A Thoroughly Enjoyable And Very Personal Day
A fantastic day throughout. It started with breakfast with Charlie Mann in his own kitchen. Afterwards we met the horses that were going out on to the gallops. We followed them up in the Land Rover and watched them work. A couple of the horses were going to the races in the next two days so we watched them school over fences and hurdles with Paul Maloney on board. Then it was back to the yard and a tour round the stable where we met every horse. Don, the stable lad who took us round, gave us a potted history of each one and a few pointers as to which he rated best.
Charlie Mann, his 'lads' and all his staff made us feel very welcome and a real part of his day to day routine. We saw what he did from organising his runners for the day to keeping a watchful eye over the horses on the gallops. We were even fortunate enough to get up close and personal with the stars of his stable, and watched some of the new horses getting schooled over the jumps. We even got a winning tip for the next day!
Fantastic day, certainly worth the early start! This is simply a dream for any horse racing fan such as myself. Even just breakfast with Charlie Mann and Noel Fehily is amazing enough, but then to watch Charlie's horses on the gallops is thrilling. We were even lucky enough to see an ex-flat horse getting schooled over hurdles. The day ends with a tour around the stables, and we managed to pick up a few tips for the days to come. For me one of the highlights was getting a photo of Air Force One - lovely horse!
This experience was outstanding - I couldn't have wished for better, it far exceeded my expectations. After a warm greeting from Charlie, we sat down for breakfast with Charlie and Noel Fehily watching the Morning Line and generally 'chewing the fat.' At this moment I thought this was my idea of heaven. The rest of the morning we spent being shown around the gallops and stables, always being greeted by friendly staff and being given a great insight into life in a racing stable. Absolutely superb. Thanks to all involved.
A Great Insight Into A Lifetime Passion
The morning at Charlie Mann's stables was, for a sixty-year-old who has been an avid student of the turf since age 8, a truly memorable and informative experience. Everyone we met was extremely welcoming and breakfast was a real family affair. Charlie is a most affable host and our sortie to the gallops was fascinating. Our introduction to all the equine inmates will give added spice to my daily study of the racing action. The barns in which they live are palatial, the horses display a level of contentment that one wouldn't generally associate with thoroughbreds, and the yard has an aura of total efficiency. Should I ever win the lottery I will certainly be returning but as an owner!
Brilliant Day, Brilliant People
On arrival to the stables, you are greated by Charlie's jockeys, whom are friendly and helpful. You are then introduced to Charlie, who introduces some of his horses and top jockey to you. After a brief chat, Charlie invites you into his house and you enjoy a lovely breakfast with his family and many friendly dogs. Once breakfast is finished, Charlie takes you up to the gallops, which is an experience on its own. You watch as the horses come up the hill on their daily workout. On the return journey to the stables, Charlie will talk to each jockey to see how the horses have performed. Once back at the stables, Don, Charlie's stable hand will take you around introducing all the horses and informing you how they are progressing. After the stable tour, you join Charlie in his office for a nice warm coffee and open chat about racing. That then concludes your day. I've got to say, I'm thinking about doing the day again as really enjoyed myself.
Racing Enthusiast? Not To Be Missed!
Charlie Mann has a lifetime's experience in National Hunt racing and allows you to see his world in close up. After a traditional farm house breakfast at Whitcoombe House Stables in Upper Lambourn, he brings racing to life. We followed his morning routine in the exercise yard with his string of horses. He then takes you to his own set of gallops to watch pairs of horses train in real freedom. Often he can show you his best jumpers being coached in their jumping routine on the next door Jockey Club fences. Back in the yard we look at all of his string in their own boxes with the aid of his assistant who puts his own life's view on their chances. Charlie concludes events in his offices with coffee and a chance to see the other side of his business with the phone work chatting to owners and securing jockeys and entries. Racing is his calling and so much of this is laid bare for visitors to experience. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone interested in racing.
