On Tuesday evening, Shamus Donkin passed away surrounded by his family. Shamus was the much-loved and very popular Head Lad of the farmside. Sham started working at Habton at the age of 15 with his twin brother Shaun. As a young man, Sham rode as an apprentice jockey before graduating to become the Head Lad at the farmside. Sham was not only the Head Lad - but was the life and soul of his yard. He will be remembered dearly by everyone who has worked with him - for his hard work, dedication and his love of riding out. During his time at Habton, one of his favourite horses was Wells Farhh Go, who Sham took to Goodwood, York and Royal Ascot - something he thoroughly enjoyed. The smile on Sham’s face when going to collect his winner at Newmarket is something anyone who saw that day will never forget. Another horse that held a place in Sham’s heart was 1979 Massey Ferguson Gold Cup winner Father Delaney. He was a tough staying chaser with a short neck and an uncanny ability to buck off his jockey at home. He took all of Sham’s balance and skill as a horse man to keep their partnership intact each morning. In recent years, Sham enjoyed breaking in and educating the young horses under his care. Every year he would say “I won’t be riding 2yos this year”. Yet, even into his 60s, he would be seen trotting through the yard on a 2yo’s back saying “I just had to sort him out!”. The farmside (or “Sham’s Yard”) will be a lot quieter without him! One of Sham’s great passions was to go shooting - whether it was beating, sitting in a hide or swinging his barrels at a pheasant. On their days off, Sham and Kieran were rarely seen without either a gun or a chainsaw in hand. 

Our deepest condolences go out to all of Shamus’ family and friends. We have lost a huge presence at the yard, and we will never be able to replace him.  

 Shamus Donkin 1960-2024