A Jewel In Berkshire's Racing Valley
David M,
25 Jan 2012
I am a National Hunt racing fan but had never been to Lambourn until my RL Day. I arrived at Charlie's stable, situated in the magnificent Berkshire Downs of Upper Lambourn and was greeted by jockey's wife Tess and Charlie himself. I found, that I was the only RL Day participant there-unbelievable at such a key time of the jumps season! The two stable jockey's Noel & David plus assistant trainer David, joined in at breakfast. Then I went with Olivia in the landrover up onto the racing gallops to watch the horses train. The views are stunning and it truely is a wonderful setting for racehorses to be trained. We watched the horses gallop, saw a young chaser school over three fences before returning to the office where I met the travelling head lad-Chrissie who then took me on a tour of the stables and told me about each horse in training. Finally, I had coffee and a chat with Charlie before leaving. It was a brilliant experience. Many thanks to Charlie and all his team, they were great
Great Birthday Present From The Kids!
Graham K,
23 Nov 2011
I had a superb morning at Charlie Mann's stables with 3 other lucky Red Letter Day recipients. From the time that we were met by Tasha, stable jockey Noel Fehilly's wife, who was cooking our breakfast to the time that we left, everyone was most friendly and helpful with our many questions. Charlie joined us for breakfast with his Assistant Trainer, followed by a trip to the gallops with one of the stable staff (Charlie was riding the lead horse!), from which we found out many things about the training schedules of the stables. We were then taken round the stables and given and in depth talk about the horses as we saw them. A number of cups of coffee followed with Charlie, which gave us time to pick his brains (as much as he would allow!} about what we had seen and been told. All together it was most enjoyable morning, made even better by the warm, friendly approach by everyone at the stables.
Great Day Out
Brian R,
23 Nov 2011
Had breakfast with Charlie, which was very imformative after breakfast showed me around the stables which was of great interest. Great experience to go onto the gallops and to top it all off Charlie got me access to Newbury and met me at the races would definitely think of a part ownership in a horse with Charlie in near future. I would like to thank Charlie for a great experience. Great 50th Birthday present
Excellent Present
David G,
28 Sep 2011
The day spent at Charlie Mann's stables will never be forgotten. Charlie and his staff were very friendly and the trips to the gallops and the stable tour were very informative. Can definitely recommend it to any follower of racing.
Wonderful Morning
Glyn W,
02 Apr 2011
Excellent morning for a racing enthusiast. All staff were very friendly and welcoming, made you feel like an owner not just a day visitor. All questions were answered by excellent team. Even though Charlie was away skiing it did not detract one bit from the day. I would recommend to anybody who loves horses.
Fantastic Day
James D,
26 Mar 2011
Absolutely brillant day, made to feel really welcome by all. Excellent to actually speak and listen to someone who really cares and believes in the sport as much as Charlie. Got to see all the horses and staff and even chat to the jockey in a relaxed informal way. Really recommend this to anyone with even a slight interest in horse racing.
Great Insight Into The World Of Horseracing
John W,
12 Mar 2011
Charlie Mann and his team were extremely pleasant and gave honest and open answers to any questions posed. A great experience for anyone interested in the horse racing world.
Fantastic Day Out.
Gavin R,
22 Jan 2011
Thanks for a brilliant experience. Charlie Mann was a great host and the added bonus of having his stable jockey Noel Feilly there made the day even better. Thanks also to Red Letter Days for making the organisation of the day so easy.
Brilliant Day.
Phillip H,
15 Jan 2011
Very relaxed and welcoming day. Made to feel at home and looked after very well. Recommend highly.
A Most Enjoyable Experience
Steven H,
20 Oct 2010
It was a frosty cold wednesday morning in October but the welcome from Charlie Mann, his family and his staff was very warm. Bacon croissants for breakfast followed by a trip to the gallops to watch the horses go through their work routine. Charlie patiently answered any question put to him before he handed us over to a very knowledgable member of the stable staff who introduced all the horses to us after which Charlie gave us coffee in his office. Only time will tell whether I can say it was 'a tip from the horses'mouth' but whatever the outcome in my punting this really was a most enjoyable experience.
What A Morning!
Liz F,
28 Apr 2010
Arrived 10 mins early and warmly greeted by Charlie Mann. After a chat in the office we were taken to the gallops with Noel Fehily his jockey and watched the horses working. What a lovely experience. Arriving back at the yard we were shown all the horses in the yard and allowed to pat them. Don gave us all the info on each horse and a brochure showing each of them with a little write up. Later we adjourned to the office with Charlie for coffee and a chat. What a morning, one I will never forget, just wish I had taken more photos. Thank you to Charlie and all his team.
A Winner All The Way!
Gerard H,
24 Mar 2010
I spent a morning at the horse-racing stables of trainer Charlie Mann. He could not have been a more entertaining and friendly host, along with his stable jockey Noel Fehily. Both treated me like an honoured guest, from the marvellous breakfast, to the informative tour of the stables and each horse, through to the excitement of watching the horses being put through their paces on the spectacularly scenic gallops. Charlie could not have been more generous with his time, despite the hectic life he leads as a top trainer. A truly wonderful morning for the racing enthusiast.
A Thoroughly Enjoyable And Very Personal Day
Kevin J,
17 Feb 2010
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.
Outstanding!
John G,
30 Jan 2010
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!
Unforgettable
Tristan W,
27 Jan 2010
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!
What A Morning!!!
Andrew L,
05 Dec 2009
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
David H,
28 Nov 2009
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
Matt H,
25 Nov 2009
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!
Russell W,
18 Nov 2009
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.
Absolutely Brilliant
Gemma F,
24 Oct 2009
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.