The Wavertree Education Trust
"Developing tomorrow's equine staff today...."
The Wavertree Education Trust
The Trust provides vital financial support for the industry-leading education and training programmes offered and delivered by The National Stud. These programmes open doors into racing and Thoroughbred breeding for young people, career changers and learners from a wide range of backgrounds—developing the skilled, responsible workforce the industry needs.
Closely aligned with the HIPB’s Our People, Racing’s Future workforce strategy and the wider industry strategy led by the BHA, the programmes address critical priorities including recruitment, vocational skills, inclusion, wellbeing and long-term workforce retention. Practical commercial experience, recognised qualifications and strong employer connections enable learners to enter the workplace with confidence, competence and an unwavering commitment to equine welfare.
Charitable support makes this possible. Since its formation, the Trust has raised more than £7 million to sustain training and invest in first-class accommodation, teaching facilities and practical resources. Its impact extends far beyond qualification achievement: graduates remain in the industry, progress into positions of responsibility and become the skilled professionals, leaders and custodians of the Thoroughbred on whom racing’s future depends.
Board of Trustees
The trustees bring extensive collective expertise across the Thoroughbred industry, education, business leadership, finance, governance and equine welfare. Their breadth of knowledge and strategic oversight are further strengthened by the experience and support of The National Stud’s senior management team.
William sporborg
ChairmanWilliam Sporborg joined the Wavertree Trust Board in 2016. William qualified as a chartered accountant in 1986, before spending his career in the world of private capital, working in private equity, venture capital and latterly, niche alternative asset trading. William has always had a keen interest in the bloodstock and racing world, initially as an amateur jockey, including finishing second in the 1988 Velka Pardubice. He was a Director of Huntingdon Racecourse, from 2003, for twelve years, and in 2006, he founded Breeding Capital, a bloodstock trading company. In January 2017, William became a Director of Newmarket Racecourse. William is a trustee of the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust and is a member of The Jockey Club. William is married to Kate, he has two children, Emily and Sam, and he lives in Wickhambrook, near Newmarket.
Tessa Hetherington
TrusteeA graduate of Cambridge University and Harvard Law School, Tessa’s first career was as a barrister, specialising in public law and human rights. A lifelong racing fan, she made the switch into the industry in 2012,completing the Godolphin Flying Start programme before spending seven years as Racing Manager to trainer Andrew Balding in Kingsclere. Now a self-employed consultant, Tessa does research and advisory work covering many areas within the racing and bloodstock industry and remains a part of the Kingsclere buying team at the yearling sales. She is a trustee of the Godolphin Flying Start programme and lives in Gloucestershire with her dog, Barney.
richard fuller
TrusteeRichard Fuller a graduate of Harvard Business School, joined Fullers in 1984 and was appointed as a Divisional Director in 1992 and to the Board in December 2009 with responsibility for sales and personnel. Richard is currently responsible for Corporate Affairs and government relations. Richard joined the Board of Trustees for The Wavertree Education Trust in 2011, before becoming Chairman in May 2019. Richard has a keen interest in all types of equestrianism – he is currently Chairman of Kempton Park Racecourse, is a member of the Jockey Club, is a former Chairman of the Point to Point Owners and Riders Association and President of the Shire Horse Society. He is also a Foundation Governor of Dame Alice Owen school in Potters Bar.
Nick Wingfield Digby
TrusteeNick Wingfield Digby, graduated in 1972 from Bristol University Veterinary School, before joining Rossdale and Partners and became a partner in 1979. Areas of particular involvement include gynaecology, assessment of youngstock and growth problems in foals and yearlings, auction sales work and acting as an adviser to the insurance industry. Nick was Managing Partner of Rossdales between 2004 and 2012 and stood down as Senior Partner in April 2014. He has continued to act as a consultant to the practice. Nick is Chairman of the Trustees of Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust and a member of the scientific sub committee of the Horse Trust and has been a member of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association/ Animal Health Trust Course of Instruction Committee for 28 years. In 2013 he joined the National Stud Training Review Group., and became a trustee of the Wavertree Education Trust in 2016.
Fiona Dowding
TrusteeFiona Dowding read English at Somerville College, Oxford . She has since divided her time between her two primary interests : education and horses. She worked for many years in the secondary sector, teaching A level English and at senior management level. She also spent 5 years working for an educational trust, specialising in prep schools. She is currently back in Oxford pursuing a Masters Degree. Fiona has been involved in many aspects of the equestrian world as a rider, instructor and breeder. She lives just outside Lambourn with her husband, two daughters and rather too many horses.
Mark Dean
TrusteeMark Dean started his career in the racehorse breeding industry in 1997 at Shadwell’s Nunnery Stud site on the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme; during which time he also completed the British Horse Society Stage 3. Mark remained in Shadwell’s employment for a further 13years. In 2011 Mark then moved to Cheveley Park Stud, becoming Stud Groom in 2017. In2022 Mark started The Horseracing Industry foundation degree with the British Racing School, in partnership with Hartpury College, which he completed in2024. Mark then returned to Shadwell Stud as Stallion manager, managing the fantastic roster of Baaeed, Mohaather and Mostahdaf. Mark has lectured for the National Stud and British Racing School Foundation courses, and is a Director of the Newmarket Stud Farmers Association. Mark has been a keen supporter and contributor to the racehorse breeding industry for almost 30 years, supported by his partner Kathryn, and 3 children.
Latest
The National Stud Celebrates Student Success
The National Stud held its graduation ceremony for students from the Thoroughbred Industry Access course and the Stud Management and Sales Consignment programmes at Newmarket’s Jockey Club Rooms in July. At a ceremony presided over by Rod Street and Sir Mark Prescott, Charlotte Mallett received the Tim Dunlop Memorial Award for best student; Erin Wickham […]
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Level 3 Stud Management and Sales Consignment Graduate, Matt Daubeney, has been announced as the 2026 Godolphin Flying Starts Top Student and will be joining the Nominations Team for Darley America Stallions.
Kildangan Stud hosted the Godolphin Flying Start graduation on Friday, June 12, where Matthew Daubeney was announced as the top student for 2026 having achieved the highest overall grade. Daubeney will join Darren Fox and Kate Galvin on the Nominations Team as a point of contact for breeders using the Darley America stallions. Originally from […]
Read moreWavertree Charitable Trust accounts to 31st December 2024
Contact
If you wish to contact the Wavertree Trust, please use the information below.