THE TEAM
The Horse Trainers
TRAINER
Annabel Neasham
Annabel Neasham is an accomplished horse trainer originally from the UK, where she developed a strong foundation in eventing and show-jumping. She moved to Australia in 2016 and has become an integral part of the racing community. Annabel made headlines by winning the world’s longest horse race, the Mongol Derby, in 2018, showcasing her extraordinary horsemanship. Taking the reins of the Sydney stable, she led the team to over 50 victories in New South Wales in just two seasons.
TRAINER
Peter and Paul Snowden
Peter and Paul Snowden, a formidable father-son duo, have established themselves as premier trainers in Australia’s thoroughbred racing scene. With a rich history in the industry, Peter transitioned from a successful stint as a jockey to training and later took the reins at Godolphin/Darley, where he trained 29 Group One winners. Known for their meticulous approach and keen eye for detail, the Snowdens have excelled at managing young prospects and seasoned racers. They have a notable reputation for training two- and three-year-olds. Having worked his way up from a trackwork rider to a foreman under Hall Of Fame trainer John Hawkes, Paul played a crucial role as Peter’s assistant at Darley/Godolphin. His deep understanding of the Melbourne racing scene and individual horses has been invaluable. Together, they have formed a strong bond and a successful public stable, ensuring the Snowden legacy thrives in Australian racing. Their partnership is a testament to the strength of family ties in the thoroughbred industry, and they are poised to remain a dominant force in the field.
TRAINER
Blake Ryan
Blake Ryan has established himself as a premier trainer in the thoroughbred industry. He has a wealth of experience working alongside superstar racehorses such as Exceed and Excel, Trapeze Artist, and Menari.
Operating from the well-equipped Hawkesbury racecourse, Blake ensures that every horse in his care wants for nothing. The facility boasts a diverse range of training surfaces, including a Polytrack synthetic surface, two grass tracks, bush trails, and a sand surface, catering to the varied needs of the horses. Positioned in a semi-rural setting yet near metropolitan areas (35 minutes to Rosehill and 45 minutes to Warwick Farm), he offers a balanced environment for horses, whether they require tranquillity or thrive in a more bustling setting.
TRAINER
Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
Ciaron Maher, a former apprentice to CS Hayes and successful jumps jockey, transitioned to training at a young age due to his physical constraints in riding. His passion for racing and keen interest in training led him to learn from some of the best in the industry, including stints with Bart Cummings, Aiden O’Brien, and Willie Mullins. Ciaron started his training career with just six boxes on his father’s farm. Still, his commitment to continuous learning and connecting with top trainers worldwide has seen him grow exponentially in his field.
David Eustace, son of Newmarket trainer James Eustace, grew up immersed in the racing world. His journey in the industry took him from his father’s yard to working with leading UK trainer Roger Varian, all while honing his skills as a capable amateur jockey. Seeking to learn from the best, David moved to Australia, where he worked with renowned trainers Peter Moody and the Snowdens before joining forces with Ciaron as his assistant. After two years of absorbing Ciaron’s methods and contributing his own meticulous attention to detail, David seamlessly transitioned into the role of co-trainer.
Ciaron and David form a formidable team, combining their wealth of experience, passion for racing, and commitment to excellence. They bring a global perspective and a relentless pursuit of success to Capri Racing, ensuring that every horse under their care receives the highest attention and expertise.
TRAINER
Angela Davies
Angela Davies has established herself as one of New South Wales’s most esteemed female trainers, boasting an impressive strike rate and a reputation built on hard work and determination. Growing up beside Gosford Racecourse, Angela’s connection to racing started early, with her involvement in the local pony club and her venture into breeding by the age of seventeen. Encouraged by her father, a bookmaker, Angela took out her trainer’s licence at 25, fully committing to her passion for the racing industry.
Angela operates a boutique stable, maintaining several horses to ensure each receives her attention. With remarkable victories, it earned Angela the support of well-known operations and owners and solidified her status as a respected and accomplished trainer in the racing community. Her journey and success make her a valuable asset to the Capri Racing team.
TRAINER
Gary Portelli
Gary Portelli is a distinguished Sydney-based trainer renowned for his strategic prowess and significant racing triumphs, including two Golden Slipper victories within five years. His success spans local and international tracks, showcasing his ability to maintain top racehorse performance over time, exemplified by Rebel Dane’s Group 1 wins years apart.
Portelli’s roots in equestrianism as a champion boy rider and trackwork for his mother’s stable in Orange have shaped his hands-on, thoughtful approach to training. His boutique stable, situated at Warwick Farm, is known for its high strike rate, outperforming larger operations despite its smaller size.
Renowned for his astute racehorse conditioning and effective communication with owners, Portelli prioritises the well-being of his horses and the engagement of his clients. His journey from country shows to top-tier racing, coupled with his commitment to his team and horses, cements his reputation as a top-tier trainer in the thoroughbred industry.
PRE-TRAINER
Hinnerk Huppe
Hinnerk’s journey in horse training began in Germany, where he competed at a high level of showjumping. After schooling, he pursued a Business Economics degree and completed a butcher’s apprenticeship, immersing himself in the family trade. This experience gave him invaluable insights into logistics, operational procedures, and human relations.
Relocating to Australia, Hinnerk joined the elite breeding facility Oaks Sport Horses before transitioning to Wild Oaks pre-training facility, where he eventually stepped into a management role—his time there sparked a deep interest in training and managing young bloodstock, leading him to a Racing Manager position in Scone. Here, he worked on his first successful Ready to Race draft for the Inglis sales.
2020 marked a significant year for Hinnerk, experiencing his busiest breaking-in season. For the sixth consecutive year, his farm presented a draft at the 2023 Inglis Ready to Race sale at Warwick Farm in October, showcasing Hinnerk’s commitment to excellence and his integral role in the horse training industry.