Oct_86_TBA_Forum_Layout 1 20/09/2011 13:42 Page 90
TBA FORUM The special section for TBA members
Giles a credit to industry Three years ago Giles Gaisford St Lawrence made the move from riding racehorses at the rehabilitation unit at Shadwell Estates’ Snarehill Stud to working at Hascombe & Valiant Studs at Cheveley near Newmarket, since when his passion for stud work has grown rapidly. Giles, winner of this month’s TBA Stud Staff Award, is described by his employer Anthony Oppenheimer as “one of the most dedicated and professional people I have ever had the pleasure of employing, who displays dependability and high standards as a matter of course.” Recently promoted to Yearling Manager, he oversees the running of Hascombe’s yearling facility at Silverley Paddocks, where he organises staff, horses and day-to-day logistics, working closely with the vet and making sure nothing is missed through meticulous organisation and forward-planning. Giles is also held in high regard by all the staff, setting an example through his
Giles Gaisford St Lawrence at Hascombe’s yearling farm, Silverley Paddocks
leadership and instilling a sense of pride in the stud, always ensuring that staff feel valued members of the team. Mr Oppenheimer cites Giles’s skill with highly-strung animals and his ability to bring out the best in a horse as second to none. All of this is underpinned by his huge
enthusiasm for all aspects of the stud, from foaling the mares to taking great pleasure when homebred horses win on the track. Unassuming and courteous, Giles Gaisford St Lawrence is a lynchpin at Hascombe, as well as being a credit to the stud and the wider breeding industry. He is a deserving winner of this award.
Time to enrol for Stud Farming Course The TBA Annual Stud Farming Course takes place at the British Racing School in Newmarket, from Tuesday, December 6 to Thursday, December 8. This well-respected residential course boasts a programme of lectures and visits covering a wide range of stud management topics, delivered by leading veterinary and industry experts.
The first day includes management of the broodmare, preventive medicine and disease control, with emphasis on the HBLB Codes of Practice. Day two will concentrate on nutrition and grassland management, pedigrees and sales preparation, while the final day rounds off the course with foaling, foal care, and management of growth defects and angular limb deformities. Delegates will have the opportunity to get to
Delegates on the 2010 course having a look at Lanwades Stud resident Selkirk
90
know each other better over a course dinner on the first evening and visits will include Rossdales Equine Hospital, and a tour of the British Racing School. There will be opportunities to question lecturers throughout the three days and a comprehensive handbook of course notes is provided as a useful reference source for delegates to take away with them. The course is designed to appeal to a wide range of people, from stud staff to managers and owners; the continuing changes in stud management and veterinary medicine mean that previous delegates can return to update their knowledge. The course fee for 2011 is £390 for TBA members (discounts are available for studs sending four or more delegates) and £530 for non-members (fee includes lunches and course dinner, but not accommodation or other meals). Places are limited. For further information, please contact Christine Standley at the TBA on 01638 661321 or email Christine@thetba.co.uk THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER