Philip is enjoying a great career as one of Irelands leading National Hunt Racehorse trainers. Philip holds a licence to train for both, National Hunt and flat racing although he would mainly specialise in the training of horses, for jumps racing both here and abroad.
Philip began his career as a racehorse trainer in 1999 and has since trained in excess of 250 winners. From the beginning Philip was determined to succeed and began by getting some valuable experience working in well established yards such as for Aidan O Brien, Willie Mullins and Jessica Harrington. After finishing in college he set about creating a training establishment himself at his parents’ home in Fairwood, which looks over the picturesque village of Tinahely in Co. Wicklow. With the help of his parents and Wicklow Rural Partnership Philip put in a purpose built six and a half furlong uphill pollytrack gallop, the first of its kind in Ireland. This along with a few sheds that were converted into stables on the farm became known as Fairwood Stables and Gallops.
Philip continued to purchase a huge proportion of his winning horses himself, which is not surprising considering his family background in horses. Philips Grandfather Derek Rothwell always had a keen interest in point to pointers as well as being a master in the show ring. He won many classes in the RDS horse show receiving an award by The Irish Show Society in 2003 for his outstanding contribution and achievements to the Sport. (Picture3) Philips uncle is also involved in showing and has many titles to his name.
Noel Rothwell Philips father is a dairy farmer and although Noels successes mainly lie in showing his herd of Friesian cows, he also has some notable thoroughbred successes to his name including the purchases of Fairwood Heart and Fairwood Present, both of which went on to win in Philips capable hands. “Fairwood Heart” wins. Fairwood Present Wins. There has also been some home bred successes including Palouse, etc.
Some of Philips other bought and trained winners include;
- Black Apalachi who won the Paddy Power Grade 1 Chase in leopardstown.
- Native Jack who won “The Sporting Cross Country Chase”, at the festival meeting in Cheltenham.
- Trafford Lad, who although is not trained by Philip was purchased by him at Tattersalls August Sale.
