Denis Coakley's latest news...
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PARTY ISLAND LANDS HIS TENTH CAREER WIN AT BATH
28 April 2026
It was great to see stable veteran Party Island, now nine years old, deservedly notch his tenth race win after some consistent runs and not much luck. Under his regular pilot George Bass he made light work of the ten furlongs around Bath, showing his well being by travelling superbly throughout the race, closing to the flank of the favourite and race leader at the two pole and then extending three lengths clear to win readily at the winning post. Tony Killoran's Tagula gelding has been a great servant to the yard, and it was a fine sight to see him looking better than ever in striding out to a facile tenth race win, which very few horses achieve in racing.
Things didn't work out for Phoenix Moon up at Nottingham on Sunday, over the straight six furlongs. She reared up a little breaking from the stalls and then found herself in front ranks very early on in the race, so that the desired cover just wasn't there for her. Doing too much early on meant that things didn't go to plan, racing in second she made her effort just after half way, but had no chance to show her turn of foot and gain on the easy winner. In the end she lost a couple of places inside the last hundred yards to finish fourth and she will be hoping to be in a race led at a much faster pace next time.
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Sami runs a great race - disadvantaged by the widest of draws
16 April 2026
Starlight Sami ran a really great race to come from stall 11 and get involved in the finish over seven furlongs around the tight Lingfield track. Obliged to come across and race at the back of the field of ten, George Bass moved up a couple of places on the outside of the field in the downhill section after half way. Then it was a case of swinging widest of all into the final bend to get a run at the leaders. Sami responded very well to make up a lot of ground in the straight, despite his nearest rival edging him wider right. By the post he was just under a length back but nabbed third place in the photograph as he stayed on very well indeed, much to the delight of owner Chris Young. She will be hoping for more success soon, and is very pleased with the way Sami has wintered - and he is certainly a promising prospect for some turf races in the near future.
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Gallops on the Gallery
10 April 2026
Taking advantage of the beautiful spring sunshine this week, Sue Huntingdon was on hand to shoot some lovely photographs of the horses working out. The stable is looking to maintain its excellent start to the racing season. In the Gallery pages you will find an album entitled April 2026 Gallops
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
