Thoroughbred Owner Breeder

Industry waits with bated breath as Budget day looms

EDWARD ROSENTHAL Editor

Later this month, the racing industry will find out what the Treasury has decided regarding its plan to merge betting and gaming taxes into a single rate when the Autumn Statement is revealed.

The BHA has led the fight against the proposal, cancelling a day’s racing and organising a protest in Westminster to highlight the damage such a move could have on the sport considering its symbiotic relationship with the gambling sector.

An open letter addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and signed by 363 racing professionals, was published at the end of October, explaining the potential impact – and the numbers do not make for pleasant reading.

Should the Remote Betting & Gaming Duty (RBGD) be set at 21%, the prediction is it would cost British racing £66 million annually, while a 40% RBGD would hit the sport to the tune of over £160m annually and result in more than 2,000 direct racing job losses in the first year.

At present, horseracing contributes £4.1 billion to the UK economy each year, supports 85,000 jobs, and generates £300m in annual tax revenue. So why would the Chancellor want to put all this at risk?

Of course, the levy funds not only prize-money but also equine welfare, veterinary research, and regulation and integrity. Less money in the kitty would present a very real threat to the world-leading standards set by British horseracing, damaging both its domestic product and standing on the global stage.

As the sport awaits the contents of the Budget, the jumps season is starting to click into gear and two people hoping for a fruitful campaign are Andrew and Jane Megson.

The Yorkshire-based couple have ramped up their involvement over the past decade, with a focus on buying young, progressive horses that can take them to the big racedays and festivals.

Sixmilebridge, this month’s cover star, could be the one to provide a breakthrough success at the top level as he embarks on a chasing career, while the likes of White Riot – named after the song by The Clash – Kaylan and Leaumec De Mee are all exciting prospects for the future.

It’s not difficult to see why a decline in betting activity on the sport could be disastrous

There’s also the roguish Harper’s Brook, a talented though temperamental sort who needs the kid-glove treatment in his races or else he might throw the towel in, as he famously did at Sandown in 2023.

We know there is a black hole in the public finances and in such a climate, the government will usually identify the easy targets first, betting being a prime example.

If racing becomes less profitable for gambling companies, there is a real danger they will promote other products, which in turn could see punters being turned off or even drifting to the black market.

With horseracing largely funded by a levy collected from bookmakers each year, it’s not difficult to see why a decline in betting activity on the sport could be disastrous.

Editor: Edward Rosenthal

Bloodstock Editor: Nancy Sexton

Design/production: Thoroughbred Group

Editorial: 12 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1SB

editor@ownerbreeder.co.uk www.theownerbreeder.com

X: @TheOwnerBreeder Instagram: theownerbreeder

Advertising: Giles Anderson

UK: 01380 816777

IRE: 041 971 2000

USA: 1 888 218 4430 advertise@anderson-co.com

Subscriptions: Sarah Holton subscriptions@ownerbreeder.co.uk 01183 385 686

ROA Owner Breeder can be purchased by non-members at the following rates: 1 Year UK £60 Europe £90 RoW £120

ROA Owner Breeder is owned by the Racehorse Owners Association

Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ROA or TBA

I caught up with the Megsons to hear about their journey in the sport, passion for jump racing, and why equine welfare will always be a top priority (The Big Interview, pages 36-42).

Also in the issue, Martin Stevens tries to uncover how Derek and Gay Veitch of Ringfort Stud have managed to achieve excellent results without spending the earth, having produced the likes of Champion Stakes hero Anmaat and top sprinter Big Mojo in recent times (pages 44-48), while Nancy Sexton pays tribute to the late Wootton Bassett, who rose from humble origins to become a Group 1 victor and one of the world’s truly outstanding stallions (pages 56-61).

Racehorse Owners Association Ltd 12 Forbury Road

Reading Berkshire RG1 1SB

Tel: 01183 385680 info@roa.co.uk • www.roa.co.uk

stable

Cover: Jane and Andrew Megson with exciting novice chaser Sixmilebridge at Fergal O’Brien’s Gloucestershire

Photo: Bill Selwyn

“”

Having seen BAAEED, he left quite an impression on me. He is an awesome specimen We know him well in the US, so when I came to Tattersalls I wanted to buy one. He is Europe’s Flightline, a generational talent, and should be a leading sire based on how good he was.

David Ingordo

After purchasing the flly x Stream Song for 410,000gns on behalf of Determined Stables

Filly x Dubai Rose – €800,000

Consigned

x Turret Rocks – 625,000gns

Consigned

FROM THE GALLOPS TO GLORY

TDrive for new audience can accelerate growth

CHARLIE PARKER President

his is my final monthly column as President of the Racehorse Owners Association, having taken over from Nick Cooper during the first Covid lockdown. With all sport shut down, the industry came together to work on a plan to get back racing. It was a significant achievement that we were the first sport to reopen and the first to allow non-participants to attend again.

Cross-industry groups managed to ensure a safe return, with funding from the government’s sports relief fund allowing the Levy Board to continue to fund prize-money as well as support the capital works at racecourses to comply with the new operational rules that were brought in. Having worked so well together to get back racing, the industry has faced a series of challenges that were not considered back in early 2020.

The war in Ukraine, combined with rampant inflation and high cost of borrowing, has changed the financial landscape for all participants, impacting trainers, racecourses, breeders and of course owners, who remain the largest investor in the industry. Against this backdrop, the sport again came together to look at the governance structure and create a strategy for growth.

During the last five years, we have also seen a high turnover in key industry personnel. We are now looking towards a new era with the Chair of the BHA, the changes to the governance structure, a new CEO of the RCA and potentially the BHA, and of course a new Chair of the ROA. It is now crucial that the new team leading the industry delivers on our investments in strategy and customers.

Most importantly, owners must be placed at the very heart of the future strategy. Financial pressures and inconsistency in the raceday experience have been highlighted as barriers to and reasons for ending ownership involvement. Without owners we have no industry. Owners need to feel both welcomed and rewarded for their considerable investment.

Global sports investment has seen a dramatic increase and British racing cannot be left behind

The core idea of creating an identifiable high-end product was sound. However, after an underfunded original launch, the true potential has yet to be realised. It is essential that we attract new investors to ensure the future of all our racing products. Global sports investment has seen a dramatic increase and British racing cannot be left behind.

We have of course been battling on other fronts. The introduction of affordability checks has reduced betting on racing. In addition, after working hard on the muchdiscussed levy reform, it was a body blow to miss out due to the election being called in June 2024.

Now, we have the prospect of a tax hike on sports betting. Racing again showed a united front in responding to the proposal and organising the axetheracingtax campaign. We must wait until the end of this month to find out if our efforts have had the desired impact.

The structure of the BHA finances often means that owners are the balancing funding item. It is also true that with racecourse finances, executive contributions to prize-money are the easiest line item to move to ensure a healthy P&L. Commercial agreements between owners and racecourses are vital to promote an environment where all benefit from the industry's work and cooperation.

Ownership can be challenging, but when success comes – especially in a big race – it cannot be beaten. Our syndicate enjoyed Queen Elizabeth II Stakes glory on Champions Day at Ascot with Cicero’s Gift, trained by Charlie Hills, as he stormed home to come clear of many fancied rivals. I have been lucky enough to see our fabulous mare Verdana Blue, owned in partnership with two mates, win a Grade 1, and now our small syndicate has captured a Group 1 – such an incredible thrill.

In Britain, we have the best racing and horses in the world and our sport is the second most attended in the UK. We must build on this and engage fully with the next generation of bettors, racegoers and owners.

Finally, I would like to offer my best wishes to Jim Walker, who took over as ROA Chair last month. There is much work to do, not least supporting the highly experienced and committed team at the ROA, and I am sure he will do a fantastic job.

AAI tools shaping future for breeders and studs

PHILIP NEWTON Chairman

rtificial Intelligence (rather than the AI that the thoroughbred breeding industry regards as the Prince of Darkness) is going to change all our worlds and the breeding industry is no exception, nor should it want to be. Remember the evolution of tractors, hydraulics and the farm equipment they can power, and what it did for our grandparents and great-grandparents?

AI is little different to those farm tools, apart from that its own evolution will be at warp speed. The early rate of progress will be handicapped, however, not only by humans’ ability to ask the right questions (which is vital) but also every AI model’s access to correct data and for that also to be in a form that can be processed.

The adage ‘Don’t believe everything you read in the papers’ applies equally to the information available on the internet. As AI has no ability to interrogate for truth and fact, until either 1) It is able to do so or 2) Internet content is sanitised, in certain tasks you ask of AI, the outcome may be a case of rubbish in, rubbish out!

diagnostics, treatment and practise efficiency through applications like image analysis and predictive disease modelling. It will analyse large data sets identifying disease patterns, devise personal treatment plans, and in short revolutionise positive outcomes as much as Joseph Lister did with his discovery of penicillin.

Stock management and welfare will also benefit, with facial and pattern recognition technology that can scan individual behaviour and monitor and provide warnings on events such as feeding issues, health concerns or foaling alerts, optimising resource allocation within the farm. Maybe no more long hours of sitting up all night!

The land that delivers our industry product is also set to benefit through precision farming

However, early AI is very good where data can be relied upon, and the breeding industry is already able to take advantage. The first and obvious option might be a mating selection option – after all, the General Stud Book provides all the information needed to draw conclusions in respect of sire and dam choice, plus the ability to compare, identify, discover and reach outcomes in respect of the ideal mating.

But – and this might be a very big but – haven’t there already been human developed theories (dosage, line breeding, numbers, nicks etc.), all of which relied upon the analysis of data and blood lines? Bryan Mayoh, a former trustee of the TBA, wrote a series of excellent articles for the Racing Post examining almost all of the ‘theories’ and reached the conclusion that the old maxim of ‘breeding the best to the best and hoping for the best’ is still most relied upon, and that perhaps until AI thinks for itself and doesn’t rely upon complex algorithms, that we might be best with the status quo. Be careful what you wish for, as they say!

However, AI will make big differences and improvement elsewhere. Veterinary is a very good example, improving

The land that delivers our industry product is also set to benefit through precision farming, with resource optimisation providing datadriven decision-making to monitor outputs, allowing a detailed understanding of soil conditions, nutrient deficiencies, local weather and water availability, and usage to deliver sustainable land use and effective soil management. Dr Greengrass will never have had it so good!

In the office it will

revolutionise and simplify those end-of-month jobs that are approached with dread, such as automating repetitive tasks like the sales and purchase ledger, bank reconciliations, and quarterly VAT returns, while AI can add to business efficiency by spotting trends, detecting fraud, supporting and enhancing the work of the bookkeeper.

The office administration process will be aided by automating those repetitive tasks, providing reminders and automated responses, creating document drafting and managing calendars, and adding to abilities in managing the team by workforce planning, performance management and ensuring those personnel records are updated.

This just scratches the surface of how, used with knowledge and understanding, AI can add considerably to every business and every breeder. AI is in its relative infancy, but the earlier we start, the more we learn and the better we understand. The TBA will help members as they start upon this journey and to that end, in 2026 an event will be scheduled to focus upon AI and the breeding industry. As always, we are planning ahead.

CHANGES

People and business

Harry Cobden

The Emma Lavelle-trained Locked And Loaded, successful in a Worcester bumper, provides the jockey with his 1,000th NH winner in Britain and Ireland.

Patrick Neville

Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer with The Real Whacker is declared bankrupt though he can still send out runners from his Yorkshire stable.

Adam Kirby

Derby-winning jockey who stopped riding in August 2023 reveals he is planning to embark on a training career next year from his base near Newmarket.

Paddy Power

Bookmaker will close 57 betting shops in Britain and Ireland, amounting to almost 10% of its estate, a decision not linked to a possible hike in tax rates.

Henry Brooke

Jump jockey set for an extended spell on the sidelines after breaking his leg in a fall at Perth in September.

Micheál Nolan

Britbet

Takes over from the UK Tote Group as pool betting host and operator at 19 racecourses including the 16 tracks managed by Arena Racing Company.

Mark Clayton

Experienced executive is appointed CEO of Leopardstown and will take up his role in January, reporting to Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses.

ITV

Broadcaster signs new four-year deal to extend free-to-air coverage of British horseracing until the end of 2030, having replaced Channel 4 as the sport’s terrestrial partner in 2017.

Jump jockey undergoes emergency surgery after fracturing vertebrae following a fall at Worcester on October 15. The IJF is supporting his recovery.

Rossa Ryan

Arc-winning jockey rides his 1,000th winner in Britain on Blazeon Five at Ascot on October 3.

Kia Joorabchian

Owner driving Amo Racing’s expansion in British racing reveals the purchase of a second yard in Newmarket, Induna Stables on Fordham Road.

Good Friday

Ireland will race on the day for the first time in 2026 with a meeting at the Curragh on April 3, though at present betting shops are not allowed to open.

Shane Kelly

Jockey retires from riding aged 46 after 30-year career that brought over 1,300 winners in Britain and Ireland including a Yorkshire Cup with Geordieland.

Emma Berry

Bloodstock journalist, Pattern Committee member and ownerbreeder will succeed Simon Sweeting as Chair of the British EBF in January 2026.

CHANGES

Racehorse and stallion

MOVEMENTS AND RETIREMENTS

Economics

Night Of Thunder colt, winner of the Dante Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes in 2024 for owner Isa Salman Al Khalifa, is retired aged four.

Lead

Artist

Juddmonte’s son of Dubawi, winner of the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes in May, is retired aged four and will start his stallion career next year at Banstead Manor Stud.

Horse

obituaries

Wootton Bassett 17

Group 1 winner turned into a stallion sensation, siring a host of Group 1 winners such as Almanzor and King Of Steel, latterly standing for Coolmore.

Lough Derg 25

Tough and classy staying hurdler for owner Will Frewen and the Pipe stable, winner of 12 races including the 2007 Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

Mad Moose 21

Cult performer who often refused to race but still managed seven victories under both codes for Nigel Twiston-Davies and Middleham Park Racing.

Unquestionable

Rathbarry Stud in County Cork recruits son of Wootton Bassett, winner of the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, for stallion duty in 2026.

Camille Pissarro

Prix du Jockey Club-winning son of Wootton Bassett, also a Group 1 winner at two in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, will stand at Coolmore in 2026.

Anmaat

Shadwell’s Champion Stakes victor of 2024 who also took the 2023 Prix d’Ispahan among nine career wins, earning over £1.7m, is retired aged seven.

Sierra Leone

Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud will welcome the son of Gun Runner, winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, for the 2026 breeding season.

Shadow Of Light

Godolphin’s champion twoyear-old of 2024 with wins in the Middle Park Stakes and Dewhurst is retired and will stand at Kildangan Stud in Ireland next year.

So You Think 19

Brilliant New Zealand-bred son of High Chaparral, winner of ten Group 1 races including two Cox Plates, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Eclipse, and later a successful sire.

CHANGES

Racehorse and stallion

MOVEMENTS AND RETIREMENTS ~ CONTINUED

Muhaarar

Sire of top-level winners including Eshaada, Be Your Best and Marhaba Ya Sanafi moves to Haras de Montaigu following the sale of Haras du Petit Tellier.

Diego Velazquez

Son of Frankel, winner of the Prix Jacques le Marois in August, is retired from the racetrack to embark on a stallion career at the National Stud.

Delacroix

Beautifully-bred son of Dubawi out of top-class racemare Tepin who won the Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes is retired to stand at Coolmore in 2026.

Elite Status

Group 3-winning son of Havana Grey is retired from racing aged four and will stand alongside his sire at Whitsbury Manor Stud next year.

Il Est Francais

Grade 1-winning chaser relocates to Britain and trainer Tom George after Richard and Lizzie Kelvin Hughes buy out joint-owner Nicolas de Lageneste, who also bred the son of Karaktar.

Royal Scotsman

Classic-placed son of Gleneagles, successful at Group 2 level as a two-yearold, will commence his stallion career at Haras du Taillis in north-west France.

Henri Matisse

Son of Wootton Bassett, a Group 1 winner at two and three in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and French 2,000 Guineas, is retired to Coolmore for 2026.

Coltrane

Staying star for Mick and Janice Mariscotti and Andrew Balding, winner of nine races and over £1 million in prize-money, is retired aged eight.

Array

Son of No Nay Never, winner of the Mill Reef Stakes, will commence stud duty at Haras Santa Rita da Serra in Brazil after his purchase from Juddmonte.

People obituaries

John O’Carroll 84

Widely respected racing reporter, chief sub-editor and formbook judge who worked for The Sporting Life, The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail

Nicki Strong 41

Racing Welfare’s Head of Communications and Marketing was a driving force behind the charity’s many fundraising activities and events.

Nigel Townsend 59

Joined Timeform initially as part of the editorial team and progressed to the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Halifax-based business.

Beauvatier

Decisive winner of the Challenge Stakes will begin his stallion career at Haras d’Etreham. The son of Lope De Vega was Group 1-placed at two and three.

Thorpedo Anna

Brilliant US dirt filly, winner of seven Grade 1s including the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Distaff for the Kenny McPeek stable, is retired to the paddocks aged four.

Stage Star

Winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival for Owners Group 044 and Paul Nicholls is retired aged nine due to injury.

Dame Jilly Cooper 88

Best-selling author, whose racy novels such as Riders, Mount! and Jump! are set in fictional affluent rural communities, enjoyed horseracing and was an owner with Tom George. Rivals, first published in 1988, was adapted for TV on Disney+ last year and garnered five-star reviews.

FIRST FOALS

VADENI

JOCKEY CLUB AND ECLIPSE WINNER AT 3 Stakes winner at 2, CARTIER CHAMPION 3YO

EREVANN

By Dubawi out of a triple Gr.1 winner SON OF CHAMPIONS

Two standout sires with first foals not to be missed!

New marketing committee will ‘tell a more compelling story’

British racing’s marketing efforts will be co-ordinated by a new cross-industry committee with representation from across the sport.

The Marketing and Communications Committee is tasked with strategic planning around horseracing’s promotional activities to ensure more unified storytelling as it tries to connect with both new and existing audiences, while also improving the impact across the media and digital channels.

Kyrsten Halley, Chair of Great British Racing, will chair the committee. In time, as the British Horseracing Authority establishes an independent Board, it is expected that external marketing and communications professionals will come on board.

The current committee members are Tom Johnson (Head of Marketing, Ascot racecourse), Andy Fellingham (Digital Director, the Jockey Club), Harriet Collins (Communications and PR Consultant,

Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association), Alison Horan (Global Head of Marketing, Godolphin and Darley), Alison Crowe (Director of Digital & Social Media, Great British Racing) and Rachel Frazer (Director of Marketing & Consumer Communications, Great British Racing).

Its first meeting took place in late October when Project Beacon, the most indepth piece of customer research the sport has commissioned, was one of the agenda items up for discussion.

Halley said: “I’m delighted to be chairing the new Marketing and Communications Committee at such a pivotal time for British horseracing. This is a vital step forward in uniting the sport’s promotional efforts under a shared vision and strategy.

“By bringing together expertise from across the industry, and then eventually with external representatives, we have a unique opportunity to tell a more consistent and compelling story about the sport we love – reaching new audiences,

deepening engagement with our fans, and driving long-term growth. I look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders across the industry to deliver greater collective impact.”

Some of the sport’s previous marketing efforts received their share of criticism, including ‘Everyone’s Turf’, a 2022 campaign fronted by former Spurs midfield maestro Jermaine Jenas that failed to connect with a younger crowd, while the launch of Premier racing was derided for failing to fully promote the concept on racecourses or resonate with racegoers and potential new fans.

An advertising-led marketing campaign called ‘The going is good’ was launched earlier this year with a £3.62 million grant from the Levy Board. It was designed to both reactivate casual racegoers and attract a new audience to racing by highlighting the reasons why it enjoys being the second most popular spectator sport in Britain.

GEORGE SELWYN

It is hoped that a more focused marketing effort can help the sport reach new audiences and deepen engagement with fans

Shaquille

The ball is in your court...

Emphatic winner of the Gr.1 Commonwealth Cup & Gr.1 July Cup

Cartier Champion Sprinter & Longines World’s Best 3YO Sprinter in 2023

Don’t miss his frst foals at Gofs, Tattersalls & Arqana!

Cheltenham changes mean fewer folk at the Festival in 2026

Reduced capacity on each of the four days at the Festival is one of the changes made by Cheltenham racecourse in a bid to boost the number of people heading to Prestbury Park in 2026.

Crowds will now be capped at 66,000 each day – the previous limit was 68,500 –following feedback from racegoers.

The Jockey Club’s flagship fixture has suffered an alarming decline in paying customers over recent years, from 280,000 in 2022 to 219,000 this year.

It is hoped the revised capacity will help to ease overcrowding and encourage those who have dropped the Festival from their schedules to head back to Gloucestershire in March.

Elsewhere, a pint of Guiness has been reduced in price from £7.80 to £7.50 across all 16 racedays at Cheltenham this season, while drinks restrictions in the Club Enclosure have been lifted, allowing customers to move freely with beverages around the racecourse.

Other changes include making discounted tickets available for longer and the return of Ladies Day to the Wednesday of the Festival.

Cheltenham CEO Guy Lavender said: “Those attending major events expect a premium experience, from the welcome they receive as they approach the venue to the moment they leave. We made a number of changes last year and have continued to look at ways to improve both the range of options and quality of service and facilities for all of those who join us at Cheltenham.

“We know that value for money is one of the most important factors for people

to consider when deciding which events to attend and that is especially the case at the Festival. I’ve said previously that value for money is not always driven by reducing prices and can often be achieved by improving the quality of the offering.

“There are certain things we can do on course like reducing the price of a pint and improving our facilities. However, there are other factors which influence people’s decisions on whether to attend, like hotel prices, which are not entirely within our control, which is why we are continuing to work with Venatour to secure better value for our visitors.

“We look forward to welcoming racegoers back so they can see the enhancements the team have been busy making and as always welcome their feedback.”

The Jockey Club is also currently looking

at the possibility of moving the Festival from its traditional Tuesday to Friday slot to Wednesday to Saturday instead.

Lavender, who joined Cheltenham in August 2024, told the Racing Post: “We’re at the start point of considering a range of options and I don’t think this is anything more than a concept at this particular stage.

“Everyone should expect a new Chief Executive to explore ideas to grow and develop – and I do think we can grow and develop the Festival over the coming years. I’m optimistic and positive about that and I’m really interested in any concepts or ideas that can help us to achieve that.

“As a leader, you have a remit to investigate a range of options. I think this one certainly has some merit for investigating, but we are a long way from getting to a firmer view or decision point.”

Foals and Fables at The Osborne Studio Gallery

joint exhibition

‘Foals and Fables’ will feature 20 new works, exploring the interwoven connections of humans, animals and storytelling, seen through two distinct but connected artistic voices.

Hills was raised in Lambourn, while Osborn is based in the racing centre – unsurprisingly, both have been influenced by the beauty of

thoroughbreds and the surrounding landscape.

Hills grounds herself and her art in the living, breathing presence of the mare and foal; Osborn in the myth, memory, and imagination that animals inspire.

‘Foals and Fables’, at The Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 8JU, opens on December 3 and runs through until December 23.

BILL SELWYN

The Jockey Club has taken action after feedback about overcrowding at the four-day Festival

A

by acclaimed British artists Jessica Hills and Rose Osborn will open in London next month.

Artists Rose Osborn and Jessica Hills

A Breeders’ Cup nominated foal is eligible to participate for its entire racing career in all Breeders’ Cup racing programs with millions in purses and awards, including the $34 million Breeders’ Cup World Championships races.

All 2026 stallions standing anywhere in the world outside North America in the Northern Hemisphere may be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup for only 50% of the stud fee.

The resulting 2027 foals are automatically Breeders’ Cup nominated for FREE!

BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

14 Championship Races • $34 million in Purses and Awards

October 30 & October 31, 2026 • Keeneland, KY

October 29 & October 30, 2027 • Belmont Park, NY

members.breederscup.com | +1 859-514-9423 | nominations@breederscup.com

THE BIG PICTURE AT LONGCHAMP

Rumble in the rain

The filly Minnie Hauk and Christophe Soumillon (nearside) looked set to strike in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe until Mickael Barzalona conjured a late burst from fellow three-year-old Daryz, who edged ahead near the finish to take the prize by a head, the pair five and a half lengths clear of third-placed Sosie. Daryz, a son of Arc winner Sea The Stars who is trained by Francis Graffard and carries the famous silks of the Aga Khan Studs, will stay in training next year when his ultimate goal will be to retain his crown at Longchamp.

Photo Bill Selwyn

THE BIG PICTURE AT ASCOT

Shock and awe

QIPCO British Champions Day witnessed stunning upsets in two of the headline contests. The Charlie Hills-trained Cicero's Gift (top), owned by Rosehill Racing, defied odds of 100-1 to record a decisive success over The Lion In Winter in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes under Jason Watson. Powerful Glory (below, yellow silks), trained by Richard Fahey for Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum, was an even bigger price in the Sprint Stakes, edging out favourite Lazzat at 200-1 for Ascot specialist Jamie Spencer. Photos Bill Selwyn

THE BIG PICTURE AT ASCOT

Champion elect

This year's Champion Stakes was a truly outstanding renewal. It came down to a duel between Calandagan and Ombudsman, both ridden from off the pace, with the former gaining the day for the Arc-winning team of Aga Khan Studs, Francis Graffard and Mickael Barzalona (right).

Photos Bill Selwyn

THE BIG PICTURE AT CHELTENHAM

Photo Bill Selwyn Welcome back!

The new jumps season at Cheltenham gets underway at the Showcase meeting, as French Ship and Ben Jones capture the opening contest, the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle, for owners Wayne Clifford and Ian Gosden and trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White. The runners are shown halfway down the far side, the eventual winners in fifth place, with Cleeve Hill behind.

FACES AT THE RACES

QIPCO British Champions Day

Ascot’s end-of-season finale saw upsets aplenty and some old favourites triumph on a superb afternoon in Berkshire

Photos: Bill Selwyn

Princess Zahra Aga Khan greets Champion Stakes hero Calandagan

Champion apprentice Joe Leavy takes the applause

Powerful Glory and Jamie Spencer caused a shock in the Sprint

Hugh Anderson collects the 2025 leading owner trophy for Godolphin

Charlie Parker (left) and the Rosehill Racing team revel in Cicero’s Gift’s victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes under Jason Watson

Sheikh Fahad Al Thani (left) with Andrew Balding, H.H. Prince Ahmad bin Khalid bin Abdullah Al Saud and Colin Keane after Kalpana’s win

Celebrate the Perfect Partnership

By ordering a magnifcent original framed painting of your racehorse by one of the UK’s fnest portrait artists.

Prices from as little as £2,000 (UK £ sterling).

The frst fve paintings commissioned will be guaranteed a Christmas delivery.

Please Contact:

Rob Hefferan is an internationally known portrait artist and has been working with Equestrian Art International for the last fve years. Some notable commissions undertaken include US Triple Crown Winning‘Justify’for the China Horse Club,‘Arrogate’,‘Stradivarius’,‘Dubai Mile’and‘Enable’

Equestrian Art International represents some of Britain’s top contemporary equestrian artists and has been exhibiting their artworks in the UK, the Middle East, Hong Kong and the US since the enterprise was founded in 2003. During that time EAI has sold over 2,500 original equestrian paintings to more than 1,600 collectors around the world.

