Denis Coakley's latest news...
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Highlights of recent runs with places for Chelio and Dijon Gone and ANOTHER WIN FOR PHOENIX MOON
04 October 2026
In recent outings on the track a return to racing has seen some successes after a difficult summer. Chelio made it three places in a row, following his second and third over seven furlongs at Goodwood and Lingfield, with a good run stepping up to race over a mile at Bath. No match for the easy winner, he kept on well to claim third spot and prove that he retains his good attitude to racing. The same can be said for Dijon Gone, going up to run a mile and three quarters at Wolverhampton. George Bass had her racing prominently from the early stages, moving well in second and only losing position at the top of the straight. She rallied very well towards the finish, however, to nail fourth place in a field of ten in what looked a competitive enough race. At the same Dunstall Park track Rob Hornby took the ride on Phoenix Moon, back to all weather action after three quite disappointing turf runs. He had the grey mare running well back in midfield through the first half mile and then made his forward move turning in for home, albeit with a wide course around the last bend. This meant that Phoenix Moon had to pass several horses by taking a course up the centre of the track entering the final furlong. She did this very well in a real return to form, getting to the front and then keeping on well to win by a neck. Rob felt she was on a real going day, and bookmakers from Waterford to Cumbria were sent scurrying for cover after her tissue price of 28/1 attracted some interest, and a late plunge from one hard hitting and shrewd Penrith punter trimmed six points off the SP. The Keeper's 12 syndicate were delighted as Phoenix Moon notched her fifth race win for them, and back at home there was much hollering in the Harrow as they cheered home the speedy grey mare.
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A bit of an off day for Phoenix Moon at her favourite track
02 September 2026
Running in the last race of the card yesterday at Lingfield, Tom Marquand reported that Phoenix Moon was not her usual self at all, getting uncharacteristically fractious in the stalls and not racing as she normally does. Getting the blind off sharply from the break she was still a little further back than ideal in the opening furlong and then also got quite a bump from the outside. This seemed to lead her to tighten up and not take a breath, so that by the turn in to home she was a few lengths back and, although she got into her stride along the home straight, she was not going to advance from a modest sixth place, beaten just over five lengths. She seems to be fine after the race and so Denis will see how she is over the next couple of weeks.
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Uniter finishes well over Epsom's nine furlongs
01 September 2026
Uniter ran a nice race for the Paddock to Pub Syndicate yesterday afternoon at Epsom Downs over a mile and a furlong. Kept out of his ground in the early part of the race, Uniter came down the hill well to join the small field and then he made up a lot of ground in the straight to finish a good fourth, suggesting that he might go close next time.
Welcome to Keeper’s Stables
Located on the Berkshire Downs in the famous racing village of West Ilsley, Keeper’s Stables is picturesque and tranquil racing yard with some of the finest and most famous gallops in the country, making it a fantastic place to have a horse in training. Pictured right is Miss Marjurie winning Group 3 Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock 30th May 2015
Find out more about the yard and Denis Coakley…
Denis Coakley – Racehorse Trainer
Irishman Denis was born into racing, working with leading trainers around the world and he was a successful professional jockey before commencing his training career in 1999.
See our race entries and recent results…
A day with West Ilsley trainer Denis Coakley’ by Robin Oakley, The Spectator July 2014
Racehorse Ownership
Trainer Denis Coakley runs a small team with big ambitions, maximising the potential of each horse in the yard.
Find out more about racehorse ownership with Denis Coakley.
See “Horses for Sale“ page for current available shares.
There is an Owners’ Party held in October - If you are interested in racehorse ownership please contact us for an invitation. This year the yard will be taking part in the National Racehorse Week, opening the stables on Sunday 12th September 2021, from 12 noon until 3pm. This is an opportunity to wander around the yard and chat to Denis and others caring for the horses at Keeper’s Stables
Denis, Barbara and Charlie Coakley pictured here at the yard. Denis Coakley Racing is very much a family business.
Statistics……
Go to websites for Racing Post or At The Races for up to date statistics.
Contact us
Telephone:
01635 281622
Fax:
01635 281624
Mobile:
07768 658056
Email:
Keeper’s Stables
West Ilsley
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 7AH
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @denisjcoakley
