Get to Know Emily

At Ruddy Racing, horses are at the heart of everything. But behind every horse is a team, a system and a set of values that shape the way each horse is cared for, trained and presented.

For Emily Kelly, that has always started with one simple thing: a lifelong love of horses.

Emily began riding when she was eight years old at her local riding school. Like so many horse-mad children, she was happy to spend her Saturdays working all day in return for riding lessons. Before long, her parents bought her a horse of her own, and she immersed herself in Pony Club, camps and every opportunity she could find to learn more.

That early passion eventually led her into eventing, a sport that would shape her entire approach to horsemanship.

After finishing college, Emily went on to work full time in a top-level eventing yard in the UK, travelling throughout Europe and attending some of the sport’s major five-star events. It was an incredible education, and one that instilled in her the importance of detail, discipline and high standards.

“In eventing, you really do have to leave no stone unturned,” Emily says. “The horses have to be supreme athletes across three disciplines, so fitness, nutrition, care and management are all non-negotiable.”

That foundation has stayed with Emily throughout her career. She thrives in environments where standards matter, where good horse care is prioritised, and where the small one-percenters can make all the difference.

While eventing gave Emily her grounding, it was Australia that introduced her to the opportunities within racing.

Her first major role in the industry was at Tim Boland’s Limitless Lodge, where she worked with breakers and pre-trainers. It was there that Emily was exposed to some exceptionally well-bred thoroughbreds and had the privilege of handling horses such as Home Affairs and Nature Strip in their younger years.

Seeing horses of that calibre as young athletes, then watching them go on to achieve remarkable careers, had a lasting impact.

“I loved working with the young horses,” Emily says. “But once they moved on to their stables, I missed being able to follow them through their full training career. That was what really sparked my interest in becoming more involved in the training side.”

From Limitless Lodge, Emily joined Annabel Neasham Racing, now Archibald Racing, where she continued to build her experience within a large and highly professional racing operation. As her career progressed, she moved into leadership roles and developed a deep understanding of what makes a stable run well.

One phrase has always stayed with her.

“Happy staff, happy horses, and happy horses win races.”

For Emily, training racehorses is about so much more than what happens on the track. It is about management, communication, structure and creating an environment where both people and horses can thrive.

“You cannot have a good system without a good team,” she says. “Everyone needs to be on the same page, communicating well and paying attention to the finer details.”

At Ruddy Racing, Emily plays a central role as the Assistant Trainer. This includes the day-to-day running of the stable. She organises the mornings, liaises with farriers and vets, orders feed, manages staff rosters and helps communicate with clients.

Her strength is horse husbandry. She is passionate about the welfare of the horses, their weekly trot-ups, their presentation, their routines and the systems that help them perform at their best.

Emily’s standards are high, and proudly so.

She believes horses should be turned out impeccably, both at home and on race day. She wants the team to take pride in their work, to do things properly and to understand that strong results often come from simple, consistent systems done well.

But above all, kindness is her non-negotiable.

“Always be kind, quiet and relaxed,” she says. “Kindness is everything.”

That philosophy sits at the centre of Ruddy Racing.

Emily and Liam’s working relationship is built on trust, hard work and a clear understanding of each other’s strengths. Liam is able to focus on his training systems, race planning and client communication, while Emily ensures the stable runs smoothly and the horses are cared for to the highest standard.

Together, they bring different backgrounds, different experiences and a shared ambition to build a competitive team of happy horses.

Having both come through larger racing operations, Liam and Emily understand what owners value. They know ownership is not just about having a name in a race book. It is about connection, communication and feeling part of the journey.

They want Ruddy Racing to be an inclusive stable where owners are welcomed, kept informed and given the opportunity to enjoy the experience with like-minded people.

That passion for shared ownership is something Emily feels deeply.

This year, Liam and Emily purchased a filly from Magic Millions, who will become their women-only ownership horse. For Emily, the filly represents everything she loves about racing: good horses, great people and the chance to bring owners together through a shared experience.

Hellbent x Hold On Tight Filly

 

The plan is to create a genuine community around her, with women-only events, stable visits and opportunities for owners to connect, learn and enjoy the journey together.

For Emily, that is what racing should be about.

It is the excitement of watching a young horse develop. It is the pride of being part of a team. It is the friendships made along the way. It is the early mornings, the conversations, the anticipation and the shared dream of what might be possible. For more information on the Women's Only Syndicate for the Hellbent x Hold On Tight Filly click Here

Both Liam and Emily are hungry for success, but they are equally focused on building something with strong foundations.

They want happy horses. Good people. Clear communication. High standards. A stable owners feel proud to be part of.

Looking ahead, Emily would love to see Ruddy Racing continue to grow, expand and develop a strong team of horses. A metropolitan stable is a goal for the future, and like every young training team, the dream is to one day train Group 1 winners.

But for now, the focus remains on doing things properly.

One horse at a time. One owner experience at a time. One opportunity at a time.

At Ruddy Racing, the door is open for people who want to be part of the journey. And for Emily, sharing that journey with passionate, like-minded owners is one of the most rewarding parts of all.