Today, Equestrian Art International operates from its Blue Rider Gallery inside York racecourse, at major racing Festivals including Cheltenham and from its market leading on-line gallery at www.equestrianartuk.com

‘Frankel Triumphant’acrylic on canvas, 120cm x 120cm (47 inches x 47 inches) framed

FACES AT THE SALES

Tattersalls October Yearling Sale

Leading buyers from all over the world travelled to Newmarket last month to attend Europe’s premier yearling sale

Photos: Laura Green and Tattersalls

Tom Goff (centre) with Sir Mark Prescott (right) and William Butler

James Toller (left) and William Jarvis

Chad Brown (centre) with Mike Ryan (left) and Michael Warden

Sheikh Mohammed attended in person as his Godolphin spent 19.65 million guineas

Norman Williamson (left) and Eddie O’Leary of Lynn Lodge Stud

Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Shadwell Estates

1 of only 2 active sires to produce winners of the English, Irish & French Oaks, & the Epsom Derby! And the other one? Frankel Even better to come… 2025 yearlings averaged £100,000 (nearly 7x his fee) –his best results ever From exceptional books of mares following Desert Crown’s Classic victory.

FACES AT THE AGM

Racehorse Owners Association AGM

New Chair Dr Jim Walker was introduced to members, guests and the media at the ROA AGM at Doncaster on October 24

Ken McGarrity was in good form

ROA CEO Louise Norman (centre) with Jon Petts and Pip Kirkby from the People Strategy

New Chair Dr Jim Walker with Vice Chair Alan Spence (left)

ROA member Tricia Keane asks the Board a question during the Q&A session, with Colin Gurnett in the background

Richard Wayman, Director of Racing at the British Horseracing Authority, was one of the industry speakers

Mark Johnston with the Racing Post’s David Carr and Peter Savill

Photos: Andrew Kelly

Sire of 71 individual Stakes performers including 5 Group 1 winners

Sire of German Derby and Oaks winners

Sire of 96 individual 2yo winners including 3 Champion 2yos

In 2025 sire of RAYIF – 2yo Group 3 winner and Group 1 placed QUEST THE MOON – dual Group 3 winner INSTANT FRAGILE – dual Listed winner TERM OF ENDEARMENT – Listed winner

RAYIF winning the Group 3 Prix Francois Boutin at 2 in 2025

Sire of 15 individual Stakes performers including dual Gr.1 winner KALPANA

Sire of KALPANA – winner of the Group 1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes in 2024 & 2025 Group 2 winners DEEPONE and BIRTHE 2025 Group 3 winner SONS AND LOVERS 2025 dual Listed winners ALLONSY and ALMERIC 2025 Listed winners DEEPONE, FLEUR DE CHINE, FRANCOPHONE and SUITE FRANCAISE His 2yo winners of 2025 include Stakes-placed KIKKO BELLO in Japan

The Leading European 3rd crop sire in 2025 by % Worldwide Black-Type Winners to Runners*

KALPANA winning the Group 1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes for the second year in a row

RACING AROUND THE WORLD

International owners key to protecting home scene

By JAMES BURN

HONG KONG

Racing in Hong Kong needs little introduction these days, especially as a host of familiar names ply their trade there and can be seen competing twice a week on Sky Sports Racing with racecards published in the Racing Post.

They include Andrea Atzeni and Harry Bentley, who have in recent years established themselves in the weighing rooms of Sha Tin and Happy Valley, which are now home to David Probert and Richard Kingscote.

Hollie Doyle and Dylan Browne McMonagle are set to join them through the winter, while world-class talents Maxime Guyon and James McDonald will also have spells riding in Hong Kong, where expat Brit David Eustace trains.

That’s nothing new; Lester Piggott, the jockey all others before and since are measured against, made regular trips to the Far East during his illustrious career, Mick Kinane did too when he was at the peak of his powers and Frankie Dettori might have as well but for an infamous police caution, while Peter Chapple-Hyam had saddled a Derby hero before his time there.

What has changed in the last few years is the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) decision to open its doors to non-residential, international owners.

It might seem a no-brainer – think where British racing would be without foreign investment – but the authority has not become one of the most successful jurisdictions in the world by making rash decisions and the pool of people allowed in remains limited; it also possesses “comprehensive background checks” that support the organisation’s “uncompromising integrity standards” according to Andrew Harding, its Executive Director of Racing.

“The elite international ownership scheme is part of this multipronged approach and is consistent with the quintessentially international character of Hong Kong racing,” he says. “A small number of prominent overseas owners have been selected under a set of criteria which are based on, but not limited to, track record, integrity, history, commitment to invest in potential world-class racehorses and involvement in breeding.”

The aim?

“To continuously strengthen Hong Kong’s horse composition which is a key component to its world-class racing product,” he adds.

So, in 2022, Zhang Yuesheng, a Chinese entrepreneur and self-made billionaire whose horses include Dewhurst winner Gewan, and Mary Slack, a major figure in South African racing who landed the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot with Claymore in 2022, ushered in a new dawn by joining the owners’ list, which had been occupied solely by members of the HKJC.

It was described as a “very cautious”, step-by-step approach and one that would not result in an opening of the floodgates.

Since then, Andreas Jacobs, who co-bred and part-owned 2019 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe ace Waldgeist among other notable success in the sport, and Sir Peter Vela, who captured the 2001 Melbourne Cup with Ethereal and also raced the talented Eminent in Britain, were added.

It is essential to maintain investment in prize-money and bonuses

Shunsuke Yoshida, whose father Katsumi owns Japanese breeding and racing behemoth Northern Farm, which has Sunday Racing –think the red, black and yellow silks of Gentildonna and Orfevre – as an offshoot, has also been welcomed.

“As of October 2025, we have admitted 11 international owners from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, Japan, and Singapore,” continues Harding, who re-echoed the point that international ownership in Hong Kong is “deliberately kept on a small scale”.

The goal was to widen the global reach of

Hong Kong racing, although it came at a time when an ageing pool of owners might have lost interest during the Covid pandemic and its restrictions, and not reinvested, contributing to a declining horse population.

That was something identified by HKJC supremo Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, one of the most powerful racing administrators on the planet, in 2023, while recruitment from abroad – there is no breeding in Hong Kong or apparent desire to have it – may also have become harder.

Tony Millard, who trained Slack’s first Hong Kong runner Wings Of War, has highlighted the growth and strength of syndicates in Australia and their ability to say no to a big offer for a horse as another problem.

That is something Harding touched on when revealing that despite being the envy of almost every other racing nation, Hong Kong – a driver of lucrative commingling betting pools worldwide – has not been immune to issues that go much further than the industry.

“Over the past few years, the general global economic climate has been challenging,” he adds. “Notably, geopolitical tensions, developments of trade war and economic volatility have contributed to an increasingly uncertain outlook.

“This is compounded by intense global competition for high-quality horses, increased yearling prices, and emergence of syndicate ownership arrangements in major markets.

“Consequently, it is essential for the Club to maintain investment in prize-money and special bonuses to encourage ownership and continuous investment in quality horses, as well as to create opportunities for the younger generation to experience the prestige associated with ownership in Hong Kong.”

Founded in 1884, the HKJC has become a world-leader in the sport, particularly in the last three decades when its profile and reputation has soared.

It hosts 12 Group 1 races in its calendar and prize-money across around 840 races this term is set at HK$1.74 billion, while betting turnover for last season was HK$138.85bn, approximately £13.2bn and not an unsurprising sum when one considers the enthusiasm locals have for gambling.

The October batch of official world rankings showed just five horses were rated superior to domestically trained stars Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior, who both triumphed when Hong Kong staged its annual international meeting at Sha Tin last December.

The acclaimed fixture regularly attracts the traditional superpowers from Europe and the cream of Japan’s crop, while Happy Valley is set against a stunning, inner-city skyline and is one of the most breathtaking racecourses in the world.

In October 2026, a third venue will feature

in the HKJC programme as Conghua, which is in mainland China and was completed as a training centre in 2018, will open for business, providing races for the country’s 1,300 horses.

It is blessed with all of the modern facilities expected of a new track in the region, while the grandstand has been designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, renowned for the ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium used for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the Tate Modern.

Conghua, Harding stresses, is an example of the regulator’s wide-ranging commitment to improving its product and offering, which has its 3,000-plus owners at its core, albeit plans are in place to recruit new blood.

Developing new ownership concepts for members who are potential owners and accelerating those with aspirations to be is one strategic lever, as are educational programmes, promotional events and additional support for sourcing and buying horses.

Incentivising continued participation and contribution among existing owners is viewed as another way to strengthen the framework, while enhancing services, venues and racecourse experience is also part of the layered thinking.

“Cultivating the next generation of

racehorse owners is a key priority,” Harding goes on. “For the tech-savvy segment, we have recently launched the Owners App, enabling owners to access real-time updates on their horses and conveniently reserve racecourse facilities, which is particularly beneficial for owners with starters in upcoming meetings.

“The Club regularly organises talks and workshops to introduce the ownership experience to members and the next generation of existing owners. We also offer personalised consultation services to support owners in purchasing horses. Our dedicated acquisition team sources and procures quality horses globally, making them available to members through the Hong Kong International Sales. This service streamlines the acquisition process for owners, eliminating the need for overseas travel to auctions and supporting novice owners who may lack experience or industry connections.”

Outlining the importance of appealing to a younger or different demographic, Harding continues: “We recognise that racehorse ownership represents a significant investment, particularly for individuals without established connections or for younger members. To address this, the Club is

currently considering the establishment of Club-managed syndicates, thereby creating opportunities for members to acquire fractional shares and experience the benefits of horse ownership.”

Governing bodies in racing can, at times, be accused of burying their heads in the sand in terms of change and innovation and, although the HKJC appears wedded to capping its non-residential owners, it has, intriguingly, been credited with helping smooth out the problems South Africa faced exporting horses because of African Horse Sickness.

“The Club has been committed to assisting South Africa to achieve improved arrangements for exporting its horses, and the potential exists for this to become a valuable additional market for Hong Kong’s owners,” explains Harding. “Notably, a number of prominent Hong Kong owners have invested in stallions and breeding farms abroad, further strengthening international ties within the industry.”

That’s one way of increasing the horse population and international appeal, and partnerships with more than 70 commingling operators across 26 countries and jurisdictions show the HKJC knows plenty about that, even if it’s not yet ready to open for every owner.

HKJC

Ka Ying Rising: star sprinter, winner of The Everest at Randwick in October, is a global advert for Hong Kong racing

THE BIG INTERVIEW: ANDREW AND JANE MEGSON

Andrew and Jane Megson with promising duo White Riot and Blue Betty at Fergal O’Brien’s Gloucestershire stable

The optimistic REALISTS

Owners

Andrew

and

Jane Megson

know that not every

horse

can be a champion, yet hope still abounds for the husband-and-wife team who would love to hit the Grade 1 target this season

Words: EDWARD ROSENTHAL • Photos: BILL SELWYN

If patience is the key virtue required by racehorse owners who want to endure and succeed in the Sport of Kings, surely resilience cannot be far behind. Andrew and Jane Megson understand both only too well.

Earlier this year, not long after Sixmilebridge had put the Megsons on cloud nine after romping home in a Grade 2 prize at Cheltenham, they were informed that their star hurdler had fallen foul of medication rules and would be disqualified from first place, hampering his preparation for the Cheltenham Festival.

The bad news was imparted on the same day they visited their string at Fergal O’Brien’s Cotswolds stable. From dreaming to despair in a matter of hours.

“We were absolutely gutted. Fergal was mortified,” Andrew says, recalling the events of February. “Sixmilebridge had a small muscular problem in his back and received an injection 22 days before the race at Cheltenham. The recommendation [on the medicine] was 14 days.

“It wasn’t performance enhancing. The recommendation now is you test before you run, just to make sure.”

Sixmilebridge still made it to the Festival for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle but failed to show his best in the championship contest, trailing home a distant ninth, as JP McManus’s The New Lion struck for the Skeltons.

“He didn’t run very well. The ground was a little quick for him – he needs some cut. It was also a hotter race. We still have a lot of faith in him.”

Fast forward to the current season and exciting prospect Tellherthename kicked off his chasing career at Carlisle on October 16. At 1.57pm the Megsons owned a potential top-notcher. At 2.05pm they were pondering his future as a racehorse.

“He bled,” Andrew says of the six-year-old who finished third of four runners, albeit only beaten two lengths. “Now we’re trying to work out what we can do and what’s in his best interests. Can we get him back? If not, we’ll find him a new home.

“We thought he’d win with his head in his chest. The race was just a stepping stone to bigger things.

“For a few hours afterwards you just feel so flat – but the horse didn’t do it on purpose.

“We’ve been in horseracing long enough to know that these things happen. Yes, we’re ambitious for our horses, but it’s tinged with a level of realism.

“Ten years ago, every horse we bought was going to win the Gold Cup or a Grade 1, and we were amazed when they didn’t! The fact is very few achieve what you dream they’ll achieve.”

Jane adds: “It think it’s tougher when the better horses disappoint because you know what their potential is. That’s why we celebrate the good days, because you don’t get that many.”

The Megsons have been owners for 11 years, their previous interest in racing limited to watching the big Flat and jump meetings.

All that changed when Andrew, the CEO of Doncaster-based business My Pension Expert, made a successful bid for a trip to Jackdaws Castle at a charity dinner, thinking his wife, who rode in her youth, and two daughters, Lily and Jasmine, would enjoy a day out at Jonjo O’Neill’s famous stable.

The family loved the experience and the Megsons soon joined a syndicate in the yard, enjoying success with Kelvingrove, before taking the plunge into outright ownership.

Andrew relates: “We popped into Jackdaws one afternoon; I got separated from Jane and walked out with a horse!

THE BIG INTERVIEW: ANDREW AND JANE MEGSON

“Markttag was a lovely prospect. On his third start for us he cut into himself at Kempton and had an infection. We tried to save him, but he deteriorated overnight. It’s so important to listen to the vet. To this day I regret not letting go.”

Undaunted, the couple’s interest and investment in jump racing increased. Having added Ben Pauling to their roster of trainers, point-to-point winner Global Citizen was bought for £275,000 in 2017 – a declaration of intent regarding his owners’ ambitions.

Global Citizen may not have scored at the top level, but he was a high-class performer, winning seven races under Rules, including two Grade 2s over hurdles and the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase.

Having made three unsuccessful visits to the Cheltenham Festival – two of those assignments in Grade 1 company – Global Citizen made it fourth time lucky in the 2022 Grand Annual Handicap Chase, producing an awesome display of jumping under Kielan Woods despite testing conditions.

“I cried when Global Citizen won the Grand Annual,” says Andrew. “We couldn’t believe it. You can spend an awful lot more money than

we have and never get near a Cheltenham Festival winner.

“We were in the owners’ and trainers’ suite an hour before the race, debating whether to run or not. It was heavy ground, which he didn’t relish. But he was ten years old and bottom weight. How many more chances

We needed a completely fresh start if we wanted to carry on

would he get at Cheltenham?

“Kielan rode a stunning race. When he came round the final bend, everything else was off the bridle. I remember saying, ‘if he

jumps this, they’re not going to catch him.’

“Then we started screaming in The Princess Royal Stand – although there was complete silence everywhere else! We were bouncing around and couldn’t really speak. It was unbelievable.”

Despite the thrill of big-race glory with Pauling, the relationship would later unravel, and in April 2024 the Megsons removed all their horses from his yard.

Pauling described the outcome as “a huge shock” but for the owners, the decision was a long time coming.

“We understand why people walk away from this sport,” Andrew says. “It’s not long ago that we thought we’d had enough.

“There was a feeling we were just there to write cheques. We took stock and decided we needed a completely fresh start if we wanted to carry on.

“We’re not mega important in the yards of Dan Skelton, Fergal, or Jonjo. It’s nice to have a relationship where you’re not such a key owner. That’s not to say we didn’t think long and hard about moving our horses. It’s not just the trainer and his or her livelihood, it’s all the staff.”

Global Citizen gave the Megsons a day to remember when winning the 2022 Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival

Pensions in the spotlight ahead of the Budget

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, set to reveal whether remote gambling duties will be harmonised, something the sport of horseracing has rallied strongly against over the past few months, will also have an impact on the pensions landscape.

Speculation about a revision to the tax-free lump sum eligible under current rules has caused much consternation, yet Andrew Megson, CEO of My Pension Expert, is unequivocal in his advice.

He says: “My main message is do not rush into acting because of something the Chancellor may do. If it doesn’t happen, you’ve made a huge mistake.

“Rather than a tiered limit to pension contributions, the government may put something in place whereby you can get relief at the highest rate of tax, they may bring in a single rate, or they may reduce the amount of tax-free cash you can take.

He continues: “Our relationship with Ben wasn’t what it was. We’d had a few disappointments. We were trying to understand the plans for our horses – as owners we became more and more distant, so we stopped going to the yard.

“We asked ourselves – why are we doing this? It’s a very expensive hobby. We probably kept on with Ben longer than we wanted to, not least because you feel that sense of responsibility.

“Ben asked why we were leaving so I prepared a list, so as not to muddle anything. We had a call, but he didn’t want to hear what I had to say.

“Things went wrong

“They have to look at the triple lock because it’s something the country cannot afford.”

He continues: “Our target market is the mass market. We help people who wouldn’t normally access an advisor.

“When the Treasury brought your pension fund into your estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes from 2027, it caused a huge hue and cry, but it doesn’t really affect our customers.

“With our target market, generally their most valuable asset is their house, and they don’t have huge assets beyond that, with maybe around £100,000 to £150,000 maximum in their pension. So, this £1 million IHT limit doesn’t really impact them.

“It sounds perverse, but with all the rumours that fly around before Budgets, it drives activity to us, because people want an arm round the shoulder and some help.

“I won’t make any political comments – but the key point is not to act on a rumour.”

went over to America for the Grand National [at Far Hills]. But I said to Jane, let’s give it time.

“Ben is a successful trainer. He’s had a phenomenal time recently and we wish him all the best. Now we have a great relationship with Jonjo and really like Fergal.

“Dan [Skelton] asked Kielan, who we retain, for my number. I told Kielan it was fine and Dan called me within minutes! He said he’d sort out Harper’s Book – who by this point had made News at Ten after throwing away a race at Sandown – and get him winning again.”

Skelton did indeed get the mercurial Harper’s Brook back in the winner’s enclosure, courtesy of an outstanding ride by Woods

in last year’s Castleford Chase at Wetherby.

Denied by Willie Mullins in a terrific tussle for the 2024-25 trainers’ championship, Skelton will be going all out to land the title this season, and the Megsons hope their horses in his stable, which also include promising novice hurdler Leaumec De Mee, can help him in his quest.

“Dan is a force of nature,” Andrew says. “He’s very direct and thinks about it all the time. He’s obsessed.

“As for Harper’s Brook, he’s such a character and very quirky. Dan said we’ll never get inside his head. But it makes life exciting!”

Most exciting of all is Sixmilebridge. The Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown in

Sixmilebridge: could take high rank over fences this season

THE BIG INTERVIEW: ANDREW AND JANE MEGSON

›› Hopes are also high for Kaylan, winner of his only start to date in a Warwick bumper, and talented mare Blue Betty, while Jipcot and Wreckless Eric will likely ply their trade in good-quality handicap hurdles.

Another to look forward to is the enormous White Riot, a promising son of The Grey Gatsby whose name, like Wreckless Eric, alludes to Andrew’s passion for music. Monty Bodkin, yet to win, is named after a fictional character in the novels of P.G. Wodehouse.

“White Riot was the first ever single by The Clash,” he says. “I’m very interested in punk music and collect memorabilia.

“Our first winner was Sebastian Beach – we bought him off the Flat and thought he was named after the P.G. Wodehouse character. In fact, he’s named after a beach in the US!”

Jane adds: “We like to have fun with the names. It’s nice to sit down with a glass of wine and make a list. Although we’ve been knocked back [by Weatherbys] on a couple.”

The Megsons, who are both Yorkshire born and bred – they went to the same school although didn’t know each other then – would love to spend more time getting to the races to watch their horses in action. It’s proving a challenge at present, with My Pension Expert, which provides telephone advice to citizens in the UK, in the process of appointing corporate advisors and talking to private equity firms.

Initially joining in the role of Chair, Andrew took over My Pension Expert from its founder directors nine years ago – “the business was going under” – and turned it round, although there were times in the early days when he says he had to dip into his own pocket to make payroll.

The business, which has ended its partnership with the Jockey Club that

included multiple race sponsorships and now supports the charity Retraining of Racehorses, continues to expand.

Andrew explains: “My Pension Expert has rocketed forward. We’ve had plenty of people wanting to invest, which has allowed us to accelerate the growth of the business. It’s all positive.

“We’re proud that we are creating opportunities for people in Doncaster – it

Racing has been a massive part of our lives for a decade

was a thriving mining town until the pits closed in the mid-80s, and there’s been little investment since.

“Financial services isn’t renowned for its diversity and inclusivity, but we have had people starting at junior level and move all the way up to executive and director level.”

He continues: “I’m still full time and will be for a few more years. Investors are not getting involved for me to take a backward step, it’s up to me to drive the business forward. Nobody invests because they want to help Andrew and Jane!

“At one point we had 28 horses – it was too many, which was my fault, and we just

couldn’t get to see them. We want to watch our horses run in the flesh. Unless you’re careful you can end up with a massive number of horses and a lot of them won’t be very good. Now we have around 17.

“We’re both equally passionate about racing – it’s a massive part of our lives and has been for a decade.”

The contrast between providing sound financial advice on pensions and giving large sums for often untested racehorses is striking, but the Megsons’ involvement in racing is purely for enjoyment.

Their most profitable bloodstock venture came with Flat filly Polly Pott, 40-1 winner of the 2022 May Hill Stakes, who subsequently sold for 480,000 guineas having cost just 21,000 guineas as a yearling.

However, it is the jumps scene that enthrals these owners, who also have a first homebred runner – Baby Chuffnell, by Nathaniel out of their winning hurdler Lady Chuffnell – set to race in 2026.

“National Hunt racing is so much more exciting,” Jane says. “The Flat is very different – we’ve sold all our Flat horses.”

Andrew adds: “What Coolmore and Godolphin do is fantastic, but we can’t afford to pay two and a half million for a colt or filly that has never run.

“In my mind’s eye, what you’d like is four or five lovely horses that are at their peak for two or three years, with younger ones coming through – and keeping that cycle going.

“We love buying young stores – that’s why we like the [Futter family’s] Yorton Sale. With point-to-pointers you often have no idea what they’ve beaten.”

He continues: “Targets will emerge for our horses this season. A lot of the young horses are unexposed – some will not be very good and some, like Tellherthename, might not come back.

“The Mike Tyson quote is perfect –‘everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the face.’ You have all these plans at the start of the season and after the first week they can be over.”

Time will tell whether the Megsons manage to secure that elusive Grade 1 triumph this campaign, but as their experiences with Tellherthename shows, nothing can be taken for granted, and equine welfare remains the priority.

Jane says: “It’s nice when the horse has a full career in racing and is still fit and healthy when they retire. They you can find a new career and home for them. Kielan has Global Citizen now and we’ve found homes for plenty of our former racehorses.

“We’ve always said, even on the day and we’re there, if they’re not right or the ground is wrong, then they don’t run. You never want them to have a bad experience – the horse always comes first.”

The Megsons have enjoyed success on the Flat but much prefer the thrill of jump racing

RINGFORT STUD

CLEVER Boxing

Group 1 performers Anmaat and Big Mojo have contributed to another wonderful season for Derek and Gay Veitch’s Ringfort Stud

Words: MARTIN STEVENS

How on earth does Ringfort Stud do it?

The farm, founded by Derek and Gay Veitch on 300 acres of rich limestone land in County Offaly in 1999, has in recent years produced Champion Stakes hero Anmaat, Haydock Sprint Cup victors Minzaal and Big Mojo, Group-winning two-year-olds Black Caviar Gold, Miss Amulet, North Coast, Threat and Ubettabelieveit, as well as the smart performers Indie Angel and Youth Spirit.

It’s not just the quantity of talented athletes being turned out by the operation from a relatively small number of broodmares that is so impressive, it’s also how they were bred. Nearly all of them are by sires at the affordable end of the spectrum, and their dams didn’t have the most obvious credentials.

Anmaat, for example, hails from the first crop of Awtaad, who stood at a fee of €15,000 that year, out of African Moonlight, a daughter of Halling who was beaten 50 lengths in total on her two outings, and Minzaal came from the debut generation of Mehmas, who

Derek Veitch: “I tend to buy mares with very deep pedigrees”

started out at a €12,500 fee, out of Pardoven, a Clodovil mare who was bred at Ringfort Stud and bought back cheaply after failing to make the track.

When Derek Veitch is asked for the secret of his success, he suggests that a lack of spending power compared to the breeding big guns has forced him to box clever.

“I’m not really sure what we do differently but I do know that our financial clout at the sales is very small,” he says. “Our ability to buy the best broodmares is poor. Because of that, we’ve had to try to identify individuals who look suitable for breeding on physique and have the nicest pages we can afford.

“I tend to buy mares with very deep pedigrees. Even if they haven’t been any good in their racing careers they could still make decent broodmares if they’re by leading sires or from strong distaff lines. Then it’s just a case of choosing the sires and sire lines that might click with them. I like looking at what’s worked historically using various search engines.”

He adds with a laugh: “There’s lots of little

ideas that swirl around my head. It would take all day to put flesh on the bones of all of them.”

Some of those breeding theories will no

We wouldn’t have done nearly as well without the land

doubt be proprietary information that have given Ringfort Stud its competitive edge, so you can’t blame Veitch for not sharing them in too much detail. He doesn’t need much

encouragement to extol the virtues of one of the farm’s other main advantages, though.

“We’ve done respectably and we wouldn’t have done nearly as well without the land,” he says. “We live in the village of Rhode and besides us are Paschal Kellaghan and the late Tom Lacy’s family, both very good breeders, and within a few square miles is Tally-Ho Stud. Loads of Group 1 winners have been bred within a small area relative to the size of the industry, both in terms of geography and the number of mares stabled here.

“If there’s a reason for that, it’s got to be the natural features – the limestone land, the water and the constant, temperate climate. Whenever the minerals in the soil have been tested the results are excellent. That said, you can mismanage good ground or manage bad ground well, there are ways around it.

“But, generally speaking, we were lucky we bought the farm here, because the quality of the land makes a big contribution to a high percentage of sound horses coming off the place.

“I look at studs in other areas that are

Big Mojo: the latest Group 1 winner bred by Ringfort Stud

BILL SELWYN

RINGFORT STUD

run by good people and have nice mares, and produce similar-looking horses who are always well presented and make a lot of money at the sales, but they don’t produce as many winners as they should relative to the standard of stock they’re breeding from. I think that has to be down to the land.”

Ringfort Stud also allows its young stock to reap the benefits provided by the land rather than interfering with their development. Rearing racehorses rather than sales horses is the aim there.

“We bring the horses forward in a more wild, natural way during their rearing period from birth to the yearling sales,” says Veitch. “They fight, they play, they run and they gallop, and they do that every day, so they develop organically for racing.

“There’s no putting the horses in a barn for four months in the winter, with three feet of straw underneath them, so that they’re not fit to move outside the barn come spring time. That’s not conducive to making racehorses.”

Something else that makes Ringfort Stud stand out from the crowd is its strict financial planning, which ensures that mare purchases and mating plans are made for the right reasons and not out of convenience. That sort of probity ought not to be uncommon in the industry, but many newer entrants do seem only to trade horses on the never-never.

“People might call it boring, but it’s just the way I was brought up by my parents: to have money before I spend it,” says Veitch. “Every December we get around a table and review what’s happened in the last year and think about what we’re going to do in the next year.

We’re always careful with our budgets and ensure we leave a good buffer of cash flow, so that if something were to go wrong and we weren’t able to sell a horse for whatever reason, we’d manage for two years.

“I think it’s just normal, and it’s rash and impetuous to do otherwise. People should treat success and failure the same way. I’ve seen several people fail in this business and they wonder why, but they never took stock. For me, the best people in this industry, and in life generally, are those who handle failure well and learn from it.

“In fact, I like to see the younger generation come out and make mistakes because God knows I made plenty along the way, and if they learn from it, it’s not a bad thing. It makes them more capable operators in the long run.”

