Nick Moore
Dual Purpose Trainer

Previously Assistant to Champions;
Jumps (Martin Pipe) and All-Weather Flat (Nick Littmoden)

Nick’s racing career started at the very top – working for legendary Jumps Trainer and Champion National Hunt Trainer Martin Pipe.  “I was there for three and a half years in the early 1990’s which provided me with a fabulous learning environment” recalls Nick.  “I was pupil assistant and stable amateur.  I was lucky enough to ride plenty of winners and won the South West championship – for the top amateur rider in 1993.”

“I had a second (Paco’s Boy) and a third at the Cheltenham Festival in the Kim Muir.  I would have loved to have won the race but unfortunately never quite managed to.  This has heightened my hunger for winners as a Trainer, as second is never good enough!”

Nick’s race riding strike rate on the flat isn’t bad either, two rides one win!

In 2002 Nick moved to Newmarket, initially working for Ed Dunlop, then progressing to become Assistant Trainer to Nick Littmoden, during which time Littmoden enjoyed success as Champion All Weather Trainer on the flat. “I have learned a great deal about the flat racing industry from Nick Littmoden over the past 3 years, not to mention the fact that Littmoden is a genius working with horses on the all weather surface”. Nick’s time at Southgate Stables has given him solid experience of the flat racing industry at the highest level. “Nick's support is invaluable”. He was also assistant to the highly talented Marco Botti. Marco won a Group race in his first year of training and is a good friend of Nick's. 'He is a fantastic trainer whom I have learnt a lot from. He is meticulous about his yard and horses. He is a top trainer...'

Five years on, Nick is training at Southgate Stables ‘Lower Yard’.  Nick offers horses in his care truly individual attention, which he believes is vital for success.  Horses in training with Nick benefit from full veterinary attention available on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week courtesy of his Fiancée, Merry. Each horse that comes into the yard has a full veterinary check, free of charge.

Assistant Trainer
Equine Vet
Merry Smith MA PhD Vet MB MRCVS DipECVS

Merry a is specialist equine vet, based locally at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, but starts her day by walking through the yard with Nick, discussing any veterinary concerns whilst the horses are being tacked up.

Merry rides out first lot and from this vantage point can watch the horses moving.  The balance of work that the horses do building up to a run is extremely important.  Too much, and they can go into a race with muscle aches and pains that may contribute to a disappointing performance.  Too little, and they may be over fresh.  Following a run the horses are fully vetted then let down over 3-5 days.  They are turned out in the paddock daily and receive physiotherapy if needed to ease away aches and pains.

Head Lad
Gordon Hazelhurst

Gordon is the Head Lad and at the tender age of 75, there is little he does not know… He still rides out and gives the 4th feed of the day at 9pm every evening. He loves the horses and racing.

He bonds with each horse individually and is very intuitive with their needs and wants. Constant interaction with Nick and Merry ensures nothing is missed and the yard is run as a tight ship. Fundamentally as the horses are indeed at the helm and the focus. Each are steering the ship with their ability. Nothing is missed.

Jamie Moore

Top National Hunt Jockey. Not of the same family, bar name... He comes and schools horses for Nick whenever needed.

His advise is honest and more than knowledgeable. They both worked at Martin Pipe's - so are from the same 'stable'.

Graham

Works for Godolphin in a senior role within their yard. He rides work and is a great judge of horse and their character.

Nick and Graham worked together at Ed Dunlop's when Ouija Board was at the height of her success and are great friends.

Scott

Scott is a talented rider whom is enthusiastic and hard working.

He has extensive experience of riding difficult horses and is fearless!