T H E N AT I O N A L S T U D
HERITAGE Mill Reef
The National Stud was founded thanks to the foresight of William Hall Walker, who effectively initiated the inception of the Stud when he donated his bloodstock to the British government.
The son of a wealthy brewer who himself continued to run the family business for over 20 years, Hall Walker was also a soldier, politician, amateur jockey and polo player, and had enjoyed considerable success as a breeder prior to gifting his stock to the government. Hall Walker was a member of The Jockey Club (elected in 1919), and after a lengthy political career he became Lord Wavertree in 1919. In October of 1915 Colonel Walker approached the British Government with a proposal designed to do something to remedy the country’s dangerous shortage
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of Thoroughbred stallions to breed cavalry remounts, as well as the stock to produce future champions of the turf. He put forward the idea that they should buy his 1100 acre estate in Tully, Ireland, and in return he would provide his bloodstock as a gift to the British nation.
Duchess of Cornwall meeting Time Test during her first official visit in May 2019
The idea was met with a lukewarm response, and was initially rejected. However, after influential figures with ties to both racing and politics rallied to persuade the government, it was decided to accept the proposal.
William Hall Walker
