Our Facilities
Weathercock House
Weathercock House is steeped in history with countless big race winners being trained here
including Gold Cup and Grand National winners. The aim is to develop this yard into one of the most
up-to-date training complexes in the country. Carl Llewellyn has had an excellent grounding having
ridden as first jockey for Nigel Twiston Davies for 19 years. He also worked with Jim Old, Kevin
Prendergast, Sir Mark Prescott and Guy Harwood.
Gallops
The stables nestle in the Lambourn valley surrounded by stunning acres of gallops.
There are numerous different gallops to suit both flat and National Hunt horses
training programmes, including two polytrack surface gallops, one a mile long, the
other 6 furlongs; a 5 furlong woodchip gallop and extensive well maintained fully
matured grass gallops upon which countless winners have been trained including Gold
Cup and Grand National successes. Work is also nearing completion on the relaying
of the back of the hill gallop with the latest all weather surface. We have our
own 21/2 furlong Polytrack oval gallop which ensures that the horses are kept on
the go throughout the winter as well as being a useful pre-training aid. We also
use this ring to start the horses jumping. Obstacles of varying sizes can be placed
around the ring and their education can begin on a safe jumping surface in a closed
in area.
Schooling Ground
The schooling facilities available to us are second to none. A variation of small
introductory hurdles plus full size hurdles are available, as well as the French
style of hurdle which is now used at several racecourses. An assortment of steeple
chase fences of varying sizes, complimented by an all weather schooling surface
which enable us to school the horses all year round ensure each horse is well prepared
for the racecourse.
Stables
The yard has 79 well-ventilated boxes housed within 3 main yards. A Claydon horse
walker ensures plenty of exercise at all times and we are soon to begin work on
an equine swimming pool. We have the added benefit of a weighing machine which has
become a useful training aid.
Paddocks
Weathercock has numerous turn out paddocks and play-pens, which enable the horses
to be turned out frequently when weather permits. This is incorporated into the
horses training regime as it is beneficial to their state of mind.
Yard Sponsorship
Stable sponsorship is essential for owners to claim back their VAT and we are lucky
at Weathercock to have a sponsorship agreement in place with The Leaflet Company.
The sponsorship scheme is optional and owners have the option of getting their own
sponsorship if they prefer but the confidence of knowing that there is a sponsorship
scheme in place is a great boost to all owners. The Leaflet Company logos are placed
on Jockey’s silks, paddock sheets and groom’s clothing at the races.