Our Team

Assistant Trainers

Maxim Nicholson

Max joined us two years ago after completing The National Stud course and experience with Paul Nicholls’ yard. He has enjoyed taking horses abroad, which includes travelling both Garrus and Pogo to Saudi Arabia for the 1351 Turf Sprint, as well as King’s Knight to the Turf Series in Bahrain. A highlight was taking Sydneyarms Chelsea when she won the Group 3 Prix Six Perfections at Deauville. Max is a regular partner to Garrus and Orazio (pictured with).

Nicola Dowell

Nicola has worked here since 2012 after working in Dubai for 10 years and has previously worked for Barry Hills, Aidan O’Brien and Jim Bolger. Nicola is in charge of breaking in the yearlings and has a wealth of knowledge in this aspect. She has travelled with both Khaadem and Equilateral to Dubai, when the latter won the Dubai Dash and the Meydan Sprint. She also looked after and rode Magical Memory throughout his career, which included winning the Stewards’ Cup.

Racing Office

Steph Potter

Steph is now in her 14th Year with us. She counts herself very lucky to have seen so many wonderful horses pass through the Faringdon Place, and to be a part of that history. In her spare time Steph has a lovely ex racehorse who she competes at Advanced Medium level (British Dressage), and can also be found out on her road bike in the sunshine or running up on the gallops.

Debbie Rees-Jones

Debbie is one of the originals, having worked for the Hills family for over twenty years. Following the birth of her son Ben in 2009, Debbie now works part-time in the office and administers owners registrations and race planning among other things. There have been many highlights over the years, however one particular one was the one-two for the yard in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot when Battaash beat Equilateral.

Helen Vitale

Helen has worked for us for just over two years, and this is her first office job having always worked on yards riding and coaching with a background in eventing and dressage. It's been a big learning curve not only in the office, but also getting to grips with all the racing terminology! Helen likes to keep fit by running with her family husky. Any time off is spent with her husband and son, and they love holidaying in the family villa in Portugal.

Mark Lashly

Mark is also a veteran of the Hills yard, having been here for over 20 years. He has travelled horses around Europe for us, and had his first trip to the Middle East last autumn when his beloved Afaak ran in Bahrain.

Jade Kent

Jade has been in racing for eighteen years and started here two years ago. Before joining us she has previously travelled for Archie Watson and Richard Hughes and is a familiar face at the races.

Mark Whitehouse

Mark is now in his fifth season with us, having joined from our next door neighbour William Muir. He has a wealth of experience behind him, and was also one of Phoenix Of Spain’s regular partners on the gallops.

Alison Aldrit

Alison is one of the longest standing members of staff, having worked for Barry Hills at Manton before joining Faringdon Place. She started working for the family 35 years ago after working for Harry Thompson Jones in Newmarket. She has looked after famous horses such as Storming Home and Equiano, and more recently she was head lass to Battaash.

Ffion Hobbs

Ffion started working for us in 2016 and has previously worked for Baker McVeigh for two years. Her veterinary knowledge is very much valued as her role as a head lad.