SOPHIE BUCKLEY

Stud Manager

Sophie grew up on a farm in Ireland’s Co. Kildare, and trained in her teens with international dressage instructor Gisele Holstein before spells with Irish show producer Frances Cash. Pursuing her dream to work within the racing industry, Sophie became assistant to Shadwell Racing Manager, Angus Gold and Derrinstown Stud Manager, Hubie de Burgh.

Sophie joined Darley as a Marketing Executive after graduating from the University of Edinburgh and RAU Cirencester. In 2006, Sophie and her husband Charles bought Culworth Grounds.

Jason parkin

Assistant Stud

manager

Born and bred in Newmarket, Jason brings with him a huge wealth of experience having worked for some of the industries biggest names. He has spent time working for Darley and Cheveley Park looking after the likes of Diktat, Lope De Vega and Kylachy to name a few.

From here Jason went on to spend 12yrs in Australia and held the position of Stallion Manager at Patinack Farm, New Gate Farm, Cornerstone and Sun Stud in Queensland. Jason joined the team here at Culworth Grounds in December 2022 as Assistant Stud Manager and is in charge of our resident stallion El Caballo.

Garry Merton

Operations Manager

Joining the team at Culworth Grounds in Spring 2023, Garry brings with him a wealth of experience from many years as finance manager for BT. . A keen amateur rider, Garry has produced champion Show Hunters Seabourne Silent Valley amd Tom Dooley to win at the RIHS and both were placed at HOYS.

Having grown up with New Forest and Connemara’s, Garry now enjoys breeding his own Sport Horses with a prefernce for a strong Thoroughbred influence. Garry has always taken a keen interest in Bloodstock, regularly attending sales and now manages all operations side of the stud.

Gemma Habgood

Yard and

YearlingManager

Gemma Habgood heads up our Yearling prep operation and manages the day to day running of the yard. With over 10yrs experience in racing, working across both Flat and National Hunt, as well as spending time in America as a work rider.

Horses have always been a huge part of Gemma’s life- growing up Gemma took part in showing, showjumping, eventing, team chasing and more. Gemma has even ridden in a few point-to-points in recent years.

Now Gemma has joined us on her very first stud yard, eager to expand her knowledge and learn as much as possible.

Amelia Smith

Stud hand

Amelia joined us in June, bringing with her 6yrs of hands-on experience. Before joining the team, Amelia worked in hunter and competition yards, and most recently at Redwig’s Horse Sanctuary.

Amelia is passionate about horse care and is always looking to expand her skills. Amelia is particularly interested in saddle fitting and is eager to build her knowledge in this area alongside her work at Culworth Grounds.

Pedro Villavicencio

Foaling Manager

Pedro manages our foaling unit and brings with him many years of veterinary experience. Having gained his veterinary qualifications and worked in his home country of Costa Rica, Pedro’s expertise has gone on to take him to Iceland and now the UK where he is keen to gain further experience specialising in horses.

Pedro works closely with our vets, Walnut Hill, to ensure our horses are cared for to the highest standard.    

Dujan Singh

Rider

Dujan began his journey with horses in India, spending 3yrs riding at Mysore Racecourse while completing his B.A.

After moving to the UK in January 2024, Dujan gained hands-on experience riding out for Milton Harris Racing in Warminster. Dujan joined us in September 2024 and has been a key part of the team ever since- passionate about learning, dedicated to the horses, and always striving to grow.

SHeila Capell

stud hand

Sheila has worked in the equine industry since the age of sixteen, gaining experience in various disciplines.

Sheila’s career highlight was being head girl for top international event rider Ginny Elliott (Leng/Holgate). She has also worked for international dressage rider Anna Ross and professional showjumper and trainer Robert Snaddon. In her spare time, she produces and shows her own horse at county level RORs.

Jog Singh

Rider

Together with his uncle Sujan, Jog is one of our experienced riders assisting with our breakers and pre trainers.

Jog has spent time working for Richard Hughes and has also spent time riding in Dubai.

Khet Singh

stud hand

Khetty joined us in May 2024 and brings with him over a year of grooming experience from Mysore Stud Farm in India. With a strong interest in horse care and a positive, enthusiastic attitude, Khetty is keen to grow his skills and knowledge.

Since joining the team, Khetty has gained valuable experience with horses, enjoyed his work immensely, and is particularly interested in learning more about foaling. Khetty’s goal is to become a foaling manager in the future.

moti singh

stud hand

Moti joined our team in April 2024, bringing with him over 3yrs experience working as a stud groom in India. Passionate about horse care and dedicated to teamwork, Moti is committed to learning and contributing long-term.

Between 2021 and March 2024, Moti developed a strong foundation in stable management, including handling horses, keeping stables clean, and performing all types of equine-related duties. Moti’s skills and enthusiasm make him a valued part of our stud team.