Phil Kirby
Philip Kirby Racing – Green Oak Farm
Phil not only trains the horses, but rides and shoes some of them himself, too!
A trained Farrier – although he leaves the bulk of that job to Toby Pedley now – Phil enjoys every winner from the smallest handicap seller to a big win at a Grade 1 track like Aintree or Haydock.
Phil is just as happy driving his horses to the races, leading up if required – or harrowing the fields at home when we get a dry spring…definitely a jack of all trades but dreadful when it comes to washing up and DIY!
It all started in 1997- without a previous Point to Point runner to his name, Lancashire born Philip ended the 2007 season as Britain’s leading Hunter Chase Trainer, beating the likes of Jonjo’s and Paul Nicholls, and all with just 4 horses. Two of these had never jumped a steeplechase fence on a racecourse before!
As well as his love for horses, he has a passion for another 4 legged animal. Phil’s only Greyhound ‘Fuego’ made the Quarter Finals of the World-famous Waterloo Cup, and Phil trained him himself to win two big meetings prior to that date. Dog aspirations have lowered a little since then – the family now have 2 Saluki Cross, Sukey and Lady, and latest addition, Betsy.