Ringfort Stud evidently has the right natural environment and business principles, but that doesn’t quite answer the question of why its stock selection is so successful. Maybe a closer look at the pedigrees of some of its recent star graduates will throw up some clues to the winning formula.

The dam of Anmaat – who was recently retired by Owen Burrows after winning half of his 18 starts and finishing out of the top three on only one occasion – might not have been much cop but she was well-bred and, even better, she was free.

“African Moonlight was part of an exchange,” Veitch explains. “A fella gave her to me after she’d hurt her pelvis, in return for an average yearling I bred. I started by sending her to stallions standing at very low fees, the

sorts you really wouldn’t expect to produce stakes horses, but she upgraded them. She produced the US Grade 3 winner Syntax to Haatef and the Listed runner-up Sir Gin by Moss Vale, who I also bred.

“I thought I was stepping her up in quality by sending her to an Irish 2,000 Guineas winner in Awtaad, and it seemed to work.

Anmaat was a big, strong, good-walking colt who deserved to make a lot of money, and he did, as I sold him to Angus Gold for 140,000gns. He’s been a fabulous horse for Shadwell. If he’d had a bit more luck he could have won three more Group 1s this year but he finished second each time as he kept running into a good one.”

Ringfort Stud lost African Moonlight at the age of 19 this year, but the dam of eight winners in total has left the operation some well-bred youngsters.

“In the spring she produced a big Havana Grey colt foal who had hip lock,” says Veitch. “She was fine for three days, but it turned out that the colt had put a pinhole in her colon, maybe because of the hiplock, and she died of septicaemia.

“We have her Palace Pier two-year-old filly who we tried to sell as a yearling last year but nobody wanted her, even though we were looking for only €30,000 for her. I’d say she’s worth €150,000 in the ring as a broodmare prospect without racing, but we have her in training with Ross O’Sullivan, and we’re going to see if we can get her forward enough to run. It won’t be this year, though, as she’s not precocious.

“The Havana Grey colt is a strong, strapping lad, not a typical five or six-furlong horse. There’s a lot of Teofilo coming through. Everyone sees Havana Grey as a two-year-old sire, getting short runners, but I don’t. I think if he gets the right mares he’ll be able to get milers, even Classic milers, no problem.”

It was also a quirk of fate that brought Pardoven, the dam of top two-year-old turned champion sprinter Minzaal, back to Ringfort Stud to be bred from.

“We bought Pardoven’s dam Dancing Prize from Cheveley Park Stud [for 38,000gns in 2001] and sold Pardoven at the foal sales,” recalls Veitch. “She was bought by Stephen Hillen on behalf of a Scottish client who was going to race her, but she fractured a bone in her knee and never ran.

“Then the owner developed cancer, and had to sell his horses, so Mark Dwyer was given the responsibility of moving them on. Mark rang me and said he had this filly standing in her box with a bad knee, he couldn’t take her to the sales, so would I be interested in buying her back? I said I was, and we agreed on a price.

“We bred a Cape Cross colt out of her who Flash [Conroy] bought and resold for a fortune – he became a good horse in South

BILL SELWYN

Jim Crowley celebrates aboard last year’s QIPCO Champion Stakes winner Anmaat

Africa called Cabo Da Cruz – and then we sent the mare to Mehmas in his first season and got Minzaal, who we also sold to Shadwell. I keep telling Tony and Roger [O’Callaghan] at Tally-Ho Stud to send Mehmas as many Danehill-line mares as possible, as the more he gets the more successful he’ll be. But that’s just another of my little theories.”

Pardoven, now 16, has a Blue Point colt who is heading to the Tattersalls December Foal Sale. “A lovely individual who could do with a wee bit more power behind the saddle but he’s very nice and could be another good horse,” is Veitch’s verdict.

Ringfort Stud has supported Minzaal since his retirement to Derrinstown Stud in 2023. Asked if he is proud of breeding from a homegrown sire, Veitch says: “I don’t know about that but it makes me chuckle when I see a lot of gilets and hats at the sales with his name on them. Finally, I’m a fashion icon!

“It’s funny how something born in the stable at the back of the house here ends up standing at one of the greatest studs in the world and becomes one of the most soughtafter first-crop yearling sires. It was brilliant to see Jimmy Murphy get paid 550,000gns for his half-sister to Asymmetric and Mill Stream [at Tattersalls October Book 1]. That’s an enormous price for a debut sire who stood at €12,500 in his first season.”

Ringfort Stud sold two lots by Minzaal of its own at the yearling sales in recent weeks,

with a colt who is the half-brother to this season’s easy Tyros Stakes winner North Coast being knocked down for 100,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1.

“The colt is going to Tally-Ho Stud and he’s way above average – I will be amazed if he’s not as good as Minzaal himself or Big Mojo,” says Veitch. “People don’t know that yet, but I know it. I’m glad he’s going to Tally-Ho as they do a really good job with horses from yearling to breeze-up stage. They know what they’ve got when it comes to horses, and they’ve got great riders and great facilities.

“The horse will be developed nicely there, probably better than most trainers’ yards. I really think he’ll end up with a very good trainer somewhere along the line if they don’t keep him themselves. It honestly wouldn’t surprise me if they kept a leg in him and he ended up standing at Tally-Ho. He’s that good.

“Two weeks after Minzaal was born I was over at Tally-Ho getting a mare covered and I told Tony and Roger he was the best foal I’d ever bred. They laughed, but they’re not laughing now. They’ve made a lot of money out of him already.

“We’ve had a few Minzaals. Their minds are really good, just like their dad. He had a super temperament, Owen Burrows would tell you the same. He was just so easy to manage. All he wanted to do was please you and give you every ounce of energy he had. The ones I’ve had are exactly the same. Nothing fazes them,

they’re as tough as nails but intelligent with it.”

Big Mojo’s dam JM Jackson, a Listed-placed daughter of No Nay Never, also arrived in Ringfort Stud in a somewhat unconventional manner.

“She was purchased as a yearling by my son-in-law John Kilbride, and proved to be a pretty decent two-year-old for Mark Johnston,” says Veitch. “She was then sold to Stephen Hillen, who I believe wanted to race her on but didn’t get to, so he put her in foal to Mohaather and sold her in France. I bought her through Hamish Macauley [for €65,000] as I wasn’t in Deauville.

“She was a bit of a risk as it was a lot of money for a mare by No Nay Never when he didn’t have a Group winner as a broodmare sire at that point. Also, although I liked that she was in foal to Mohaather, Shadwell were in the middle of downsizing, and it wasn’t clear whether they would continue buying, whereas in the old days if you had a nice colt by a Shadwell sire you knew Angus [Gold] would buy him.

“Anyway, we brought JM Jackson home and foaled her and the produce turned out to be Big Mojo. He was a really good-looking colt all the way through.”

Big Mojo, who was bred by Derek and wife Gay with his daughters Stephanie and Victoria and daughter-in-law Judith, was not accepted for the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale but

Ringfort Stud will be offering a greater number of stock this year as plans are made for its future

RINGFORT STUD

was all set for Goffs Orby, only to meet with a setback.

“Ten days before the sale he got cast in his box and pulled his gracilis muscle on the inside of his thigh, and was lame for four days,” says Veitch. “With physio and some light work he improved dramatically just in time for the sale, but he was just a little short turning and I didn’t want to take the risk of taking him. I really liked him, and was worried that I was only going to expose him, as everyone would say he was lame or he’d have so many shows he’d get worse.

“He went to the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale and ended up being the second top lot of the sale, behind the Pinatubo colt who was bought by Clive Washbourn when he famously shouted ‘show us your money’ in the ring. Big Mojo hasn’t put a foot wrong since he was bought by Conor and Kathryn Quirke and went to Mick Appleby.”

Big Mojo’s owners, Paul and Rachael Teasdale’s RP Racing, are in for another bumper payday as the colt is of immense value as a rare independently-owned stallion prospect.

Ringfort Stud and the Ladies, as the female members of the Veitch family styled themselves when they registered Big Mojo’s birth with Weatherbys, also cashed in when selling JM Jackson to Quirke on behalf of RP Racing for €480,000 at the Goffs November Sale last year.

“The girls had a ten per cent interest in the mare, and they turned their €10,000 investment into €50,000 when she sold, so it worked out well and believe you me they are very appreciative of the success,” says Veitch.

As Anmaat, Minzaal and Big Mojo illustrate, a certain open-mindedness regarding sires has also stood Ringfort Stud in good stead. Veitch doesn’t tend to follow the herd when he plans matings, and is prepared to go out on his own with stallions who are unproven, inexpensive or out of fashion.

The farm’s yearling drafts this autumn, containing lots by a wide range of sires at different points in their careers, underline that point. A particularly fine example of thinking outside the box was the first-crop Stradivarius colt sold to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock for 100,000gns at Book 1.

Asked if he makes a point of ploughing his own furrow when it comes to sires he replies “absolutely!” without hesitation.

He continues: “In the case of the Stradivarius colt, Bjorn Nielsen has put up some great breeder bonuses for the sire’s firstcrop runners, and as a breeder I’m extremely jealous of the French breeder premiums.

“If I was breeding in France the way I do here, producing 40 or 50 winners a year, and I got a cheque for each one I’d have been able to retire years ago. You don’t get any credit or incentive here, all you get is taxed for this

Plans

fund or that fund, or made to pay endless registration fees, from the minute you pay your covering fee and decide to become a breeder. That’s a big bugbear of mine.

“So I like the idea of someone stimulating breeders to use their horse, and I decided to go out there and find a mare who’ll suit Stradivarius. I bought a Kodiac mare out of an Anabaa mare to put double Danzig into the cross [Misscall].”

He adds: “Everyone thinks of Stradivarius

I like the idea of someone stimulating breeders to use their horse

as a two-mile cup horse, which of course he was, and a very good one too, but if John Gosden was here now he’d tell you he could trap over four furlongs as fast as a miler. He had a lot of natural speed, and he showed it by travelling easily in the early stages of his races and quickening.

“People think of Stradivarius as being an endurance horse but I see Danzig coming through from Green Desert to Cape Cross, and clicking with the Danzig I’ve put into the cross. If I’m right, the horse I bred will win over seven furlongs at two. I just hope it’s a qualifying maiden and I get a bonus from Bjorn and it’s the start of a journey where he has to pay me all the bonuses!”

All things considered, it really is difficult to distill all of Veitch’s expertise and instincts into a few short and sweet tips on how to

breed Group 1 winners.

However, in the spirit of ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’, other breeders will be able to lay their hands on some of the carefully selected and nurtured Ringfort Stud stock, as it is coming on to the market in greater numbers this year and next as Derek and Gay plan for the transition of the farm to the next generation.

“Gay and I put a plan in place for our retirement seven years ago, with a view to managing the financial affairs of Ringfort Stud as a company, and taking the maximum tax relief out of it,” says Veitch.

“We initially had the impression that none of our children wanted to take on the farm and we were going to sell it all eventually, but Stephanie married John and after they came back from their honeymoon in February 2024 they rang us up and said they wanted to come and give it a go.

“They organised themselves with their jobs in Britain and came to Ringfort Stud in January, so they’ve had a full foaling season and most of a sales season here, and they seem very happy that it’s what they want to do in future.

“A new company is being set up so that the business is theirs, and we’ll take our personal funds out of it as shareholders and become consultants rather than directors. As part of the transition we’ll be selling 14 mares in Goffs and nine in Newmarket, as well as a bunch of foals, some for clients – 25 in Goffs and 14 in Newmarket. The rest of the stock will be sold next year, and that way my other children, who are also directors of the business at present, will get something too.”

John and Stephanie Kilbride are set to take a more prominent role in the running of Ringfort Stud from next year, with Derek and Gay continuing to guide them, while also pursuing some of the leisure activities that overseeing the farm has prevented them from doing for the past quarter of a century.

Judging by the Ringfort Stud roll of honour, those consultancy services will be invaluable.

are in place for John and Stephanie Kilbride to take on a more prominent role

Plenty of Soldiers

With over 160 mares covered in 2025, VANDEEK will have an army of first crop 2yos to represent him in 2028. What’s more, his classy book included:

18 half/full sisters to Group 1 winners 16 half/full sisters to Group 2 winners 25 other Stakes producers

Dual Gr.1 winning Champion 2yo by HAVANA GREY and half brother to 2025 Royal Ascot Gr.2 winning 2yo GSTAAD (also 3 times Gr.1 placed)

Register your interest for 2026 now to avoid disappointment

Cheveley Park Stud

Duchess Drive, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9DD

Tel +44 (0)1638 730316 • nominations@cheveleypark.co.uk www.cheveleypark.co.uk • X-TWITTER@CPStudOfficial

New FIRST-CROP FOAL SIRES

CHAPTER

Buyers have no shortage of first-crop sires to analyse at the upcoming foal sales, ranging from Classic winners such as Chaldean and Paddington to the brilliant sprinters Little Big Bear and Shaquille

Words: NANCY SEXTON

There is little in the bloodstock industry that prompts more interest during the winter months than the progeny of the latest first-crop sires to come under the hammer. As ever, there will be no shortage of opportunity to judge

GROUP 1 BRILLIANCE

CHALDEAN

Frankel - Suelita (Dutch Art)

Stands: Banstead Manor Stud 2024 fee: £25,000

Group winners, stakes winners and blacktype runners than any other sire of his generation in Britain and Ireland.

Chaldean: 2,000

Guineas winner is well represented at Tattersalls

That level of respect from breeders emanates from a package underpinned by wins in the 2,000 Guineas and Dewhurst Stakes for Andrew Balding. The latter success capped a juvenile season that began with a win at Newbury in July and also included victories in the Acomb and

Chaldean is the first son of Frankel to stand alongside his illustrious sire at Banstead Manor Stud. He was a 550,000gns foal purchase by Juddmonte and is one of four stakes winners out of his high-flying dam Suelita. Chaldean is particularly well represented in the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, where his 29 entries include the half-brothers to Grade 1 winner Max Player and Group 1-placed fillies American Sonja and Melo

BILL SELWYN

Paddington: Group 1 star is among those with first foals on offer

GOOD GUESS

Kodiac - Zykina (Pivotal)

Stands: Tally-Ho Stud

2024 fee: €17,500

2024 book: 250 mares

The next stallion off the production line at Tally-Ho Stud, who have cultivated Kodiac, Mehmas and Starman to such great success in recent years. Few farms boast such a following from breeders, which is borne out in the case of the Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Good Guess, who was Europe’s busiest first-crop sire of 2024 with a book of 250 mares. That in turn has translated to a bold showing at the foal sales; he has nearly 60 entries in the Goffs November Sale and another 20 at Tattersalls.

A Group 1-winning son by the everpopular Kodiac, Good Guess has also attracted widespread praise for his good looks (420,000gns yearling), all of which makes him a potentially attractive commercial proposition.

LITTLE BIG BEAR

No Nay Never - Adventure Seeker (Bering)

Stands: Coolmore

2024 fee: €27,500

2024 book: 156 mares

A championship juvenile season for Little Big Bear culminated in a wide-margin display in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, winning by seven lengths from the likes of Persian Force and Bradsell. He was also forward enough to strike at Royal Ascot when the dominant winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes, and returned at three to land the Sandy Lane Stakes.

While it helps that Little Big Bear is a good-looking No Nay Never member of the Wildensteins’ All Along family, it also says plenty for his talent that his trainer Aidan O’Brien is among the breeders to have strongly supported him at stud.

He has a well-bred group to represent him at the sales, among them a half-brother to the progressive stayer Pendragon at Goffs

and a colt out of Listed winner Easter at Tattersalls.

MODERN GAMES

Dubawi - Modern Ideals (New Approach)

Stands: Dalham Hall Stud

2024 fee: £30,000

2024 book: 141 mares

Relations to the lines of Kalpana, Total Gallery and Sajir head the 14 foals on offer in Britain and Ireland this winter by Godolphin’s exceptional miler.

Overall, his debut book contained nearly 60 stakes performers belonging to some of Europe’s leading breeders. Such is reflective of the regard for an international record that consisted of five Group 1 victories at two to four years, among them the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, Lockinge Stakes and back-to-back Breeders’ Cups (Juvenile Turf and the Mile).

Sound, consistent and genuine, he is also bred on the same Dubawi - Galileo cross as leading sire Night Of Thunder. ››

FIRST-CROP FOAL SIRES

MOSTAHDAF

Frankel - Handassa (Dubawi)

Stands: Beech House Stud

2024 fee: £15,000

2024 book: 90 mares

Mostahdaf won six of his first seven starts including his debut early on at three and the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown. However, he really came of age in 2023 when his wins included the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and Juddmonte International at York, the former sealed with a good turn of foot from the back of the field and the latter with some efficient front-running fractions.

A half-brother to Group 1 winner Nazeef from the family of top sprinters Pastoral Pursuits and Goodricke, this son of Frankel has been supported by a broad base of breeders, which is reflected in a sales entry of 26 foals to the Tattersalls December Sale. They include a colt out of Group 3 winner Divine and a half-sister to Group 3 winner Yourtimeisnow.

NATIVE TRAIL

Oasis Dream - Needleleaf (Observatory)

Stands: Kildangan Stud

2024 fee: €17,500

2024 book: 179 mares

Native Trail carried all before him for Godolphin during a championship season at two when his unbeaten campaign included

Guineas, having previously run a close second to stablemate Coroebus in the Newmarket equivalent.

A good-looking son of Oasis Dream from a fine Juddmonte family, it’s easy to see how Native Trail was so popular in his first season for Darley’s Irish arm. In turn, he has 45 entries to the Goffs November Sale and another 19 entries in Tattersalls, among them a half-brother to Dewhurst Stakes winner Gewan and close relation to recent Fillies’ Mile third Evolutionist.

It’s easy to see how Native Trail was so popular in his first season

PADDINGTON

Siyouni - Modern Eagle (Montjeu)

Stands: Coolmore

2024 fee: €55,000

2024 book: 145 mares

talented colts of his generation but also one of the toughest.

In the space of three months, the hardy son of Siyouni rattled off successive wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and Sussex Stakes to confirm his place as the top-rated threeyear-old miler in Britain and Ireland of 2023.

SHAQUILLE

Charm Spirit - Magic (Galileo)

Stands: Ace Stud

2024 fee: £15,000

2024 book: 158 mares

Champion sprinter Shaquille is now under the management of Ace Stud, an emerging and ambitious outfit who were aggressive players at last year’s foal sales. Should that be the case again this winter, then expect Shaquille’s first crop to assume a major presence in the team’s buying strategy. There will be no shortage of opportunity given that Shaquille has 51 representatives in Tattersalls, including the half-siblings to Group winners Simmering, Ajaya and Persic, and another eight in Goffs.

The winner of three of his four starts at two, Shaquille developed into an excellent sprinter at three, when his four wins included the July Cup over older horses and Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

TRIPLE TIME

Frankel - Reem Three (Mark Of Esteem)

Native

Trail: champion two-year-old has 45 entries at Goffs

which he made all to defeat a good field in a quick time.

The son of Frankel is particularly well represented at Tattersalls, where his 32 entries include a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Bellstreet Bridie.

CLASSY SPEED

BOUTTEMONT

Acclamation - Basilia (Fastnet Rock)

Stands: Rathbarry Stud

2024 fee: €5,000

2024 book: 81 mares

No farm is in a better position to appreciate the merits of Acclamation than Rathbarry Stud, which managed the stallion’s successful stud career for 21 seasons prior to his death last year. As such, it would be wise to take note of the Cashman family’s support of Acclamation’s fast son Bouttemont.

A six-time winner at two to five years, Bouttemont’s career was capped by a win in the 2022 Prix de Meautry at Deauville.

Bouttemont, who shares his sire with Dark Angel and Mehmas, is particularly well represented at the Goffs November Sale as the sire of 12 entries including a halfbrother to Coventry Stakes winner Buratino.

CASTLE STAR

Starspangledbanner - Awohaam (Iffraaj)

Stands: Capital Stud

2024 fee: €5,000

2024 book: 91 mares

Castle Star offers breeders an affordable route into the Starspangledbanner line, which has been advertised to such good effect this season within the juvenile ranks by Gstaad and Precise. It has long been well regarded for throwing quick and precocious horses, for which Castle Star was a fine example as winner of the Marble Hill and First Flier Stakes. He was also runner-up in the Middle Park Stakes.

DRAGON SYMBOL

Cable Bay - Arcamist (Arcano)

Stands: Whitsbury Manor Stud

2024 fee: £8,000

2024 book: 140 mares

From the farm that developed Havana Grey and Showcasing into such important names within the British stallion scene, Dragon Symbol was first past the post in the 2020 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and also placed in the Nunthorpe Stakes and July Cup.

Bred by Whitsbury Manor out of its fast Good Enough family, he was booked full for his debut season and again for this year, which suggests that breeders liked what they saw early on from his first foals.

He has no fewer than 48 representatives at Tattersalls, among them seven from Whitsbury Manor Stud, several of them out of mares who previously helped to get Havana Grey and Sergei Prokofiev going.

EL CABALLO

Havana Gold - Showstoppa (Showcasing)

Stands: Culworth Grounds Farm

2024 fee: £6,000

2024 book: 100 mares

A debut foray into the stallion market

Shaquille: July Cup winner is particularly well represented at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale thanks to 51 entries

BILL SELWYN

Little Big Bear: well supported

COOLMORE

FIRST-CROP FOAL SIRES

for Sophie Buckley’s Culworth Grounds Farm, Sandy Lane Stakes winner El Caballo possesses many of the attributes to appeal to the commercial market as a highclass sprinter by the same sire as Havana Grey. He’s supported by an ambitious and commercial group of shareholders on both sides of the Irish Sea, and is duly well represented at the foal sales with 26 entries in total.

MARIE’S DIAMOND

Footstepsinthesand - Sindiyma (Kalanisi)

Stands: Diamond Stud Bellewstown 2024 fee: €6,000

2024 book: 22

If Marie’s Diamond’s foals have inherited any of his own durability and talent, then they will be in a very good place going forward. From the fine Aga Khan family of Sinndar, the son of Footstepsinthesand won no fewer than seven of his 65 starts, including the Anglesey Stakes at two and a fast running of the Paradise Stakes at four, and has six entries in the Goffs November Sale.

MUTASAABEQ

Invincible Spirit - Ghanaati (Giant’s Causeway)

Stood: National Stud 2024 fee: £6,500 2024 book: 53

Out of 1,000 Guineas winner Ghanaati from the famous Height Of Fashion family, the triple Group 2-winning miler stood one season at the National Stud in Newmarket prior to his sale to India.

Successful in two renewals of the Joel Stakes at Newmarket, he was a tough seven-time winner in total, and leaves behind a select single British-produced crop that is represented by six entries in Tattersalls.

THE ANTARCTIC

Dark Angel - Anna Law (Lawman)

Stands: Coolmore (Castle Hyde) 2024 fee: €6,000

2024 book: 121 mares

This full-brother to champion sprinter Battaash commanded 750,000gns as a yearling from MV Magnier and went on to justify that outlay by winning three races during a busy campaign at two, highlighted by the Prix de Cabourg.

He was also placed in the Middle Park Stakes and Prix Morny, and trained on at three to win the Lacken Stakes.

Unsurprisingly, the bulk of The Antarctic’s foal sale entries are at Goffs courtesy of a 16-strong representation.

UNBEATEN ARC HERO PRIMED TO MAKE AN IMPACT

A deep collection of French-based first-crop sires is led by the unbeaten Prix du Jockey Club and Arc hero Ace Impact. Europe’s champion three-year-old of 2023, Ace Impact stands at the Chehboub family’s Haras de Beaumont, a relatively new and ambitious operation, and was busy in his first season at €40,000, attracting 183 mares – a big number by French standards. The son of Cracksman is well represented at the Arqana December Sale with 13 entries, but he also has seven to represent him at Tattersalls, including a colt out of 1,000 Guineas third Qabala, and another three at Goffs, among them a half-brother to Group 1 winner Onesto.

Nurlan Bizakov’s Sumbe welcomed a pair of Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winners for 2024 in Angel Bleu, a son of Dark Angel who also won the Criterium International, and Belbek, a Showcasing member of the Hasili family. Angel Bleu covered 94 mares in his first season at €9,000, while Belbek received 64.

2024 was also the season in which Sumbe relaunched the stud career of Mishriff. A brilliantly versatile performer whose wins ranged from the Juddmonte International, won by six lengths, on turf to the Saudi Cup on dirt, Mishriff’s debut season in 2023 was derailed by a foot injury. Thankfully, he was well supported second time round by breeders as the recipient of 112 mares. They included Prince AA Faisal, who bred the son of Make Believe from his Rafha family also responsible for Invincible Spirit and Kodiac.

The Aga Khan Studs, meanwhile, is home to the Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse Stakes winner Vadeni, who covered 124 mares in his first season at a fee of €18,000, and Erevann, a Group 2-winning and Group 1-placed son of Dubawi and the Group 1-winning miler Ervedya. The latter was particularly popular at his debut fee of €8,000, covering 168 mares.

Haras d’Etreham, formerly the mastermind behind Wootton Bassett, also has a young Group 1-performing son of Frankel on its books in Grand Prix de Paris winner Onesto. Another from the famous Hasili clan, he covered over 120 mares in his first season at €12,500.

Ace Impact: first foals look sure to be popular

GO BEARS GO

CHAMPION SPRINTER, GROUP WINNER AT 2 AND 3

SOUND BLOODLINES OF KODIAC AND GIANTS CAUSEWAY

Covered over 100 mares in his frst book in 2025

Supported by top breeders including: Oghill Stud, Baroda Stud, Elite Racing Club, Knocklong House, Highfeld Farm, Amo Racing, Tara Stud, Crowhill Farm, Robson Aguiar etc.

RICHES Rags to

The bloodstock industry said farewell to one of the titans of the European stallion scene last month with the death of Wootton Bassett

TWords: NANCY SEXTON

he sport was rocked last month with the news that Coolmore’s leading sire Wootton Bassett had died while shuttling in Australia. In a statement released on X, Coolmore wrote: “Wootton Bassett, one of the world’s great sires, has sadly passed away at Coolmore Australia having suffered from choke and subsequently developing an acute pneumonia which

deteriorated rapidly. Despite round-the-clock care from a dedicated team of vets, overseen by Dr Nathan Slovis from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky, he was unable to be saved.”

Therein ended one of the most remarkable rags-to-riches tales of the modern era, one that encompassed a money-spinning spell on the track before an

illustrious stud career that took root despite an initial almost offensive lack of interest.

By the time this season rolled around, the 17-year-old commanded a fee of €300,000 to place him behind only Dubawi and Frankel among the most expensive stallions in Europe. As such, it goes without saying that his death leaves a massive void, whether in terms of the Coolmore roster, which is now headed by No Nay Never, the European breeding scene, or globally.

In a measure of just how important the son of Iffraaj has become to the current stallion landscape, he heads the leading European sires’ list, both in terms of prizemoney (approximately £9.7 million) and stakes winners (26).

The list includes a number of the year’s star performers, among them Henri Matisse, winner of the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, Camille Pissarro, winner of the Prix du Jockey Club, Whirl, winner of the Pretty Polly and Nassau Stakes and runner-up in the Oaks, Al Riffa, winner of the Irish St Leger, and Sahlan, winner of the Prix du Moulin.

HARAS D’ETREHAM

Wootton Bassett during his time at Haras d’Etreham

Group-winning two-year-olds such as Albert Einstein, Composing, Dorset, Hawk Mountain, Puerto Rico, Beautify and Nighttime have also contributed further to the momentum, making him the year’s leader among the European juvenile sires.

The bulk of those stars are trained in Ballydoyle on behalf of the Coolmore partners, who have thrown their weight behind the stallion since his purchase out of France in the summer of 2020. That first pair of Coolmore-sired crops contain 20 stakes winners between them and given ten are out of Galileo line mares, he was well on the way to fulfilling the brief of catering for Coolmore’s elite broodmare band, plenty of which contain Galileo blood.

