Fairwood Stables is located within the rolling hills of the picturesque village of Tinahely in County Wicklow. Philip lives here with his wife Niamh and three children, Cara, Cian and Colum. Philip has been training racehorses for the past 21 years with an abundance of winners to his name. He believes that a part of success lies with the transparency and honesty he has with his clients ensuing long lasting relationships and a chance to become part of the Fairwood Stables Family.

Philip began his career as a racehorse trainer in 1999. After finishing college Philip set about creating a training establishment himself at his parents’ home in Fairwood. With the help of his family and Wicklow Rural partnership, Philip put in a six and a half furlong uphill polytrack gallop. This has since been extended to include a two and a half furlong circle which adjoins the original uphill gallop all of which is set within the rolling hills of the picturesque village of Tinahely in Co. Wicklow.

A huge proportion of the winning horses here at Fairwood Stables are purchased by Philip. This is something that he really enjoys and prides himself in. Philips knowledge and ability to purchase horses both with form and indeed young store horses comes from a long family tradition. It’s always exciting to see young horses home from the sales each year with the promise of following in some of their ancestral glory.

Noel Rothwell, Philip’s father, is a dairy farmer who also has a keen interest in racehorses. Noel’s successes mainly lie in the showing of his herd of Friesian cows, however Philip’s family always kept a couple of broodmares which would run, and if successful become part of their small breeding operation. Some notable family owned winners include Native Coin, Fairwood Heart and Fairwood Present. This may have been what sparked such an interest in Philip’s early years.