Instructor Profiles

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.

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.

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.

Name: Ernesta Verburg
Position: Instructor
Joined: March 2004

I am one of the instructional team at The British Racing School having joined in March 2004.

Name: Jaki Houston-Campbell
Position: Training Support and Assessment Coordinator.
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.