In all, he leaves behind 75 stakes winners, 54 of which are Group or Graded stakes scorers including 19 who have struck at the top level. More chapters will undoubtedly be written given the volume of well-bred stock in the pipeline while he has a number of young sons now at stud, including several who are new to Ireland for 2026. However,

there is a sadness in a horse lost at the height of his powers at 17, one who granted a favourable run of luck could have been in service for another few seasons.

He leaves behind 75 stakes winners, 54 of which are Group winners

A different background

As Wootton Bassett attracted wider attention, it stood him in particularly good stead that he possessed a background

that deviated from various mainstream influences, notably Sadler’s Wells and Danehill.

From the first crop of Iffraaj, and therefore a great-grandson of Mr Prospector, he was bred by Colin and Melba Bryce’s Laundry Cottage Stud Farm out of Balladonia, a Listed-placed daughter of Primo Dominie. Balladonia descended directly from the influential Princequillo mare Key Bridge, the dam of Paul Mellon’s American champions Fort Bridge and Key To The Mint, via the branch also responsible for St Leger winner Silver Patriarch.

Her sire, the fast two-year-old Primo Dominie, was one of the mainstays of Cheveley Park Stud’s early stallion roster and as a son of Dominion, offered a route into the tough Dante sire line that was once an important part of the British scene. Today’s commercial breeders would have little reason to remember either Dominion or Primo Dominie, but their place so close up in Wootton Bassett’s pedigree meant that the stallion offered something a bit different

Wootton Bassett: left behind 19 Group/ Grade 1 winners

COOLMORE

WOOTTON BASSETT

– and in the case of Primo Dominie, via a respected speed influence of his time. At the very least, the absence of Sadler’s Wells and Danehill made Wootton Bassett easy to use.

Colin Bryce takes up the story.

“Balladonia was my pick from the Tattersalls catalogue in July 2003,” he recalls. “I was away in Majorca and I asked Eamonn Reilly, my bloodstock agent at the time, if he would buy her and to pay up to 70,000gns. She was barren to Observatory and had an Alhaarth colt at foot, who was tiny. And she’d had a Dr Fong filly before that who was also tiny. And so even though she had some black type herself, a lovely family behind her and was by Primo Dominie, who we loved, she only made 27,000gns.”

Bred by Penny van Straubenzee, Balladonia won a Goodwood maiden for Lady Herries and came close to winning black type when a head second to Tarfshi in the Listed Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle.

“She was a good race filly over a mile to ten furlongs,” says Bryce. “She had a lovely temperament; I think what she handed to Wootton Bassett was her mind. She had ten winners and all ran to a Racing Post Rating of 80 or over.”

Balladonia left behind just two daughters but both are stakes producers; her Dr Fong filly Bratislava foaled Listed winner Katla and the Group 3-placed Rapid Reaction, whose two-year-old colt Rapid Force topped this year’s Goffs Breeze-up Sale at £1 million, while her Kyllachy daughter Pretty Primo is the dam of German Group 3 winner Kitty Marion.

Balladonia’s other foals included Mister Hardy, a Listed-placed seven-time winner for Richard Fahey. Foaled three years before Wootton Bassett, it was his early promise

that enticed the Musley Bank trainer to take a look at the horse when he came under the hammer at the 2009 DBS St Leger Sale in Doncaster.

“He was from the first crop of Iffraaj and we went to him because she’d had a small Dr Fong and a small Alhaarth,” says Bryce. “Balladonia herself was also quite small so we thought we’d try and get some of that Zafonic size.

“He was foaled at Brook Stud in Newmarket and raised with us at Laundry Cottage, and he was always very easy.

“He was always very good-looking – a number of what I would classify as good judges who came to the farm would point him out. He was a chilled character but when you got him up to do some work, he’d get up and do it. And then he’d lie back down again and chill. He had that will to please and will to win.

“So we knew he was nice and we were a little disappointed that we only got £46,000 at Doncaster.”

Lurking around the ring that day was agent Bobby O’Ryan, an integral part of the buying team for Fahey. Taken by the nearblack colt, he was sent in by the trainer to do battle and duly trotted back out clutching a yellow docket.

“I remember Bobby was mad about him at the sales,” says Fahey. “I’d trained two of his brothers including Mister Hardy, who had won the Brocklesby for us, and I sent Bobby in to buy him at Doncaster. And we got him for £46,000.”

The colt passed into the hands of Frank Brady and The Cosmic Cases, the latter of whom also owned Mister Hardy. However, it wasn’t long until the Fahey team realised they were dealing with a completely different

kettle of fish.

“We always knew he was good,” states Fahey. “The Lagardere was the plan a long way out, we always knew that was his Group 1, but we took two sales races in the process. At the time those sales races were worth fortunes, colossal, and he was winning them well. Then he arrived at the Lagardere unbeaten and won that well too. It was a plan that came together well and it was great.”

Wootton Bassett won on his debut at Ayr in June of his juvenile year and having followed up in novice company at Doncaster, proceeded to land both the DBS Premier Yearling Sale Stakes and Weatherbys Insurance £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes, banking nearly £350,000 in the process. At the end of the year, he lined up in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp and made light of his first foray into Group company with an easy win over Maiguri.

For one reason or another, Wootton Bassett never ran up to the same form at three, failing to trouble the judge in four starts.

Etreham strikes

In the autumn of 2011, it was announced that Wootton Bassett had been bought to stand at Haras d’Etreham in Normandy. Nicolas de Chambure had taken up the reins at the stud from his uncle Marc de Chambure and the immediate addition of a Group 1-winning two-year-old to the stallion roster was indicative of an operation burning with ambition.

However, it wasn’t that straightforward.

“It was my first year being in charge of Etreham and I was keen to get a new stallion,” recalls Nicolas de Chambure. “We had to look at what we could afford. There were a few prospects out there, but what I liked about Wootton Bassett was the fact he was unbeaten at two and had won

BILL SELWYN

Almanzor: champion emerged out of Wootton Bassett’s small first crop

Nicolas de Chambure: key cog

‘An absolute reincarnation of his father’

The hope now is for Wootton Bassett’s legacy to take root via his various sons at stud.

Almanzor stood at Etreham with a huge weight of expectation, something that can be as much of a hindrance as a help. He’s had his moments at stud, notably as the sire of this year’s Prix de Diane heroine Gezora, but he’s been more effective to date in New Zealand, where he now resides on a permanent basis.

Another early son, Haras de Bouquetot’s Wooded, is the sire of this year’s Prix Jean Prat winner Woodshauna out of his first crop.

It’s a promising start and one that bodes well for the number of sons that breeders will have access to next year.

For starters, more sons are slated to retire to stud in Ireland. They are led by Camille Pissarro, who bears a striking resemblance to his sire, not only in looks but race record as well.

“Camille Pissarro is an absolute reincarnation of his father,” says Mark Byrne of Coolmore. “He looks frighteningly like him. I’d just got back from Newmarket and I looked over the door at him in the stallion yard and I thought he was his father – he’s in his father’s box too, which is very fitting.

“It’s not just the looks he has –obviously he cost 1,250,000gns as a yearling – but he was also a very good two-year-old, a ‘TDN Rising Star’ in the month of April who ran every month of the season and finished up winning the Lagardere like his father. And then he had the class to carry that speed through to win the Prix du Jockey Club at three, and that takes no introduction as a siremaking race.

“He just looks like a real exciting prospect because he has a similar race record to his father, his father’s looks and a very good pedigree packed full of Group 1 class and speed.”

the Lagardere. At the time France lacked a proven two-year-old influence among its stallions.

“The fact that he didn’t do so well at three

The Coolmore roster also welcomes fellow Classic winner Henri Matisse for 2026.

“We will have Henri Matisse as well,” says Byrne. “He was a brilliant two-yearold, winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, and then won the Poule d’Essai des Poulains at three. He’s got a massive pedigree, being out of a champion [Immortal Verse] and a half-brother to a two-year-old champion [Tenebrism].”

He adds: “We’re very lucky at Coolmore that the Magnier family have concentrated on bringing in the best blood for many years. When we retire horses, they often have a very good female family – they’re the types of pedigrees that will take you places.

“Obviously we’re very sad at the loss of Wootton Bassett, but I suppose there’s a lot to be positive about with the great horses by him waiting in the wings, and we’re confident that one will step up and take the chance.”

allowed me to afford him. So with the help of Ed Sackville, we went to Richard’s yard to see him and then when I saw him in the flesh, that’s what really convinced me – his

Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner

Unquestionable, meanwhile, joins the roster at Rathbarry Stud. A tough, hardy two-year-old, he belongs to the famous Best In Show family responsible for champion sire Redoute’s Choice via the branch that yielded Bated Breath.

Of the older options, Champion Stakes winner and Derby runner-up King Of Steel was popular in his first season at Tally-Ho Stud, covering over 150 mares at a fee of €20,000. He will likely benefit from the strong support of his owner Amo Racing.

There was also an enthusiastic reception to Coventry Stakes winner River Tiber in his first season at Haras de la Huderie which resulted in a book of 134 mares.

Poule d’Essai des Poulains runner-up Texas switches to the newly launched Castillon Stallions for 2026. Previously at Haras du Hoguenet, he has first two-yearolds next year.

walk, his attitude. Yes, he was a little bit light of bone and not perfect in front, but he had this wonderful athleticism – there was something about him that hooked me the

Camille Pissarro: Prix du Jockey Club winner is new to Coolmore for 2026

COOLMORE

WOOTTON BASSETT

first time I saw him.

“Seemingly there was interest from some studs in Ireland and France but we managed to get the deal done. The plan was to syndicate him, which we failed to do. The only person we got on board was Colin Bryce and he was a really good support from day one. He used the horse, he bought some foals by him and then some yearlings. He was a really good partner.”

“His owners went for the money when he was a two-year-old,” says Bryce, “and as a three-year-old, he wasn’t ready to be produced early after his hard race in the Lagardere, which I think set him back. But he always tried. Glenalmond [his 107-rated full-brother] was the same.

“When Nicolas bought him, he called me up and asked would I like to take part of him. I was very busy working in the City and travelling all over the place at the time – I thought I wouldn’t have time to sell 40 nominations so I said no, thanks very much!”

The horse was installed at just €6,000 yet for one reason or another failed to capture the imagination of breeders. Support was not forthcoming and it was left to Etreham to breed his first major runner, champion Almanzor, out of a first crop of 23. Almanzor was one of the stars of the 2016 season, winning the Prix du Jockey Club and QIPCO British and Irish Champion Stakes for JeanClaude Rouget.

“We bought some mares for him and one of them was Darkova, the dam of Almanzor, from the Aga Khan,” says de Chambure. “I remember that first summer when his foals were on the ground. Obviously we had struggled to attract mares in his first seasons. The French breeders mainly didn’t like his front leg and at the sort of level he was operating at, you need a breeder to like the horse physically.

“But he had this really good group of first foals and I thought this was something that we needed to show breeders. So I took five or six foals to the Arqana December Sale and there were a couple of others there from different breeders, and overall they were a really good group, all dark bay with a really good walk. That really helped, people started to see something in him, and then he covered around 50 mares in his third season – not a huge number but from where we had been, it was a great result.”

Laundry Cottage was a key collaborator in those early days, supporting the stallion where they could.

“Nicolas managed him extremely well,” says Bryce. “We had shares in the horse, sent mares to him regularly and bought his first foal at Arqana [for €75,000]. We supported him as much as we feasibly could.”

Fahey also did his best to support his old ally, but such was the early commercial

Unquestionable lands the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

response that he surprisingly came away light.

“We haven’t had a lot of progeny because to be honest the ones we’ve liked we haven’t been able to afford!” he says. “Even early on, they were nice horses. I remember going to France and I was definitely going to buy one, this was when he was covering at €5,000, and they were still making plenty. So even though he struggled to get mares early on, people were liking what they saw at the sales even then.”

No one-hit wonder

Given the lack of numbers during those early days, it might have been tempting to think that Almanzor was a one-hit wonder. But nothing could have been further from the truth.

Wootton Bassett came close to siring a second Prix du Jockey Club in three years when Patascoy ran second in the 2018 edition to Study Of Man. That third crop also included the Prix de Fontainebleau winner Wootton while his fourth contained the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Audarya. The latter was produced when he stood for just €4,000 while the 2017 crop, which was headed by the Group 1-winning sprinter Wooded and Classic-placed miler Speak Of The Devil, was bred off just €6,000.

By 2017, the secret was out and Wootton Bassett received a deserved fee increase to €20,000. That was doubled two years later to €40,000, the level at which he sat when he

attracted the attention of Coolmore.

In what was reportedly a multi-million euro deal, Coolmore swooped for the horse in the summer of 2020 and installed him as one of their leading lights of the 2021 roster at €100,000. Starting with that 2021 season, Wootton Bassett’s books since then have read like a who’s who of Coolmore’s broodmare band, many of them highperforming daughters of Galileo.

To further underline its belief in the stallion, the Coolmore partners acquired a number of Etreham-conceived representatives at auction. The group came to include two of Aidan O’Brien’s best two-year-olds of 2023 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Unquestionable and Coventry Stakes victor River Tiber. Both locked horns that season with another high-flying Wootton Bassett two-year-old in Bucanero Fuerte, the runaway winner of the Phoenix Stakes for Amo Racing. Kia Joorabchian’s operation also campaigned King Of Steel, successful in that year’s Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Since then, Ballydoyle has sent out a conveyor belt of top-class stock by the stallion. Expensive yearling purchase Camille Pissarro emulated Wootton Bassett by winning the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and trained on to win this year’s Prix du Jockey Club. Henri Matisse followed Unquestionable to make it back-to-back wins in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf for the stallion and returned to take this year’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains. Whirl had a highly productive summer as winner of the Pretty Polly and Nassau Stakes while Tennessee Stud ran second in the Derby.

Among the two-year-olds, Puerto Rico leapt to the top of the ladder with wins in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Criterium International while Hawk Mountain landed the Futurity at Doncaster. They head a list of nine current juvenile stakes winners of 2025 that also includes Albert Einstein, Beautify, Composing and Dorset.

Nor was Puerto Rico the only Group 1 winner for his sire during Arc weekend as the Christopher Head-trained Maranoa Charlie

GROUP 1 WINNERS BY WOOTTON BASSETT IN 2025

Name Damsire

AL RIFFA Galileo

CAMILLE PISSARRO Pivotal

Gr.1 races won in 2025

Irish St Leger

Prix du Jockey Club

HAWK MOUNTAIN Galileo Futurity Stakes

HENRI MATISSE Pivotal

Poule d’Essai des Poulains

MARANOA CHARLIE Galileo Prix de la Foret

PUERTO RICO Galileo

Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, Criterium International

ROYAL PATRONAGE Dalakhani Canterbury Stakes

SAHLAN Toronado

WHIRL Galileo

Prix du Moulin

Pretty Polly Stakes, Nassau Stakes

BILL SELWYN

made all to take the Prix de la Foret in the colours of Bond Thoroughbred Limited. Al Shaqab Racing has also enjoyed recent Group 1 success with the stallion thanks to Sahlan, winner of the Prix du Moulin.

So what makes Wootton Bassett so good?

“He was an outcross for so many bloodlines,” says Coolmore’s Mark Byrne. “Nearly all types of mares could go to him and that was a big advantage.

“He put some amount of class and speed into them and their minds are brilliant. He could get you a good two-year-old or sprinter but also a middle-distance staying type as well. His versatility over different distances was incredible and that was probably because they have such good minds – they could relax and travel.”

His stock’s easy-going attitude is also a key attribute in the eyes of Bryce and Fahey.

“To me, his success is undoubtedly due to his temperament,” says Bryce. “He was able to compartmentalise sleeping with work and racing. He wanted to please all the time.”

Fahey is in agreement.

“His stock have very good temperaments – because he did,” he says. “What the outside world doesn’t know is that these horses are friends. Wootton Bassett was a gent, he would listen to you and do everything bar talk to you.

“We’ll all miss him. I was speaking to John Murphy, who used to ride him out, and he was upset. I’d say anybody who was closely involved with him would have felt the news.”

As highlighted by Byrne, one major key to Wootton Bassett was his versatility. All ground seems to come alike to his progeny and while they can come to hand early at two, there is little fear of them not training on.

And for every one of them that holds its own over sprint distances, there is another that is effective over middle distances and beyond –look no further than this year’s Irish St Leger winner Al Riffa.

“When they’re so strong mentally, I suppose it’s easier for them to adapt to different situations,” says de Chambure.

“They’re always very kind, easy horses to deal with. They try. And once you have them in training, they do well physically with work.

The only piece of advice that I had for MV [Magnier] when we were in discussion about him was to not overdo them at two because he was so generous as a two-year-old himself and some of them are like that as well.

“It’s very sad, but it doesn’t take away

what a great journey it’s been for us from the difficult times of his early years at stud to now. He helped a lot of small breeders in the beginning. It was wonderful to follow his rise and watch the reputation he built, all the while remembering where we came from with him to now where everyone is talking so highly of him.

“These stallions are really, really rare, and for the breed and the industry, it would have been very important to have had him for a few more seasons.”

BILL SELWYN

Henri Matisse: one of the leading lights of Wootton Bassett’s first Coolmore-sired crop

Fawley House • Secondary house and flat • 52 boxes • Excellent stud farm facilities

• Indoor school • Canter and gallop • About 150 acres of mature, well hedged and railed paddocks over chalk •. In all 165.31 acres

Lot 1: Stud farm with 123 acres £4.9m. Lot 2: 42 acres of paddocks £400,000.

www.windsorclive.co.uk

+44 (0)1672 521155

info@windsorclive.co.uk

STRONGHOLDS OF SATAN Volume Four: e North and Scotland

• e fourth part of William Morgan’s de nitive survey of bygone racecourses

• A social history of Britain at play, arranged by county

• 992 pages, hundreds of maps and photos, including new drone shots

• ‘A monumental Tour de Force’ – Chris Pitt

Price £90 + postage Limited print run of 300 copies Volumes 1, 2 & 3 are also available

Purchase at www.mainholmpress.co.uk or phone

PTransport regulation clouds still hovering

NANCY SEXTON Bloodstock Editor

lans by the European Union (EU) to review its regulations for the transport of animals has inadvertently cast a shadow over the bloodstock industry that could force breeders to rethink how they operate.

The review was born out of wellmeaning intentions; around 1.8 billion animals are destined for slaughter each year in the EU, some of them transported in abominable conditions, and the European Commission’s (EC) announcement of a new Farm To Fork strategy in 2020 was designed to tackle those issues head on.

The problem for the thoroughbred breeding industry is that while racehorses and other elite equestrian disciplines have been granted an exemption from the proposed regulations, thoroughbred bloodstock has not despite being a highhealth breed.

To recap, the proposals include:

• A compulsory seven-day residency requirement for monitoring following travelling or journeys of eight hours or more, meaning that any horse coming into a sales complex anywhere in the EU will have to remain resident at that property for seven days.

• The prohibition of the transport of mares once they have passed the 80 per cent point of gestation.

• The prohibition of the transport of foals during the immediate postpartum period, which will preclude foal heat coverings.

• Compulsory unloading and vet checks at all border crossings.

Granted, this is primarily a matter for EU countries, but Britain is so entwined with its European counterparts that its industry will be affected to a significant degree.

Extensive efforts have been made over the past few years to lobby Brussels, notably by Paull Khan, Secretary-General of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF), Des Leadon, veterinary advisor to the Irish

Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) and Chairman of the veterinary advisory committees of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations (EFTBA) and ITBA, and Joe Hernon, chairman of EFTBA.

Speaking to those involved earlier in the year, there was no doubt that the industry was facing an uphill battle in softening those proposals to a situation where participants, especially breeders and sales houses, could continue to operate in an efficient manner. Some headway has been made since then, however.

Having supplied the relevant EU commissioners with a fact sheet outlining the potential ramifications, Leadon, Hernon and Peter O’Reilly travelled to Brussels in September to meet with Dr Patricia Reilly, the agricultural advisor to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EC.

According to those present, Dr Reilly was well aware of the issues that would result if the proposals were implemented, including the impracticality of the proposed mandatory state veterinary inspections. Dr Reilly was also of the belief that the sevenday residency requirement and its impact on auctions would be resolved. An area of concern, however, was the transport of

mares after 80% of gestation and of foals before seven days post partum.

It was advised that EFTBA and each of its member associations should write to their national government agricultural attaches, which form the technical advisory group for the EU Council. It is expected that the group will report back to the EU Council within the next 12 weeks.

In response to the concerns over the transport of mares after 80% of gestation, the three largest equine pathology service providers were asked to go through their foal post-mortem examination records over the last two to five years and identify if any abortions were associated with transport. The aborted foetus necropsy total was 1,177, and none had any history of association with transport.

There was also a productive meeting with Dr Andrea Gavinelli, the Head of Animal Welfare at the EU Commission. Like Dr Reilly, he was also of the belief that the issue of the seven-day residency requirement would be resolved.

However, it was advised that there would still be no tolerance for a general derogation and that the suggested amendment by the EFTBA and EMHF to the wording for a solution would not suffice; a new draft is currently in the works.

The issue of post-foaling transport to facilitate foal heat covers is also being addressed. Recent data produced by Weatherbys showed that over 2,000 mares in Britain and Ireland were covered on foal heat from 2022 to 2024, meaning that the proposed restrictions on transport post partum would have a negative impact.

At the heart of it all, however, is the potential economic and employment damage. It has been repeatedly highlighted to those in power that the EU thoroughbred sector comprises over 1,000 stallions and 33,000 mares. In turn, the industry employs more than 150,000 people, which is responsible for more than 2.4% of all agricultural jobs in Europe. With all that in mind, hopefully some kind of agreement can be reached.

GOFFS

The proposals could affect sale companies

SALES CIRCUIT

Market cools

By CARL EVANS

TATTERSALLS OCTOBER

YEARLING SALE – BOOK 1

After astonishing trade at this sale last year – which set the bar at following bloodstock auctions – the market appeared to say ‘we can’t go any higher’ at the latest renewal.

Downturns of 13 per cent in the average price and 16 per cent in the median convey a buyers’ bench that took hold of the bridle, and while the aggregate figure of around 129 million guineas (including private sales) was little changed year on year, it required an additional 81 offered lots to hold its position. The extra lots took the catalogue size back to its 2023 level.

Was Book 1 affected by its success 12 months’ earlier? Were buyers slightly intimidated, or attended with no plans to buy assuming they would be out-priced? Or was it simply a selective market at a top-end sale?

In 2024 the free-spending Kia Joorabchian of Amo Racing appeared to fire up proceedings, taking on the established

top-end buyers and pushing up prices. Joorabchian returned for the latest edition and was a significant buyer once again, but if Amo, Godolphin, Coolmore, White Birch or Juddmonte were uninterested in your horse, it often struggled to meet expectations. That quartet accounted for 41.4m gns worth of sales, or 32 per cent of total turnover, and they also served as a reminder of the shortage of ultra top-end buyers.

Compare that scene to the situation across the Atlantic where at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale, 120 buyers spent

$1 million (the equivalent of £750,000) or more in total, while 34 different entities –including a number of partnerships –purchased the 56 seven-figure yearlings.

It should be pointed out that US buyers are grinning at the recently-introduced tax-and-spending bill which allows for 100 per cent bonus depreciation and enables them to deduct the cost of buying yearlings and the capital investments required to run a stable.

That is not to say trade for yearlings in Europe has been anything but very good again, and it would be silly to crab Book 1 when it turned over a nine-figure sum, sold

QUOTES OF THE SALE

“We take each day as it comes, each day is a new day and enjoy it. Do your best and sometimes it doesn’t work out and you have to put up with those days, but that makes days like these even sweeter.”

Ballyhimikin Stud’s James Hanly, whose ‘sweet’ year has included success on the track for homebred star Ombudsman, before following up with sales of seven yearlings for 3.6m gns at Book 1.

“These horses are expensive to produce; the nominations are expensive and sometimes the harvest doesn’t always go as you hope. But that was a nice start.”

Newsells Park Stud manager Julian Dollar after trading a Frankel colt – Lot 15 in the catalogue – for 3.6m gns.

“I thought we paid a little bit more

16 horses for seven figures – the same total as last year – achieved an 85 per cent clearance rate (down four points) and orchestrated the sale of two colts for 3.7m gns and 3.6m gns. In mid-October they were the highest-valued yearlings sold anywhere in the world this year, which, after phenomenal trade at yearling sales in the USA, is some compliment.

The sale-topper was knocked down to Godolphin, which opened up with ten purchases at the first session, headed by a son of Sea The Stars offered by Longview Stud’s Eugene Daly having been bred in the name of his Ed’s Stud. The colt’s dam,

than we expected but then we’re up against Coolmore. They make it five versus one!”

Kia Joorabchian, reflecting on his purchase of the previously mentioned Frankel colt from Newsells Park Stud. Moral of the story, if you want to buy at the top, but reduce risk, get partners. Coolmore’s great visionary, John Magnier, rowed in decades ago with Michael Tabor and then Derrick Smith, and the addition of Peter Brant and Georg Von Opel has only strengthened the group’s buying ability.

“It’s an amazing family. We’re trying to keep the generations going – the pressure is on us to do that.”

It must be a doddle to produce stock from the Park Express family, rock up at auction, make a heap of money and go home. Yet Jamie Burns expressed another side, revealing the pressure his family feels to maintain the bloodlines.

Godolphin landed this year’s Book 1 sale-topper, a 3,700,000gns son of Sea The Stars

The sale’s top filly, a daughter of Frankel

Crystal Zvedza, was picked up for 775,000gns at a dispersal of Rothschild horses held at the December Sale in 2022.

Other Godolphin purchases at the opening session included a pair of colts who made 1m gns, namely a Too Darn Hot colt from Airlie Stud and a son of Blue Point from Ballyhimikin Stud, while on day two Sheikh Mohammed’s operation added a 2.2m gns Frankel colt out of Innevera from Sara Cumani’s Fittocks Stud, a farm which went on to sell five lots for 6.35m gns. The Frankel’s price was a personal best for Fittocks, which owns the mare in partnership with Newsells Park Stud and the Marinopoulos family.

Fittocks also gained 1.9m gns for the final session’s top lot, a Wootton Bassett colt bred in partnership with St Albans Bloodstock and knocked down to Godolphin, plus 1.3m gns for a Dubawi colt out of Emma Banks’ top racemare Lady Bowthorpe and sold to Coolmore and White Birch Farm’s Peter Brant. It was subsequently announced that Dubawi’s three-year-old son Delacroix was retiring to stand at Coolmore next season, an important move which gives the farm a top-class racehorse by an outside stallion with which to cover mares produced from matings with its resident sires.

Amo Racing made a notable early strike at the first session when buying a Newsells Park Stud-bred Frankel colt for 3.6m gns, and it followed up on day two with a pair of Wootton Bassett colts costing 2.2m gns each – they were consigned from Newsells Park and Eddie Irwin’s Marlhill House Stud. The first of that valuable trio was foaled by Aljazzi, a mare spotted by stud manager Julian Dollar at the 2018 Autumn Horses-inTraining Sale when she was a five-year-old Group 2 winner. Reasoning she would make more if entered in the December Sale, he urged the stud’s then owner, Andreas Jacobs, to buy her and she duly joined the broodmare band for 1m gns. Her three yearlings that have been offered at

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

“Although the figures are good considering what is going on in the outside world, I think it’s very polarised. When you compare it to America, we have a very small market at the top end. It’s very important to have competition, whether on the racecourse or in the sale ring – that’s vital.”

Anthony Stroud, a top-end buyer adding a sense of realism about a sale which to outsiders must seem like a licence to print money.

“A lot of people have been telling me it’s a patchy market and quite a few vendors have been disappointed. But I’m in the fortunate position where I can’t complain.”

