Denis Coakley's latest news...
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IT'S STILL ONLY MAY BUT SAMI NOTCHES EIGHTH WINNER FOR THE YARD
26 May 2026
The real highlight of the past week was at Salisbury, where Chris Young's Earthlight gelding, Starlight Sami, deservedly got his head in front in a competitive looking fourteen runner 7f handicap. He had gone well in his early runs and looked unlucky last time, tracking a wide course at Lingfield. This time George Bass had him very well placed in sixth, right in behind the leaders, biding his time before the incline and race unfolded. With four abreast across the course George elected for an inside run by the rail, and in a thrilling surge to the line, Sami proved best of all by the post - winning by a neck and three parts of a length from the placed horses finishing wider on the track. Owner Chris Young was absolutely delighted and she celebrated the win in good style back at The Harrow.
Things didn't work out in the following race for Terranoble, however, and he finished well back having become detached from the field by halfway in his ten furlong race, and after some investigation he hopefully will run much better next time
Chelio ran earlier in the week at Windsor with Tom Marquand, who said that he found the six furlongs too sharp, so next time he will be stepping back up to seven furlongs.
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PARTY ISLAND PROVIDES GREAT HIGHLIGHT OF A BUSY WEEK WITH FANTASTIC ELEVENTH WIN
18 May 2026
A busy week started with trips to the East Midlands for Barry's Boy at Nottingham and Sharma d'Amour at Leicester. Both of them were unplaced in their races, Barry's Boy getting a little outpaced in the last furlong having moved into a very prominent position and Sharma d'Amour getting boxed in onto the rail which she clearly didn't enjoy and consequently faded.in the latter stages.
At Bath Party Island continued his great form with a remarkable eleventh race win, this time over ten furlongs. He was the outsider in a field of four, but always travelled very well on the firm ground for regular partner George Bass. Moving up and past the race leader once George decided to send him for home three furlongs out. Party Island was always doing enough to hold off challenges from two rivals and much to the delight of Denis and Tony Killoran the gelding notched up yet another race victory. The same outcome was not possible for My Ambition, who had to suffer a wide draw and no cover, so he ran much too freely and once George had sent him on after half a mile, he was always there to be swamped by late closers and things just didn't fall right for the Harrow Racing Club gelding this time around.
Going to Newbury for the Bramble Syndicate, the filly Dijon Gone ran a great race in her first step into handicap company over ten furlongs. In what was quite a warm race, she will perhaps find better luck next time in a less competitive race. After a very long lay off Definite Dream had her first run over fences at Stratford in a novices steeplechase over two miles and a furlong. From racing in the rear she made good headway from three out for Brendan Powell, and then switched left she ran on strongly from the last, only just being held by a short head at the line. This was a great first run of the season and over the larger obstacles, and she must have a great chance of losing her maiden tag very soon.
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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.
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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