Ed Vaughan

Training 'Starlight Wish'

Former assistant trainer to the late Alec Stewart, Ed took over the licence at Clarehaven Stables on a temporary basis in mid-August 2004. He later announced his intention to lease the 30-box fillies yard at Warren Place from Henry Cecil for the following season. In the past it has housed Oh So Sharp, Bosra Sham, Ramruma, Indian Skimmer and many more Group 1 winners. Vaughan, who sadled 17 winners from 80 runners last year moved into his new premises on December 01, 2004.

"I hope the new yard will prove as lucky for me as it has Henry Cecil in the past. I would like to thank Henry for giving me the opportunity to move into such an historic yard as I had been struggling to find suitable premises in Newmarket. It is a superb facility and I am really excited. I am very grateful that so many of Alec's owners have chosen to continue to support me with their horses and I have also gained a number of new owners for next year. We have had some good results so far, Tasdeed a two year old who won impressively for me on his debut at Doncaster and has since gone to Godolphin, is a winner that would stand out. Also when Colisay won the ladbrokes.com Stakes on St. Leger day that was another big highlight."

Vaughan, 32, has an excellent CV. Originally from Co. Cork in Ireland he is a graduate of the Irish National Stud course. He spent four years working in training facilities in America before joining Godolphin to run a pre-training barn where he broke in Dubai Millenium as a yearling. Two seperate two-year spells followed as an assistant to both Charlie Mann and Noel Chance, before moving to Clarehaven to assist Alec Stewart in 2003.

"I hope that people will look at my track record to date and give me the opportunity to prove myself. I am extremely fortunate to have worked with some top class trainers and horses. I know that embarking on a training career is a daunting task but it has been my lifetime ambition to train. I am going to give it my best shot."

Jedd O'Keeffe

Training 'Don't Be So Sakhee'

Jedd was brought up in Wetherby, West Yorkshire. His father had been a jockey and a trainer with winners under both codes, and although no longer training when Jedd was young, his father Eddie always had horses in his care.

Jedd got his first job in racing, working as pupil-assistant to Micky Hammond in Middleham. After the first season Jedd was promoted to traveling head lad and worked in this role for a further six years, after which he was appointed assistant trainer for another two years.

It was decided in 2000 to take the plunge, and Jedd left Micky Hammond to apply for a licence of his own. Four and a half years later, Jedd's business is gradually expanding as he begins to make a name for himself, and although predominantly training flat-horses, he has proved that he is versatile with winners under both codes. The 2004 flat-season has been Jedd's most successful to date. The highlights of his career are two doubles on the flat in 2004, and a Listed place with Borders Belle at Epsom.

Jedd is very ambitious, and wishes to expand his string further, but understands that he is part of the leisure industry and his clients need to enjoy their racing and their relationship with their trainer. However, although Jedd wants his owners to have fun, he wants them all to be rewarded with success.

Jedd is backed by a dedicated team of staff, headed by his wife Andrea, who having left teaching, divides her time with helping Jedd and looking after their two young sons. The head groom is Leanne Kershaw, who has been employed by Jedd since leaving school and before he began training. Leanne also doubles as the apprentice jockey, and has ridden around twelve winners.