Former racehorse trainer Luca Cumani, whose wife, Sara, enjoyed a very good Book 1 with her Fittocks Stud consignment.

Tattersalls have netted Newsells 8.75m gns.

Her latest yearling’s big-money sale was not unexpected, for his full-sister had headed trade 12 months’ earlier at 4.4m gns when knocked down to the same buyer, but if the colt’s transaction gave Newsells Park an early nerve-settler it was not entirely indicative of what lay ahead.

The Hertfordshire-based farm went on to become leading consignor by some margin through sales of 21 lots for 13.415m gns, but it also compiled an unenviable trot of non-sales when seven consecutive lots entered the ring and were returned to vendor. One of the seven was subsequently sold privately, but Dollar commented that he had never experienced anything like it. Newsells Park’s daughter of Dubawi out of the mare Waldlerche –from a top German family and whose yearlings have been popular in the past – was led out unsold at 900,000gns.

Despite that reverse for a proven broodmare, the stock from long-standing lines of success were always going to be popular at this sale. Few families have been more desirable in recent years than the one initiated by Seamus Burns’ great mare Park Express, who was foaled in 1983 and went on to produce a dynasty of top-table fare. The latest, a colt by Night Of Thunder

TATTERSALLS OCTOBER YEARLING SALE – BOOK 1

Top lots

Sex/breeding

C Sea The Stars - Crystal Zvezda

C Frankel – Aljazzi

C Frankel – Innevera Fittocks Stud

C Wootton Bassett - Luna Mare

out of Express Way, a six-year-old granddaughter of Park Express, was consigned by the Burns family’s Lodge Park Stud and sold to Juddmonte for 1m gns.

Frankel became the sale’s leading sire, his 18 sold lots averaging more than 800,000gns, while the recent death of Wootton Bassett was felt no less keenly when his progeny averaged 579,000gns. Night Of Thunder’s place as one of Europe’s top sires could be seen in his yearling average of 611,000gns.

Outside of the big four buyers there was notable back-up from Stroud Coleman Bloodstock – 23 purchases for 8.25m gns – and Blandford Bloodstock – 17 lots for 7.31m gns – while Paddy Twomey’s successful switch from trading to training could be seen in his purchase of three lots

BOOK 1 STATISTICS

(including private sales)

Sold: 404 (85% clearance)

Aggregate: 129,055,000gns (-0.45%)

Average: 322,091gns (-13%)

Median: 210,000gns (-16%)

Godolphin

Marlhill House Stud 2,200,000 Amo Racing

C Wootton Bassett – Qabala Newsells Park Stud 2,200,000 Amo Racing

C Wootton Bassett - Time Tunnel Fittocks Stud 1,900,000 Godolphin

C No Nay Never – Millisle

C Night Of Thunder - Model Guest

Watership Down Stud

1,700,000 MV Magnier/White Birch Farm

Lynn Lodge Stud 1,700,000 Amo Racing

F Frankel - Ville De Grace Watership Down Stud

C Dubawi - Lady Bowthorpe Fittocks Stud

1,500,000 Juddmonte

1,300,000 MV Magnier/White Birch Farm

SALES CIRCUIT

TATTERSALLS OCTOBER

YEARLING SALE – BOOK 2

If Book 1 came in just under the very high bar it set last year, Book 2 comfortably consolidated the gains it made 12 months earlier, and even pushed on in some categories.

Turnover of more than 70m gns improved the record set last year, a clearance rate of 92 per cent matched the 2024 figure – which was seven points up on that achieved in 2023 – and there was a nine per cent rise in the median to 76,000gns. No one was going to be too downhearted that the average price slipped a percentage point to 107,496gns, and while the three-day auction failed to record a seven-figure sale, buyers needed a decent bank account to get involved.

No fewer than 253 yearlings sold for a six-figure sum, headed by a 900,000gns Starspangledbanner filly from Sue Ann and Cian Foley’s Islanmore Stud. Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin had an angle on the filly, for it owns her unbeaten twoyear-old full-brother Avicenna, who won twice in late summer for Roger Varian.

Sue Ann’s brother, Kieran McManus, a son of JP McManus, had bought into the family 20 years earlier with the purchase of yearling filly Potion for 230,000gns. She won twice in his sister’s colours before being retired to Islanmore where she foaled Love Potion, a winner who has since bred Avicenna and his yearling sister.

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

While progeny by Starspangledbanner have provided their sire with a very good year on the track and were popular at this sale, the stallion with the best figures was Night Of Thunder, whose 17 sold yearlings averaged 325,000gns. They included an 800,000gns colt out of Listed winner Quenelle D’Or and sold to George Boughey on behalf of Sheikh Obaid Mohammed Al Maktoum. Boughey outbid Anthony Stroud, which was no mean feat in itself.

The breeders of this gem were Lord Derby’s Stanley House Stud and Lady Ritblat, who raced the mare and were then won over by Peter Stanley’s suggestion that they try breeding from her. Stanley, who is Lord Derby’s brother and whose New England Stud consigned the colt, revealed that Lady Ritblat had not owned a mare before, and

“We’ve been very lucky so far because we’ve been lucky enough to offer yearlings by the right sires. And we had the right horses as well, but it is just very, very selective.”

Michael Swinburn of Genesis Green Stud.

PINHOOKS OF THE SALE

The Gleeson brothers of Aughamore Stud paid €120,000 for a New Bay foal, but sold him on for 300,000gns, thanks to a deciding wave of the catalogue from MV Magnier. Teenagers Harry and Oliver Vigors of Hillwood Stud made pinhooking look like child’s play when converting a Perfect Power colt they bought for 72,000gns in partnership with Hannah Wall into a 260,000gns yearling. Shadwell is the new owner.

QUOTES OF THE SALE

“Johnny Mulcahy, who has been coming here for 40 years, was showing her and he said his legs have been walked off him all week!”

Islanmore Stud manager Nigel Anderton, reflecting on the sale of a very popular, homebred daughter of Starspangledbanner. Despite the number of viewings she carried on stepping out and headed trade at 900,000gns.

“Watching Night Of Thunder has warmed the cockles of my heart.”

Night Of Thunder fan Peter Stanley of New England Stud, which sold three lots by the Darley sire for an aggregate of nearly 1.3m gns.

“We decided to sell here as we have a lot to sell each year and it is good to split them up – it is like playing a game of chess.”

Laurent Benoit, who came up with a checkmate when convincing French breeder Thierry Gillier to sell a Siyouni filly at Book 2. Reward came in the form of a 525,000gns bid from Ross Doyle.

George Boughey: busy for Sheikh Obaid

The 900,000gns sale-topping daughter of Starspangledbanner

that Sir John Ritblat – a 90-year-old property developer of some wealth – had been convinced that breeding horses was a sure way of losing money. However, he had been on the phone during the colt’s sale and “enjoyed every minute of it”. Horses can generate unexpected excitement, no matter how long or fulfilled a person’s life.

Henry Lascelles, acting for an undisclosed client, brought the hammer down at 700,000gns to secure another Night Of Thunder special, this one a filly from the Hanly family’s Ballyhimikin Stud, while a colt by the same sire made 550,000gns to a bid from trainer Kevin Ryan.

Getting on the right sire invariably makes all the difference to breeders, as witnessed by the rise of Tally-Ho Stud sire Starman. One of his daughters, bred at Tally-Ho, sold for 525,000gns to Amo Racing to top the first session, while the same sum was gained by Gwen and Lucie Monneraye’s La Motteraye consignment for a daughter of Siyouni. The Monnerayes’ cross-Channel journey paid off when Ross Doyle brought the hammer down, rewarding the filly’s breeder, Thierry Gillier.

The O’Callaghan family’s Tally-Ho Stud regained the position of leading consignor through sales of 28 lots for 3.5m gns at an

TATTERSALLS OCTOBER YEARLING SALE – BOOK 2

Sex/breeding

F Starspangledbanner - Love Potion Islanmore Stud

C Night Of Thunder - Quenelle D’Or New England Stud

F Night Of Thunder - Princesse De Saba Ballyhimikin Stud

C Night Of Thunder - Habbat Reeh Genesis Green Stud

F Starman - Emirates Empress Tally-Ho Stud

F Siyouni - Lady Baker La Motteraye Consignment

C Camelot - Tigrilla Stanley Lodge

F Minzaal - Chiclet Baroda Stud

F Night Of Thunder - Edelline Plantation Stud

C Night Of Thunder - Dark Lady Cheveley Park Stud

TATTERSALLS OCTOBER

YEARLING SALE – BOOK 3

Buyers who failed to fill an order at Book 2 stayed on in Newmarket, attended Book 3 and helped lift the figures.

There were disappointments for some vendors, with 97 lots failing to sell (once private sales were factored in) leading to a clearance rate of 79 per cent, down two points, yet a buzzy opening session, at which seven horses sold for six-figure sums, three more than last year, beefed up the figures. Turnover worth 9.5m gns had been bettered only twice before, while the average and median figures gained 19 per cent and 27 per cent year on year.

When the takings at Books 1, 2 and 3 were combined, Tattersalls had added slightly more than 206m gns to its annual turnover, which is 2m gns more than the sum aggregated at the same three auctions last year.

During a stellar period of racecourse and sales ring action for the Hanly family’s Ballyhimikin Stud, it once again held a winning hand when putting a Blue Point colt through the ring as the final horse at the opening session. Last, but eventually first, he duly topped the sale at 165,000gns when knocked down to breeze-up consignor Rodrigo Goncalves,

average of 126,393gns, while Stroud Coleman Bloodstock was the leading buyer, purchasing 25 yearlings for 5.5m gns at an average of 221,600gns.

BOOK 2 STATISTICS

(including private sales)

Sold: 663 (92% clearance)

Agg: 70,149,500gns (+2%)

Average: 107,496gns (-1%)

Median: 76,000gns (+9%)

900,000 Godolphin

800,000 George Boughey

700,000 Henry Lascelles

550,000 Kevin Ryan

525,000 Amo Racing

525,000Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock

475,000 AC Elliott, Agent/MV Magnier/White Birch

450,000 Karl & Kelly Burke

450,000 The Thoroughbred Racing Corporation

425,000 Godolphin

This colt was another good sales result for Ballyhimikin Stud, selling for 165,000gns

who said he had compiled “a little syndicate” to invest in the colt. He was foaled by the Verglas mare Wrong Answer, a Listed winner who has produced seven successful racehorses.

Earlier in the session another Blue Point from Ballyhimikin, this one a filly, made 110,000gns when selling to Matt Camacho, brother of trainer Julie. Camacho liked the fact that first dam Song Maker

had a record of two from two with foals of racing age, while another bid of the same sum enabled agents Alex Elliott and Billy Jackson-Stops to buy a Blue Point colt from Norelands.

Hampshire’s Whitsbury Manor Stud is going to be a key vendor at Book 3 for years to come if the Harper family maintain their policy of saving some of their Book 2 yearlings for the lower-tier

SALES CIRCUIT

auction. It paid off last year when a colt by the stud’s leading stallion Havana Grey headed trade at 200,000gns, and that

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

same sire was responsible for a couple of punchy transactions at the latest edition. They included a 160,000gns colt bought on

“It’s important that we have buyers at every level, not just at the top, the pyramid only works if there’s a solid base to it.”

Consignor Jamie Railton, commenting during a good day’s trade at the opening session of Book 3.

“We can’t sell them all in Book 2, and if we get a reputation for selling good yearlings in Book 3, people are going to stay for Book 3.”

Whitsbury Manor Stud’s Ed Harper, spreading the love.

PINHOOK OF THE SALE

Pat Donworth of Torard House Stud paid €36,000 for a Starspangledbanner colt in November and was in profit when Anthony Stroud bought him at Book 3 for 100,000gns. Stroud was acting for Alison Swinburn, daughter of former trainer Peter Harris.

TATTERSALLS OCTOBER YEARLING SALE – BOOK 3

Top lots

Sex/breeding

C Blue Point - Wrong Answer Ballyhimikin Stud

C Havana Grey - Cross My Heart

QUOTE OF THE SALE

“David begged us for a faster horse. We always like to send him the slower ones and he says he slows them down enough! He trained Dream Ahead who was a top sprinter, so he can do the job if the horse is good enough.”

A quote by bloodstock agent Alex Elliott, passing on a pithier one by trainer David Simcock, who it seems is getting his wish for speed in the form of a 160,000gns Havana Grey colt.

behalf of Amo Racing and Valmont by Alex Elliott, and a filly who was sold to Yeomanstown for 135,000gns. Yeomanstown’s Robert O’Callaghan said a breezing plan was on the agenda.

Standing out in Book 3 was also a factor in breeder John McNally offering a daughter of Nathaniel via Jamie Railton Bloodstock. The plan came off when the omnipotent Elliott bought McNally’s filly for 150,000gns and then said he was putting together a partnership in which he would have a stake.

BOOK 3 STATISTICS

Sold: 402 (79% clearance)

Aggregate: 9,579,004gns (+18%)

Average: 23,676gns (+19%)

Median: 19,000gns (+27%)

165,000 MADR Bloodstock

Whitsbury Manor Stud 160,000 Amo Racing/Valmont

F Nathaniel - Nancy O Jamie Railton 150,000 Alex Elliott

F Havana Grey - Hot Secret

GOFFS ORBY SALE – BOOK 1

After a slight downturn in trade last year this two-day sale, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary, surfed the wave which has resulted in improved figures at all yearling auctions.

Turnover took a five per cent dip in 2024 but improved three per cent to a mark of €52.4m despite a smaller catalogue which led to 31 fewer horses walking the ring. The average price gained four per cent when reaching a sale record of €133,569, while the median’s 19 per

Whitsbury Manor Stud 135,000 Yeomanstown Stud

cent increase to €95,000 – which was another record – was a pleasing sign of strength in the middle market. Adding to Goffs’ pleasure was a 90 per cent clearance rate, which was four points up, plus the sale of three seven-figure horses, which was one more than last year.

Such figures cannot be achieved without big hitters, and the sight of Amo Racing’s Kia Joorabchian and American John Stewart of Resolute Racing padding around Kildare Paddocks – they did not attend in 2024 – was a good omen before

the first lot went under the hammer. That omen became reality when Amo Racing bought nine lots for nearly €3.2m and topped the list of buyers, while Resolute’s purchase of four yearlings for a little more than €1.5m was a handy contribution putting it third in the table, one place behind Coolmore’s MV Magnier. Day two proved to be the strongest of the sessions, but Stewart had the honour of buying the top lot on day one when purchasing a son of Blue Point from Tom Whelan’s Church View Stables for €675,000.

Part of a popular draft from Whitsbury Manor Stud, this colt sold for 160,000gns

PINHOOKS OF THE SALE

A Pinatubo colt bought by WH Bloodstock’s Mimi Wadham and Violet Hesketh for 90,000gns as a foal and turned over at the Orby for €230,000, while, in the same ball park, a Dark Angel colt bought for €120,000 by Denis Brosnan’s Epona Bloodstock and resold by his Croom House Stud for €280,000 to Kerri Lyons. Lower down the scale, Luke Bleahen’s €22,000 purchase of a City Light foal – the sole representative of the sire in the Orby catalogue – was rewarded when he fetched €115,000 to a bid from Rabbah Bloodstock.

Another outfit with money to spend was Bond Thoroughbreds, an entity born from a love for racing by Reg Bond, who during the 1960s turned a small garage business into a tyre empire that generated millions. His passion for the turf and tyres was inherited by at least two of his sons –headed by spokesman Charlie – whose presence at the Orby in company with agent Jason Kelly resulted in four purchases for a combined €1.32m. The Bonds gained some of that back the following weekend when their Christopher Head-trained Maranoa Charlie won the Prix de la Foret on Arc afternoon.

Less active was Godolphin, which in 2024 bought seven Orby yearlings for €5.2m, but contented itself with just one purchase for €180,000 at the latest edition, while Juddmonte, which had bought three lots for €1.6m last year, left with a single purchase valued at €440,000. Buying big one year, but not the next, is nothing new, but it always seems a curious change of tack, especially when it involves one of the Goliaths of the racing and breeding world.

QUOTES OF THE SALE

“I’d say we’re going to know our fate early as you’d like to think she’s in that Royal Ascot two-yearold type of mould.”

Agent Alex Elliott, crossing his fingers until next spring when pondering a January-foaled daughter of Night Of Thunder and the mare No Speak Alexander, who he bought in conjunction with Amo Racing for €1m.

“It’s my first time here in person. It’s good fun and the yards are easy to work. The weather could have been better, but it’s a typical Irish fall, I guess!”

John Stewart, taking an American view of Goffs’ Orby Sale, and a philosophical one on the weather.

“Unfortunately, we lost the mare. Invariably the good ones are the hardest ones to keep vertical.”

Kildaragh Stud’s Peter Kavanagh telling it how it is for breeders who find a good mare – in this case Suvenna, the breeder of five winners – but lose them too soon. A sweetener came in the shape of Suvenna’s Havana Grey yearling filly, who sold for €520,000 to trainer Paddy Twomey.

“The sire is unbelievable. He goes and goes and goes, on the track and in the sale ring.”

Bloodstock agent Billy Jackson-Stops after buying a €550,000 colt who will be trained by George Scott for Bahrain’s Victorious Forever. The sire to whom he was referring was Sea The Stars, who a few days later was represented by Daryz (first) and Sosie (third) in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Hopefully Jackson-Stops covered his opinion with a couple of bets.

MV Magnier is never going to desert Ireland’s leading sale of yearlings, and he duly bought the €1.9m top lot, a No Nay Never-sired full-sister to crack racehorse and young sire Blackbeard and also to this year’s Norfolk Stakes winner Charles Darwin. Their dam, Muirin, who has a perfect four-from-four record with racing-age foals, is a winning daughter of Born To Sea and now owned by Newstead Breeding after being sold for €210,000 at the end of her three-year-old season. Flash Conroy’s Glenvale Stud sold the top

A No Nay Never sister to Blackbeard headed Orby proceedings at €1,900,000

This Night Of Thunder filly made €1,000,000

SALES CIRCUIT

lot, while Noel O’Callaghan’s Mountarmstrong Stud gained €1m for a member of his ‘Alexander’ family, in this instance a filly out of No Speak Alexander and by hyper-fashionable sire Night Of Thunder.

The sale’s third seven-figure yearling was another to make a round million after being knocked down to agent Hugo Merry

GOFFS ORBY SALE

Top lots

Sex/breeding

F No Nay Never - Muirin

on behalf of Blue Diamond Stud, whose owner, Imad Al Sagar, attended the sale. Al Sagar’s purchase, a filly by Lope De Vega, was bred by Nicky Hartery, Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland and the owner of Caherass Stud. Hartery’s mare Wrood foaled the yearling, who is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Going Global.

Glenvale Stud

F Night Of Thunder - No Speak Alexander Mountarmstrong Stud

F Lope De Vega - Wrood Castlebridge Consignment

C Blue Point - Bloomfield Church View Stables

F Wootton Bassett - Hermosa Baroda Stud

C Sea The Stars - Crystal Starlet

C Frankel - Desert Berry

Glenvale Stud

Castlebridge Consignment

C Frankel - Madame Chiang Staffordstown

F Havana Grey - Suvenna Kildaragh Stud

F New Bay - Falling Petals Ballylinch Stud

GOFFS ORBY – BOOK 2

After a stuttering start when this sale was renamed Orby Book 2 last year, it took off in grand style at the latest edition.

The figures raced ahead, an illustration that demand which had been strong at Orby Book 1 had been maintained at this slightly lower level. Given the prices buyers are having to pay for top-end, blue-blooded yearlings it is no great surprise that those just below that level, but still possessing high marks for conformation and athleticism, have been popular during this autumn season and that certainly played out at this two-day auction. The only losers were breeze-up buyers, who either paid more or went home with half-empty lorries.

The general rise in prices led to a record average figure of €25,296, a gain of 28 per cent, while the median rose a third and came within a bid of matching the previous best. A clearance rate of 86 per cent, a rise of 14 points, was a happy outcome, and Goffs added €8.55m to turnover, some €2m more than at the same sale last year. This despite a slightly smaller catalogue

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

STATISTICS

Sold: 393 (90% clearance)

Aggregate: €52,492,500 (+3%)

Average: €133,569 (+4%)

Median: €95,000 (+19%)

1,900,000 MV Magnier

1,000,000 Amo Racing

1,000,000 Hugo Merry/Blue Diamond Stud

675,000 Resolute Bloodstock

625,000 David Redvers

550,000JS Bloodstock/G Scott/Victorious Racing

550,000 Resolute Bloodstock

525,000 Amo Racing

520,000 Paddy Twomey Racing

500,000 Newtown Anner Stud

that saw 394 lots arrive for a spin before the auctioneer, 55 fewer year on year.

In terms of sparkly bits at the top, five

“We are having to pay over the odds, but if you don’t you’ll go home empty handed.” Danny Donovan, on the hunt for breeze-up potential, after parting with €75,000 for an Invincible Spirit filly from Ballybin Stud.

“The trade has been great. It is great to see so many foreign buyers coming in.” Derrinstown Stud’s Stephen Collins.

horses made a six-figure sum, four more than last year, with the sale-topper entering the ring during the first session. A filly by State Of Rest out of the mare Duchess Of Danzig and therefore a half-sister to three winners, she was consigned by The Castlebridge Consignment on behalf of breeder Nicky Hartery and knocked down to agent Federico Barberini. He bid on behalf of Qatari businesswoman Alanood Althani, a great-grandniece of her country’s founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. Joe and Marguerite Joyce of Cahermorris

QUOTES OF THE SALE

“I do think he gets overlooked, but people have stallions they love and they don’t like as much, and we just love him. We always will do, as he’s done so much on the racetrack and from a breeding perspective for our family.”

Teofilo fan-club member Clare Manning with some unashamed admiration for a sire whose racing (and to some extent breeding) career was guided by granddad Jim Bolger.

“He is off my Christmas card list!”

Tongue-in-cheek Con Marnane, removing Noel (appropriate name) Meade from those to whom he will be sending festive greetings, after the trainer pushed him to €105,000 as they battled to buy a son of Starman.

Stud gained €135,000 for a Mehmas filly from the family of Classic heroine Saoire. The buyers were Tally-Ho Stud, which is home to the yearling’s sire.

The same sum saw Barberini gain a

GOFFS ORBY – BOOK 2

Top lots

Sex/breeding Vendor

F State Of Rest - Duchess Of Danzig

F Mehmas - Smart Flies

daughter of Teofilo offered by Boherguy Stud’s Clare Manning on behalf of her grandfather, Jim Bolger. Barberini was acting for racehorse owner Khalifa Dasmal, while Cormac Farrell did his own bidding

Castlebridge Consignment

Cahermorris Stables

F Teofilo - Symmetrical Boherguy Stud

TATTERSALLS IRELAND SEPTEMBER YEARLING SALE

The familiar-by-name group known as Rabbah Bloodstock went on a recordbreaking buying spree at this two-day auction where well-ahead figures were returned.

Rabbah’s purchase of 27 lots for a total spend of just under €2m, four times more than the next buyer on the list, was the largest sum invested by one entity in the sale’s history, easily surpassing the record set back in 2002 when ‘cash’ bought 106 lots for just under €900,000. Good old cash, a man of times past.

Rabbah, or more pertinently one of its members, Jaber Abdullah, appeared to target this auction as a way of securing yearlings at a working businessman’s price. Last year, the same buyers headed the list of purchasers but with just ten bought lots for €600,000. At the latest edition its haul included eight lots who made a six-figure sum, headed by a €190,000 daughter of

QUOTE OF THE SALE

“That has blown our expectations out of the water, as has this week.”

Orla Hassett, daughter of breeders Tom and Clodagh who bred and sold the €190,000 Blue Point filly to Rabbah Bloodstock.

for a Derrinstown Stud-consigned Too Darn Hot colt who fetched €120,000. Farrell said he was keen to buy in Ireland with euros, reasoning the colt would have fetched the same sum at least if offered in Newmarket, but in sterling. Given that he plans to breeze his purchase, he could sell in sterling, although he said Arqana was a more likely destination.

STATISTICS

Sold: 338 (86% clearance)

Aggregate: €8,550,000 (+28%)

Average: €25,296 (+25%)

Median: €20,000 (+33%)

150,000 Alanood Althani

135,000Tally-Ho Stud

135,000 Federico Barberini

This Starspangledbanner colt is heading the way of George Scott after selling for €200,000

Blue Point out of a Galileo mare and bred at Tom and Clodagh Hassett’s Monksland Stables.

Not that Rabbah’s investment had been needed to make this a soaraway edition of Tattersalls Ireland’s annual yearling sale, for turnover of €18.7m was more than 50

per cent ahead of the previous year’s figure, which had almost set a record. The average price gained 48 per cent at €42,635, the median of €37,000 was a rise of 54 per cent, while a 93 per cent clearance rate was another great result for vendors.

SALES CIRCUIT

HORSE TO FOLLOW

A casual observer could be forgiven for thinking that an all-conquering racing and breeding operation like Juddmonte would be uninterested in selling a horse at Part II of the September Yearling Sale, but it did, and was well rewarded when gaining €85,000 for a Kingman filly. That was briefly a record for the event. Offered on Juddmonte’s behalf by The Castlebridge Consignment, the February foal was a half-sister to three winners out of the very smart two-year-old Lucky Kristale. Charlie Johnston will train her latest daughter for the Venner family, the owners of Bailey’s Horse Feed.

PINHOOK OF THE SALE

Well done to ‘Mary, Matt & Chad’ whoever they be? They, or he/she, signed for a foal by Into Mischief’s son Highly Motivated at Keeneland in November for $3,000, consigned him at Fairyhouse through the Bleahen family’s Lakefield Farm and enjoyed a bumper return when he resold for €90,000 to Barry Lynch and Bill Durkan.

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

“It’s been a superb sale. From the first day we started showing we were so, so busy. It’s carried right through to the end. The one thing I will say is that there’s definitely a better standard of horse here this year compared to previous years – everyone has upped their game.”

Bill Dwan of The Castlebridge Consignment.

“We have been tracking our stats and this year has the highest number of views and shows we’ve done at this sale; it’s the busiest September Yearling Sale we can remember. This morning already has been incredibly busy, much busier than it would be historically.”

Patrick Diamond, another member of The Castlebridge Consignment, speaking as Part II reached a conclusion.

Why such improvements? Well, three Group 1 winners at the latest edition of Royal Ascot was a help, while the sense that trade at more glamorous auctions would be scorchio was probably a factor in encouraging buyers to get in early.

George Scott will remember with fondness the autumn of 2025, for during it he trained his first Group 1 winner, Caballo De Mar, who won the Prix du Cadran. The now four-year-old had been a €33,000 purchase at this sale in 2022 in conjunction with agent Billy Jackson-Stops. The same double act were back at the latest edition where, at the second session, their €200,000 bid secured the top lot, a son of Starspangledbanner bred at Hamwood Stud and offered by The Castlebridge Consignment.

Scott was acting for Gary White, as he and Jackson-Stops had done last year when spending €130,000 on subsequent Listed-winning juvenile Command The Stars.

Trade at the first session was headed by a colt from the first crop of Blackbeard and sold to Ted Durcan for a berth with trainer Richard Hughes. The same horse had been offered as a foal, but bought in at 60,000gns, a wise decision as it turned out, for when reoffered he made €165,000.

“We thought he was better than that and we’ve been proved right,” said consignor Peter Nolan, reflecting on the decision to keep the colt to sell as a yearling.

Harry Eustace, who trained two of the three aforementioned Royal Ascot winners, was at the ring to secure a son of Kingman

TATTERSALLS IRELAND SEPTEMBER SALE

Part I top lots Sex/breeding

C Starspangledbanner - Broderie Anglaise

F Blue Point - Firebolt

C Blackbeard - Spirit Bear

F Sea The Stars - Vouchsafe

C Kingman - Banshee

Consignment

Monksland Stables

Peter Nolan Bloodstock

Castlebridge Consignment

Castlebridge Consignment

for €160,000. Eustace was acting for an Australian group who have the Royal meeting as a possible target for their purchase. Eustace said: “If he gets there, great, if he doesn’t he can always go to Australia as a maiden.”

