Welcome to Julia & Shelley Birkett Racing
Where owners & horses are treated as individuals
Welcome to Julia & Shelley Birkett Racing
Where owners & horses are treated as individuals
About Birkett Racing
Julia Birkett
Julia has trained over 300 winners in a career spanning 24 years. Known to many by her maiden name, Feilden, she has built a strong reputation for revitalising inexpensive horses and unlocking the full potential of young talent. Before taking out her training license, Julia enjoyed a successful career as an amateur jockey. Her diverse experience also includes working as a secretary for Clive Brittain and Pat Haslam, as well as teaching at the British Racing School. Among the best horses to pass through her hands include Spirit Of Sharjah- the second highest rated two- year- old in Europe in 2007- and Najaaba, purchased for just £800 before going on to win five consecutive races and be crowned All- Weather Horse Of The Season 2003/04.
Shelley Birkett
With a decade of experience in the saddle and over 100 winners to her name- including a Listed success- Shelley brings extensive knowledge of horses across all levels. She spent three years as an apprentice to top norther trainer David O'Meara before retiring from race riding in 2020. Following this, she worked for two years as secretary to William Knight and gained valuable media experience through an internship with Racing TV. After assisting her mother, Julia, for two further seasons, Shelley took the natural next step and joined the training ranks in 2025.
Our Vision
At Birkett Racing, our vision is to make racehorse ownership enjoyable and accessible for a range of budgets. Based at Harraton Stud, we're fortunate to offer our horses acres of lush turnout all year round- a rare privilege for a Newmarket yard. We also benefit from full access to the world famous Jockey Club Gallops, where our horses are exercised daily.
Visitors frequently remark on how calm and content our racehorses are, something we take great pride in. Throughout her career, Julia has championed the belief that both owners and horses should be treated as individuals- a value that she and Shelley share wholeheartedly. Our team is dedicated to success and committed to ensuring that every owner enjoys the very best experience of racehorse ownership, both on and off the track.
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