Julia Birkett never wanted to be a trainer or thought she would have children, so it’s ironic she combines the two roles as one half of the only mother-and-daughter training partnership in Britain.
Family, whether human or equine, is the beating heart of the 69-year-old’s charming yard in Exning, just outside Newmarket, where she shares the licence with her daughter Shelley.
Colloquially referred to as Center Parcs for horses or Funny Farm, Harraton Stud is home to a cast of characters including miniature travelling companion Bonnie the Falabella and 23-year-old thoroughbred mare Bavarica, who provided Shelley, her brother Ross and cousin Adam Beschizza with winners.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlockRacing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racingExpert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul KealyReplays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecoursesForm study tools including the Pro Card and Horse TrackerExtensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales dataSubscribe
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on 10 August 2025inInterviews
Last updated 19:34, 10 August 2025