Tattersalls Ireland took the clippers out and gave the following day’s Part II of the September Yearling Sale a short back and sides, trimming 110 lots from the catalogue before listing a total of 165 horses. From there, 145 walked the ring and with 133 sales another tremendous clearance rate of 92 per cent was achieved.

The reduction had been deemed necessary after steadily declining average and median figures had started to take hold, but in the new format they roared back. Turnover of €1.87m was the second highest figure seen at the sale and up 51 per cent, while the average of €14,074 (+112%) and median of €10,000 (+150%) were clear records. No fewer than eight yearlings made more than the €36,000 top lot in 2024.

The cherry on the cake was the auction’s first-ever six-figure horse who came in the €105,000 shape of a filly by Starman, the Tally-Ho Stud stallion whose first crop of two-year-olds has given their sire leading honours this year. Breeze-up consignors Jim McCartan and Willie Browne combined to buy the filly who was offered by vet Brian Judge of Mayo Farm Stud. He had bought the dam, Bella Caelia, for just 7,000gns in July 2022.

An €85,000 Juddmonte-bred Kingman filly had been the sale’s highest-priced yearling until surpassed by the Starman –racehorse owner and breeder Simon Venner was her buyer – while those poacher/gamekeepers at Tally-Ho Stud picked up a €65,000 Ten Sovereigns colt having sold 22 lots over two days at Part I of the sale.

PART I STATISTICS

Sold: 440 (93% clearance)

Aggregate: €18,759,500 (+51%) Average: €42,635 (+48%) Median: €37,000 (+54%)

J S Bloodstock/G Scott Racing

Rabbah Bloodstock

Durcan Bloodstock

Rabbah Bloodstock

Harry Eustace Racing

ARQANA ARC SALE

A string of high-value, unsold lots could not prevent this sale turning over more than €6m on the eve of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

That turnover figure was more than €4m down on last year, but while the quality of horses-in-training catalogues fluctuate from year to year, this sale, and the Goffs version in London, are also bound by the whims of owners who are happy to sell a horse for the right price, but also to retain it for future racing. Not that it is easy to predict reserves, for in 2024 no fewer than four horses were sold for seven-figure sums.

At the latest edition just one horse reached into that zone, Zarak’s two-yearold son Seneque – who had won impressively at Chantilly a week before the sale – but he returned to Andre Fabre’s stable after bidding dried up at €1.2m. The figures all showed decreases, with turnover down 40 per cent and the average price, which had risen 35 per cent last year, losing 35 per cent at €271,304.

Three-year-old Golden Horn filly Rabbit’s Foot took top-lot honours at €625,000 just a few hours after finishing third in the Prix de Royallieu, adding lustre

ARQANA ARC SALE

Top lots

Name/age/sex/breeding

to a page which showed her half-brother Zarakem had finished second to Auguste Rodin in last year’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Bought as a yearling for €50,000, Rabbit’s Foot was trained for owner BS Racing by Francois Rohaut to win a Listed race and gain other Group-race placings before her good effort at Longchamp. Clients of Michel Zerolo’s Oceanic Bloodstock liked what she offered and are her new owners.

George Scott, fresh from a Group 1 win for Victorious Racing during the afternoon’s racing at Longchamp, joined agent Billy Jackson-Stops to secure stakes-placed colt Al Aali for €500,000 – a good mark-up on the €38,000 he had cost trainer Lucie Pontoir as a yearling –although Scott said he was standing in for Bahraini owner/trainer Fawzi Nass, who was looking for a King’s Cup horse.

Willie Mullins, no stranger to a French horse, gained three-year-old Quinteplus with a bid of €470,000. A three-time winning son of Haras du Mesnil’s rising sire Telecaster, he could race on over jumps or on the Flat said agent Pierre Boulard who signed for the gelding, while four-year-old gelding Fire Warning gained a berth with Nicky Henderson after being sold to Toby

Rabbit’s Foot 3 f Golden Horde - Harem MistressFrancois Rohaut

Al Aali 3 c City Light - La Zubia Lucie Pontoir

Relaxx 3 c City Light - Texalila Carlos & Yann Lerner

Quinteplus 3 g Telecaster - La Vive Parence Henri-Francois Devin

ONLINE SALES

The growing popularity for this type of auction can be seen in the 186 lots that were catalogued for the Tattersalls September Online Sale.

Two years ago, the same auction attracted less than half that number – 91 in total – when the top lot made 45,000gns. At the latest edition pole position was taken by three-year-old colt Renato, who realised 80,000gns.

Placed in four of seven starts for Marco Botti’s stable, Renato was entered to dissolve a partnership and subsequently bought by part-owner, Beppa E Gigi SRL. A fair and quick outcome, and as Botti said: “The online sale was a quick and easy way to do this.”

Jessie Harrington’s Commonstown Stables entered seven lots, of which one was withdrawn and one not sold. Her

Oceanic Bloodstock

JS BS/Eve Lodge

Mandore International

PB BS/Harold Kirk/Willie Mullins

two-year-old gelding Baker Blue, a placed son of Ardad, made 31,000gns, while the other four made little money, but as a way of shifting stock without transporting them to market the exercise was probably deemed a success.

Of 168 offered lots, the sale shifted 100 horses for a clearance rate of 60 per cent and turnover of slightly more than 500,000gns, but the average price of 5,252gns was the lowest since the sale was inaugurated in 2021.

Auctav broke new ground with an online sale of yearlings in late September. It is one thing to buy online a horse who has raced and given some clue to their ability, and another to buy an unbroken foal or yearling.

A total of 89 horses were offered and 39 sold, for a clearance rate of 44 per cent, not enough to convince doubters that

Jones for €340,000. He had been bought at the Yorton Sale for £28,000 as a two-yearold and subsequently placed over hurdles for Hugo Merienne.

After the sale it was revealed that Ridari, winner of the Prix Daniel Wildenstein on the day of the auction, had been sold privately for €950,000 to Nicolas Clement. The trainer was acting for John Stewart’s Resolute Racing.

STATISTICS

Sold: 23 (59% clearance)

Aggregate: €6,240,000 (-40%)

Average: €271,304 (-35%)

Median: €255,000 (-9%)

online yearling sales can work, but with turnover of €280,500 Auctav is likely to say it was a fair start. Fillies by Ardad and Rubaiyat headed trade at €20,000.

Thoroughbid staged a 23-lot online sale as September came to a close, although just eight lots found a buyer. The pick on price was five-year-old October Hill, who had been placed in four hurdle races from Colin Bowe’s Wexford stable.

Tom Malone liked the profile and bought the son of Berkshire with a bid of £20,000, a sum which helped lift the sale’s turnover to just under £32,000.

It has been a quiet time on the GoffsGo platform, an online auction which is always live, but the company is set for its initial online yearling sale on November 13. It will also stage an inaugural foal and breeding stock sale which is carded for December 5.

Fresh from her third place in the Prix de Royallieu, Rabbit’s Foot sold for €625,000

ARQANA

Are stayers on the decline?

JOHN BOYCE cracks the code

In last month’s column, I undertook some top line analysis on how the make-up of Europe’s stallion population has changed over the years. Looking at the relevant movement in the number of staying sires versus speed sires showed that with the advent of much bigger book sizes, the number of speed sires – those with a stamina index of eight furlongs and under – stood at 425 in 2000 and that their number peaked at 456 in 2004. However, since then that has fallen year on year down to 222 in 2023. That was a massive 48 per cent reduction, despite the number of individual runners sired by the 222 being slightly higher.

Counterintuitively, staying sires, if anything, show a very slightly positive 25-year trend and one that peaked in the early 2010s. Moreover, the average number of runners per staying sire has risen from 47 in the year 2000 to a high of 80 in the

mid-2010s and has been just shy of that maximum in the past three completed seasons at 77, 74 and 76. So in the first five seasons of the millennium compared to the most recent five, runners by speed sires have risen by nine per cent while runners by their stamina-producing counterparts are up by nearly 50 per cent. So where is the problem?

Let’s take a look at the quality of horses winning at the highest level in Britain and Ireland in the past 25 years. Using the Timeform scale we note that there have been 11 top-class (Timeform 130 or higher) horses that have won at Group 1 level at a mile and a quarter or further in the five seasons from 2020 to 2024. And their average rating stands at 131.4. For the five years at the front end of our sample, from 2000 to 2004, there were 13 Group 1 winners rated 130-plus and their average was 133.8.

to surpass going forward, given the wide variety in his runners’ aptitudes ranging from Guineas to Gold Cup winners and the fact that he pumps out stakes winners at a superb rate of around 17 per cent from runners. But that has not been the case with Dubawi winning the title in 2022 before Frankel took it back a year later. Last year, speed influence Dark Angel was an unlikely winner, and this season looks like being Night Of Thunder’s year, so we will have had four different title holders since Galileo’s 12 years at the top, the last 11 consecutively.

The super sire effect aside, there is an observable decline in the average ratings of Group 1 winners at ten furlongs and above in Britain and Ireland since 2000. The best year was 2000 (129.9) and the two worst years have been 2023 and 2024, both with an average rating of 123.7.

The effect of a dominant super sire like a Sadler’s Wells or a Galileo must come into the equation

The turn-of-the-century group are certainly full of quality with Dubai Millennium (140) leading Montjeu (137) and Sakhee (136), plus Sinndar, Fantastic Light and Galileo all on 134. Only one horse from the 2020 to 2024 cohort would make this 134-plus line-up and that is the 137-rated Baaeed. We must also acknowledge that the millennium cohort of 13 featured five sons of the great Sadler’s Wells in Montjeu, Galileo, High Chaparral, Doyen and Kayf Tara, whereas the latter group came from years beyond the period when Galileo was in his pomp, his sole Group 1-winning 130-plus rated horse since 2020 being six-time Group 1 winner and dual Gold Cup scorer Kyprios.

The effect of a dominant super sire like a Sadler’s Wells or a Galileo must come into the equation. Since Galileo’s reign as champion sire came to a natural end when he passed the mantle to his son Frankel in 2021, it wasn’t the most ridiculous thought that Frankel would be very hard

Overall, the trend suggests a four pound decline over the 25-year period. It goes without saying that we must assume Timeform have maintained the level of their ratings from year to year and that the ratings remain comparable across long time spans.

Turning our attention to Group 1 winners in Britain and Ireland at up to a mile, we can see that there is a positive trend, the average Timeform rating climbing by about two pounds in the 25-year period. This cohort, unlike its tenfurlong-plus counterpart, includes twoyear-old Group 1 winners, so by definition its average Timeform ratings are lower, coming in at 120.9, between five and six pounds lower.

However, there have been a handful of outstanding years, such as 2015 which featured the 132-rated Muhaarar, who swept the Commonwealth Cup, July Cup and British Champions Sprint. He was augmented by that year’s Nunthorpe Stakes

heroine Mecca’s Angel, who earned a 129 rating from Timeform, plus the Diamond Jubilee Stakes scorer Undrafted (126) and Sprint Cup hero Twilight Son (125).

Not to be outdone by their elders, Air Force Blue notched up a Group 1 treble in the Phoenix, National and Dewhurst Stakes, a body of work that earned him a relatively high mark of 128, while Shalaa received 123 for his Middle Park Stakes victory and Minding 120 for her Moyglare Stud Stakes success.

2017 was also a bountiful year for the

shorter-distance runners, led by King’s Stand Stakes winner Lady Aurelia (133) plus Harry Angel (132), who won the July Cup and Sprint Cup, and the 130-rated Marsha, who notched a career-defining performance in the Nunthorpe Stakes.

The average sprint ratings do suggest that the quality of speedsters in the five seasons up to and including 2024 are on the low side, but by themselves do not yet constitute a downward trend in the context of the 25-year period. To summarise, while sprint sires have halved in the period,

their total number of runners is up a little and the ratings of the best runners in the group are pretty stable.

Meanwhile, the number of runners by staying sires have greatly increased, but their combined quality has declined by a few pounds. Naturally there will be many factors at play and the above serves only to understand the headline numbers. It is clear that it is a complex issue that requires more research and consultation to understand and articulate the problem that needs to be addressed.

BILL SELWYN

Baaeed: champion son of Sea The Stars is one of the best performers of the modern era to have won a Group 1 over a mile and a quarter

Banner coming of age

NANCY SEXTON looks at the run of success of a stallion who reportedly came close to being gelded

The beauty of this business is that for all the ‘expert beliefs’ and market forces, a successful stallion can still emerge from anywhere if he’s good enough. Wootton Bassett was certainly proof of that while the likes of Havana Grey and Sands Of Mali are rising up the ladder from humble enough beginnings, helping smaller breeders in the process.

Starspangledbanner has always attracted a fair following, initially in light of a race record that identified him as a brilliant dual-hemisphere sprinter. But against that, he’s had a chequered stud career, starting with the well-documented fertility issues that reportedly almost had him gelded.

Just over a decade on and the stallion who almost became a gelding is now responsible for two of the best two-yearolds in Ballydoyle in Precise and Gstaad. Precise, yet another top-flight performer bred by Aidan and Annemarie O’Brien’s Whisperview Trading, looks a likely candidate for champion two-year-old filly honours following authoritative wins in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes and Cheveley Park Stakes while Gstaad, a half-brother to Vandeek bred by Kelly Thomas’ Maywood Stud, followed up his win in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes by running second in the Group 1 Prix Morny, National Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes.

Both are high up in the betting for next year’s respective Guineas while Precise is also around a 10-1 shot for the Oaks. Given Starspangledbanner’s reputation as a source of speed, a mile and a half might not be up her street although her female family does offer some encouragement given that her dam Way To My Heart is a Galileo sister to Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Kingfisher. She descends directly back to Sheikh Mohammed’s top miler Sonic Lady via her Rainbow Quest daughter Lady Icarus, who foaled the Classic-placed pair Furner’s Green and Lady Lupus during her productive stud career for the O’Brien family.

Precise and Gstaad are not the only juveniles to represent Starspangledbanner to good effect this year, however. Moyglare Stud’s homebred Suzie Songs won the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes while Avicenna and Secret Hideaway are both Listed winners.

As such, Starspangledbanner currently sits in second on the leading European two-year-old sires’ list. He is unlikely to

trouble the late Wootton Bassett at the top but such a bold showing should still be commended given his 128-strong crop of juveniles was bred off a fee of €35,000. By comparison, Wootton Bassett commanded €150,000 in the same year.

Winner of the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate over six furlongs and Group 1 Caulfield Guineas over a mile in his native Australia, Starspangledbanner first came to attention in this part of the world when sweeping the 2010 Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and July Cup at Newmarket on his second and third starts for Aidan O’Brien. Both were displays of raw speed, in particular at Royal Ascot where he powered away from Society Rock in a manner reminiscent of the Royal Ascot raid of his sire Choisir seven years before.

Starspangledbanner joined the Coolmore roster for the 2011 season at an affordable €15,000, which made him a popular option with commercial breeders. Unfortunately, so tricky was his fertility that by 2012 he was back at Ballydoyle in preparation for a return to the track. That proved fruitless, with six starts around the world yielding a runner-up effort in the Curragh’s Group 3 Renaissance Stakes at best. By the autumn of 2013, the horse was ensconced at Rosemont Stud in Victoria, Australia, with his European chapter to all intents and purposes well behind him.

Then his first crop of two-year-olds hit the track. Quickly, it became apparent that he was throwing fast animals with a bit of class, a notion that was underlined when that initial crop of 33 foals came to include

BILL SELWYN

Starspangledbanner’s daughter Precise pulls clear in the Fillies’ Mile

the Group 1 Prix Morny winner The Wow Signal and Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes winner Anthem Alexander. In all, that 2012 group of representatives came to contain eight stakes winners – which equates to 24 per cent of that crop.

As such, Starspangledbanner returned to Coolmore for 2015, since when he hasn’t looked back. Stationed at the operation’s Castle Hyde Stud, he has become something of a go-to horse for the Irish commercial breeder, his ability to sire fast, precocious horses advertised by the likes of California Spangle, a top sprinter in Hong Kong, champion two-year-old Millisle and the Group 1-placed juveniles Flotus and Castle Star in addition to Precise and Gstaad.

His progeny are also capable of training on and staying beyond sprint distances, as illustrated by the likes of last year’s Group 1 Prix Jean Prat winner Puchkine, who

received a book of 111 mares in his first season at Haras de Beaumont this year. However, arguably his best older performer so far has been the globe-trotter State Of Rest, whose ambitious campaign for Joseph O’Brien took in Group/Grade 1 wins in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, Prix Ganay at Longchamp, Saratoga Derby in the US and Cox Plate in Australia. Now based at Rathbarry Stud in Ireland, State Of Rest’s first yearlings have sold for up to 300,000gns.

Starspangledbanner has always attracted fans in the ring – Fozzy Stack springs to mind as someone who has consistently enjoyed success with his stock, notably as the trainer of Group winners such as Aloha Star, Castle Star and Hermana Estrella – but his popularity reached a new high last month at Tattersalls in the sales of a sister to Avicenna for 900,000gns to Godolphin and a filly out of Rapacity Alexander for

500,000gns to Al Shira’aa Racing; appropriately, she was bred by Noel O’Callaghan’s Mountarmstrong Stud, also the breeder of Anthem Alexander.

Today, Starspangledbanner’s fertility is well managed by Castle Hyde Stud, which allows him to cover sizeable books. Still, he has never operated beyond a fee of €50,000, the level set in 2023. He covered 133 mares this season at €45,000, a figure that is likely to rise off the back of his current success.

Starspangledbanner is now an elder statesman of the European sire ranks at 19-years-old. Thankfully, he has a number of sons at stud led by State Of Rest and Castle Star in Ireland and Puchkine in France. While they are unproven, some heart will be taken by the brief stud career of The Wow Signal, another fertility-challenged horse who sired the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches heroine Coeursamba out of a group of just 15 representatives.

American Pharoah a coup for the JBBA

The news that American Pharoah would stand in Japan for the 2026 season understandably provoked some debate. The Coolmore Kentucky stallion has a large fan base in the US as the horse who broke a 37-year wait for an American Triple Crown winner.

However, when it comes to commercial breeding, the brutality of it is that as a rising 14-year-old who isn’t truly an elite stallion, he is going to continue to drop down the ladder of popularity, especially against the annual influx of younger, more exciting names to stud.

That’s not to say that American Pharoah has been disappointing as a stallion. The hype attached to his Triple Crown achievements, and the initial fee of $200,000 that resulted, made expectations abnormally high. While he’s far from being a $200,000 stallion today, he has sired close to 50 stakes winners in the northern hemisphere, among them seven Group or Grade 1 winners.

Five of those top-flight winners, as well as a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf scorer in Four Wheel Drive, arrived in his first crop, a sign perhaps that the stallion was riding off the back of the power of that first book of mares. That is also probably true of his second-crop standout Van Gogh, winner of the 2020 Criterium International for Aidan O’Brien who was a half-brother to the ill-fated top two-yearold Horatio Nelson and out of Oaks

heroine Imagine.

Even so, plenty of stallions fail to sire as many as 50 stakes winners in their lifetime and it is to American Pharoah’s credit that they are a varied group, ranging from a top dirt colt in American Theorem to Group/Grade 1-winning turf runners such as Harvey’s Lil Goil and Marketsegmentation in the US to Van Gogh and Prix Saint-Alary heroine Above The Curve in Europe.

There have also been two Group 1 winners – the Victoria Derby scorers Riff Rocket and Goldrush Guru – in Australia.

However, American Pharoah has fared extremely well in Japan, which is why his switch to the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders Association (JBBA) on the island of Hokkaido should prove successful.

The son of Pioneerof The Nile is set to stand under a single season lease for the operation, which has made a point of regularly importing high-profile international horses to add to its roster since its inception in 1955. Arc winner Sottsass was a case in point for the 2025 season in a significant deal that placed him on the line-up alongside other familiar names such as Caravaggio, Makfi, Declaration Of War and Noble Mission.

From its head office in Tokyo, the JBBA operates three stallion farms overall and does its best to offer breeders access into a variety of sire lines; only one of the 13-strong roster descends in sire line from

Sunday Silence (the Group 2-winning Deep Impact horse Red Bel Jour).

By all accounts, the addition of American Pharoah to the JBBA’s roster arrived following several years of determined pursuit. And little wonder when American Pharoah’s record in Japan is considered. For starters, first-crop representative Cafe Pharoah won two renewals of the Group 1 February Stakes and was the champion dirt male of 2022 while Danon Pharoah won the 2020 Japan Dirt Derby. In all, American Pharoah is the sire of nine stakes winners in Japan despite naturally operating with a small pool of runners.

In a measure of the line’s popularity, he also has three sons at stud in Japan, including Four Wheel Drive, whose first crop contains multiple stakes winner Yamanin Cerchi, and Van Gogh, the sire of six first-crop juvenile winners at the time of writing.

There was understandably some dismay on social media, primarily from American racing fans, that American Pharoah was leaving Kentucky. But there is certainly the sense that he is heading to a nation of breeders that will appreciate him to the full. Indeed, the JBBA report that they have received numerous enquiries since the announcement was made and it will be fascinating to see how he fares under their management.

EQUINE HEALTH

Nourishing success: getting in-foal mares ready for the season ahead

By LAURA STELEY

As the turf Flat racing season draws to a close and sales headlines continue to dominate, studs will be looking towards preparing their broodmares for the 2026 breeding season. Managing their nutritional requirements is a vital component for health and breeding success. To this aim, we will be focusing on understanding the nutritional needs of the in-foal mare at this time of year, looking forward to how we can best support them pre/post foaling and during rebreeding.

Nutritional changes – when, why and how?

Liz Bulbrook, Director of Nutrition at Baileys Horse Feeds, comments: “Whilst we know that correctly balanced nutrition is important throughout the whole pregnancy, the nutritional needs of the pregnant mare during the early months are usually met through the

provision of a balance of nutrients. This includes essential amino acids, provided by quality protein sources and vitamins and minerals (macro and micro) to complement forage. Usually, few additional calories are necessary above maintenance requirements. However, as we move into the winter, the mares’ requirements will change.”

Dr Marga Mas, Head of Veterinary, Equine Health & Performance at Dodson & Horrell, says: “Broodmares in the last four months of pregnancy require about 25% more energy and protein from their diet than earlier on, and a significantly higher supply of calcium, phosphorus, iodine, copper, zinc and manganese, and vitamins A, D and E. These nutrients are found in variable, insufficient amounts in winter pasture and can be very low, dependant on the particular year’s forage yield, therefore they must be supplied through a

compound feed.”

That said, this does not mean that all mares will require increased calories as soon as they are in the final trimester or the colder temperatures hit. Bulbrook continues: “It is important to assess a mare’s body condition and feed as an individual. A body condition score of 5-6 (on the Henneke et al 1-9 point system) is ideal.” They may show a slight crease on the back, and a soft fat pad can be felt at the tailhead. Mas continues: “Avoiding excess weight gain in late gestation is crucial: heavier mares tend to have heftier foals and higher chances of dystocia.”

For in-foal and subsequently lactating mares, the aim is to maintain optimal body condition throughout the year. If a broodmare becomes overweight during gestation, it is important that we don’t restrict their calories too quickly, as this could negatively affect the growth and

A later foaling mare, for example in April, may gain the benefits of improved spring grazing

EQUINE HEALTH

development of the unborn foal. Obesity can be a serious problem and may reduce fertility, increase the risk of problems such as insulin resistance and laminitis, and potentially predispose the foal to developmental orthopaedic diseases after birth.

Mas advises: “For some mares, a stud balancer like D&H Suregrow is a great way to ensure macro and micronutrient intake without excess calories from non-structural carbohydrate sources. It is a low-calorie, concentrated source of amino acids, vitamins and minerals with a low feeding rate (0.5-1 kg per day for an average broodmare).”

She continues: “In late pregnancy, the foetus gains 350 to 450g per day – up to 60% of the foal’s body weight at birth has been gained in these last 90 days in the mare’s womb.” During the last trimester there is an increased rate of nutrient transfer across the placenta and the mare’s requirements for most nutrients increase substantially. Mas explains: “Metabolically, broodmares at this stage are primed to prioritise the growing foal at the expense of their own reserves.

“To avoid a dangerous drop in body condition that could put lactation and rebreeding at risk, increasing the protein and trace mineral intake is recommended. This includes a superior supply of amino acid L-lysine, to maintain their muscle mass and build the growing foal’s tissues,

as well as vitamins and minerals. A stud feed/balancer can be added into the mare’s diet, adjusting the feeding rate based on the mare’s ability to keep condition.”

Maiden mares require increased levels of protein

Trace mineral supplementation must be adequate to allow the foetus to store iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium to sustain growth during the first few months when the mare’s milk does not provide these nutrients. Also, a mare’s vitamin A requirement is doubled during late gestation and lactation – most specific stud feeds are adequately supplemented for this demand. Several clinical trials have shown that supplementing mares with a live yeast probiotic during late pregnancy has multiple benefits including improved colostrum quality.

Equally, omega-3 fatty acids also benefit fertility, aiding ovulation, maintaining early pregnancy, and speeding uterine recovery after foaling; when pasture is limited, supplementation with linseed or flax oil is recommended. Bulbrook elaborates: “Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidant support from vitamins E and C as well as organic selenium and zinc should be included in a stud ration. These have a role to play in ensuring the mare has good levels of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in her colostrum post foaling. Many of these nutrients are also important for placental health and efficient cleansing of the afterbirth.”

Maidens and established mares

We must consider the potential differences between feeding a maiden foaler and an established broodmare. A maiden is still maturing physically and adjusting to her new role. Maidens, particularly those recently out of training, will be lean and fit and may continue to grow until around five years old. Their diet must therefore support both their own development and that of the foetus. They require higher levels of high-quality protein, ideally from sources rich in lysine and methionine, to aid muscle and bone growth.

Gradual weight gain should be encouraged to achieve the optimum body condition before and during early pregnancy, as being under-conditioned can

During late gestation, many mares have lower intake and digestive capacity due to the uterine volume in their abdomen

BILL

EQUINE HEALTH

›› delay conception and increase the risk of early embryonic loss. Because these mares are adapting to reduced exercise and new feeding routines, dietary changes should be introduced slowly, with additional support for bone and hoof health. An established broodmare, on the other hand, is already physiologically adapted to pregnancy and as discussed, requires a diet focused on maintaining steady condition and supporting foetal growth rather than her own development.

Another important point which cannot be overlooked is the importance of middle trimester nutrition. Bulbrook advises: “Published research has shown that the nutrition the mare receives in the middle trimester (month five onwards) is just as important as that received in the last trimester. A mare’s energy need continually increases, allowing her to replenish and build body reserves so that she can in turn supply the foal during their most rapid growth phase in the last trimester.”

It would be neglectful of me to not mention the importance of a well thought out and structured worm egg count and worming schedule. This is

crucial to the health and wellbeing of all thoroughbreds, particularly broodmares who predominantly live out in herds most of the year (see Vet Forum, pages 88-90).

Climate and environmental factors

Bulbrook comments: “The environmental conditions can have an influence on how we may need to adjust the diet through the winter. The energy requirements to meet the needs of maintenance increase in very cold weather – more calories are being used to meet maintenance needs and less passed to the foetus, despite the genetical link that the mare will endeavour to supply the foetus providing she is not in negative energy balance.”

Many factors will dictate how much you need to counteract the drop in temperature, such as availability of shelter, wind chill, age, temperament and herd structure. Again, always feed the individual in front of you.

Due date deliberations

The due date is a very important piece of information when assessing the nutritional

needs of a foaling mare. Bulbrook says: “An early January/February foaling mare will now be in her final trimester where the greatest increase in foetal growth occurs, requiring an increase in nutrients. This usually means increasing calories to support the protein, vitamins and minerals already being supplied typically via a concentrated stud balancer ration.

