The Team

Having spent far too long shouting down telephones in the City (and elsewhere), George was granted a licence to train by the BHA at the beginning of 2008. Music Box Express was his first runner on March 1st of that year, and became the yard's first winner later the same month. The team trained over 100 winners from their original base at Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, before moving to Whitsbury in January of 2011. 56 winners was the return from year one at the historic Hampshire stables, and the quality of horse under the team's care continues to rise.

Patrick met Valerie, his wife and co-Assistant Trainer, at Kildangan Stud in Ireland. They then worked together in Dubai for several years, before returning to Northamptonshire where they set up a very successful breaking and pre-training yard. They also rode out for Paul Webber which is where they first met George. Patrick breaks in the majority of the yard's younger horses, and is a key rider on work mornings. He possesses a ludicrously long golf drive, but his short game could do with a little practice. If he ever had the time !

Valerie, Assistant Trainer and key work rider, has spent more of her life on a horse than on terra firma. Together with Patrick, they set up a highly respected business at her parent's base in Turweston, near Brackley, before being persuaded by George and Candida to join them in "chasing the dream". Valerie prepares the work list for the horses every morning, and goes racing whenever she can. Winners are celebrated with some unique dance movements and a glass or two of her favoured Chablis.

Candida juggles being a mother of two, Barney (10) and Tallulah (8), with riding out every morning. And cooking breakfasts for visiting owners, ensuring that they are not subjected to George's limited culinary skills. Candida was a highly successful business woman prior to the launch of George Baker Racing, and was among the nominees for "Business Woman of the Year" in 2005. She has ridden in charity races at Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival.

 

Anneli is Travelling Head Lass for George Baker Racing, joining the team when they moved south to Whitsbury. Anneli has worked in racing for several years, originally with Ben Case at Edgecote, and latterly with Emma Lavelle. Anneli wins a remarkable number of "Best Turned Out" awards, the prize money from which she often spends on dinner for the rest of the team in the finest restaurants in the area. Drives the smartest horsebox on the circuit.