find out more about
William Knight
Based in Newmarket, the headquarters of thoroughbred racing, William Knight Racing has a state of the art modern training yard and access to the finest training facilities run by The Jockey Club Estates.
meet the trainer
William Knight
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Since starting out on his own in 2006, William has built up a successful training operation.
There have been nearly 450 winners - including successes at Group 2, Group 3 and Listed level. ILLUSTRIOUS BLUE put William on the map back in 2010 when he won the Group 2 Goodwood Cup and Group3 Sagaro Stakes. More recently SIR BUSKER has taken up the mantle of flag bearer with success at Group 2 level. CHECKANDCHALLENGE was close on his heels with a Group 3 win with both horses being placed in Group 1s in 2022.
William, an honours graduate in Equine Business Management at the Royal Agricultural College , Cirencester, has certainly got ticks in all the right boxes as far as doing the job to a high standard is concerned. He honed his horsemanship skills either side of the Millennium, performing key roles as assistant trainer to leading handlers John Hills and Ed Dunlop. With the latter, he spent five informative years, playing an integral part in the international successes of such names as champion filly OUIJA BOARD, multiple Group 1 winner LAILANI, INDEPENDENCE and other top-class horses.
In May 2020 William started a new chapter in his training career as he moved his team from Sussex's historic Angmering Park to the state of the art Rathmoy Stables in Newmarket. Boasting some of the best facilities around, the yard has its own equine swimming pool, spa and treadmill. William's first season back at HQ was a resounding success, cementing the trainer's conviction that the move to Newmarket would help him move his operation forward. His first runner was a winner, in the form of SIR BUSKER who went on to greater things throughout the season and beyond, providing his trainer with his first Royal Ascot success. 2022 saw him win a Group 2 before finishing 3rd behind BAAEED and MISHRIFF in the Group 1 Juddmonte International. The Dubai Racing Carnival 23/24 was one to remember with FROST AT DAWN winning the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint very impressively on Super Saturday, breaking the track record. She exceeded all expectations during her stint in Dubai and we are looking forward to what the future holds for her.
William heads into the 2024 season with his strongest team of horses for some time and is quietly confident and hopeful for a successful season.
We work hard to make it real!
Our Journey
First Royal Ascot winner
William Knight's first runner from Rathmoy Stables, Sir Busker, won the Betway Handicap at Newcastle before landing the Silver Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot in his first season at Newmarket.
May 2020
In April 2020, William Knight relocated from Angmering Park, Sussex to Rathmoy Stables in Newmarket.
300+ Winners
William Knight trained his 300th winner in 2019 as Soto Sizzler won the Metropolitan Handicap at Epsom on Derby Day
Stakes Success
William's first black type winner was Illustrious Blue, who won the Festival Stakes (L) at Goodwood in 2007. He went on to win the Glorious Stakes (G3) at Goodwood in 2009, the Sagaro Stakes (G3) at Ascot and the Goodwood Cup (G2) in 2010. William has enjoyed additional black type success with King Of Dixie, Fire Ship and Aussie Reigns
First Winner
The Danetime filly Marmaida gave William his first winner at Yarmouth on 1st June 2006. This was her racecourse debut and she beat her stablemate Straight Face by a neck.
It's Official
August 2005: William is granted his training license and sets up William Knight Racing
quick fire questions
Q&A with the boss!
I grew up on a farm surrounded by horses and always had a huge passion for racing. After studying International Agriculture and Equine Business Management at the Royal Agricultural College, I went to work for John Hills as his assistant, which was my first proper job in the racing industry. I then spent five years as assistant to Ed Dunlop where I learnt a huge amount, which gave me the confidence to set up as a trainer in my own right. 2013 is my eighth year training and I haven't regretted a single moment!
It has to be Illustrious Blue winning the Group 2 Goodwood Cup. He was a wonderful horse to train and won ten races for us including Group 2, Group 3 and Listed races plus a valuable Handicap in Dubai. He also took us to Australia for the Melbourne Cup which was a wonderful experience.
Obviously winning big races is a huge thrill, but I also find it extremely gratifying winning with any horse at an level. Getting a horse to fulfill its maximum potential is my aim, regardless of its ability. On a day to day basis, when I stand up on the gallops watching the horses on a clear morning, with views across the heath stretching as far as Ely Cathedral, I think it can't get much better than this!
As I am a massive rugby union fan I think it has to be Jonny Wilkinson. His dedication, professionalism and achievements, in my opinion, ultimately make him the best fly half England have ever had.
I was fortunate to have been associated with some great fillies when I was assistant trainer to Ed Dunlop, such as Llalaini and Ouja Board, so continuing with the fillies it would have to be Enable. She's been a magnificent racehorse, captured the public imagination and continues to do so as a result of the sporting gesture of her owner keeping her in training for us all to enjoy.
As I mentioned before I enjoy watching rugby - both internationals and club rugby. I support Leicester Tigers, although I used to play for Wasps under 21's back in the day. In the summer I enjoy playing golf and in the winter months a bit of shooting. In between I like to spending as much time as I can with the girls, my wife Emily and daughters Zara and Georgina.
