Located in Upper Lambourn we have put together a special package for anyone interested in horse racing – a fun and entertaining morning including breakfast, a trip to the gallops and an informative stable tour with Hennessy Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer Oliver Sherwood.
But don't just take our word for it ...
"...we had a great morning with Oliver and his team, they were extremely warm and welcoming and made us feel very welcome. Oliver answered any questions we had throughout the morning and let us walk around the stables and meet all the horses and see all the facilities. The team were incredibly friendly and chatty even though they were working and we never felt like we were intruding. We had the best experience and can not speak highly enough of Oliver and his team. David said it was the best birthday present he has ever had..." Louise Mason
"...we had a truly wonderful and memorable visit to Rhonehurst stables, with Oliver Sherwood being such a delightful and informative host. He made us so welcome, and it was particularly exciting watching him working with his horses and team up on the gallops. We had a yummy breakfast, with interesting conversation, and a relaxing wander round the yard to see the horses again. We didn't want to leave! Thank you to all. It was the best Christmas present ever! Would thoroughly recommend..." Tim and Julie
"...quite simply, the entire service has been fantastic. The whole trip was well organised and Oliver and his team made us feel most welcome. As well as the unique opportunity to see the horses on the gallops, we greatly appreciated the opportunity to have the freedom of the yard and to meet the horses in such a relaxed environment. It was a fantastic morning that will live long in the memory..." Karen Waite and Phil Sale
"...Finlay and I had the most amazing time and we were made to feel very welcome by Oliver Sherwood and all the team there, everyone was very lovely and we would highly recommend this to anyone who has a keen interest in horse racing as they will not be disappointed. The breakfast was fabulous and all the stable members were all very friendly too. Oliver made myself and Finlay feel at home and we had a great time and felt like they were part of the family. A great visit and one that would be highly recommended to any fan of the greatest sport on earth...National Hunt horse racing!" Neil and Finlay Sheane-Smith
"...it was a most enjoyable morning, Oliver and his staff made us so welcome and made it an informative and interesting visit. We had a great breakfast and Oliver and his wife made us all feel at home. It was a great present from my son..." Mike Ray
"...all three of us (John, George and myself) found it a great experience meeting Oliver and his team. What a great guy he is, extremely informative on so many aspects how he trains his team and the general feeling from all three of us as we came away was how relaxed the yard was which generated right through to the horses. Oliver's hospitality was superb and all of us were made to feel extremely welcome. Thanks once again, a truly memorable experience..." Andy Brand, George Freeman and John Yarrall
"...myself and Alan had a wonderful morning at Oliver Sherwood's yard. The first thing to become apparent was how happy his staff and horses were, all knowing their job intimately as they paraded and headed towards the gallops. All staff reporting back on each minute detail as to keep Oliver up-to-date on all aspects of the horses welfare. Oliver and his wife Tarnya made us very welcome and gave us an in depth account of each horse riding out. We will keep a keen eye out for The Organist as she was the horse who left the most impression on our morning in Rhonehurst. We wish the best of luck to Many Clouds on his 2016 season..." Paul and Alan Smith
Oliver has trained over 1000 winners and has trained six Cheltenham Festival winners including the late Grand National winner Many Clouds.
Oliver first took out a licence in 1984 and was assistant trainer with to Gavin Pritchard-Gordon, Arthur Moore and Fred Winter, after being crowned champion Amateur Jockey in 79/80 season.
He has won numerous top-class races including: Hennessy Gold Cup (Many Clouds and Arctic Call); Aintree Grand National (Many Clouds); Sun Alliance Chase (The West Awake); Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase (Coulton); Arkle Challenge Trophy (Young Pokey) and Sun Alliance Hurdle (Rebel Song).
Current stable stars include Puffin Billy and Rayvin Black.
There is stabling for 60 horses in this very friendly, but professional and state of the art training facility.
Fridays and Saturdays (October to April inclusive)
Start time: 7:30am (three-hour tour)
The fun starts the moment you arrive at Rhonehurst, where the day commences with a trip to the gallops to watch the string being put through their paces at first hand.
Next it's back to the stable for an informative tour to gain an insiders' view to some of the equine stars 'looking over the doors' and you'll get a chance to ask Oliver about the workings of a racing yard.
You'll round off your morning tour with breakfast (bacon or sausage butty) and a tea or coffee and enjoy listening to tales 'from the horse's mouth' from Oliver's career in the Sport of Kings.