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Toby Lawes

– Trainer – 

Racing is a way of life and I am delighted to be surrounded by such a fantastic team that make it all possible.

Born and raised in racing’s headquarters of Newmarket, Toby has been involved in some shape of form from an early age, however it was racing that became his true love. Always keen to learn and dedicated to making his way in the racing industry, Toby gained invaluable experience along the way from some of the best in the business including; James Eustace, Venetia Williams, Chris Wall, Neil King, John Ferguson, Sarah Humphrey, Victor Dartnal, John’s Bloomfields and Sarah Humphrey.

It wasn’t until post-graduation from Exeter University in Human Biology, that Toby was introduced to his idol, Nicky Henderson, who he was lucky enough to spent time with and seemingly impress, as he was later offered the Assistant Trainer role for the coming season.

Seven Barrows was a place of dreams, where Toby was immersed into a team of horses of mind-blowing quality such as Altior, Might Bite and Santini and surrounded by experience of Nicky himself, Albert ‘Corky’ Browne, top-flight jockeys, AP McCoy, Barry Geraghty and close friend Nico De Boinville to name a few.

During this time, he was able to ride, observe and learn all the nuances of training these athletes to perform at the highest level, and with this the marginal details that make the difference between winning and losing.

After five years of learning from this incredible set up, Toby now finds himself fully equipped and ready to embark on his own challenge and make a dynasty of his own here at Henfold Stables.

Gareth Thomas 

– Stable Jockey –

Gareth is an incredibly experienced horseman, having had a few hundred rides under rules as an amateur and conditional jockey. He has been part of the Henfold team for 3 years, Gareth loves his hunting and team chasing with his partner Lois. We are incredibly lucky to have so many full time staff that could ride absolutely anything, Gareth is brilliant with young horses, he quiet and relaxed demeanour puts all horses at ease.

Waking up to such an amazing setting is truly inspiring.

Lois Williams 

– Stable Jockey – 

Lois joined the Henfold team with Gareth, and has been a huge part of the team since. Lois has ridden in Point to points, she also loves her hunting and team chasing, as well as competing in Dog Agility Classes with her dog Molly. Lois is an incredibly caring horsewoman with a brilliant attention to detail, always full of ideas to improve anything we can. As with everyone at Henfold, she is someone we couldn’t do without.

This can’t be a job, I am having too much fun. 

Benedict Shaw

– Stable Jockey – 

Benedict has been part of the Henfold team for 7 years now, he has been riding in Point to points and hunter chases for the past couple of years and already has a few winners under his belt. He is also an accomplished dressage rider which is hugely helpful to us, he has been doing lots of flatwork schooling on our horses helping them strengthen up and teaching them to be more balanced and supple. He, like Gareth and Lois could ride anything, and is always actively and positively looking to help look to any small detail that might help improve a horses performance.

Getting up is tough, but when you get to experience Henfold Sunrise it is all worth it.

Andy Shaw 

– Head of Facilities – 

Andy has been at henfold for longer than he can remember, Andy is our man on the ground and can turn his hand to pretty much anything, handyman is an understatement! He is a great character to have around the yard, my dog Carson agrees, in fact I seem spend a lot of time reiterating to Carson that I, in fact, own him! Carson even now has his own chair at Andy’s house…! Andy is incredibly kind and generous and a fantastic gardener, he supplies everyone with his home grown produce, anyone who comes to ride out is sent home with an ice cream tub full of veggies!

Toby is great fun to work with as it is all about the team as a collective.

Andy Sayers

– Head Lad – 

Andy has been at Henfold for several years now, Andy is in charge of all big machinery!  Andy is not only our Travelling head lad but also takes care of the gallops and all the ground around the area. Andy was a gamekeeper prior to joining Henfold so knows the meaning of hardwork, he is a perfectionist and we are very grateful to have him on the team.

Helfold facilities are fantastic, we are truly spoilt. 

Ryan Merriman

– Stable Jockey – 

Ryan has been at Henfold since the Spring, a very hard worker and keen learner, he is great character to have around the place, and always has a smile on his face. He would work endless hours to ensure the job is done to the highest of standards. We could not do without him and if he’s ever not here for a day the yard seems rather quiet!

The passion of the team is what makes the difference.

Lauren Slayman

– Stable Jockey – 

Lauren joined the team full time this autumn, she is an experienced horsewoman and loves her showjumping. She is always smiling and a great asset to the team, she is a great example to any young person, her passion for horses and her positivity around the workplace is second to none.

Getting up so early is tough, but when you get to experience Henfold Sunrise it is all worth it.

Jane Lowe

– Office Secretary & Head of William Wates Memorial Trust  – 

Jane has been working at Henfold for 12 years now, she splits her time between helping me in the office and running the William Wates Memorial Trust. She is incredibly efficient, and definitely the one to speak to about any technical questions! She is a wonderful cook and will brilliantly prepare soup and sausages for any large groups of owners, which leaves me as chief drinks moniter!

Toby is great fun to work with as it is all about the team as a collective.

Emma Saggers 

– Stable Jockey –

Emma Saggers

Emma works full time for Ascot Racecourse in their marketing department, Emma and I were actually at University together in the same year, we even shared a few lectures, despite this she still claims she doesn’t remember me! Emma comes and rides out whenever she has a free day, and is in most Saturdays, she will be the first to put her hand up if theres an opportunity to go hunting! Shes a very good rider and will always brighten up a Saturday morning, Emma and Lois can chit chat more than I ever knew was possible!

I love my Saturday mornings down at Henfold!!

Sinead

– Stable Hand – 

Sinead, at just 14 years old, is probably the most promising rider I have ever seen, she is brilliantly balanced, has very quiet hands and is an immaculate judge of pace. She comes and helps us out any day she isn’t at school. She has an eventer of her own and also competes in team chases. I’m not sure if she wants to become a jockey or not, but I am sure that whatever equine sphere she turns her hand to, she will be top class.

Learning from  Toby and the team has been fantastic

Zara 

– Stable Jockey – 

Zara is also 14 and comes and helps us out at weekends on the yard, she is passionate about animals and a great help, she is riding horses in her own time so hopefully will progress into a top class work rider one day!

Riding out at Henfold is amazing. 

Andy Shaw 

– Head of Facilities – 

Andy has been at henfold for longer than he can remember, Andy is our man on the ground and can turn his hand to pretty much anything, handyman is an understatement! He is a great character to have around the yard, my dog Carson agrees, in fact I seem spend a lot of time reiterating to Carson that I, in fact, own him! Carson even now has his own chair at Andy’s house…! Andy is incredibly kind and generous and a fantastic gardener, he supplies everyone with his home grown produce, anyone who comes to ride out is sent home with an ice cream tub full of veggies!

It is a pleasure working with Toby and the team.

All Weather Gallops
Indoor School
Beautiful Historic Coachouse Stables
Starting Gates
Turning Circle
Surrounded by Natural Beauty
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Any enquiries?

We are here for you, 24/7, to help you and reply within the hour.

Henfold Ln, Beare Green, Dorking RH5 4RW

MON-FRI: 7 – 17
SAT: 7 – 14

Contact us

racing@tobylawesracing.com

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