An Interview with Richard Phillips

Richard Phillips has over twenty years of experience of training racehorses, having previously spent eight years as Henry Candy’s assistant.

He set up his own yard in 1993; early flag-bearers such as Time Won’t Wait, Gnome’s Tycoon and Nobel Lord proved that Richard could train to the highest standard.

In 2000, on David ‘The Duke’ Nicholson’s retirement, he took up the opportunity of training at Jackdaws Castle. Following its sale a year later, Richard moved to Adlestrop. In his first year’s training there, he sent out La Landiere to win the Racing Post Chase in February at Kempton and a Cathcart Chase at the Festival.

Please briefly describe your background:
'I was born close to Epsom Racecourse and I was always obsessed with horseracing. I started working at a riding stables when I was 9 and worked after school and at weekends right up until leaving school. I went to Witney College to do a Stud and Stable Management course but had to get some racing experience first. Therefore, I knocked on doors for jobs and was lucky enough to work for Graham Thorner who gave me a great start to my education before becoming Henry Candy’s Assistant.'

What is the most favourite horse you’ve trained?
'I’m lucky enough to have had a few favourites which I have trained, including La Landiere and Dark’n Sharp. However, one of my first good horses was Time Won’t Wait that I rode most days and therefore got great satisfaction from him winning so many races for us.'

What is your favourite racecourse?
'My favourite racecourses are ones we win at; however I’ve always loved Goodwood as it’s the most beautiful racecourse in the world. I’ve always had soft spot for Fontwell as it was the first jump course I ever attended.'

Is there a horse you would have loved to train?
'Like every trainer, I like to train good horses as they make you look a better trainer. I saw Enable in the paddock for the Oaks and have loved her ever since, so she’d be high on the list.'

Who do you admire in racing?
'I admire those in racing who have stuck to the game for the longest, especially when it comes to training and riding. Sir Michael Stoute, Barry Hills, AP McCoy and Richard Johnson spring to mind.'

Please explain the idea of a National Racehorse Day:
'I wrote a guest column in the Racing Post with the idea of a ‘National Racehorse Day’. An opportunity for yards, studs and racehorse rehabilitation centres to open their doors to the public so that they can see how well thoroughbreds are looked after compared to some other animals and people.'

What does racing mean to you?!
'I am very lucky that horseracing has been an obsession since I was a young boy and always will be. Every day is different and every day is interesting.'