As the turf flat season closes today, Middleham trainer Edward Bethell talks to PETER BARRON about his achievements so far – and his ambitions to take his career to the next level…
AS he reaches the end of his fourth turf season as a racehorse trainer, Edward Bethell is justifiably proud of how far he’s come.
But there’s no doubt that the young master of Thorngill Stables, in the picturesque Wensleydale racing town of Middleham, is determined to go further.
“I’m exactly where I want to be,” declares Ed, in a statement that covers both his love of Middleham and the achievements that have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected young trainers in the country.
“But I’ll never rest on my laurels,” he adds quickly. “I want to go on improving the quality of the horses and the facilities we can offer at Thorngill. I’m hungry for more success.”
(Image: barney curran) And yet there is not the slightest hint of arrogance from the 31-year-old – just a firm belief in his own ability and the loyal, talented team he has around him.
Before taking over the licence from his father James in 2021, Ed had gained invaluable experience by working alongside some of the world’s top trainers, including William Haggas, Gai Waterhouse, Charlie Hills and Robert Cowell. He also spent time at Coolmore as well as tapping into the knowledge of leading bloodstock agents.
And since becoming a trainer in his own right, Bethell Racing has gone from strength to strength. From 22 winners in his first season, he’s tripled that this year and broken through the £1m mark in total prize money.
Along the way, he’s won multiple stakes races and earned the coveted tag “Group 1 winning trainer” when Regional won the Betfair Sprint Cup – part of the British Champions Series – at Haydock in September 2023.
“That was such a fantastic feeling, but I want to do it again because it was such a blur!” reflects Ed.
Another highlight came this summer when Mickley – like Regional, ridden by Callum Rodriguez – won the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot.
It all adds up to Ed living a dream that began as a little boy growing up in Middleham after James had relocated his string from the south.
(Image: barney curran) “I’d wanted to be a trainer from the age of eight when it became clear I was going to be too tall to be a jockey,” he recalls. “Even when I was three or four, I’d be sitting on the floor, looking at pictures of horses in the Sporting Life.”
As well as having faith in his own ability, Ed also acknowledges that he’s been lucky – not just to have “fantastically supportive parents” in James and mother Sally – but to have had the quality of horses to make his mark quickly.
Right from the off in his first season, Artistic Rifles won the Spring Mile at the start of the turf season at Doncaster and went on to land a Group 3 at Haydock
Fearby also flew the Thorngill flag in 2021, winning a listed race at Sandown and being placed in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, and Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury.
“Racing’s a fickle game but if you can get off to a good start and win a Group 1 in your first five seasons, you’ve made the impression you need to keep getting on the scoresheet, and that’s what we’ve done,” he says.
Indeed, Ed is quick to acknowledge the importance of the people around him, led by Assistant Trainer Keith McGloin: “I’m fortunate to have an amazing team, many of whom have been with the family for a long time, and are really dedicated in everything they do,” he says.
The recruitment of Callum Rodriguez as stable jockey has also been “integral” to the growing success story.
Ed Bethell and Callum Rodriguez in the winner’s enclosure at Redcar this season (Image: Peter Barron) “He came to ride out at the end of 2022, and it’s snowballed from there,” Ed explains. “He knocks a tune out of our horses like no one else and there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s one of the best – if not the best – jockeys in the north.
“He’s a natural horseman with fantastic hands and we’re lucky to have him.”
The word “luck” crops up again as Ed talks about the good fortune of training amid the stark beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
“I’ve had experience of training centres around the country and the world, but nothing compares to Middleham,” he insists. “We have an outstanding grass gallop, two all-weather gallops, and stunning views – what’s not to like?”
It’s certainly an attractive proposition for owners, and Ed prides himself on an approachable, friendly, down-to-earth style, combined with an attention to detail, and passion to get the best out of every horse.
“We have syndicate options and sole ownership options, so all people have to do is pick up the phone and we’ll do our best to accommodate their needs.
“Our philosophy is that every horse is different, and we treat each of them as individuals, according to their characters and abilities.”
The first four years have flown by, with plenty of success along the way, so what are Ed’s ambitions for the next stage of his career?
“It’s about continual investment in the quality of the horses and the facilities, and I’d love to think I could be challenging to be in the top ten trainers in the country within the next five years,” says Ed.
It’s been a great start for one of the country’s rising stars among the training ranks – and long may it continue.