“The grass quality will have decreased with winter grazing, in turn placing more emphasis on supplying additional calories from hard feed, such as a 15-16% protein stud cube or mix with typical digestible energy (calorie) levels of 12-13 MJ/kg and complementing the grass with hay or haylage to maintain fibre intake. When compound feed is increased, levels of balancer can be reduced to maintain a balanced diet whilst adjusting the calories.”

An important consideration during this time is to provide the mare with small, frequent meals – concentrate feed amounts will increase, but digestive capacity will decrease due to foetal size. Mas echoes this point, saying: “The mare’s nutrient and energy requirements increase, but many mares have lower

Careful consideration should be given to ensure adequate forage is available during the period of stabling ahead of foaling

BILL SELWYN

GROW DEVELOP

James Read, Selwood Bloodstock says it all

"D&H Suregrow is a central part of our feeding regime for pregnant mares, foals and yearlings. We have fed the product for a number of years and are delighted at how the youngstock look. It delivers optimal growth and development in the youngstock without them getting too heavy. We even use it during sales prep.

I would happily recommend it to other breeders."

EQUINE ROYALTY

For feed advice, please call our helpline team on 01270 782 223 or email helplineenquiries@dodsonandhorrell.com www.dodsonandhorrell.com

EQUINE HEALTH

intake and digestive capacity due to the uterine volume in their abdomen – another reason why low feeding rate options are a winner when it comes to ensuring they don’t go without and continue to meet forage intake requirements.”

Bulbrook continues: “A later foaling mare, for example in April, may gain the benefits of improved spring grazing. It is important that later foaling mares do not automatically have their diets increased in terms of provision of calories at the same time as earlier foaling mares. Gestational gain of 12-16% of the mare’s original initial bodyweight is typical, with the majority of this attributed to the foetus and placental tissues. Research has also shown that no advantage accrues from gains greater than this; a fat mare can potentially lead to more difficult foaling. However, later foaling mares are likely to require additional nutritional support through the winter months.”

Forage

A study at the Tunisian National Breeding Facility in Sidi Thabet examined how forage availability affects conception rates. One hundred mares were divided into two groups, both receiving 10kg of hay daily. Those fed continuously – 5kg by day and 5kg overnight – achieved an 81% conception rate, while mares fed only overnight achieved 55%, with far more oestrus irregularities.

This corresponds with the knowledge that horses can experience gastrointestinal discomfort if deprived of food for only one or two hours, and this stress often manifests itself in stereotypical behaviours and gastric ulcers – not an ideal state for conception. Careful consideration should be given to ensure adequate forage is available during the period of stabling ahead of foaling.

High-quality forage, most commonly hay, should provide adequate protein, fibre, and key minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Chemical analysis is invaluable for assessing hay quality, alongside simple checks like smell and dust levels. Protein quality matters as much as quantity –amino acids such as lysine and methionine are vital, with deficiencies linked to poor milk quality or abortion. Fibre supports gut motility and should make up at least 1.5% of bodyweight daily; feeding fast-soaking sugar beet is a cost-effective way to boost intake for stabled mares. A healthy gut microflora population aids fibre digestion and energy conversion. Copper and zinc, often low in UK soils, are essential for coat, hoof, and reproductive health, and are routinely added to quality balancers.

Golden oldies

Broodmares are commonly staying in production a lot longer these days and are often having more foals over the course of their lifetime. This is partially due to advances in science, along with better veterinary care meaning horses are staying

healthier for longer. Age can often have a detrimental effect on gastro-intestinal efficiency, so it is important to make sure that the nutrition we provide is easily digestible.

Pre and pro biotics are particularly useful in supporting the gastro-intestinal

Studies have shown that using a blue light mask can help prevent a prolonged gestation

EXTRA SUPPORT FOR YOUNGSTOCK PRONE TO DODS

AIDS SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT

SUITABLE FOR MARES AND YOUNGSTOCK

FOR SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT

Pelleted supplement scientifcally formulated to provide 10 key ingredients necessary to support cartilage and skeletal development of foals in-utero and throughout growth.

> Calcium & Phosphorus – in the ideal ratio of 2:1 to optimise bone development

> Chelated Copper & Zinc - vital throughout pregnancy to maximise the foal’s own stores

> Silicon – a bioavailable source of silica, a critical component to maintain healthy bones, tendon and ligaments

> Vitamin D – necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus

> Vitamin K – to support bone formation and mineralisation

> Chelated Manganese – for the synthesis of chondroitin sulphate, important for healthy joints

> Lysine & Methionine – essential for collagen formation, a key structural protein in bones

NEW PELLETED FORMAT

EQUINE HEALTH

tract. All broodmares should have regular dental checks, but aged mares are more likely to encounter dental issues. This can make it harder to meet fibre and calorie requirements via forage alone. Softer, more digestible feeds may prove useful, such as dried grasses and mashes. Also, biotin is a great supplement to help support hoof growth – this may well be included in the concentrate or balancer (if fed). Finally, older mares are often more sensitive to extreme weather conditions; this should not be overlooked.

Blue light effect

Associate Professor Barbara Murphy, University College Dublin and Founder & CSO at Equilume, explains: “The most important thing to consider when preparing the pregnant mare for the breeding season is determining how she will receive the correct light signal in the months before foaling. While nutrition is of course important, how she uses the nutrition that we provide her with depends on what hormones are active in her body, and this is controlled by the seasonally changing daylength hours.”

Mares are not normally supposed to foal as early as they do in the thoroughbred industry, when the days are still short and often dark. There are consequences to early foaling dates in terms of reductions in breeding efficiencies. Foals born in the shorter days of late winter and early spring have longer gestations, lower foal birth weights, and foals are often less mature. What’s more, early foaling mares may have more trouble cycling post-foaling and experience erratic cycles and poorer milk production.

Published studies using blue light masks have shown that exposing the pregnant mare to 15-16 hours of light daily in the last trimester prevents prolonged gestations by on average two weeks,

Fill in our questionnaire and sign up to FREE parasite testing!

For more info, contact: PhD Researcher Aisha Kirby akirby93@liverpool.ac.uk

and longer for individual mares that consistently run many weeks past their due dates. Long daylengths, which can be provided by timed stable lighting, paddock floodlights or head-worn blue light masks, stimulate the normal growth hormones that regulate foals’ development in utero. This means that by exposing mares to longer daylengths using artificial lights in the final trimester, the foal responds by growing at the right pace and running out of room in the uterus at the end of a normal gestation period (which is 335 days for the horse) such that the foaling process is initiated.

Foetal stress

from running out of room kicks off the hormonal cascade

It is foetal stress from running out of room that kicks off the hormonal cascade that leads to the mare’s contractions during foaling. Foals born to mares that received supplemental light in the final trimester have been shown in research studies using Equilume light masks to be more mature, have heavier birth weights, and get to their feet 15 minutes faster.

Not only are there benefits of using light correctly to regulate gestation length and foal maturity, but the mare’s postfoaling fertility is improved. By providing

the right light signal to activate the hormones in the reproductive axis (starting ten weeks before her due date), she will cycle well post-foaling. Studies have again unequivocally shown that mares wearing blue light masks for 100 days prefoaling have their foal heat ovulation five days sooner and produce larger dominant follicles. This allows breeders to breed them back sooner, whether they are short cycled using prostaglandin.

Added to the benefit of tighter gestations, the correct use of lighting allows the mare to foal at the same approximate time each season, which is just as nature intended and what occurs in wild horse populations. A key to achieving improved breeding efficiencies on farms and producing the most mature offspring destined to become our top tier future athletes is to understand the power of light for your breeding stock. It’s more than just a bright idea!”

As anticipation for the breeding season builds, one message remains constant – preparation is everything. Breeding thoroughbreds is a demanding pursuit where attention to detail can make all the difference. From a nutritional standpoint, ensuring mares have access to ad-lib, high-quality forage throughout the year forms the foundation of good reproductive health. Alongside this, regular monitoring of body condition and timely adjustments to feed and supplementation will optimise fertility and support a healthy pregnancy.

Ongoing research in equine reproduction continues to enhance our understanding of broodmare nutrition, and as the industry evolves, so too must our management practices. By prioritising education and proactive care, we can continue to uphold and improve on welfare standards whilst breeding the next champions to grace our racecourses.

We’re researching parasite management practices across TB studs and training yards- we want to hear from you! Your insights will help shape evidence-based strategies for more effective, sustainable parasite control in the industry.

We would like to hear from yard managers and vets working on TB yards in Britain and Northern Ireland, and invite them to complete a questionnaire.

Complete this and sign up for the follow-up studies to receive FREE faecal egg counts and tests for wormer resistance in parasites!

Effective light therapy for pregnant mares

We have been breeding Thoroughbreds for 25 years and have never had a foal arrive on time, let alone early, as our mares are predisposed to late foaling. Using Equilume Light Masks this year had a dramatic effect on our mare’s gestation lengths, with reductions of 19 and 24 days, and the production of mature, healthy foals. We are delighted and only wish we had started using Equilume sooner. This technology works and the customer support is second to none.”

Brent and Fiona Williams, Breeder, UK

Wormer resistance: risk assessments for better parasite control on studs

By PROF JACQUELINE B MATTHEWS

Parasitic worms are common in horses and can lead to a range of health problems, such as weight loss, colic, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, when a horse has a large number of worms, the infection can become life-threatening if not treated properly. Younger horses are particularly vulnerable to developing significant burdens, making effective parasite control essential on breeding farms. Unfortunately, the long-term routine use of wormers has resulted in the emergence of resistance, which diminishes the effectiveness of these medications against all common worms (Nielsen 2022). Worming treatments should thus be reserved for horses at high risk of carrying disease-causing infection levels.

With no new wormers expected soon, there has been a move towards more evidence-based approaches to control. These methods assess infection risk and, in most cases, use diagnostic testing to inform treatments. This process is more complex than just giving a wormer to all horses; therefore, guidelines have been published

in several countries to assist end-users in implementing evidence-based parasite control.

It is essential to start with an assessment of the infection risk for the specific horse or the group of horses being considered (Fig. 1). Depending on which parasites are identified as a threat, specific tests are then applied. If the horse(s) are deemed as being of high risk of disease and diagnostic tests are not available that offer guidance, a strategic treatment may be necessary. Risk assessment will identify gaps in management practices that can then be addressed to help lower worm transmission in the environment, thereby minimising the exposure to infection.

How to conduct a worm infection risk assessment

Consider the following when building a risk assessment for breeding establishments:

1. Age: different age groups are vulnerable to specific types of worms, emphasising the need to understand which parasites

affect each group. Table 1 summarises the most commonly- encountered worms in stock of various ages.

2. Season: external factors like temperature, humidity and rainfall can influence the life cycles of worms and their transmission rates on paddocks. In northern Europe, parasitic worms that affect horses develop most rapidly on paddocks between spring and autumn. Each season brings different risks, making it essential to discuss these with a veterinarian.

3. Management practices: assessing management identifies exposure risks. Poor paddock hygiene increases the likelihood of infection. Regularly removing dung (several times a week) and maintaining low stocking densities (at least one acre per horse) can help reduce worm populations on paddocks, thereby decreasing transmission. Resting for extended periods has a positive impact on reducing pasture infectivity, and paddocks should be rested for at

Fig 1: Risk assessment

least six months from the start of the year to allow parasites deposited the previous year to die off. The persistence of infective stages of some types of worms, such as ascarid eggs or tapeworm larvae in mites, remains unknown. Alternating grazing with non-equine species, such as sheep, can be beneficial. This should be discussed with a veterinarian who will conduct a risk assessment to assess the threat of liver fluke being transmitted and advise on appropriate testing.

4. Previous test results: recent test results provide invaluable insights into likely exposure to different types of worms and will inform the level of risk

5. Worming history: understanding previous treatment behaviours provides insights into potential resistance issues

and informs future strategies. Assessing the effectiveness of the wormers being used (by FEC reduction testing) is essential.

6. Clinical signs: weight loss, inability to gain weight, colic, or diarrhoea may indicate the presence of harmful burdens, particularly in youngsters. Ascarid infections can lead to respiratory issues (coughing, nasal discharge) because this parasite migrates through the lungs. Horses with compromised immune systems are also at a higher risk of worm infection.

7. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, a comprehensive assessment can be conducted, informing the next steps in testing and/or treatment and management. This enables breeders to ›› Fig 2:

Table 1: Worms commonly found in horses on breeding establishments (‘+’ infections likely in class of stock, ‘-’ infection unlikely in class of stock)

Comments Foals are infected early in life, but threadworm disease is uncommon. The larvae can live in the environment and penetrate the skin, staying in body tissue for years, passing through mare’s milk to foals. While this worm can cause diarrhoea in some foals, routine treatment of mares before foaling is no longer recommended due to the risk of resistance in other parasites. Treat mares only if there is a known history of threadwormassociated disease on the premises.

Ascarids are the most common worms in foals. Large burdens can damage the lungs and gut. While older horses can occasionally have ascarids, most develop immunity. Drug resistance, particularly to ivermectin and moxidectin*, is common. Eggs can survive on paddocks, and foals can get infected from eggs shed by the previous foal crop, so avoid grazing foals in the same fields annually. As eggs are not excreted for ~10 weeks after infection, a treatment at 2-3 months is recommended. After 4 months, worming should be based on faecal egg count (FEC) results.

* Moxidectin should not be used in foals under four months

Foals are infected with small redworms in their first few months. Heavy infections, particularly of encysted larvae in the gut wall, may lead to weight loss, colic, and diarrhoea, especially in 1-4-yearolds. Resistance can occur to all types of wormers. Starting at 6 months, dung should be tested for eggs every 10-12 weeks in the grazing season, and treatments given based on FEC results. Strategic treatments against encysted small redworm larvae are needed in youngstock at high risk of infection in autumn/winter. Where the risk is assessed as low, in horses >4 years, antibody testing can be conducted, and treatment based on blood test results.

Seldom observed due to long-term use of broadspectrum wormers. However, large redworms can cause serious colic. The shift towards more targeted worming to slow resistance, combined with movement of horses from regions where this parasite is more prevalent, increases risk.

Large redworm eggs cannot be distinguished from those of small redworms. Culturing eggs to larvae allows differentiation between the two. This can be conducted by specialist laboratories (for example, in the UK, Westgate Labs). This test can be performed on individual samples or samples pooled from small groups (up to four horses)

Foals are commonly infected with tapeworms from a few months, but horses of all ages can be affected. Burdens >20 worms can cause gut damage, potentially causing colic. Reports of resistance have emerged from breeding farms, with resistance observed against both wormers approved for tapeworm treatment. Thus, it is crucial to include this parasite in evidencebased control plans. Generally, on wellmanaged paddocks, tapeworm prevalence is low, leading to large reductions in wormer use. On certain farms, testing will identify if the parasite is a concern. Weaned foals can be blood/saliva tested from 6 months, and then every 6 months thereafter.

FEC testing

VET FORUM

›› prioritise health while also reducing the risk of drug resistance. Engaging with a veterinarian throughout the process ensures that appropriate adjustments to control plans can be made as new information and circumstances arise.

Testing approaches

Faecal egg count (FEC) tests (Fig. 2) identify horses shedding ascarid eggs (Fig. 3) and strongyle eggs (mostly small redworm, Fig. 4), which contribute to pasture contamination. In adult groups on well-managed paddocks, around 20% of horses shed over 80% of the strongyle eggs excreted, so only a few horses require treatment. On the other hand, younger horses (< 5 years) typically shed more eggs due to lower immunity, especially if they graze heavily contaminated paddocks, so testing frequency may need to be more frequent than for adult horses.

FEC testing is recommended from four months of age, every eight to 12 weeks during the grazing season. For foals older than four months, FEC tests help identify the type of worm eggs being shed, which affects the type of wormer to be administered. FEC tests are also useful for evaluating the effectiveness of wormers. To check for resistance, take samples from FEC-positive horses just before treatment and again two weeks after. If the average drop in egg counts is less than 90% after fenbendazole or pyrantel embonate treatments, or less than 95% for ivermectin or moxidectin treatment, this indicates resistance.

As management shifts towards more targeted treatments – reducing the overall use of anthelmintics – monitoring for large redworms becomes important, particularly on farms with frequent horse movements. This can be done once a year by sending dung samples to a parasitology laboratory, where eggs are cultured into larvae, allowing large redworms to be distinguished from

small redworms.

FEC tests show how many eggs are present in dung, but they do not reveal the total worm burden – particularly in horses carrying large numbers of immature larvae. For tapeworms, FECs are not reliable because adult worms shed eggs only intermittently, and many infections involve immature or sterile worms that produce no eggs at all. In these cases, antibody tests provide a more useful alternative.

Tapeworm can be diagnosed with blood or saliva tests (Fig. 5) that measure specific antibodies that correlate with tapeworm infection level (Lightbody et al., 2016). These tests reliably detect horses carrying more than 20 tapeworms and classify results as ‘low,’ ‘borderline,’ or ‘moderate/high.’

Treatment is recommended for horses in the borderline or moderate/high categories, and all horses sharing the same pasture should be tested.

Foals can be tested from six months of age, though saliva tests should only be used after weaning to avoid milk contamination. Between 2015 and 2022, use of the EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Test reduced wormer use significantly: only a third of tested horses required treatment, preventing 111,927 unnecessary doses. Testing frequency depends on risk: every six months for groups with known burdens or disease history, and once a year for confirmed low-risk groups. Because tapeworms can infect horses yearround, testing can be done at any time, though spring and autumn are best for highrisk groups.

In the past, blanket treatment for encysted small redworm larvae was advised at the end of the grazing season (Rendle et al., 2019). This approach is no longer recommended – treatment should now be reserved for horses identified as high risk. For low-risk groups, such as stabled adult horses or those kept on well-managed paddocks with consistently low FECs, the

Small Redworm Blood Test (Lightbody et al. 2024) can confirm that burdens are low and treatment is unnecessary.

Management approaches

The most effective way to reduce pasture contamination is by removing dung at least twice a week, as under optimal conditions, worm eggs can quickly develop into infective larvae, and mites can soon enter the dung pile to become infected. Regular dung removal lowers infection rates and reduces the need for treatments, helping slow resistance.

Harrowing or spreading fresh manure should be avoided, as these spread worms under mild temperate conditions. Good pasture hygiene is especially important in foal/nursery paddocks to remove ascarid eggs. High levels of small redworm infection are more likely to occur in yearlings and adolescents, so management should also be optimised on all paddocks containing these types of stock.

Conclusion

On stud farms, it is essential to develop parasite control plans tailored to each site in close collaboration with a veterinarian who can assess parasite risks by considering horse age, health status, past test results, and management practices. From this, a targeted strategy can be designed to protect foals, yearlings, and adults, ensuring effective parasite control while safeguarding the longterm effectiveness of worming medications.

References

Lightbody et al. 2024. Int J Parasitol. 54:2332.

Lightbody et al. 2016. Vet Clin Pathol. 45:335-346.

Matthews et al. 2023. Pathogens 12:1233. Nielsen 2022. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist. 20:76-88.

Rendle et al. 2019. UK-Vet Eq. 3:1-14.

Fig 5: saliva sample being taken

Fig 4: strongyle eggs

Fig 3: ascarid egg

Best practice worm control for breeding farms

Due to the threat of wormer resistance, best practice guidelines advise that DIAGNOSTIC-LED programmes should be used for worm control in horses1

Horses in specific age categories have different worm risk profiles. A risk assessment should be performed, and an age-appropriate worming programme applied

Strongyle worm egg shedding (FEC) patterns in adult horses mean that >70% of those tested do not need worming2

Only 1/3 of UK horses tested using the EquiSal saliva test have tapeworm infections that require treatment3

In low-risk horses tested with the small redworm blood test, >60% fell below the lowest worm burden threshold3

1 BEVA Anthelmintic Toolkit (beva.org.uk), 2 Relf et al. 2013. Parasitology 140:641-652, 3 Matthews et al. 2024. In Practice 46:34-41.

Exemplar diagnostic-led worm control programme

Foals & yearlings

Horses 2-4 years-old

Strategic treatments

✓ (Worm foals of <4 months every 2 months for ascarids. If >6 months-old, treat for small redworm larvae in late autumn/ winter)

✓ (Treat for small redworm larvae in late autumn/winter)

Horses >4 years-old (mares, stallions)

✓ (If assessed as high risk, treat for small redworm larvae in late autumn/winter)

Faecal egg count (FEC) test

✓ (Test from 4 months-old to identify type of worm eggs shed to inform appropriate wormer selection)

✓ (Test spring to late summer to assess egg shedding level)

✓ (Test spring to late summer to assess egg shedding level)

Tapeworm test (saliva or blood test)

✓ (Test in spring and autumn from 6 months-old if weaned)

✓ (Test in spring and autumn)

✓ (Test in spring and autumn)

Small Redworm Blood test (low risk only)

✘ NOT SUITABLE for informing worming treatments

✘ NOT SUITABLE for informing worming treatments

✓ (If assessed as low risk, test for small redworm in late autumn/winter)

Excellent paddock management (daily dung removal, low stocking density) should be implemented on all fields throughout the year, particularly where high-risk younger horses graze

Parker fires industry warning on owner cutbacks at ROA AGM

Doncaster racecourse was the venue for the 81st Annual General Meeting of the Racehorse Owners Association, held on Friday, October 24.

In his final address as ROA President, Charlie Parker reflected on the challenges faced by the owners’ body and British racing over the past five years, from navigating through the Covid lockdowns, through to governance reform and championing owner representation and responsibility.

He warned that the ROA’s recent survey results show almost half of owners expected to reduce their involvement over the next three to five years, calling it “a serious risk to the future health of the sport.”

Parker reaffirmed the ROA’s central role as the collective and influential voice of racehorse owners – who put more than £550 million each year into British racing –urging the industry to recognise owners as its primary investors and to act decisively to protect and grow this vital base.

He outlined the ROA’s continuing commitment to championing owners’ interests through stronger representation, accountability, and collaboration, calling

for a sharper focus on recruitment and retention, fairer commercial arrangements between owners and racecourses, and renewed progress on key industry initiatives such as Project Pace and Project Beacon.

Project Pace seeks a transformational funding solution for British racing, and Parker said: “Pace highlighted the opportunities that a revamped elite Flat racing product could have on fan engagement and on global media and commercial investment.

“Recent modelling of a ‘do nothing’ industry shows a potential decline in actual prize-money over a ten-year period of £45m. A co-ordinated approach to the sale of rights and a turbo-charged digital marketing effort can stop this decline.”

Parker highlighted the forthcoming launch of the ROA’s new associate membership tier as a key step in broadening engagement across syndicate and club ownership.

Thanking Chief Executive Louise Norman and the ROA team, as well as the Board members who stepped down and welcoming four new people to the Board,

Parker noted that the ROA maintained a robust financial position and continued to deliver on its mission to ensure every owner’s voice is heard and valued.

Concluding his address, he said that the future depends on modern governance, investment in its key participants, and the collective will to deliver growth and sustainability for British racing.

Parker will remain on the ROA Board until the end of his complete 12-year term.

Articles of Association updated

Further amendments to the ROA’s Articles of Association were approved by members and ratified at the AGM. These include extending the maximum term of Board service from ten to 12 years, allowing greater continuity, retention of expertise, proactive succession planning, and aligning with the three four-year terms that Board members are eligible to serve.

The Articles also adopt more modern governance language, with the introduction of the titles Chair and Vice Chair.

The latest Annual Report can be viewed on the Reports page at roa.co.uk.

Charlie Parker said that many owners plan to reduce their involvement, presenting “a serious risk to the future health of the sport”

New Chair and Board members welcomed

The appointment of Dr Jim Walker as ROA Chair was approved at the AGM. Dr Walker joined the Board in 2023, and his strong leadership will be central as the ROA continues to address the key issues of prize-money, costs, and the owner experience.

Dr Walker, chief economist at Aletheia Capital Ltd, has been a racehorse owner since 1998 and won the 2021 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot with Subjectivist.

He said: “It is an honour to take on the role of Chair at such an important time for racehorse owners and British racing. Owners are the foundation of this sport, and the ROA has a critical role to play in ensuring their investment, passion and commitment are recognised and supported.

“I would like to thank Charlie Parker for his outstanding leadership and dedication during his time as President. He has guided the ROA through a period of significant change and leaves a strong platform on which to build.

“I also would like to welcome our new Board members and look forward to working with the Board and our members as we focus on the priorities that matter most to owners – from prize-money and costs to the overall

ownership experience.”

Alan Spence, who joined the Board in 2017 and was elected Vice President in 2022, becomes Vice Chair.

There was strong interest in this year’s Board elections, with 13 candidates standing for three places.

Mark Johnston, Peter Savill and Sam Hoskins received the highest number of votes from the ROA membership. Each will serve a four-year term.

In a significant step forward, the ROA is broadening representation and collaboration across all ownership profiles with the approved co-option of Dan Abraham, Chair of the Racehorse Syndicates Association (RSA) onto the Board.

With partnerships, syndicates and micro-ownership remaining a significant growth area and an important route into ownership, this ensures that syndicate members and managers are directly represented within the ROA. This move reflects the ROA’s commitment to ensuring all owners’ voices are heard at the highest level, and that a clear pathway exists to retain and grow the ownership base for the future.

The ROA also gave thanks to Khalid Almudhaf and Sir Philip Davies, who completed their terms on the Board,

with both making a significant contribution to the ROA during their tenure. In addition, Mouse HamiltonFairley and Celia Djivanovic stepped down following the elections.

Louise Norman, ROA Chief Executive, said: “I’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all those standing down from the Board for their outstanding contribution to the ROA and to the ownership community.

“We warmly welcome Dan Abraham, Sam Hoskins, Mark Johnston and Peter Savill to the Board and I look forward to working closely with them, our existing Board, and our new Chair, Dr Jim Walker, alongside Vice Chair Alan Spence.

“When I took on the role of CEO, we committed to a reset and refresh of the ROA strengthening its position as the collective and influential voice of racehorse owners. With our financial performance secured, and following structural changes and investment in key objectives focused on ownership and breeding as part of the Industry Strategic Framework, the ROA’s direction of travel is now clearly set.

“We look forward to delivering our plans to protect and retain existing owners while making ownership an attractive and attainable proposition for growth and for the next generation.

“Together, we remain committed to working collaboratively across the sport to champion owners’ interests, ensuring they are recognised, rewarded, and that ownership remains accessible, enjoyable and sustainable for the future.”

ROA CEO Louise Norman with (l-r) Mark Johnston, Peter Savill, Chair Dr Jim Walker, Vice Chair Alan Spence and Dan Abraham

The CEO Column

By LOUISE NORMAN ROA Chief Executive

The ROA AGM in October marked an important milestone as we thanked Charlie Parker for his five years of dedicated leadership as ROA President. His tenure has been one of resilience, reform and results, a period in which he has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Association’s influence and ensure that owners’ voices are heard at every level of decision-making across the sport.

When Charlie took up his presidency in June 2020, British racing was in the depths of a national lockdown. Under his leadership, the industry united to bring racing back ahead of any other major sport, reopen racecourses to owners and spectators, and secure vital financial support through the government’s Covid sports fund. On the BHA Board he was involved with significant governance reform, including the 2022 changes that removed the industry’s paralysing veto.

I am delighted that Charlie will remain on the ROA Board to complete his maximum 12-year term, which ensures that his valuable experience and insights are retained as he supports our new Chair, Jim Walker, and the wider Board in building on this strong foundation.

I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Khalid Almudhaf and Sir Philip Davies, who also stood down from the Board after completing their terms. Both have made a tremendous contribution to the ROA during their tenure. We particularly look forward to continuing to work with Sir Philip in his role as Chair of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, where horseracing and greyhound racing face many of the same challenges around betting and maintaining their social licence to operate.

