The Trainer
Donald Whillans has lived with racehorses all of his life.
From humble beginnings as a Point to Point trainer, Permit Holder (that treble at Perth, anyone?) to, since 2000,
training principally under a Jumps Licence. The stable has also turned out a couple of winners on the flat in recent times.
Held in the highest regard by colleagues in the know, Donald is a firm exponent of team philosophy – encompassing
horse, owner, yard staff and jockey.
Just one visit to the stables will reveal the extent and success of this approach.
Ownership
At Dodlands Stables, the excitement of racehorse ownership is not just for the elite.
Choose from sole, co-ownership or syndicate membership to embark upon the thrill of a lifetime.
Donald caters for partnerships of between 2 - 20 members, which can provide an ideal, cost efficient involvement in horse
racing with all the benefits.
Anticipation, race day excitement, stable visits and much, much more!
Choose from a selection of ready-to-race horses or, alternatively, accompany Donald to the Sales and take advantage of
expert, equine knowledge.
The journey is all but just a phone call away!!
Location
Donald runs a firmly established stable in Hawick, a racing centre which is becoming known as the ‘Lambourn of the North’.
Just over the hour down the A7 from Edinburgh, and a similar distance from Newcastle, Dodlands Stables is ideally placed
in the Scottish Borders.
Owners can pop in and spend that Saturday/Sunday morning enjoying the string being exercised in the yard and on the gallops.
You will be most welcome!
Horses
Recent years have seen Donald focus upon improving the quality of his string by shrewdly purchasing young horses with good
conformation. Off-spring of established NH sires such as Flemensfirth, Beneficial, Alflora, Silver Patriach abound.
These are exciting times for the yard and some horses to look out for this season are -
1st season Novice Chasers : Harry Flashman, Mr Midaz, Allegedly So
Handicap Hurdlers : Polly Whitefoot, Bollin Ruth
Novice Hurdlers : Well Disguised, Beau Largessse
Bumper horses : Robbie Dye, Leith Walk
