About us

Bill Ratcliffe - Trainer (Flat & National Hunt)

Bill has been involved with horses most of his life. He held an amateur flat riders permit. He spent many years working with Stan Moore, firstly near Andover and then when Stan moved to Parsonage Farm Racing Stables at East Garston near Lambourn. Bill's father had horses in training with Stan for many years. Stan has now moved to the historic Uplands Stables in Lambourn.

Bill then worked as Assistant to Barry Hills at Faringdon Place in Lambourn. This was invaluable experience working in a large top class yard with all the challenges and demands it provided. Bill was Assistant Trainer, and working with the Head Lads he was responsible for a barn of 44 horses including Group horses like Distant Music, Munir and Chancellor. After 2 years in Ireland Bill returned to Lambourn to take out his licence in September last year. Upshire Stables was a small shared starter yard with 8 boxes and after quickly outgrowing this yard he moved to Bolton Hall Stable in June 2006.

Bill also has management experience having worked upto director level in large retail companies. This gives him experience in many areas that are key when developing a training operation. Skills such as organisation, staff management, business skills and marketing. You need to know people aswell as know horses.

Bill is looking forward to building up the yard at Bolton Hall Racing Stables and having success for his owners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elena Ratcliffe - Assistant


Elena is originally from Ukraine and has worked with horses from a young age. Having moved to England 5 years ago she has gained racing experience working for Ken Cunningham-Brown, Mark Pitman and Barry Hills. Elena is an excellent horsewomen with a real eye for detail. She has a real drive and passion for horses and racing.

about

Bel Cantor entering the Winners Enclosure at Pontefract

 

 

award

Bill (centre) recieving award at Pontefract 26th May 2006

and his father on right

 

 

Winning connections after Style Award wins at Musselburgh Nov 9th 2007

 

 

 

 

elena

Elena riding a rearing horse in Ukraine