Our Team

Assistant Trainers

James Keane

James

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.

Pupil Assistant

Jimmy Daly

Jimmy grew up in racing and has always enjoyed riding and being involved with racehorses. He began working at Faringdon Place at the start of the 2025 season, after returning from a year in Sydney working for champion trainer Ciaron Maher. Before going to Australia, Jimmy worked for leading Flat trainers Ralph Beckett and William Haggas, being involved with some top-quality horses, such as Westover, Bluestocking, and Badeed. Jimmy also attended the Royal Agricultural University, where he studied Bloodstock and, alongside his studies, was able to ride out for top National Hunt trainer Kim Bailey.

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.

Chelsey Banks

Chelsey has recently joined the team in the office. She previously worked in racing for 13 years, where she rode as an amateur, travelled horses, and gained a lot of experience as a work rider, riding some top-class horses. Chelsey worked for some great trainers, including Charlie Appleby, Gary Moore, and Sir Michael Stoute. She transitioned out of racing to work in an office/finance role in recent years, and she's pleased to be back in the racing industry, which is her true passion. Outside of work, Chelsey enjoys spending time with her little girl and going for days out. She also has two horses which she loves to ride, especially on a sunny day!

Rachel Sydenham

Rachel

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.