Equine Tourism - Philip Hobbs, Sandhill Racing, Bilbrook, Somerset Horse Racing

Sandhill Racing Stables, owned by Philip and Sarah Hobbs, is set in 500 acres of top quality farmland owned by the Crown Estate.

There are 100 stables, eight staff cottages, a 1.5mile grass gallop, a 5 furlong 'woodchip' gallop and a 3 furlong 'polytrack' schooling ground.

Other facilities include an equine swimming pool, horse walkers and starting stalls.

Philip Hobbs trains 100 horses, has sent out over 1000 winners, and has finished in the country's top four National Hunt trainers since 1999.

Philip Hobbs - Background

Philip was brought up surrounded by horses. His father Tony Hobbs farmed and had a permit to train for many years - breeding several good horses to run in the family colours.

After school at Kings College, Taunton, Philip went on to Reading University and achieved a BSc (hons) degree. He rode at Hickstead, show jumping as a junior, and rode several point-to-point winners and winners under National Hunt rules as an amateur before turning professional at the age of 21.

Philip Hobbs - Riding Career

Philip rode 160 winners in a ten year career, including The Black and White Gold Cup at Ascot, The Killiney Novice Chase and The Midlands Grand National on such good horses as West Tip and Artifice.

With a career as a trainer firmly in mind, whilst still riding professionally, Philip married Sarah in 1982 and then started training in August 1985 with only six horses. Sarah (nee Hill) is, in her own right, a successful horsewoman and is daughter of Olympic Gold Medallist, Bertie Hill. She evented and rode for England in the Junior European 3-Day Event team in Rome; has ridden winners point-to-pointing, under National Hunt rules and on the Flat; and is now an essential part of their business.

Philip and Sarah have three daughters, Caroline, Katherine and Diana, who ride out the racehorses, as well as competing in equestrian events on their own horses.

Facilities at Sandhill Racing Stables

The manor house and yard are set in 500 acres of top quality farmland, owned by the Crown Estate, in Bilbrook, near Minehead, Somerset.

There are 100 stables converted from picturesque farm buildings in a quiet and pleasant environment, with its own fresh water supply. Sandhill's facilities include tack and drying rooms, feed house, canteen and six staff cottages, surrounded by beautiful countryside and quiet country lanes. There is also a tennis court for staff.

There is a 1.5 mile grass gallop, a 5 furlong 'woodchip' gallop and a 3 furlong 'polytrack' schooling ground, various canters around the farm, a sandy beach within easy riding distance from the yard, as well as hills and forestry tracks for the horses' conditioning work.

Other facilities include an equine swimming pool, two horse walkers, loose school, starting stalls, weighing machine and excellent schooling facilities.

Why Choose Sandhill Racing Stables?

Racehorses need to be treated as individuals and must be 100% fit mentally as well as physically to win races, therefore teamwork is essential for a successful yard.

Philip and Sarah work closely with their 40 professional staff to ensure the wellbeing of each individual horse in their care. Sandhill Racing Stables want to provide you, the owner, with value for your investment, in terms of success, enjoyment and excitement - whether you own a horse or a share. They want you to feel part of the enterprise and to join them in the Winner's Enclosure. Owners are briefed regularly on the progress of their horse and are always welcome to visit and watch the horses working or schooling on the gallops. Owners are also welcomed to an annual Owners Day Luncheon, which is held in the Autumn.

Training Fees

Philip Hobbs has worked hard to ensure that training fees are competitive and that costs are kept down in order to ensure value for money with a good, hard working team of 37 staff and Richard Johnson as the Stable Jockey. Sandhill has extensive facilities, use of which are included in the fees.
Training fee per week £315.
Farrier - shoeing and plating per set £50.
Transport per horse 90p per mile.
Stable lads expenses at races at cost.
All fees quoted are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
Sandhill Racing Stables does not charge:
Gallop fees; Trainers Expenses; Equine Pool; or Feed Additives.
Veterinary fees are sent direct to the owners unless owned in partnership.

Sponsorship

Sandhill Racing Stables is sponsored by AMLIN PLUS, specialists in High Value Bloodstock Insurance. Sponsorship is now an essential part of racing, as it enables owners to reclaim their VAT on purchasing the horse, training fees and all other costs.

Amlin Plus Limited is an intermediary and accepts equine insurance business on behalf of Syndicate 2001 at Lloyd’s, which is owned and managed by Amlin Underwriting Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Amlin plc. As a result, insurance buyers can be confident that their policy is backed by a substantial organisation with a strong balance sheet and an internationally accepted high credit rating. Full details can be found at www.amlinplus.co.uk (Tel: 020 7423 0920).

Big Races Won So Far...

The Champion Hurdle
Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Triumph Hurdle (Twice)
The Coral Cup (Twice)
Royal & Sun Alliance Chase
The County Hurdle (Twice)
The Grand Annual Chase
The Ballymore Novice Hurdle
The Mackeson Gold Cup
The Bula Hurdle (Twice)
The Greatwood Hurdle
The Betfred Gold Cup
The Tingle Creek
Agfa Hurdle (Twice)
Henry VIII Novice Chase
The Racing Post Chase (Thrice)

Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Sandown
Sandown
Sandown
Sandown
Kempton

The Imperial Cup
Swinton Hurdle
The Midlands Grand National (Twice)
The Challow Hurdle
Hennessy Gold Cup
The John Hughes Trophy (Twice)
The Becher Chase
Martnell Fox Hunter’s Chase
Mildmay Novice Chase
The Rehearsal Chase
Badger Beer Trophy
The Galway Plate
The Champion Novice Hurdle
BMW Chase
The Northumberland Plate
The Cesarewitch

Sandown
Haydock
Uttoxeter
Newbury
Newbury
Aintree
Aintree
Aintree
Aintree
Chepstow
Wincanton
Galway
Punchestown
Punchestown
Newcastle
Newmarket

Philip has bought most of the winners himself, from either England, Ireland, France or Germany.

Racehorse Training

For further information on putting a horse into training at Sandhhill Racing Stables, please contact Philip Hobbs (details below).

Career Opportunities

From time to time, Sandhill Racing Stables has vacancies for staff, both on the ground and ridden. For details of current vacancies and to discuss future career opportunities and work experience, please contact the yard (details below).

Horses for Sale

Sandhill Racing Stables holds a sales list of excellent stock for sale, both proven and untried. For more information, please contact Philip Hobbs (details below).

CONTACT
SANDHILL RACING STABLES

pjhobbs@pjhobbs.com

P J HOBBS, SANDHILL RACING STABLES
Philip & Sarah Hobbs
Sandhill Racing Stables, Bilbrook, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6HA

Telephone 01984 640366
Fax 01984 641124
Mobile: 07860729795

email pjhobbs@pjhobbs.com
www.pjhobbs.com

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