West Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Billy Aprahamian
West Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Billy Aprahamian is a racehorse trainer based at The Gallops in Adstone, near Towcester, where he has developed a purpose-built training operation in the Northamptonshire countryside. His route into racing includes a career as a professional polo player and service as a commissioned officer in the First Battalion Irish Guards, alongside six seasons riding competitively as an amateur jockey.
After leaving the Army, Billy spent three years as assistant trainer to Nicky Henderson at Seven Barrows. Working within one of Britain’s leading National Hunt yards gave him experience preparing high-class horses before establishing his own training operation in 2022. During his time with Henderson, he regularly rode Santini, who went on to finish runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The operation grew further when experienced trainer Paul Webber joined Billy in 2024, bringing horses, owners and decades of training knowledge. From modest beginnings, the yard has developed a record of winners over hurdles, fences and on the Flat, while working with both individual owners and shared-ownership groups.
The Gallops is a purpose-built training yard at Adstone, surrounded by fields and hedgerows. Its published facilities include accommodation for 24 horses, combining open-yard stabling with American barn-style boxes. The buildings were designed by Billy and his father to provide light, airy accommodation while remaining comfortable during the winter.
The exercise facilities include a four-furlong woodchip round gallop, a five-furlong all-weather hill gallop, access to grass gallops and a deep-sand gallop. Jumping preparation is supported by an all-weather schooling strip and schooling arena, while approximately 40 acres of turnout provide space away from ridden work.
First winner as a licensed trainer, October 2022: Conceal won a handicap chase at Uttoxeter under James Bowen, providing an early milestone for the new yard.
16 jumps winners in the 2024/25 season: a substantial step forward from three the previous season, demonstrating the operation’s progress.
Four victories with Pep Talking in 2024/25: developed the gelding into a prolific handicap chaser, with his fourth success coming at Southwell after his rating had risen by a stone since November.
First Flat winner, August 2025: Super Saiyan won a six-furlong novice at Doncaster by four lengths on his first appearance for the yard, returning from a 606-day absence.
Grand Military Gold Cup-winning jockey, 2018: before establishing his training career, Billy rode the Nicky Henderson-trained Baden to victory at Sandown.
Billy’s approach starts with creating an environment in which horses can relax, remain healthy and enjoy their work. He believes that a settled horse will eat better, develop more effectively and have a stronger foundation for performing on the racecourse. The peaceful surroundings, spacious stabling and turnout at The Gallops are central to that approach.
Consistency is another important principle. Billy has spoken about the value of maintaining a clear training system through the challenges of establishing a yard, rather than repeatedly changing methods in response to individual results. His ambition is to improve the quality of the horses and their performances, rather than simply increase the size of the string.
His years at Seven Barrows also shaped a disciplined approach to preparation and organisation. Nicky Henderson has highlighted Billy’s thoroughness and reliability, while owners working with him through Surrey Racing have described a caring, professional approach to developing their horses.
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