Testimonials

Here is what some of our owners have to say about their ownership experience with Kim.

"My first visit to Kim Bailey’s new yard, set in an idyllic range of hills near Cheltenham, was such a good experience. It was great to see the yard fully operational already and the team enthusiastically using their new facilities. The horses seem to have settled in really well and are enjoying their new surroundings.”

"In such beautiful surroundings, the new gallop sets the keynote for the whole site. A top-class surface rises three hundred feet over four furlongs. Having seen the horses work, I now appreciate why several jockeys have described it as deceptively difficult and the most effective they have ridden. ”

"Looking at the stable lads’ house, I could see that although Kim never has trouble recruiting staff, his problem here will be keeping them away. The owners of the estate are a crucial part of the new setup that has been created here. From my visit to Thorndale Farm, it is clear that they understand and welcome racehorses. All the work which they and Kim have carried out in such a short time radiates involvement and commitment to the very best. All in all, were I a racehorse, this is where I’d want to be trained."  Elizabeth Kellar, owner of Lucky Luk

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"Having a share in the ‘Have Fun Racing’ partnership (my first try at racehorse ownership) has been most enjoyable.  I found the partnership through Kim's excellent website where he publishes a daily diary of goings on in the yard, a summary of the previous days runners and photos of the horses on the gallops and to Kim's credit the site is updated everyday.  Owners are made to feel very welcome at the stables and Kim has time for everybody, he keeps in regular contact with all of the partnership members with regular update emails.  To stand in the winner’s enclosure at Huntingdon after less than a year of racehorse ownership was an unforgettable experience.  I would whole heartedly recommend Kim to anybody wishing to own a racehorse be it in a partnership or a sole owner."  Geoff Back, Partner in Have Fun Racing

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“To stand at the top of the new gallop at Thorndale Farm and watch our horse exercising is a true joy.  The setting is breathtaking and one I greatly look forward to returning to time and time again.  We are very excited about the future.” Peter Granger, Joint Owner of Red Granite

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"I have been delighted to have horses with Kim for a number of years and am now greatly looking forward to the future at Thorndale Farm which I believe has all the right credentials to get the most out of my horses.  I firstly decided on Kim as I knew he had the ability as a trainer due to his tremendous record over the years.  You do not win the races he has without being a very competent trainer.  Secondly I was advised that Kim was a totally honourable person who would say it as it was.  Both the above turned out to be true but in due course I realised there were other reasons I enjoyed owning horses being trained in the Bailey yard.  All owners are treated as individuals.  There is no one owner who has anything other than a small % of Kim's horses so we all feel we get equal treatment.  This is so important as I have known other trainers who I thought often felt the owner was more of a nuisance! 

“I have been fortunate to have some excellent horses with Kim and have had runners in 2 Aintree Nationals and in 2 Scottish Nationals.  Jump racing has given me and my family many happy and memorable moments and whilst I am sure there are many trainers with larger strings and many that appear statistically more successful I have no doubt that having horses in Kim's yard is just about as good as it gets."
Alan Halsall, Owner of Longshanks and Willing Weasel

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“I started taking more interest in racing in 2003 through the evening coverage on Sky & ATR.  The concept of the Dream Makers, with some 'fun days' racing, stable visits & making a contribution to a worthy charity at the same time seemed very attractive.  I was impressed that we had a winner on only our third run, when Predestine won at Hereford, one of the only days I missed.  I thought the Dream Makers’ partnership has given me a very good run for my money.  Although I am only a small cog in a fairly large wheel Kim always make me feel very welcome.  It is possible to get a lot of pleasure from racing for a fairly modest investment."  David Simpkins, Partner in Dream Makers

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" I bought my first horse through Kim in 1996. I have always found Kim very helpful with his advice and guidance and it has never been a problem to make contact with him and talk about racing matters at any time. It’s nice to know that I can visit his stables at any time and he’s always willing to find time for me.  This has all helped to make the owning and racing of horses a fun thing as well as the more serious side.

“I’m so happy the horses have moved to Thorndale Farm, they are happy and already profiting from the excellent facilities there.  I have every confidence that we will be reaping the benefits as owners.”  Bill Ives, owner of Katy’s Classic, Wenlocks Wonder and Black Collar.

 "When, some years ago, my previous trainer retired, I spent considerable time deciding whom to ask to replace him and in making relevant observations on and off course, I decided on Kim Bailey.  I was not intending to acquire horses for umpteen thousands of pounds but loved NH racing.  I firmly record that I have never made a better or happier decision in my life. Having a horse with Kim is great fun, which is what racing should be all about, and Kim is quite splendid in communicating with owners, both frequently and on all relevant facts.  It is well known that he runs his yard with great attention and care for all in it, both equine and human and in the most proper fashion, thereby preserving the best tradition of NH racing." Iain Buchan, owner of Bay Ketch

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 "I first contacted Kim having visited his excellent website and read about the Have Fun Racing Partnership.  Kim invited us along to the yard to view the facilities, the horses in training and take a look at some of them exercising on the gallops.  His staff were friendly and knowledgeable and certainly contributed to our decision to invest.  Kim's enthusiasm for the sport and knowledge was most reassuring and communication with his owners is extremely effective.  Coming from the world of telecommunications I was impressed that this trainer was fully internet savvi and uses his website, SMS texts and of course emails to great effect.   

“If you are thinking of becoming involved in racehorse ownership and are looking for a trainer who is knowledgeable and passionate about the sport then I'd recommend you email or call Kim Bailey.  A friendly welcome is assured, you might even get to experience one of Kim's famous breakfasts!  To part own a horse was a milestone, to then experience your horse winning is something very special."  Kevin Hawkins, Partner in Have Fun Racing

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"Now that the Dream Makers 2005/06 season has ended we thought we should write to say how impressed we have been by the way you have kept us informed of the entries and declarations for these three horses.  You did so both by direct e-mails and also by keeping your website up to the minute.  Our best wishes for next season."  Jack Brown and Brian Spiby, Partners in Dream Makers

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"Survived over fifteen years of ownership with KCB - just!  What's in the prospectus - big on communication, big on hospitality, big on friendship is in CAPITALS as stated on the tin.  But caveat emptor - what's not in the prospectus!  Hard on the nerves if you're not looking for constant excitement, hard on the liver if you're not looking for regular celebrations, and hard on your time if you're trying to keep up."  David Hill

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  "We have been owners with Kim for 15 years and known him for some years longer than that.  During that time we have enjoyed some fantastic highs and of course some lows but Kim has a number of qualities which keep us with him as owners.  Firstly, and most importantly, he is a person of high integrity, you can trust him.  The message may not always be what you want to hear but you always know where you stand.  Kim is a great communicator, he likes owners, he likes talking to them and he recognises that if they are engaged and involved they are going to get a lot more out of ownership. 

“Kim and Clare are marvellous hosts from a morning on the gallops to an afternoon at the races.  They both love NH racing and have a real desire to do well for their owners.  They offer real commitment, passion and involvement for owners seeking the emotional thrill and involvement of racehorse ownership.  Anyone who keeps a horse to trot round the lanes knows how difficult it is to have a horse fit and sound on a given day.  To do this with a thoroughbred and compete in a fiercely competitive sport requires an outstanding degree of skill as a trainer.”  John and Penny Perriss