In an industry where hard work is taken as read, Paddy sets the bar higher than most. Originally from Tipperary, Ireland, Paddy and DJ first met when they were travelling head lad and assistant to Charlie Longsdon. Before then Paddy had presided over some of Jonjo O'Neill's most successful days as travelling head person including Sychronised winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
After a very successful stint together at Longsdon's, Paddy went to Graham McPherson's whilst DJ began the process of setting up his own yard. Paddy and DJ have now been working together for 3 years, first at Stow and now at Ballard's Farm. Paddy is integral to the running of DJ Jeffreys Racing, and if he does have any other hobbies he keeps them very well hidden!
Justin is a local boy through and through, and learned his craft through his dad, Roy, who ran a very successful dual-purpose yard at Elmley Castle for many years. Before Justin came to DJ Jeffreys Racing, he did four years at David Bridgwater where he learned a great deal, and was a time he enjoyed immensely. When the opportunity arose to work a bit closer to home, and with a new trainer he'd been following for a number of years, Justin jumped at the opportunity to join the team at DJ Jeffreys Racing. Justin has a great attitude and is always willing to lend a hand.
Justin loves everything sport related including football, rugby and boxing. He also particularly enjoys racing history, trips to Cornwall, his three dogs and a good pint of real ale.
As long as Leanne can remember she's ridden horses, but funnily enough it was a teacher at school that encouraged her to get involved in racing. Whilst still at school she started riding out for a local flat trainer and after deciding this was the right life for her, did a stint at the British Racing School. From here she joined the team at leading Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell where she enjoyed one of the highlights of her career so far; when the stable won the Grand National. Deciding to make the move south, Leanne then moved to Gold Cup winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies where she had a fantastic three years, and had the great fortune of acquiring her great Point-to-Pointing horse "Guinness", with whom she's had some fantastic days out.
After doing a fortuitous driving job to Kelso last year for DJ, DJ offered her the travelling head person position which happily she accepted. Leanne loves going racing but also loves staying home and chilling with her two dogs, Honey and Margot, and when she can find the time ride Guinness.
Andrée originally hails from the Emerald Isles but moved to England at seventeen years old and began her racing career a stones throw away at Cleve Hill with the Grassicks. She then moved to the Gold Coast in Australia where she worked for trainer Gary Stewart. On her return to the UK she decided to go a very different way and trained, competed and taught martial arts, where she excelled so much she won a few kick-boxing and K1 titles. Deciding she missed horses Andrée came to work for DJ in November of last year, and she absolutely loves being back around the horses.
She is still very much into her martial arts, when she's not too tired, and loves walking with her two dogs.
We are very lucky to have a rider of Mark's calibre working for us at DJ Jeffreys Racing, as in a sadly injury shortened Flat career, he racked up over 70 winners including some of the very early victories for grand flat horse Caspian Prince. Mark has also ridden in both Ireland and the US and even rode in the 2011 Derby. In 2014 Mark suffered a career ending injury but was able to continue riding out. A few years ago Mark was introduced to DJ through assistant Paddy and jockey Kielan Woods and the rest is history. Mark lives a stones throw away in Evesham and comes in every day.
He is a massive Liverpool fan and also enjoys boxing and motor racing.
