Denis Coakley's latest news...
-
All runners from the yard maintain terrific form over the Easter weekend
06 April 2026
Some exceptionally good form and a couple of doses of really bad luck saw all four runners over the weekend gain places but no winners at Lingfield and Bath. On Good Friday at Lingfield My Fermoy was just caught inside the last fifty yards in his bid for a follow up win, in a race with no pace where he was obliged to take it up from a prominent race position. Denis was very pleased indeed to see him finish so close up in second, and My Fermoy has always raced well for the Coakleys ever since his arrival in the yard. Party Island was not given a good ride in his twelve furlong apprentice handicap, racing well to the rear and then coming very wide around the home bend. Finishing like a train he got up to command a clear third place, but it was a question of what might have been with a better race position as he still bids for his tenth race win.
Unluckiest of all, running at Bath on Sunday, was Tribal Rhythm for Rossa Ryan. Travelling smoothly in fifth through the first five furlongs he then found himself in position Z on the inside rail and behind slowing horses. Rossa reported to the stewards that he was denied a clear run for a sustained period from the three furlong post, and it was only inside the last hundred yards that he found clear air and made very rapid headway to get up for second. The winner was already away but he really did look to be an extremely unlucky loser on this occasion, and Tribal Rhythm will hopefully make amends soon. Also coming second at Bath was the filly Sharma d'Amour for Chris Young. Drawn quite wide for George Bass, Sharma travelled beautifully for the first half of the mile race, and then was a real eyecatcher as she came with her run widest of all into the last quarter mile. She was able to pass half a dozen horses readily, but then found one just too far ahead to peg back by the line. This was another case of being primed for a win next time, and connections - albeit delighted with her fitness and performance - will be hoping for better luck to gain a bigger prize in her next run.
-
Two Kempton runners find the going rather slow
02 April 2026
Dijon Gone had her second run, for three year old fillies over a mile at Kempton Park, and she travelled quite nicely in midfield for George Bass. In what proved to be quite a hot race the leaders quickened away in the home straight and Dijon Gone weakened to finish tenth. After her next run she will be given a handicap mark and then she should be able to find a race she can be competitive in. Uniter was made favourite in his six furlong race but he was very slowly away and Oisin Murphy reported that this left him much too far back. With the surface riding slow this meant that he could not make up ground, and the impressive winner dictated things from the front and kicked away to win, with Uniter half a dozen lengths back in seventh place. Hopefully with a sharper break next time he will be able to show his true ability and have a really good chance.
-
Two runners in the same Lingfield mile race acquit themselves very well
28 March 2026
The stable remains in great form, with both My Ambition and Sharma d'Amour going well in a mile handicap around Lingfield Park yesterday afternoon. It was great to see My Ambition start his season smartly with a great run, breaking fast under George Bass and setting a strong gallop to go two lengths clear most of the way round the circuit. He was only caught by the favourite inside the final furlong, but he kept on well for second place, and this run suggests that at 7 he will be winning once again this season. A few lengths back in fifth Sharma d'Amour really didn't get the run of things in the race, finding herself too far back and then Hollie Doyle reporting that she got stuck on the inside rail at a crucial time. She finished off her race well, and owner Chris Young can feel confident that she can be very competitive next time out, with a good seasonal bow under her belt.
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
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @denisjcoakley
