centres on achieving maximum government funding , and monitoring the performance of our trainees/courses.
Email: adrian@brs.org.uk
Name: Sarah Hayde-Salter
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 in 1997. Now, 3 different jobs later, I am 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: Alex Mant
Position: Roving Assessor
Joined: November 2009
I completed Foundation Course 89 at The British Racing School in 1996 before working in the racing industry for 14 years. I worked in both England and Ireland, most recently for David Elsworth.
Whilst working I studied for a foundation degree in Equine Studies at Warwickshire College. In my spare time I still ride out for David Elsworth.
Name: Aaron Bateman
Position: Instructor
Joined: November 2011
After starting off in a point to point yard for Tim Long, I spent 6 years working for Philip Hobbs, the last 2 of those as his Conditional Jockey where I rode over 20 winners from around 200 rides. I then trained point to pointers for the next 3 years and took out a National hunt licence for a further 2 years. I have since been Head lad to Evan Williams and I am looking forward to my new role as an Instructor here at the BRS.
Name: Julie Lingham
Position: Instructor
Joined: March 2008
I joined the BRS in 2008 assisting Richard Perham with licence courses. I completed a BRS foundation course in 1987 after which I was placed with Newmarket Trainer Luca Cumani where I stayed for 10 years.
I gained experience in America working for Neil Drysdale, riding on the track every morning. I then spent over 10 years as a work rider for Ed Dunlop in Newmarket. I was fortunate to ride some very good horses and I also travelled to international race meetings to exercise runners for Mr Dunlop.
I am a huge Formula One fan and in my spare time I enjoy driving a 'Formula Ford' racing car around Silverstone race track.
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
Position: Instructor
Joined: January 2011
I am a former student of the BRS and in the 17 years that have passed since I left, I have had a very enjoyable and fulfilling career in racing. I have been fortunate enough to work for some good trainers such as David Elsworth, Amanda Perrett and before his retirement Reg Akehurst. My racing career has enabled me to travel the world and work on the tracks in Hong Kong and Dubai.
I am loving my new challenge here at BRS and only hope I can be a positive influence in the lives of the students who pass through here.
Name: Aideen Marshall
Position: Instructor
Joined: February 2013
From a very early age my lifelong passion has been racing and the thoroughbred industry. I have been very lucky to have worked for some great trainers both at home and abroad. Before joining the BRS in February 2013 I spent 5 years as a Head Girl at Sir Henry Cecil.
I am looking forward to my new role as a Yard Instructor at the BRS and hopefully passing on the knowledge I have enquired during my career.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my Granddaughter Orla and my three dogs Fred, Alfie and Molly.
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.
In 2011 Frank won the Betfair Pride of Racing Award. You can watch his video here http://youtu.be/2QHC__dHris
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.hodge@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.robinson@brs.org.uk
Name: Rachel Wilson
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: rhwbrs@yahoo.co.uk
Name: Liz Juckes
Position: Roving Assessor.
Joined : March 2010
I have always ridden and have worked with horses for many years. I have worked in racing and point to pointing and rode as an amateur jockey on the flat. I also worked as an equine veterinary nurse/laboratory techician at a large equine hospital and did some college lecturing.
Since having my second son in 2007, I have returned to work as an NVQ Assessor, now working for The British Racing School. I live in Worcestershire with my husband, two boys and various horses and dogs - all of which keep me very busy!
Email: liz.juckes@brs.org.uk
Name: Mark Cox
Position: Groundsman
Joined: January 1999
I have worked for the BRS since 1999, 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.
Name: Bo Liu
Position: Bookkeeper
Joined: February 2013
I worked as Accounts Assistant for 6 years for various industries in London. I joined in British Racing School after I relocated from London to Cambridge in February 2013. As a book keeper, my main responsibilities are maintaining the book records for both British Racing School and BRS Training Ltd. Outside of work I enjoy travelling, walking, swimming, badminton, and cooking.