It wouldn’t be accurate to describe Tom and Gina Ellis (nee Andrews) – who are based at Marton, near Rugby – as a young couple going places, as they've already arrived! Tom has been champion trainer for the past two seasons and Gina has won the lady jockeys title six years in a row (seven times in total), including with a record score for a female rider of 58 winners in 2018/2019, and is fast closing on 300 winners between the flags. With a stable strength of over 30, a healthy mix of experienced and younger horses – and already off the mark for the season – Tom and Gina look likely to be in the running for a third consecutive trainers’ title and few would bet against Gina being leading lady yet again. They spoke to Jake Exelby recently about some of those who they hope will fly the flag for them this campaign.
Bawnmore
Bought from Ireland with some placed form to his name. Won his Maiden at Horseheath before a second in Restricted company at the same track and should continue to progress through the ranks.
Benefaktor
Another horse who won his Maiden and Restricted easily last season, before just getting beaten in an Intermediate.
Berties Escape
An exciting individual who was placed on his only start in a Maiden last season and comes from a good family.
Black Jasper
Winner of his maiden at Alnwick before disappointing at Dalton Park subsequently. A big scopey horse who should have improved plenty for a break.
Deans Road
Only arrived in the yard recently, and was formerly a useful chaser in Ireland. Could be an Aintree prospect if regaining his old spark.
Dubai Quest
Progressed through the ranks quickly last season, and a lovely big scopey horse who should be capable of further improvement.
Fumet D’Oudairies
A highly progressive young horse who won all his four starts last season.
General Arrow
Very progressive two years ago but was disappointing last season. Hopefully we’ve ironed out some issues and he can regain his form. Fell at Kimble on his reappearance.
Harper’s Brook
A big four-year-old son of Ask who needed plenty of time last season and should be out early this time.
Haymount
A multiple open winner. Not getting any younger but should continue to give his enthusiastic syndicate some fun this season.
Gina and Haymount
Honestlyntruthully
A four-year-old by Getaway who was ready to run before lockdown. Looks a handy type and should be out early.
Indirocco
Had some smart form under rules without winning, and duly won his maiden with ease in 2019 before picking up an injury.
Kalabaloo (pictured above with Tom)
A high-class mare, who won two Ladies Opens up at Alnwick last season before running respectably in the Foxhunters. Opens will be the aim again.
Killinkere
Bought out of Gordon Elliott’s to give his syndicate plenty of fun through the season and won a Maiden at Kimble on his debut for us.
Killenkere winning at Kimble earlier this month
King Of The Clothe
A consistent sort who ran well all season including winning an Open at Thorpe Lodge, and a Hunter Chase could be the aim towards the end of the season.
Gina returning in triumph after breaking the lady jockey's seasonal record on King Of The Clothe
Latenightfumble
Homebred half sister to Latenightpass, who was placed in a maiden last season. Not the easiest to train, but has plenty of ability.
Latenightpass (pictured above with Gina)
A homebred who has exceeded all expectations (winning at Cheltenham in 2019), and a super, fun little horse.
Millstone
A half-brother to Dan Skelton’s Real Stone, who placed in a bumper for Alan King. A Maiden will be on the cards around Christmas.
Oscars Fame
Won his maiden at Cottenham impressively before being placed twice in Restricteds, and will hopefully continue to progress.
Tigers Song
A lightly raced mare who has won two of her four starts. Has plenty of ability but is fragile.
Wounded Warrior
A high-class chaser in the past who has been bought to give his owner-rider some fun in her first season.
Unnamed 3yo by Black Sam Bellamy
An athletic horse who should be forward enough to run in the spring. Owned by one of our most enigmatic gin drinkers at the back of our car!
Unnamed 3yo by Fame And Glory
Another big scopey sort who was purchased from the Doncaster store sale.
Unnamed 3yo by Walk In The Park
A forward type from a good family who has taken his work well and should be out in the spring.