HISTORY

Three generations of accomplished racehorse training.

MICK RYAN

This impressive history starts with John’s grandfather, the late Mick Ryan, who was stud groom to the late Lord Derby at Woodland stud in Newmarket for 32 years before becoming stud groom to the late Lord Howard de Walden at Plantation Stud.  During this time he looked after HYPERION. 

MICHAEL RYAN

Moving forward Michael Ryan, John’s father, was apprentice to the late George Colling at Stanley House Stables before becoming a work rider on the east coast circuit.  During this time he was assistant trainer to Elizabeth Arden and A.J. Bodero  gaining substantial experience in on-track training.

Michael returned to the UK  in 1964, as Assistant Trainer for Bernard van Cutsem at Stanley House Stables, now the residence for Goldophin UK. He took out his own licence in 1976 setting up at Cadland Stables, still the family home, where he continued to train until he retired in 2005. 

Notable horses trained by John’s father include Katie’s, Royal Heroine, Osric and Motivator.

JOHN RYAN

John represented the British Amateur Association throughout Europe as a flat jockey, with wins in France, Belgium, Germany, Holland and the UK.  As a professional, he became a successful jockey on the flat, and then over jumps. He started his jump career as conditional jockey for the famous trainer, Stan Mellor.

After  a total of 174 wins as a jockey he made the natural transition to training in 1997, assisting Yogi Breisner. John then became assistant trainer to his father and consolidated this experience as an assistant trainer to J. Poulton where he trained 6 winners in his first season, followed by 20 winners in the next, and over 30 placed horses.

John obtained his trainers license in October 2005 and went on to set up John Ryan Racing at the historic Sackville House Stables, ideally placed in the heart of Newmarket.

SACKVILLE HOUSE STABLES

One of the oldest and most historic yards in Newmarket.  Horses have been trained here since 1760, if not earlier, and it is believed that the yard was once owned by Sir Charles Bunbury.

Always associated with winning horses, it is understood that Chamossaire, who won the St Leger in 1945 and went on to become a successful stallion was trained at Sackville house,.

The Derby winner, Blue Peter, was trained at Sackville House as a two year old.

Sackville House stables is located on Sackville Street - once known as Shagbag Alley! The long plot along Shagbag, granted in 1683, included a malthouse and stable by 1700 and was later divided into Sackville House and stable at the east end. The name was changed some years ago as it was considered to be politically incorrect, although the name was derived from the bags used to carry fighting cocks. It is believed that a cock fighting pit existed on the road, with Charles II as a regular visitor.

More recently, the yard has been home to many excellent trainers including Willie Musson, Jeff Pearce, Sir Mark Prescott, Michael Ryan and Sir Michael Stoute. It has always been considered a lucky yard.

By reputation, it is also thought to be "the warmest yard in Newmarket," on account of it's enclosed layout and high walls. Much appreciated by both horses and staff during the harsh Newmarket Winters.