From an early age, Phillip Stokes was immersed in a world of horses. Growing up on a cattle station, he spent his formative years alongside his brothers, learning the ropes of station life.
His father, a man with a deep affinity for horses, passed down his knowledge, and before long, a young Phillip was by his side, helping to break in and educate the station's young stock.
At just 15 years old, Phillip’s riding career began to take shape. He was apprenticed to John Hall at Morphettville before completing his time in the Northern Territory under the guidance of Viv Oldfield.
His talent in the saddle saw him ride numerous winners, but as time passed his growing frame made it difficult to continue as a jockey. Determined to further his expertise, Phillip made a bold decision - to pack his bags and travel the world in pursuit of furthering his expertise.
Phillip’s international journey led him to some of the world’s most prestigious thoroughbred training centres, and his diverse global experience has shaped his hands-on and individualised approach to training.
His experiences included:
- America, where he worked with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
- France, where he learned under renowned horseman John Hammond.
- Japan, where he spent a decade at Taiki Farm, a breeding ground for elite Group 1 performers on a global scale.
It was in Japan that Phillip met his wife, Ayumi. Together, they have built a strong foundation, in both life and in business, raising their two sons, Tommy and Kerrin, who are now integral members of the Stokes Racing team.
In 2019, with three Group 1 victories from his Adelaide stable, and four South Australian State Trainer Premierships between 2012/13 and 2016/17, Phillip moved his primary training base to Pakenham, whilst maintaining his long-standing base in South Australia.
This strategic move has allowed him to maintain a full-time presence in both states, further enhancing his ability to prepare and place his horses to the best of their ability.
Since setting up a base at Pakenham Phillip has averaged 115 winners per season with a career-best of 149 winners in 2020/21 while his Adelaide stable, led by son Tommy and trusted assistant Adam Brewster, continues to lead the way in South Australia.
While Phillip’s reputation for nurturing fillies to black-type success is true, he is a versatile trainer that can prepare horses across all distance ranges, with his runners striking at 18.3% between 1000-1200m and 17% at 2000m and beyond!
Stokes Racing has added four Group 1s to the mantlepiece since setting up shop at Pakenham in 2019, including Mr Quickie, winner of the Queensland Derby and Toorak Handicap, Instant Celebrity and Climbing Star, recent victresses of the Robert Sangster Stakes.
Phillip’s passion for racing, eye for talent and relentless drive for success, is backed by a passionate and dedicated team, all committed to delivering top-level results for their owners.
With multiple Group 1 performers now in his stable, and his largest roster of promising young up-and-coming horses, Phillip is well-positioned to uphold his reputation as one of the most astute horsemen in the game.
Our Success
Since 2000, Stokes Racing has consistently delivered elite results, winning an impressive 99 stakes races and amassing over $60 million in prize money, all while maintaining a remarkable 17% strike rate.
Phillip’s black-type success has been outstanding, with three Group 1 victories from his Adelaide stable, including Marju Snip and Maybe Discreet in the Australasian Oaks, and Hucklebuck, who triumphed in the Emirates Stakes on the final day of the Flemington Spring Carnival in 2014.
Phillip trained three winners on that day from as many runners and was the equal leading trainer alongside Chris Waller at the Flemington Cup Week Carnival that year. A remarkable feat for an Adelaide-based trainer.
Since expanding to Pakenham, the stable has continued its success at the top level, securing four more Group 1 victories, including:
- Mr Quickie – Queensland Derby and Toorak Handicap
- Instant Celebrity & Climbing Star – Robert Sangster Stakes
The stable’s current flagbearer, Stretan Angel, is on the brink of Group 1 glory, boasting three elite-level placings, while exciting OTI Racing-owned import Deakin is emerging as one of Australasia’s most promising stayers.
Beyond these headline victories, Phillip has developed a host of top-class black-type performers, including Squillani, Eclair Big Bang, Eclair Surprise, Good Idea, Daqiansweet Junior, Amade, Arran Bay, Savannah Cloud, Mileva, Ancestry, Shamino, Sansom, Symphony Miss, Just Discreet, Forever Discreet, Freestyle, Molto Bene, Made of Diamonds, Lunaspur, Fire Thunderbolt, St Trinians, Nancy Eleanor, Buddy Bundy, Bleveeka, Family Guy, Fasline, Pride of Archway, and Vignor.
Our success is further highlighted by Super Satin, who began his career in Adelaide before capturing the prestigious Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin.
Aside from stakes success, Phillip has had no less than 11 horses win 9 races or more for him, attesting to his great ability to keep horses sound and win race after race, prep after prep.
