Phoenix Ladies Syndicate has added Newmarket-based handler Ilka Gansera-Leveque to their roster of trainers.
Following their success in Dubai, the all-female group have been steadily adding to their ranks in the UK and for the first time were active at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. It’s from this auction they acquired the three yearlings that have been sent to Gansera-Leveque’s purpose-built Saint Wendreds yard.
The German-born trainer has garnered a reputation for getting the very best out of her horses and sent out the promising juvenile Ikigai to place in the Listed Prix Saraca at Maison-Laffitte in September. The only female UK-based trainer who is also a qualified vet, Gansera-Leveque’s methods have impressed the Phoenix Ladies team.
“We’re delighted to form this new relationship with Ilka,” Said Phoenix Ladies Principal Pamela Cordina. “Her approach to training with her focus on marginal gains is fascinating. We have some great trainers as part of our team and having met with Ilka on several occasions I’m sure she’ll fit in right alongside them.”
Joining the likes of Salem bin Ghadayer, Ahmed bin Harmash, Ed Vaughan, Karl Burke and Mick Price on the PLS training roster Gansera-Leveque added:
“It’s really exciting to get the chance to train for Phoenix Ladies. I have been a fan of their’s for a while and love what they are trying to do. They have had plenty of success and with luck, I can add to that. The yearling all have terrific pedigrees and I can’t wait to get started with them.”
Gansera-Leveque was on hand at Tattersalls to aid in the selection process of her new recruits. They are made up of Iffraaj and Memhas fillies and a Slade Power colt.