2025 is the first time a joint training licence has been granted to a mother and daughter. Julia Feilden trained under her maiden name for over 20 years before her daughter, Shelley Birkett, joined her in the training ranks in January. This year therefore sees them breaking new ground.
Both mother and daughter have ridden winners and worked with other trainers, such as Clive Brittain and William Knight to name a few. The new green and gold branding for Birkett Racing will become a regular sight on racecourses this year. Apprentice, Chloe Lyons, has joined the team and will be making the most of her riding opportunities with support from Julia and Shelley.
Shelley says: ‘We have some nice 2 year olds coming along. The older horses have wintered well and are continuing their racing careers with us.’
Julia added: ‘We are a small friendly yard committed to doing the best for our horses and owners. Our horses benefit from the peace and quiet of Exning, which is minutes away from Newmarket itself, with easy access to Newmarket Heath. The horses are at the centre of everything we do. They are treated as individuals and our extensive turn out facilities allow them to enjoy the sun on their backs and to just be horses as well as athletes.’
The care continues after a horse retires from Birkett racing too. Shelley confirms, ‘We have a great network of good people to rehome the horses so they continue to have the best of care. The increasing scrutiny of the public social licence to race and ride horses is something we really care about here’.
With a welcoming open door policy, the family feel extends to all their owners, big or small. Here’s hoping 2025 is historic for Julia and Shelley in more ways than their licence first.