Becoming Britain’s youngest licensed trainer in 2013 at the age of just 24, Rebecca Menzies has rapidly established herself as a powerhouse in Northern jump racing. Her career began under the guidance of Ferdy Murphy, where she progressed from working in a supporting role to becoming his trusted assistant. In 2013, Murphy announced his relocation to France, presenting Menzies with a pivotal career decision.
Encouraged by Murphy to forge her own path rather than accept opportunities elsewhere, she faced a summer of high-stakes choices, balancing panic exams with a search for a suitable yard, ultimately taking over the yard of Peter Beaumont.
Since then, Menzies has continued to grow, now operating from the late John Wade’s yard in Sedgefield, which she purchased following his passing. Howe Hills Farm has become the stable base from which Menzies can continue to expand her legacy, combining her developing team with a growing string of promising horses.
Menzies is widely recognised as a fast-developing trainer with a stable on the rise, and she is one to watch closely over the next few seasons. Much like the yard itself, she is committed to nurturing the next generation of talent in racing.
Young jockeys such as William and Charlie Maggs have been given significant opportunities to ride out their claims, with the yard providing a platform to gain valuable experience and confidence. This focus on development reflects Menzies’ long-term vision: building not only a strong string of horses but also a vibrant, sustainable team around them.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, Menzies has several runners expected to perform strongly, with the upcoming campaign bringing both new objectives and heightened ambitions. Lady Mendoza is one horse to watch closely this season. Coming from a pointing background, she has been gradually introduced over hurdles and is now schooling well over fences. Connections are optimistic she could prove an effective staying type in handicaps, particularly on soft ground, offering potential for a breakthrough this term.
Swingingonthesteel is another exciting prospect, stepping up from National Hunt flat races to hurdles. With a strong pedigree and a progressive profile, he is expected to develop steadily through the novice ranks, potentially emerging as one of the yard’s future mainstays over jumps.
Edgewell enjoyed a solid 2024/25 season, highlighted by a commanding 14-length handicap chase victory at Downpatrick and a determined handicap hurdle success at Fakenham, showcasing his stamina and versatility. While he occasionally struggled in stronger fields and was held back by the occasional jumping error, he consistently demonstrated the qualities of a genuine stayer.
For the coming season, the plan is to sharpen his consistency, targeting long-distance handicap hurdles on good ground while keeping the option open for fences where conditions and competition are favourable, with the hope that he can progress from reliable handicapper to a more frequent winner.
Menzies for big wins?
Overall, the yard’s ambition for this season is clear: to consolidate the progress made with established jumpers while continuing to nurture younger horses with real potential. The focus will be on transforming promising novices and lightly raced handicappers into consistent performers capable of competing at a higher level, particularly in long-distance hurdles and staying chases, where the yard has proven strength.
Alongside building a solid record in competitive handicap races, there is a strategic aim to make a greater impact in graded events and festival contests, demonstrating that the yard can produce horses who are not only reliable winners but also capable of performing on a national stage.
Central to this strategy is careful campaign planning to maximise each horse’s potential, enhancing consistency, and maintaining the yard’s reputation for producing well-prepared, versatile, and progressive jumpers, ensuring that Rebecca Menzies continues to solidify her position as one of the leading young trainers in British National Hunt racing.
This has been another instalment of Looking Ahead to the Jump Season. You can find past instalments HERE. Next up in the series will be Jamie Snowden.
