About us

Sue Smith and Joel Parkinson Racing is a dual-purpose training yard based in High Eldwick, West Yorkshire. With over 35 years of experience in the racing industry, they have enjoyed widespread success over jumps, including numerous Cheltenham Festival wins and a Grand National victory.

Joel Parkinson, previously assistant trainer, added his name to the licence in 2024. He has a distinguished background in the equestrian industry and is renowned for his accomplishments in the showjumping world—a career path he followed in the footsteps of his father; Olympic showjumper Steven Smith and his grandfather, the legendary Harvey Smith.

Transitioning from showjumping to horse racing, Joel has always been an integral part of training operations at Craiglands Farm. As joint licensees, they secured their first win with O'Connell, who triumphed in the 3m1f handicap chase at Carlisle Racecourse. For the 2025/26 season, the yard has maintained an impressive strike rate of 15%, up 4% from the previous year.

Here at Craiglands Farm, we value the health of our horses above all else and are dedicated to ensuring they receive only the best training and care. We work closely with nutritionists, veterinary experts, and physiotherapists. Our team is made up of hardworking individuals whose attention to detail ensures that the horses at Craiglands Farm are happy, healthy, and able to perform at their best.

Positioned in a beautiful part of the West Yorkshire countryside, we have top-class training facilities, including over two and a half miles of all-weather gallop and access to miles of hacking around Baildon Moor. This ensures our horses have a varied training routine to keep their minds and bodies engaged and willing. Turnout is an integral part of a horse's lifestyle, and with over 500 acres of private grassland, we ensure our horses get as much time as possible out on the land.