Denis Coakley's latest news...
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Phoenix Moon proves herself on turf with a strong second at Windsor
08 May 2026
Denis and the Keeper's 12 syndicate were delighted with the run from Phoenix Moon on the last race of yesterday's card at Windsot. Drawn quite wide she broke well this time, but was not able to find early cover which would certainly have been beneficial to her running. She followed quite a strong gallop on the outside of the group of nine, and George Bass had her in good rhythm to send her forward perhaps a little too soon halfway through the race. Looking to have a winning chance at the furlong, she was ultimately a little 'blindsided' by the topweight Twirler, whose telling run was very well timed to prevail by a length and give her a second course and distance win. Phoenix Moon had shown connections that she can act on the turf with nice summer ground, and this now gives the promise of a competitive season ahead after three nice runs this year already from the lovely grey mare.
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OUR GUY WINS AT WINDSOR ON HANDICAP DEBUT
05 May 2026
Denis and owner Chris van Hoorn were both delighted with the win from Our Guy in the opening race of the flat season at Windsor. Stepping into handicap company for the first time and, as anticipated from his last run benefitting from coming back a furlong in trip, Our Guy was always travelling very well near the front rank of a field of thirteen. Into the straight he held a central position among the leaders, and just one tap from in form jockey Rob Hornby saw him finish off strongly and surge to win by a neck at the line. The Zoustar gelding will now hopefully go on to better things for Chris van Hoorn Racing.
In the same race Uniter was competing under Eddie Greatrex, but while he was in the stalls a hind shoe moved and the clip from the front of the racing shoe went up into the sole of his foot. As a consequence he was found to be very sore behind, exaplining that he was slowly away, detached from the dozen and pulled up a furlong from home, Fortunately the problem is only a very minor and superficial soreness and it will be a short time before the new syndicate will be able to get out of the pub and back into the paddock, as Uniter will be in racing action again very soon !
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Things don't fall right for last week's runners at Epsom and Bath
04 May 2026
Last Tuesday the two Ts from the yard - Terranoble and Tribal Rhythm - headed to Epsom Downs to contest quite strong races, but things didn't go their way at all and they were both unplaced. After the long dry spell the ground had been quite well watered, and some jockeys were reporting that this left the ground riding a little dead in places, and it certainly didn't seem to suit both horses who will be hoping for better runs next time.
Conditions at Bath on Wednseday were ideal for My Ambition, and he ran another fine race for his second outing of the season. He had to make the running himself, however, and doing quite a lot early on just told in the closing stages as despite running on well he was passed by a couple in the run to the line. Jockey Hollie Doyle felt that if he had been able to follow a leader and have had something to aim at he might well have won. He looks and travels as well as ever so the Harrow Racing Club will hope to be winning again soon.
At the Guineas meeting at Newmarket there was double interest for the stable with progeny of two of their old girls contesting the Palace House Stakes. Both horses acquitted themselves really well in the prestigious sprint event, with a son of Annie Fior, Shagraan finishing third and a daughter of Rebecca Romero, Miss Attitude placing fifth in the famous race.
Welcome to Keeper’s Stables
Located on the Berkshire Downs in the famous racing village of West Ilsley, Keeper’s Stables is picturesque and tranquil racing yard with some of the finest and most famous gallops in the country, making it a fantastic place to have a horse in training. Pictured right is Miss Marjurie winning Group 3 Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock 30th May 2015
Find out more about the yard and Denis Coakley…
Denis Coakley – Racehorse Trainer
Irishman Denis was born into racing, working with leading trainers around the world and he was a successful professional jockey before commencing his training career in 1999.
See our race entries and recent results…
A day with West Ilsley trainer Denis Coakley’ by Robin Oakley, The Spectator July 2014
Racehorse Ownership
Trainer Denis Coakley runs a small team with big ambitions, maximising the potential of each horse in the yard.
Find out more about racehorse ownership with Denis Coakley.
See “Horses for Sale“ page for current available shares.
There is an Owners’ Party held in October - If you are interested in racehorse ownership please contact us for an invitation. This year the yard will be taking part in the National Racehorse Week, opening the stables on Sunday 12th September 2021, from 12 noon until 3pm. This is an opportunity to wander around the yard and chat to Denis and others caring for the horses at Keeper’s Stables
Denis, Barbara and Charlie Coakley pictured here at the yard. Denis Coakley Racing is very much a family business.
Statistics……
Go to websites for Racing Post or At The Races for up to date statistics.
Contact us
Telephone:
01635 281622
Fax:
01635 281624
Mobile:
07768 658056
Email:
Keeper’s Stables
West Ilsley
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 7AH
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