A new National Hunt trainer for Heart of the South is Grand National winning trainer Oliver Sherwood. He has around 50 horses that he trains out of his stunning Neardown Stables, and has access to the fantastic Lambourn gallops.
Early career
Oliver’s love of horses came from his parents who were both keen riders that enjoyed plenty of success in Point to Point’s. Oliver commenced his racing career in 1974 as a Pupil Assistant to Gavin Pritchard Gordon based in Newmarket. A year later he moved to Ireland to work alongside Arthur Moore where he remained for 3 years. However it was working with Champion trainer Fred Winter that saw Oliver have a successful career as an Amateur Jockey where he soon became Champion Amateur Jockey riding 96 winners in total (including 3 at the Cheltenham Festival!)
In 1984 Oliver took out his trainers license and set up his operation at Rhonehurst in Lambourn. He has won some top races in the NH calendar including the Tingle Creek Chase, Hennessy Gold Cup, Crabbies Grand National, Arkle Trophy and many more.
The legendary Many Clouds
Oliver has been fortunate enough to train many big names over the years, but one of the stand outs has to be the brilliantly brave Many Clouds. This son of Cloudings looked set to be something special when winning on his debut in a bumper by an impressive 12 lengths. His first win came at the back end of his 5-year old season which was closely followed by a 2nd place in a Grade 3 at Sandown Park. However it was his 2014/15 season where he really came into himself winning a Listed race at Carlisle, the Grade 3 Hennessy Gold Cup, Grade 2 BetBright Cup Chase and the Crabbies Grand National!
Many Clouds continued to run creditably in the big races and won two more Listed races followed by the Grade 2 BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase after a thrilling battle with Thistlecrack. Sadly this horse of a lifetime lost his life this day but he bowed out doing what he loved and will forever be a true favourite amongst the public.
Rhonehurst Stables/Neardown Stables
Ably assisted by his wife Tarnya, Oliver trained for 37 years his National Hunt string alongside some state of the art facilities at Rhonehurst. His yard was just a stone’s throw away from the Lambourn Downs which consists of a variety of gallops not to mention some breathtaking views. Oliver also has access to several schooling grounds meaning he can get plenty of practice into his young NH horses.
In 2021 Oliver moved just across the road to Neardown Stables and his horses have settled in brilliantly, already giving plenty of wins from the new yard! He has purpose built stables which give every single horse a window to look out of, a beautiful calming environment, turnout paddocks, a warm up ring as well as access to the Lambourn Gallops and schooling grounds.
For more information on Oliver Sherwood please visit his website.
