Jo Hughes takes over at The Old Manor Stables, Upper Lambourn

Jo Hughes, who currently trains at Hill House Stables is expanding her operation by taking over the running of Mikael Magnussons' 50 box Old Manor Stables, in Upper Lambourn. Whilst Jo Hughes will carry the license, they are joining forces, and Mikael Magnussons' horses will now run under Jo Hughes' banner. Mikael Magnusson will still be very involved with the yard and liaising with his owners. This co-operation will mean that Jo Hughes will have a larger string and will be operating from a training yard in one of the best positions in Upper Lambourn. Since taking out her licence just 17 month ago, Jo has trained 43 winners, including Listed and Group wins. The move will mean that Jo is now better placed to use the Mandown Gallops, and with the excellent facilities at The Old Manor will have room to expand. She will be moving her horses to the yard immediately, however will be staying at Hill House a short distance away up the Folly Road in Lambourn Contact Jo Hughes Mobile: 07900 680189 johughes3@aol.co.uk www.johughesracing.co.uk Mikael Magnusson says: "Since moving to train a small number of horses from the Old Manor, the yard has never been full until now and although not an easy decision to make, it is the right one. I will now have the freedom to deal with other matters needing my attention, whilst knowing that everything will be looked after the way it should be. I will still be involved with the horses, on the gallops on a daily basis and am very much looking forward to working with Jo, who is an extremely good horsewoman and trainer, as well as being involved with a yard on a larger scale than before. My partners in the horses have been very understanding and are as delighted as I am by this development." Jo Hughes says: "I am really looking forward to moving to such a historic stable yard and with Mikael joining the management team we will endeavour to move forward into the future" George Windsor Clive of Windsor Clive International who brokered the arrangement says: "There is strong demand to rent yards in Lambourn as Jockey Club Estates continue to improve the gallops. The Old Manor is one of Lambourn's best known yards with a fantastic history and it is good to see it as a base for an expanding operation."