Kevin Needham
Managing Director

Kevin joined the BBA in 1988 after graduating from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and has been Director of BBA Shipping & Transport since 2001. Whilst he is principally responsible for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, India and South Africa operations he also oversees the company’s shipments to and from the rest of the world.

In Kevin’s spare time he enjoys racing his Ducati motorcycle, driving his Austin Healey sports car, and hunting and shooting in the Newmarket countryside.

Liz Burch
Account Management

Liz has spent her life around horses, having been brought up at a Newmarket stud farm. Liz initially joined the BBA in 1978 as assistant to the Financial Director, covering all aspects of the department.

Following maternity leave she returned to the BBA on a full-time basis in 1998, managing client’s accounts.

Emma Yeates
Shipping Executive

Emma’s interest in horses started from an early age, which included work experience at a riding school for the disabled. She recently graduated from Writtle College with a National Diploma in Horse Management and a BSC (HONs) in Equine Science. Whilst studying for her degree, Emma also completed work experience at Newmarket Equine Hospital.

She joined BBA Shipping in the September of 2009 and is now overseeing the USA, Dubai & Qatar clientele. Emma still enjoys horse riding on a weekly basis and has a keen interest in racing.

Sally Goldsmith
Shipping Executive

Sally has vast experience in travelling horses all over the world, having been head girl for International Event Rider, Eddie Stibbe, for 15 years. Sally has accompanied horses to Olympic Games and numerous top level events around the globe, including Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Europe. Her experience in horse shipment was a valuable asset when she joined BBA Shipping & Transport in 2009 and she now oversees Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Sally remains very hands-on in the racing scene, riding out for Newmarket trainer George Margarson every morning before work. Sally also holds a BSC in Equine Science from Writtle College.

Sandra Read
Shipping Executive

Sandra has worked for the BBA since 1994. Having grown up around thoroughbreds it was inevitable that Sandra would pursue a career in the bloodstock industry. She initially joined the BBA to work in the pedigree department, and as a secretary in the bloodstock section gained substantial knowledge of the racing industry.

When moving to the BBA Shipping department in 2001, Sandra became responsible for the European imports and exports and the road haulage operation. Sandra has been involved in the shipping of numerous winners, both flat and National Hunt, all over Europe.

Sarah Mockridge
Shipping Executive

Sarah started working for BBA Shipping & Transport in 2010 after graduating from the University of Lincoln with a BA Honours Degree in Advertising & Marketing.

Having been brought up on one of the most prestigious and successful stud farms in Newmarket, Banstead Manor Stud, it is unsurprising that she has a vast knowledge of the thoroughbred industry as well as a huge passion for racing. Since joining in September 2010, Sarah has been responsible for shipments to Argentina, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan and Turkey.

Mie Thiede Coombe
Shipping Executive

Mie joined BBA Shipping & Transport in 2007. Growing up in Denmark, she has been involved with horses most of her life and competed in dressage on a national level. Following a BA in Anthropology, Mie moved to the UK and completed a post graduate in Journalism prior to joining the BBA.

In her spare time Mie enjoys competing dressage horses and teaching, as well as spending time with her husband and their young son, Alexander.

David (Willie) Walker
Professional Flying Groom

Willie has a wealth of experience in the racing industry, having worked for
Sir Henry Cecil, as a stall handler for Race Tech and ridden as an apprentice jockey. He has been a professional flying groom since 2003 and holds the AATA Certificate and the Ministry of Agriculture Welfare of Animal Certificate of Competence.

Sean Stamp
Professional Flying Groom

Sean has been one of our flying grooms since 1993 and holds the Animal Transportation Association Equine Attendant Certificate and The Ministry of Agriculture Welfare of Animal Certificate of Competence. Prior to joining the BBA, Sean worked for Mr Jim Joel at Childwick Bury Stud, near Newmarket.

Mike Foreman
Horse box driver — CA11 BBA

Mike has been with the BBA since 1999, and leads our team of dedicated and professional box drivers. He spends most of his time abroad travelling horses between Ireland, France, Germany and the UK. Prior to joining BBA Mike worked as stud groom on a Newmarket Stud Farm.

Martin Byrne
Horse box driver — V9 BBA

Martin has been employed by BBA Shipping & Transport as a horsebox driver since 2006. Martin boasts a wealth of experience transporting and handling horses, having worked for Newmarket Racehorse Transport and as a Stud groom and stallion head lad for the Newmarket based Egerton Stud. He holds a BHEST Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Equine Transport.

Carlos Campon Alonso
Translator/South American Agent
Traductor/Agente de América del Sur

Carlos has a wealth of experience within the equine world, having spent many years in England, Australia and New Zealand, where he covered all aspects of the breeding and racing industry. He was Assistant Trainer to Brian Jenkins (former Melbourne Cup Winner), Roger James (former New Zealand Trainer of the Year) and spent over 10 years managing the racing, breeding and equestrian operation for Mark Todd. With Carlos’ background it is no wonder that he is an invaluable member of the BBA team — not only is he an accomplished professional flying groom, but his bilingual skills have helped us to liaise with clients in South America, thus broadening our reputation and links across the world. This new-found connection with our clients has helped make our recent shipments to Argentina and Uruguay run smoothly and successfully.