I bought this for my dad for a Christmas gift and I'm so glad I did as he absolutely loved it. When I was searching for ideas on your website and saw this I instantly knew it would be perfect. He had breakfast with Charlie and Noel the jockey along with 3 others on the same experience. They went up to the gallops and saw the horses being exercised which he said was amazing. He got some top tips for some youngsters and Charlie gave him a book which included a list of his horses which my dad thought was great. All in all he had a fantastic day and I wouldn't hesitate in buying this for somebody else. On a personal note I would like to thank Charlie for making an old man very happy and for being so friendly and welcoming. You really made his day, thank you.
I met Charlie Mann bang on 8.00am, 3 other people were already with him. After a formal introduction we went for breakfast. Brilliant, I was ready for my breakfast (the full English).The banter about horse racing and life in general was first class, everyone blended as if we where old friends. Then it was up on to the gallops to watch his string of horses and get a few pointers on what to look for in a National Hunt racing horse. Back down the hill to the stable tour, with introductions to every horse in the yard. After the stable tour it was coffee with Charlie, such a nice guy and more horse racing talk. A great end to to a great morning.
Take The Chance Of A Lifetime
Having visisted the Charlie Mann stables would like to say that I had a great time and that the whole day from start to finish was fantastic. The welcome was brilliant and the tour, staff and experience second to none. Charlie was an excellent host and ready to answer any questions regards to his own career and the fortunes of the yard. He gave a great insight into what goes into making a horse great. All the staff were a credit and friendly which showed that they were enjoying their work. Nothing was too much trouble and I felt for day like one of the team getting a chance to meet the family and even meeting Noel Fehily. The gallops are a great insight and it is amazing what power the jockeys are sitting on. The tour by the head lad was fascinating, getting the chance to see the animals and get real close was brilliant. If you get the chance to go to Charlie's yard please take it!
The Sport Of Kings And Me!
Excellent time, Charlie his family and team spent a lot of time with us and were extremely friendly and interesting. A really great experience recommended to all.
An Unforgettable Experience
As a passionate horseracing fan I was really looking forward to the day. However, the reality exceeded my expectations. Firstly, Charlie's stables are in a superb part of the world and driving into Upper Lambourn early in the morning is an experience in itself. Once at the stables, Charlie and his team made us feel completely at home. A hearty breakfast in his kitchen was followed by an introduction to his team and some of the horses before heading off in his jeep to monitor the progress of the horses as they worked. Once back at the stables we got to know his team and his horses a little better and eventually finished off with a chat and a coffee with Charlie in his office. The lasting memory for me will be the friendliness and hospitality of Charlie and his team.
Charlie and Noel made our small party of four extremely welcome - answered all our questions and showed us around personally - fantastic day out.
Fascinating Insight, Thoroughly Enjoyable
This is a great opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes of a leading racehorse trainer. Charlie and his staff make you feel very welcome and are willing to answer any questions you may have about the yard, and horseracing in general. Anybody who has a passion for horseracing will almost definitely enjoy this day, I certainly did and may well return in the future.
Early Morning Exhilaration!
I found the three hours we spent with Charlie and his team to be extremely interesting and informative. He gave a really good insight into what it's like to be a racehorse trainer and he was very open and honest throughout the visit. Breakfast was very nice and he showed us all aspects of the yard from the horse walker to the stables and of course the gallops. If you're into racing I would recommend this wholeheartedly!
Christopher P
14 Feb 2009
A Very Enjoyable Insight Into The Sport Of Kings
Lambourn is a lovely picturesque venue and with the snow still on the hills it made for a perfect winter's morning at Charlie's base. We were made to feel very welcome and I found Charlie entertaining as well as insightful. I also really enjoyed meeting Charlie's head lad who was very chatty and informative. We had a look up the gallops and watched the horses canter as well as limber up down by the stables. So often those in the trade remain quite secretive about plans, but I found Charlie and his head lad very helpful and very open about training techniques and future plans. I really hope they continue to go from strength to strength as I was most impressed with the whole set-up. A really enjoyable trip into a sport that I am passionate about.
