Meet the team

Andy studied at West Oxfordshire College completing a National Diploma in Thoroughbred Management between 1993 and 1995. During this period he spent 12 Months working in America for Maryland-based trainer, William Boniface, and while there, Boniface trained Oliver’s Twist to finish second in the 1995 Preakness stakes. Andy then worked for racehorse trainer Albert Davison, where he took out his conditional jockeys license, and rode his first winner on his very first ride on Sprintfayre. Andy and Zoe then started training together in Caterham in 1996 before moving to Shovelstrode Racing Stables in 1998, where they have trained in Zoe’s name up until her tragic death after a long battle with illness on 3rd January 2021. Andy has taken over the license and committed to carrying on his wife’s amazing legacy. Andy is a big sports fan, supporting Crystal Palace for his sins, watching F1, golf and cricket when time allows, and is also an outstanding cook and caterer. He has been known to do the odd triathlon. Andy is a bit of a workaholic but also loves to enjoy family-life, so having all the family on-site and working with him means he achieves both every day.

Gem was born and bred to work in horse racing, and horses have been a huge part of life from before she could even walk. Growing up she always knew she wanted to be a jockey. In her early teenage years she had ponies of her own, but also rode high level show ponies for other people, whilst at the same time riding out the racehorses for her mother, Zoe. Gem took out her amateur jockeys’ licence when she was 16 years old, and rode her first winner on her seventh ride on Shirley Oaks at Salisbury. She spent time working and riding for Hughie Morrison to build up her experience, and during this period she asked to represent Great Britain in the Fegentri Series, travelling the world to compete in races for the GB, finishing second overall. Gem turned professional in 2009, and enjoyed a successful and rewarding career riding 36 winners across all codes as stable jockey for Zoe, before her riding career was cut short because of injury in 2014. Throughout this period Gem was an integral part of the training operation, both in the day-to-day preparation and training of the racehorses, and then riding them in racing and providing insightful feedback on their performances to factor into their ongoing training. Since retiring from race-riding, Gem has become a full-time assistant to her mother Zoe and step-dad Andy, and following the sad passing of her mother on 3rd January, Gem is focused and committed to continuing Zoe’s life-long work, and staying true to her training ethos, as Andy and her with the support of the long-serving talented team continue their amazing progress. Gem is married to Matt and they have two young children, a daughter Ellie who is already a fearless and talented rider and Raife, who is a lively and energetic young lad. In her spare time, when she has any, Gem has her own horse, who she is producing to compete in high level shows.