J W Mullins: racehorse stable facilities

Wilsford Stables

Wilsford Stables is part of the Lake Estate which was bought by Lady Janet Bailey in 1912 and is still owned by the family today. Lady Janet Bailey's grandson Peter Bailey converted the dairy in 1981 to form a training yard consisting of 29 stables and hay barn. He ceased training in 1991 after 27 years. Peter Bailey trained many winners including: a Grand Annual, an Arkle, 2 Welsh Champion Hurdles, The Whitbread and The Hennessy. He still lives across the hill at Springbottom Farm and allows Seamus the use of 1200 acres of riding across the Woodford Valley and the use of the Water Meadows for summer grazing.

Stables

When Seamus and Sally first moved to Wilsford Stables in 1995, there were 28 stables divided into 2 yards, with the office, tack room, feed room, canteen, work shop and staff flat in the middle. Due to his success Seamus converted the large American barn adjacent to provide another 20 stables. The high roof allows for excellent circulation and light whilst maintaining a dry environment for the staff in the winter. Seamus recently re-sited the feed room to the far end of the barn allowing for the old feed room to be developed. In addition to the three yards we have 6 boxes (3 at each end of the barn) that we can use for isolation purposes.

Gallops

Set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside we have a 7 furlong grass gallop on a slight incline overlooking Stonehenge.

We installed a 3½ furlong Eurotrack gallop, which has a good incline. This surface never freezes and provides an excellent all year round gallop. Many outside trainers and eventers use the gallops including recent Badminton winners Lucinda Fredericks and William Fox-Pitt. Adjacent to the all weather gallop is a 3½ furlong grass gallop, which is used for schooling over hurdles during the winter months.

Situated next to the stable yard is a 3 furlong oval sand and rubber mix gallop which has many uses. All the preparatory breaking and schooling is done on this gallop, as well as summer jumping when the grass schooling ground is unsuitable.

Loose School

Behind the walker we have a 30m x 60m all weather loose school which is great for breaking youngsters and loose schooling.

Schooling Fences

Situated at the top end of Wilsford Estate is the purpose built schooling grounds which consist of three small warm up fences and three full size fences. This idyllic location lends itself well to getting horses relaxed and jumping naturally and is praised by all jockeys who use it, the ground is always good even in the wettest weather.

Transportation

We have a “George Smith” 4-stall horse box. George Smith is also our primary yard sponsor.

Horse Walker

We have a Roscoe Fabrications covered horse walker with rubber matting which can exercise 5 horses at the same time.