The backbone of the stable-
The dedicated staff who work endlessly for the welfare of the horses.


Peter Anthony Gilman (Foreman)

"Handling horses is not a science, its an art."

Born and growing up in Adelaide, Australia, Peter Anthony Gilman was drawn to the world of animals from a young age. He eventually set his mind on becoming a jockey. Leaving school at the tender age of 14 years, Peter became an apprentice jockey, with Trainer Ted Cameron.

Within his first week at the stables, Peter suffered a head injury resulting in a compound fracture that kept him away from work for 3 months. Undeterred by this first of many future setbacks, he returned to the stables soon after recovery. Eventually, when he turned 16, he obtained his Jockey's licence. During the next four years he ran 200 races with 16 winners.

Being tall and finding it a challenge to maintain the ideal weight for a jockey, Peter decided to retire at the age of 20. He subsequently enjoyed various stables stints in Adelaide and Sydney doing track work, and even worked at a stud for a few months.

Soon after, he decided to embark on a totally different direction in the food and beverage industry, and started work at the exclusive Tattersalls club in Sydney. While enjoying this new career path, and looking forward to an opportunity to start as an apprentice chef, he saw a job come up at the Sydney Turf club. He applied (one of a hundred applicants) and successfully landed the job as Clerk of the Scales.

Peter found it very interesting working in the judges' box. He was also in charge of the scales on race days, among his other responsibilites as part of a large turf club. Being a capable staff, he was offered an administrative position within the turf club. He soon realised that he missed the magic of the racetrack. He carried on the office job for two years until the opportunity came up to go and work for a trainer on the Gold Coast.

At 29, Peter went over to Macau, and worked as a track rider for Charles Leck and other trainers. After that 4 year stint, he also enjoyed opportunities in Japan and Malaysia. Returning to Australia, he worked for Bobby Thompson in Sydney and then again changed career path when he moved back to the Gold Coast and got his barman’s licence.

Before long though he was back with the horses, as he believes that once they are in your blood they will always be part of your life. So he decided to get his trainer's licence and get a few clients of his own.
He eventually gave up training just as the Burridge stables presented the perfect opportunity. He had ridden with Steve in Macau. Steve knew how talented Peter was, as a good horseman. Steve asked him to come over to Singapore.

The affinity between Peter and horses is very obvious in the evident respect between these majestic animals and the charming and kind man.

Matthew Kellady (Jockey)

"Riding horses is a never-ending learning process"

Born in Ipoh, Matthew Kellady was greatly influenced by his uncle's keen interest in horse-racing. It was also his uncle who introduced him to the professionals in horse-racing. Enthralled by the excitement of riding horses and using his small build to his advantage, Matthew began his career as track rider in his hometown for 2 years. He then left for Perth for a 1 year stint as an apprentice where he also got his license.

He then came to Singapore to continue his apprenticeship and obtained the local license. He trained under Don B for about 5 years. He began his freelance jockey career in 2007. The highlight of his jockey career is winning 4 races in one single day.

Matthew's talent and experience with horses is a tremendous asset to any trainer. He understands deeply how each horse is different in character. His passion to understand each horse's temperament and to manage it accordingly is clearly evident. He is known to be adept in calming horses and is especially good with working with nervous horses in the barriers. His experience with riding horses during gallops has made him an old hand at times, which Steve likes. His career has not always been an easy ride- he has suffered race falls, fractured skull and neck. However, his love for horses and racing make it possible for him to return to the racing tracks with more fervor than ever.

A father of two, he believes in keeping fit. He enjoys playing basketball and water-skiing in his free time.