Prior to joining the Eyehorn Farm team, Karen Jewell was assistant to Linda Jewell at Southfield Stables in Sutton Valence. It had always been Karen’s long-term ambition to become a trainer in her own right and moving to Eyehorn Farm in October 2021 and joining forces with John Best enabled her to fulfil that goal.  In March 2023, John Best stood down from training at Eyehorn Farm and handed the reins soley to Karen. Karen was granted her sole license from the BHA and now trains in her own right. Karen brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the racing industry and during her career to date, Karen has played a key role in helping produce many winners under both codes, from 5 Furlong group winners to Marathon Chase winners including the Sussex National.

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Having spent over 20 years at Southfield Stables, Karen’s whole life has evolved around racing.  In her early years, Karen progressed through the traditional route of pony club, then went on to have a successful show jumping and showing career. Karen went on to gain further valuable experience from her time spent at Barry Hills racing yard. She was later coached by Grand National and Gold Cup winning jockey Bobby Beasley, after which she went on to win over hurdles on only her 2nd ride under her conditional licence. Karen was also very well regarded for her abilities with foals & breeze-up horses when assisting top Irish sales consignors Jacqueline Norris and Jim McCarten. 

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Amongst Karen’s many talents, she displays a natural ability in diagnosing physical and psychological weaknesses in racehorses. She works with them to achieve their full potential, enabling them to go on to win races and hold their form. This work is aided by Karen’s close relationship with valuable veterinary contacts gained over many years. One of the highlights of Karen’s career was her rehabilitation work with Breden. Despite Breden’s prognosis of only a 20% chance of returning to racing, under Karen’s careful supervision, Breden went on to win five races and achieved third place in the Lincoln. More recently, Karen’s work with Bella Colorossa, resulted in the identification of hidden ailments. Karen’s subsequent rehabilitation treatment saw Bella Colorossa go on to win on her debut.

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Karen’s passion and total commitment to racing is evident in everything she does, and along with her bright, friendly, and approachable nature, she inspires and motivates the whole team to work together to produce the very best results from the horses in her care. 

Karen is thrilled to now be training in her own right, and she looks forward to an exciting and successful future at Eyehorn Farm.