The stable of llka Gansera-Leveque may not be a household name to the wider racing public, but the team at Saint Wendreds Stables is slowly growing and developing into an established outfit. With impressive facilities and a dedicated roster of staff, it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to hear the name spoken about more in the future. A native of Germany, Ilka broke into the world of horse racing as an apprentice jockey with champion trainer Bruno Schuetz before moving to America to further her knowledge and tutelage in racehorse training. Emigrating to Britain, it was here where Ilka has called home since 2009. Forming a partnership with her husband Phillipe Leveque, an established trainer in the world of Arabian-bred horse racing. Moving into the stables at Saint Wendreds, on the well-known Hamilton Road where they can call the likes of David Simcock, James Tate and Amy Murphy near neighbours. With a stable yard of just thirty horses, there isn't the ammunition of the likes of John Gosden or Sir Michael Stoute, but the condensed number allows for the utmost care and attention to be given to their horses. As a qualified vetinarian, Ilka's horses are in the right hands for welfare. Putting their previous riding experience into good use, Ilka and Phillipe are very hands on; usually found lunging younger horses and breaking yearlings into a racing environment. 
Notable successes in recent years include the popular Ikigai, who bolted up on her racing debut by six lengths at Yarmouth before recently being retired to be a broodmare. Joe Sugden who also won on his debut in 2013 where he outbattled a short-priced favourite trained by Charlie Appleby and owned by Godolphin at odds of 80-1. Photographs of other various wins in Europe over the years also sit proudly on the office wall. 2021 is also a breakthrough year, with the yard enjoying a good run of success. Miss Bella Brand has won twice in her last three starts at the time of writing, Mystic Dragon has also won twice, Just Once has developed into a nice long-distance hurdler and Rabat has been placed on four of her seven starts this year too. With the launch of their own racing syndicate, Vantage Point Racing Club, it is hoped that people can get involved with this burgeoning yard and provide more success in the near future, as well as visiting the great stables. 

On the same morning, I also had time to watch some early morning gallopers on the famous Warren Hill in Newmarket. As someone who has grown up watching horse racing and developing a passion for the sport in more recent times, this was a dream come true. To visit somewhere which is the horse racing's equivalent of Mecca, it was an experience I'll always remember.  
One last mention of thanks to the Gansera-Leveque's who allowed me to attend the stable visit and to meet some lovely horses.