About Matt Sheppard

Matt Sheppard has been involved in the world of racing from birth. Having had ponies all his life (he is the son of a Brecon farmer) he rode in point to points as a teenager and went on to have about 20 winners with 4 under rules. His father Peter steered him away from becoming a farmer so when he was 21 years old he left the family farm to work for Mercy Rimmell for the final 3 years of her career. Matt went to Ireland and worked for Arthur Moore as assistant trainer and during this time Mr Moore became champion trainer in Eire. Matt returned to England and set up Home Farm at Eastnor in 1993, taking out a full licence in 1995.

Matt has achieved considerable success with his biggest wins being Oatis Rose when she won the Mares Only Hurdles Final at Newbury, Seek The Faith's win in the Holman Cup at Cheltenham and the victory of Smile Pleeze in the Paddy Power Amateur Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

Together with his wife Nicky, Matt has produced over 100 winners in point to point and in excess of over 70 winners under rules. Over the last 5 years, horses trained by Matt have won over a quarter of a million pounds sterling in prize money with the last season alone netting £100 K.

Matt is a 'hands on' trainer, he rides out every day taking every horse in turn so he gets the feel for every individual horse in his care. His philosophy is always to be honest and realistic with owners - and what more can be asked of ones trainer?

Matt Sheppard on one of his gallops with Eastnor Castle behind.

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