James Bethell

The last five flat racing seasons have been very successful and underline James' reputation as one of the most accomplished, yet under-rated, trainers in the north of England.

Altogether the Bethell stable has saddled 122 winners and £736,116 since the beginning of 2005. 2009 was another exciting year. We had our first winner at Aintree, Little Bob.

Hartley was very exciting for Clarendon Thoroughbred Racing. He was 2nd at York, 3rd at Chester and beaten a head by Group 1 winner Zacinto at Glorious Goodwood.

Gertmegalush was a fun horse, we bought him out of a seller at Catterick for £6,000. He won a £5,000 bonus and £14,673 in prize money. We will have another go this year!

 

The highlights of several wonderful seasons include the indomitable Mine’s second and third Bunbury Cup victory his  Listed win at Haydock, Strawberry Dale winning a listed race at Doncaster and a Group 3 at York, Snowed Under has won four  races each, while Granston had two victories and many excellent places, Casual Affair’s win at York and many very good runs by Kashtari. James Bethell started training horses at Whatcombe in 1975.

After moves to Whitsbury in Hampshire and Chilton in Oxfordshire, he settled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in Middleham 15  years ago. He now trains at Thorngill Stables at Coverham, which used to belong to Don Enrico Incisa, the colourful Italian trainer who sadly died. James commented: “The move to Thorngill has been a great success 2006 we had our 2nd group 3 winner and in 2007 a listed winner. In 2008 we only had 23 horses in training and only 4 two year’s of which 3 won, Hartley ended the season on a rating of  92 and Rowayton on a rating of 82.

We have 40 boxes, which together with 26 acres of south-facing paddocks, will provide a wonderful platform. We are aiming to keep the yard to manageable proportions, with between 35-40 horses, so that we can give them individual attention.