About Manor House Stables

Michael and Louise Owen

Manor House Stables, converted from a cattle barn by Michael and Louise Owen, commenced business as a training yard in March 2007 with 30 horses. By May 2009, improvements to the facilities meant it had grown to accommodate 90 horses with an impressive lounge for owners, a brand new office and superb hostel accommodation for the staff.

Tom Dascombe

In June 2009 Michael approached Tom Dascombe to see if he would join the team at Manor House Stables. Tom's response was that he would only consider it if Andrew Black, his principal owner and supporter, approved the idea and could be involved as well. Michael invited Andrew to become joint owner of Manor House Stables and Andrew agreed, paving the way for Tom to enter the partnership.

Andrew Black

Andrew 'Bert' Black is co-founder and the original designer of the internet phenomenon Betfair. He retains a seat on the Betfair main board, along with board seats at three other internet technology companies and investments in numerous others. Andrew has a lifelong interest in horse racing and in recent years his business interests have moved increasingly in this direction. He owns over 40 horses and is building a substantial stud farm in Cobham in Surrey. He is an enthusiastic analyst of equine pedigrees and has built a large database to assist him in his research.

Andrew Black writes: “I am enormously excited to have a significant role to play in the development of Manor House Stables – a stables that I confidently believe will be one of the pre-eminent training facilities in the country.”

Michael Owen added “In August 2009, Andrew and I were delighted to secure Tom Dascombe as trainer and a partner in our business and I believe he is the perfect candidate to take Manor House Stables on to bigger and better things.  Tom has an impressive training record to date and we are about to embark on an exciting phase together.”

	Michael, Bert and Tom at the yard on the day the partnership agreement was signed and sealed