Billy is a passionate and enthusiastic young man with a love for National Hunt racing.
In his words “I love the horses, and the horses I’m around each day. Our yard and getting our horses to be as good as they can be, I love having them, being around them and watching them develop. It’s the love of the game, that’s why it doesn’t really feel like a job”.
Billy initially played polo professionally but has always been an avid racing fan, in 2011 when he hung up his polo boots the drug that is National Hunt racing really took a grip. He made his debut in the saddle in 2015 and rode competitively for 6 seasons, his greatest achievement was winning the Grand Military Gold cup for Nicky Henderson and the late Christopher Hanbury on Baden in 2018. Billy managed to dovetail most of his riding career as a commissioned officer in the First Battalion Irish Guards. Billy commanded various platoons all over the world and culminated his career as Adjutant of 2nd Battalion, Infantry Training Centre Catterick.
Upon leaving the Army Billy joined the team full time at Seven Barrows where he spent three years as Assistant Trainer to the great Nicky Henderson. Here he learned his trade from the best of the best.
Billy recently spreading his wings and starting his own training facility in the idyllic Northamptonshire village of Adstone where he trains from his purpose-built yard, The Gallops. Billy prides himself in the high standards his team upholds, the welfare of the horses at The Gallops is absolute paramount. Billy and his father, John, designed the yard to be spacious, airy, light but most importantly warm during the long winter months.
Meet The Team
Cara Spencer – Head Girl
Cara learnt most of her trade working for Alex Hales for 5 years, on leaving his Edgcote stables she worked as a work rider in the US before returning to sunny England to join our team early last season. Cara is a talented horsewoman and rides work regularly; she has a very relaxed style which in turn relaxes her horses. As our numbers have grown so have Caras responsibilities, Cara has a fantastic work ethic and has recently moved to the role of Head Lass. She is organised, punctual, responsible and turns horses out very well, all key attributes that make her perfect for this role.
Chloe East – Stable Lass and Work Rider
Chloe joined us in July 2022 as the newest member of the team. In the short amount of time Chloe has proved herself as a competent horse women and rider, Chloe takes care of her horses and is always wanting to learn more about their management and care. Chloe has her own point to pointer whom she trains herself. Chloe is passionate and driven with her ambitions, Chloe has the right mentality and maturity for a great career in the racing industry.
Phoebe Jones – Stable Lass and Work Rider
Phoebe joined us from a non-racing background and took near no time at all to adapt and become a very able work rider, she has learned quickly how a busy racing yard operates and is striking in this environment. Phoebe enjoys travelling the country and taking her horses racing. Phoebe has been a great asset to the team and has a great future in the industry.
John and Bronwen Aprahamian
John and Bronwen play a huge role in Billy Aprahamian Racing, Bronwen makes a mean breakfast and John is ever the entertainer. They both take an active interest in the yard and enjoy seeing the horses in the beautiful surroundings they have created since purchasing The Gallops in 2008.
Helena Aprahamian
Helena is a small animal veterinarian by trade but also a loving wife and mother to her and Billy’s baby girl Ophelia. Helena is passionate about horses, she regularly events competitively and is in the ribbons more often than not. Helena doesn’t just care for the horses but also takes an active interest in the members of the team.