William Muir & Chris Grassick Racing.
William Muir & Chris Grassick Racing.
The Jockey Club Gallops at Lambourn form one of the most important foundations of the training regime
at William Muir & Chris Grassick Racing.
Situated on the historic Mandown training grounds, these world‑class facilities provide an exceptional environment for preparing racehorses at every stage of their development.
For William Muir, who has trained in Lambourn for more than three decades, the gallops are not just a resource—they are an essential partner in producing sound, confident, and competitive racehorses.
The Lambourn Downs offer a unique blend of natural topography and meticulously maintained surfaces.
Horses benefit from a variety of gallops, including turf, artificial, and deep woodchip options, each designed to support different phases of conditioning. Whether building early-season fitness, sharpening speed, or strengthening stamina, the Jockey Club Gallops allow William and Chris to tailor work precisely to the needs of each individual horse.
One of the defining features of the Mandown estate is its elevation, the long, rising gallops encourage horses to stretch, breathe, and develop power without undue strain, and this natural uphill profile has long been credited with producing tough, resilient performers—qualities reflected in the yard’s standout horses such as Pyledriver, Stepper Point,
and Averti, also the consistency and reliability of the surfaces mean that training can continue safely
throughout the year, regardless of weather.
The gallops are supported by a dedicated team of grounds staff who maintain the surfaces daily, ensuring they remain true, even, and forgiving, this level of care gives trainers the confidence to work horses at all intensities, from steady canters to race‑sharp gallops, and for William and Chris, this reliability is invaluable; it allows them to plan campaigns with precision and bring horses to the racecourse fit, happy, and ready to perform.
Proximity is another major advantage. Linkslade Stables sits just moments from the Mandown entrance, giving the team seamless access to the full range of facilities, and this closeness allows for calm, efficient mornings and ensures horses remain relaxed before and after exercise.
For William Muir & Chris Grassick Racing, the Jockey Club Gallops are more than training grounds—they are a daily asset that underpins the yard’s philosophy of preparation, welfare, and excellence.