Horse Racing, Why You Should Find Out More
Charlie Mann was a superb host who made me feel very at ease and welcome. Full of information and facts that makes you realise what a tough but rewarding business race horse training is. I would like to thank Charlie and all those involved at his stables for a superb experience.
An Absolute Joy From Start To Finish
From "Hello I'm Charlie" till "Goodbye, come and say hello if you see me at the races", the whole experience was a pleasure. We spent the morning with friends from start to finish, a hearty breakfast led on to a complete insight into a trainer's day. This gift is one I shall be passing onto my best friends. Thank you.
A Perfect Winter's Morning
Charlie, his family and staff couldn't have been more helpful and cooperative in making this experience unforgettable.
Good Insight Into Horse Racing
We spent an enjoyable morning at Charlie Mann's stable and were made to feel very welcome. The weather was lovely (which helped) as a trip around the gallops followed breakfast with Charlie, his family, head lad and jockey Neil Fehily. After that a tour of the facilities and then a trip round the stables meeting the horses who were stars of the show. A great day and interesting even for those not particularly into racing.
Exceeded All Expectations!
Charlie was a wonderful host. We were made to feel so welcome by all the staff in a laid back, friendly atmosphere. Charlie spent 2 and a half hours showing us round the whole set up and was full of interesting information, and happy answer all questions. It was great to have the opportunity to get close to the horses around the stables too. Highly recommended to anyone, whether you are into racing or not.
A Truly Memorable Experience
An anniversary present for my husband. He was a bit apprehensive at first. No need to have been. Charlie, staff and even the dogs were very welcoming. Husband hasn't stopped telling people about it and to top it off, he placed a bet on one of the horses the next day and won... Thanks to all involved for a great morning.
A Great View Behind The Scenes Of Horse Racing
I had a great experience finding out what goes on at a top horse racing yard. Charlie Mann and all his staff welcomed me into their world to see the hard work that goes on to train and produce top class race horses. Seeing the horses working close up on the gallops and also at rest in the stables made me realise what fantastic machines these horses are. A really professional operation, but a really friendly feel about the whole place. The cooked breakfast was also much appreciated on a damp September morning. All round an experience that should be a must for any horse racing fan.
The experience was wonderful, from being made welcome, enjoying breakfast in the family home, to the friendliness of all the staff and a real insight to behind the scenes of racing.
It was a good experience overall with the highlight being the time with Charlie Mann and his team who could not have been better or more interesting. Thanks!
Charlie Mann was a wonderful host, and shared his experiences, stories, and basically took us around as his shadow all morning as the horses went through their paces. It was so well worth it, we will be giving this experience as a gift to my parents in law!
It was a smooth operation by both Red Letter Days and Charlie Mann. Everyone at stables and Charlie himself could not have been more welcoming or pleasant. A relaxed breakfast was followed by a look at the horses in training on the gallops with an endless commentary on every aspect of the business of National Hunt Racing. Thoroughly enjoyed it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
An absolutely fabulous day out. Charlie proved to be a great host on a very informative stable and gallops tour.
It was a great day, Charlie was very warm and friendly and so informative. It was great to see what happens behind the scenes and the breakfast was welcome on a cold morning. Already planning for next year with a friend.
Excellent all round service. The day was fantastic. Charlie Mann was an excellent host. Highly recommended to any horse racing fan.
The whole experience from start to finish was absolutely fantastic.Charlie Mann and his team made us feel so welcome and gave us such an insight into how horsese are trained. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in horse racing.Thanks again for a fantastic day out.
A superb birthday present
The day was excellent. Charlie Mann was very open and informative. Easy to to talk to and clearly a very talented and competitive trainer. He made us very welcome as did all his staff. It was great to see the way he trained his horses. The facilities at his stables were excellent. Any prospective owner would be very impressed. A superb birthday present from my son in Australia. Thank you all.
An experience I will treasure
The day was given to me as a retirement present and it was "absolutely fabulous". Charlie Mann welcomed us to his home and stables as friends and couldn't have been more friendly or professional. It was an experience I will treasure!
Very good service on all fronts.