Mouse Hamilton-Fairley and Celia Djivanovic stepped down following the Board elections, and I would like to extend

my heartfelt thanks to them both. They have each given so much of their time, energy, and passion to the ROA and to representing owners. Their insight, commitment and advocacy have been hugely valued, and their contribution to the ROA and to the wider ownership community has made a real difference.

It’s fantastic to welcome Dr Jim Walker as the ROA’s new Chair, stepping up from his role as a valued Board member to lead the Association into its next chapter, one focused on strengthening our voice within British racing and ensuring that ownership remains rewarding, sustainable and accessible.

Jim is a long-standing owner and passionate advocate for the interests of those who invest in the sport, bringing both a deep racing knowledge and professional expertise to the role. Since joining the Board in 2023, he has been a strong, thoughtful voice for members, championing fairer returns, tackling rising costs, and improving the ownership experience. I am very much looking forward to working with him.

This year’s Board elections attracted the strongest interest in years, with 13 excellent candidates standing for three available places. I am also delighted that this is the highest level of engagement we’ve seen in recent years from the ROA membership, both in terms of the Board candidates and member participation through voting and AGM attendance.

The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes from the membership and therefore elected to serve a four-year term on the Board were Sam Hoskins, Mark Johnston and Peter Savill. With Jim as the ROA’s new Chair and Alan Spence as Vice Chair, the Board has been further strengthened through the election of Sam, Mark and Peter, alongside the co-option of Dan Abraham, representing syndicates, while also retaining the knowledge and insight of Charlie Parker to support the leadership transition.

The ROA and its Board is entering a new phase of strong and balanced leadership, combining continuity and experience with fresh and broad perspectives and broader representation and I look forward to working closely with our new and existing Board members.

On behalf of everyone at the ROA, I want to offer once again my sincere thanks to Charlie for his dedication, wisdom, and the tireless energy he has brought to championing owners’ interests. His leadership has left the ROA stronger and more united than ever, and we look forward to carrying that momentum into the future.

New Chair Dr Jim Walker will lead the ROA into its next chapter

ANDREW KELLY

ROA Horseracing Awards 2025: book your places now

The countdown is on to one of the biggest nights in the racing calendar, the 43rd ROA Horseracing Awards, taking place on Thursday, December 4 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Hosted by ITV Racing’s Rishi Persad and Sky Sports Racing’s Hayley Moore, this glittering black-tie evening celebrates the outstanding owners, horses and achievements of the 2024/25 Flat and jumps seasons.

Eighteen awards will be presented on the night, including the coveted ROA Horse of the Year and Owner of the Year. Members can cast their votes once the nominations are revealed on Monday, November 3, with voting

closing on Friday, November 14.

New for 2025, two exciting categories will recognise syndicates and racing clubs of all sizes, celebrating the many ways people now experience the thrill of racehorse ownership.

Adding to the sparkle, acclaimed artist Dean Douglas, who has received commissions from the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason, will be

Market Rasen’s new owners’ facility

If you’re heading to Market Rasen this jumps season, you’re in for a treat. The racecourse has unveiled its brand-new

owners’ and trainers’ facility, offering more space, better food, and a few lovely extra touches.

Now located on an accessibility-friendly first floor near the pre-parade ring, the redeveloped space boosts capacity by more than 30% and features a two-course buffet with a wider range of dishes and quicker

painting a unique piece live on the night, which will then be auctioned ahead of the Owner of the Year award.

Your ticket includes a Tote champagne reception, three-course dinner, and an evening of celebration, awards and dancing, all for £300 per person or £3,000 per table of ten.

Don’t miss out, book your place now at roa.co.uk/awards25.

service for those with runners. You’ll also find complimentary tea, coffee, and soft drinks available throughout the day.

Outside, the owners’ viewing terrace has had a glow-up too, with relaxed seating perfect for watching the action in comfort.

We would love to hear what you think of the owner experience on your next visit to Market Rasen. Share your thoughts at roa.co.uk/raceday/feedback.html.

Owners and trainers will enjoy a new facility at Market Rasen

Dean Douglas, seen here with Sir Alex Ferguson, will paint a piece live on the night

Sports4Causes opening the parade ring to future owners

Sports4Causes, which gives people the opportunity to experience ownership firsthand, is becoming an effective pathway for inspiring newcomers into racehorse ownership.

For many racing enthusiasts, the idea of stepping into the parade ring or meeting a trainer before a race feels out of reach. Yet these intimate moments, where the excitement of ownership truly comes alive, often create the strongest connection with the sport.

Sports4Causes offers racing fans the chance to experience a day as an owner using badges kindly donated by registered owners unable to attend in person. Every detail is managed by the team, from liaising with the racecourse and connections to hosting guests, ensuring the experience is authentic, welcoming and memorable.

Guests enjoy owners’ and trainers’ facilities, lunch, and the highlight of meeting the trainer and jockey before their horse runs. With a 24% winners-to-runners strike-rate, the initiative has already delivered many special moments on the racecourse.

The scheme is bearing fruit, with several guests moving on to join syndicates and racing clubs after their day on course. Trainers, too, benefit from showcasing their yards to potential new owners. Almost half of badge revenue is donated to Racing Welfare, while 25% is returned to the host racecourse.

Owners who support the initiative are not only giving fans a rare insight into the thrill of racehorse ownership but are also rewarded in knowing they are contributing to the future of the sport.

How it works

Sports4Causes relies on the generosity of owners who can’t always make it to the races. Thanks to the support of our racecourses, generic ownership experiences are marketed year-round. Once 48hour declarations are made, the team matches pre-booked guests with runners on that raceday.

If your horse is declared, Sports4Causes will contact you or your racing manager. If you are attending, there is no obligation to offer badges. If not, the team may request two to four (never more than six) badges to facilitate their guests.

Each badge helps create an unforgettable experience for someone stepping into the owners’ and trainers’ facilities or parade ring for the very first time.

Your unused badge could be the moment that inspires a lifelong passion for ownership.

To get involved, email info@sports4causes.co.uk or visit sports4causes.co.uk.

Registered owners can donate badges so others can experience the thrill of racehorse ownership

THE RACEGOERS CLUB COLUMN

My racegoing highlight of the last few months was at Hamilton Park. I’d never been to Hamilton before, so it was the perfect excuse to tick off another UK course. Our two-year-old filly Passing Thought made the 367-mile trip from Lambourn. Eleven of us from the Kingsdown Racing Club went up to watch her on the day. Her second career start, when a close second at Goodwood to a subsequent Listedplaced filly, was very promising, so we journeyed to Scotland hoping this was a good opportunity for her to shed her maiden tag.

She had travelled up well and had her usual calm demeanour as she strolled around the pre-parade ring, while a couple of the opposition were very noisy. Paul Mulrennan seemed confident as he joined us in the parade ring and felt that she had a favourite’s chance. When asked “what did Ed Walker say”, Paul responded with a beaming smile and said “just win” as he walked away to get legged up.

In the race, she broke okay and sat behind the three up front. As the leaders quickened approaching the final two furlongs, Passing Thought was asked to go and join them by Paul. However, she didn’t quicken instantly, and entering the final furlong it didn’t appear that she was going to get there.

But gradually she began to inch closer, and then there was that wonderful feeling inside the last half furlong when we knew she was going to win – she scored quite cosily in the end, albeit only by a head. The front two pulled well clear of the others, but time will tell how strong the race was. The important thing is she has that ‘1’ next to her name now.

In the winner’s enclosure, the 11 of us were grinning from ear to ear as she was led in to a noisy but somewhat relieved reception. Paul apologised for nearly giving us a heart attack, explaining that she lengthens rather than quickens. She is our third filly with Ed over the last six seasons. All three

have won and we now have the winter to look forward to what she might do as a three-year-old.

My next new racecourse to visit will be Del Mar in California and there will be at least three of us there. I’ll let you know all about my trip to the Breeders’ Cup next month.

Before that, it’s time to start thinking about the jumps. It won’t be long until every decent winner this autumn is given an ante-post quote for the Cheltenham Festival. Cheltenham have already announced numerous changes to try and boost attendances at next year’s Festival. From cheaper Guinness to reduced capacity on Gold Cup day and more early-bird ticket offers, the changes have been made to improve the overall customer experience.

Yet it was the alterations to the race conditions for novice hurdlers that drew the most attention and debate. It has been deemed the Poniros rule, where unraced horses will be ineligible to run in Grade 1 novice and juvenile hurdles. In fact, unless a horse has a rating of at least 110, they will be ineligible to run in a Grade 1 hurdle.

I can understand why the BHA has made the changes. The question after last season’s Triumph Hurdle was ‘How on earth did he win?’ On the day of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a 100-1 unraced winner of the opening race would have had many punters on course and at home or in pubs scratching their heads. If it happened again next year, the novelty would have worn off and the cries for something to be done would be much louder.

To have three horses making their hurdling debut in the Triumph was something I’ve never seen before. However, trainers are creatures of habit, and it wouldn’t have been a surprise if Willie Mullins tried to do it again. In fact, other trainers might have been tempted to do so too, and we could have ended up with an even bigger number of hurdling debutants in the novice championship races at the Festival.

The fact that they are championship races should mean it’s the coming together of the best novice hurdlers of the season. In my opinion, the requirement to have shown a level of form to be eligible to compete in a championship race should be a given.

Poniros made a winning jumps debut in the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival in March

TONY WELLS looks at the racing scene

It’s a kind of Magique

Whether you are a sole owner or involved in shared ownership, we all dream of ‘that special horse’ that takes us to the big days at the top racecourses. Any winner is a very special experience but let’s face it, we all dream of a big-race winner!

Simon Double has been in racing for 30 years, having started out selling shares in horses for trainer Peter Harris before eventually starting Solario Racing 15 years ago.

Solario Racing syndicates horses in quarter or one twelfth shares, and has had many winners over the years. Simon tends to buy yearlings with a view to racing them at two and three before they head to the sales, so his shareholders generally sign up for a two-year commitment, with all the normal shares of prize-money won and sales proceeds at the end of the term.

Ownership is generally a very social experience, with Simon organising hospitality at the races alongside other social events and trips to the stables and gallops.

The Solario Racing horses were based with Amy Murphy in Newmarket and when Amy decided to move to train in France last year, leaving her husband, Lemos De Sousa, to take over the licence in Newmarket, Simon was keen to support both Amy and Lemos as they embarked on their new challenges.

With the Solario owners based in the UK, most of the horses stayed with Lemos, but Amy had purchased a Victor Ludorum yearling for £42,000 at the Tattersalls Book 3 Sale that she liked and was planning to take to France –Simon decided that this was a great way to support Amy and to expand Solario Racing’s ownership across the Channel. Amy and Simon retained a quarter share, with Simon syndicating the remaining three-quarters through Solario Racing.

The owners enjoyed a weekend at Amy’s base in Lamorlaye (near Chantilly) earlier in the year and over a few glasses of wine, the names of his sire, Victor Ludorum, and dam, Purple Magic, were combined to see the two-year-old named Victoire Magique, which translates as Magic Victory.

After a summer pleasing his trainer on the gallops, Victoire Magique was sent to make his racecourse debut at Lyon in early September, where he was taking on well-bred rivals from top trainers like

Christopher Head and Francis Graffard.

Under a confident ride from top jockey Cristian Demuro, Victoire Magique surged to the front in the closing stages to record a more than promising debut win. With not many in attendance at Lyon, you could even hear Simon and one of the shareholders celebrating as the horse passed the winning post!

Simon reported: “It was an absolute thrill to win on his debut, beating horses who had already had a run and showed good form.”

And things only got more thrilling from there, with the performance deemed good enough to earn the colt entries in a Group 3 race at Saint-Cloud in early October and another in a Group 1 at the same track later in the year.

Simon added: “To go for his second race in a Group 3 was really beyond my wildest dreams.”

Victoire Magique had already taken his shareholders to a level that they had yet

to achieve, but they were promised even more to come.

All but one of the shareholders were able to make the journey across to SaintCloud to see their horse run in the Group 3 race on his second start. Everyone was very excited and hopeful going into the race, but Victoire Magique was slowly away and with the ground riding a bit quicker than it had at Lyon, he was unable to reel in the leaders. However, he did stay on well close home to finish fourth, beaten only three lengths, and it certainly looks like winning at Pattern level will be well within his compass when things fall his way.

It has been great to follow the journey of Victoire Magique and his shareholders this autumn, yet another example of shared ownership bringing top level excitement to those involved. Fingers crossed that Victoire Magique can take his shareholders to new heights as his career progresses.

Victoire Magique with his winning owners and jockey Cristian Demuro

Victoire Magique makes a successful debut at Lyon for Solario Racing

Bid to Give: win a superb two-night trip to Paris for the Arc

two-night trip for two to Paris to the 2026 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, courtesy of Racing Breaks. All proceeds will support Racing Welfare, the charity dedicated to helping racing’s workforce through every stage of their lives.

The package includes return Eurostar travel, a Paris travel pass for easy connections, and two nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning. Guests will enjoy a private dinner on Saturday evening and an exclusive invitation to

Winners will also enjoy a meet and greet with Ruby, complete with photos, wine and signed memorabilia, plus return racecourse transfers. With Racing Breaks staff on hand throughout the trip, it promises a seamless, starstudded weekend in the heart of European racing.

Every bid helps Racing Welfare continue its vital work providing practical, emotional and financial support to the people who keep British racing running.

Place your bid today at bidtogive.co.uk

The Tote and ROA: pulling together

The Tote is proud to have the Racehorse Owners Association among its investors, a partnership rooted in one shared goal: a stronger, more sustainable future for British racing. Every bet placed with the Tote helps to grow prize-money, drive investment, and reward the owners who keep the sport thriving. Through World Pool, more than £65 million has already been returned to racing directly, boosting purses at fixtures across Britain and Ireland. For owners,

that means better returns on the track, while Tote customers enjoy great value with the Tote win price beating industry SP around 60% of the time on World Pool days.

As the World Pool expands to even more fixtures in 2026, now’s the time to get behind racing’s most exciting initiative.

Back your horses. Back British racing. Back the Tote. Open your Tote account today by scanning the QR code or call 0800 032 8188.

Daryz (nearside) edges out Minnie Hauk in a thrilling finish to the Arc last month

Employment Rights Bill nears end of journey

Rachel Flynn: employment rights expert

The Employment Rights Bill (‘the Bill’), was first introduced in parliament on October 10, 2024, and represented a seismic shift in the landscape of employment law in the UK, writes Rachel Flynn, TBA professional advisor.

Labour made a manifesto promise to introduce a programme of employment legislation within its first 100 days, entitled ‘New Deal for Working People’. This, they said, “is our plan to make work pay. It’s how we’ll boost wages, make work more secure and support working people to thrive –delivering a genuine living wage, banning exploitative zero hours contracts, and ending fire and rehire.”

Their promise was to deliver the biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation. Several areas have been clarified through consultation and accompanying regulations since then in part of an ongoing process.

Now the Bill is very near the end of its journey. The House of Commons has rejected the recent opposition amendments from the Lords in September. The Bill is now back in the Lords, waiting for them to agree (or disagree) with those rejections.

Under our system, the elected chamber, the House of Commons, always has the final word. If MPs vote against a Lords

The headlinegrabbing proposal was day one unfair dismissal rights

amendment, as has happened, the Lords usually step back.

It is overwhelmingly likely that the House of Lords will accept the Commons’ decision on its amendments, and approve the Bill, on October 28, 2025. If so, it is likely to receive Royal Assent in early November, and the first provisions come into force two months later.

To recap, the Bill’s most headline grabbing proposal was day one unfair dismissal rights. While this was never going to come into force until Autumn 2026 (and now seems to have been pushed back to 2027), if implemented it will transform the way in which employers are obliged to manage new recruits in early-stage employment if they are to part ways without having to deal with an employment tribunal claim. This probably also means that to dismiss fairly, even in the initial probationary period, there will need be to be a new onus on training, conduct, management and dispute management.

Day one unfair dismissal rights alone will transform employment rights. So, we employment lawyers (not to say the judges) wait expectantly to find out what will happen – the more so given that from October 2026 the limitation period for bringing an employment tribunal claim will be extended from three to six months.

Another change which should ring

a bell (as there is already a legal duty to do this) is a requirement on employers to take ‘all reasonable steps’ (an upgrade from ‘reasonable steps’) to prevent sexual harassment of their employees, including by third parties. While the enhanced duty won’t come into effect until October 2026, this is something that employers should take action on now.

Other important changes proposed (some possibly less relevant to studs):

1. Zero-hours contracts and flexible working: right to request guaranteed hours for qualifying workers on zero-hours or low-hours contracts after 12 weeks of regular work. Also shift protections: employers will be obliged to provide reasonable notice for shift cancellations or changes and compensate workers for short-notice cancellations or alterations.

2. Strengthened protections against ‘fire and rehire’ practices: dismissals for refusing contract changes will be automatically unfair, except in genuine business necessity. This is already enshrined in Codes of Practice but will now be hard law. Expected October 2026.

3. Improved collective redundancy rights: essentially, lowered thresholds for consultation, increased penalties for non-compliance and changes to the definition of ‘establishment’. This is going to affect larger employers and is probably the reason that so many largescale redundancy exercises seem to be taking place right now. From April 2026.

4. Family-friendly policies and sick pay: day-one paternity leave, unpaid parental leave and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – no more ‘waiting days’. SSP will be payable from the first day of sickness and the lower earnings limit abolished so all employees will be eligible. Expected April 2026.

5. Trade union rights: there will be new rights for trade unions to access workplaces for organising and collective bargaining, simplifying the recognition process, and potentially facilitating industrial action. Expected at Royal Assent or soon afterwards.

There are also other notable changes proposed including Equality Action Plans, enhanced protection for whistleblowers and the establishment of a new Fair Work Agency “to promote fair and decent work.” The TBA will continue to keep members informed on this subject and will provide updated employment law documentation which can be accessed by full members via the Employer Support pages on the website. Full members are reminded that they can also access employment law advice by calling Stanstead House.

There will be five races for mares only

Employer support pages

Employer support pages on the TBA website have been refreshed and now provide a range of helpful documents to guide employers through the complexities of employment law, helpfully categorised into the key employment topics.

Fact sheets and template policies cover vital employment law topics each designed to proactively support and protect employers and their employees. Health and Safety guidance for employers is also available in this section of the website together with the portal to access SEABS, the TBA’s Stud Employee Accident Benefit Scheme, launched earlier this year, which employers can participate in to provide financial support to employees unable to work through accident.

This guidance is available to full TBA members and can be found on the Advice and Information pages on the website.

Breeders’ Day returns to Warwick this month

The second day of Warwick’s Winter Festival, November 20, will host Breeders’ Day, following on from the successful first iteration last year.

A seven-race card, featuring five mares’ only contests including a veterans’ chase, will be preceded by a seminar looking at the mares within NH racing. Hosted by Jess Stafford, she will be joined by, amongst others, BHA Racing Operations Manager Stu Middlton, Cheltenham Festivalwinning trainer Jamie Snowdon, and TBA NH Committee Chair Simon Cox.

The seminar will look at the evolution

of the mares’ race programme over the past 20 years, and how it has benefitted all participants within racing, including breeders, who have been able to see mares they have bred race and test their ability, amongst numerous other positives.

The morning session will also include a discussion on ongoing activity aimed at assisting and supporting British NH breeders – the newly enhanced Elite Mares’ Scheme, which has seen its funding double for 2026, and GBBPlus, which encourages mares to be raced by participants over fences.

The seminar will get underway at

10am with doors opening from 9.30am, providing plenty of time for networking with refreshments on arrival.

Tickets are priced at £35 per TBA member or £55 for non-members. The TBA would encourage any TBA member who is attending to bring a non-member along at the reduced price of £35.

Included within the Breeders’ Day package, which is bookable via the TBA’s events page on the website, is general admission, all-day access to the private facility, refreshments on arrival and a twocourse buffet lunch.

TBA Stud Farming Course: time running out to book your place

Time is running out to secure your place on the TBA Stud Farming Course, taking place from December 9-11. This highly regarded three-day programme offers a deep dive into essential stud management topics, delivered by leading experts from Newmarket Equine Hospital, Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, and the Royal Veterinary College.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge, the course covers everything from broodmare reproductive management and paddock care to foal development, sales preparation, and stallion management. Delegates will also benefit from visits to Juddmonte

Farms, Newmarket Equine Hospital, and a tour of the British Racing School.

Course fees are £465 (inc VAT) for TBA members and £600 (inc VAT) for non-members. Non-members can access the discounted rate by joining the TBA at the time of booking.

Group discounts are available for TBA members sending three or more delegates – please contact the TBA office for more information.

For more details or to book your place, visit the events page on the TBA website.

at Warwick on November 20

Speech roars to success in Woodbine Mile

Having been denied by the finest of margins in the Prix Jacques le Marois the previous month, 2024 Classic scorer Notable Speech gained a third top-level victory in the Woodbine Mile in Toronto. The son of Dubawi was one of four British-bred homebred winners for Godolphin during September.

A half-sister to a Guineas winner in the ill-fated Coroebus, Victory Queen gained a maiden stakes win in the Prix de Liancourt at Longchamp while there were Group 2 wins for Cualificar in the Prix Niel and Words Of Truth in the Mill Reef Stakes.

The Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum homebred Zeus Olympios entered the Superior Mile Stakes on the back of a maiden win at Kempton Park in January and a novice victory in August. The three-year-old exited the Group 3 a two-length winner and followed up with an impressive success in the Joel Stakes 20 days later, readily asserting in the closing stages for a two-and-a-quarter length win in the Group 2.

Irish Champions Weekend is one of the highlights of the season and on the opening day at Leopardstown Fallen Angel avenged her defeat 12 months previously to take the mile contest, the third Group 1 of her career.

The following day on the Curragh and the Andrew Bengough and Partners-bred Arizona Blaze won the Flying Five Stakes in convincing fashion. In winning, the three-year-old provided Whitsbury Manor Stud resident Sergei Prokofiev with a first top-level winner.

He was not the only sprinter to speed to success in the month. First Instinct, a daughter of Bated Breath bred by Dunchurch Lodge Stud, got up in the shadows of the post for a maiden Group win in the World Trophy Stakes

at Newbury. The week before and the Franklin Finance homebred Cable Bay filly Monteille gained a third Group 3 win in the Prix du Petit Couvert at Longchamp.

Another filly scoring in Group 3 company was the Jarosa Stud homebred Fair Angellica, a daughter of Harry Angel, in the Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster during the St Leger festival.

Away from home shores, the David and Trish Brown-bred Frankel colt Delius, renamed Sir Delius in Australia, has hit the ground running in his adoptive country and gained a first Group 1 win in the Underwood Stakes over nine furlongs at Caulfield.

About 30 minutes from the centre of Stockholm is Bro Park and Sweden’s most important turf race, the Stockholm Cup International, was won by the Mette Campbell-Andenaes-bred Nastaria

A trio of juveniles captured Group 3 contests on either side of the English Channel. In Britain, Distant Storm, bred by Newsells Park Stud, smashed his rivals into submission when winning the Somerville Tattersall Stakes and the Dr John Hobbybred Five Ways, a son of Kameko, took the Sirenia Stakes, whilst in France, the Paul Frampton and Widden Stud-bred Zoustar gelding Oceans Four won the Prix des Chenes.

Having been absent since winning a Listed at Newmarket in April, Almeric (Study Of Man) made a successful winning return in the Doonside Cup at Ayr for owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing. She was also represented the following week by homebred filly Francophone, another by resident stallion Study Of Man, in the Rosemary Stakes. The day previous and Miss Alpilles, bred by Rausing and Sunderland Holdings, won the Jockey Club Rose Bowl Stakes for John Pearce Racing

forum at Tattersalls

Following the success of last year’s Breed Smart Forum, the TBA is delighted to announce the 2025 event, ‘Building Bloodlines: Broodmare Evaluation and Purchase’, will again be held in the Tattersalls Sales Ring on November 27, with refreshments served from 4:30pm. The forum will be hosted by Sky Sports’ Gina Bryce and will feature a panel of experts. The event is free, but registration is required to secure a place. Visit the events page on the TBA website to sign up.

and trainer Ed Walker.

The late Roaring Lion was well represented by his sole crop, now aged five, and supplied a pair of stakes winners in the shape of the Hascombe & Valiant Stud homebred Lion’s Pride in the Godolphin Stakes and Running Lion, who ended her racing career with a win in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes. She was bred by Tweenhills under the name of the Bella Nouf Partnership.

The Blue Diamond Stud Farm-bred Remmooz won the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, whilst at Sandown Park earlier that week, Cicero’s Gift, bred by Fiona Williams, won the Fortune Stakes. The Arran Scottish Sprint Fillies’ Stakes went to the Rosyground Stud-bred Beautiful Diamond and the admirable Hamish, bred by the late Brian Haggas, won the Stand Cup at Chester.

In Ireland, Juddmonte homebred Faiyum (Frankel) won the Landwades Stud Fillies Stakes at Gowran Park and the Diamond Stakes at Dundalk went to the St Albans Bloodstock-bred Phantom Flight

The Grand Criterium de Bordeaux went to the Manzanita Stables-bred Royal Chapel, a son of Kingman, whilst across the pond at Laurel Park, the All Along Stakes was won by the Fittocks Stud and St Albans Bloodstock-bred No Show Sammy Jo

Whisky On The Hill, bred by Ninja Lady Partnership, captured the R M Ansett Classic at Mornington.

Results up to and including September 30 and provided by GBRI.

Notable Speech: Godolphin’s star miler

Downs House and Chasemore visit

The south-east regional visit took place in September where the historic Downs House stables, situated just a furlong from the start of the Derby and home to George Baker Racing, was the location for the morning visit.

Newly renovated and featuring luxuriously spacious boxes, attendees were welcomed by George and his wife Candida, who escorted attendees to watch fourth lot on the gallops out the back of the yard. With near perfect weather conditions, attendees listened to George talk through the horses as they made their way up the all-weather track, followed closely by strings from neighbouring Epsom-based yards.

Returning to Downs House, which in the 18th century was home to Eclipse, the husband-and-wife team introduced the audience to some of their staff, some current residents in training, which

winner Ceiling Kitty, and a son of Zarak and the Matron Stakes heroine Chachamaidee.

As ever, the TBA is grateful to our hosts and everyone at Downs House and Chasemore for an excellent day which offered a great insight into their operations for those who attended.

included June’s Wokingham Handicap scorer Get It, and recent yearling purchases undergoing their pre-training.

Following lunch at the nearby Cricketers Arms, a short hop to Andrew and Jane Black’s Chasemore Farm provided the destination for the afternoon visit, with preparations well underway for the October yearling sales.

Purchased in 2008 and opened as a commercial operation in 2011 following extensive renovation of stabling, paddocks and staff facilities, Andrew and Jane greeted members before everyone moved on for a parade of the sales yearlings, all with upcoming appointments at Tattersalls, hosted by stud manager Jack Conroy.

Amongst the 2025 draft of 15 sales yearlings on show were a Baaeed daughter of Nyaleti, a Saxon Warrior son of a winning daughter of the stud’s Queen Mary Stakes

Diary dates

Thursday, November 20

Breeders’ Day, Warwick

The event returns for the second year. Prior to racing the TBA will host a dedicated seminar open to both TBA members and any interested non-members.

Thursday, November 27

Broodmare Forum, Tattersalls

Titled ‘Building Bloodlines: Broodmare Evaluation and Purchase’, this year’s forum during the Tattersalls December Foal Sale will be hosted by Gina Bryce. refreshments served from 4.30pm.

No charge for transfer of ownership during British foal sales

The TBA and Weatherbys have once again collaborated on cost-saving initiatives to encourage timely compliance with legislative administrative responsibilities during the Goffs British NH Breeders’ Showcase (October 31) and Tattersalls December Foal Sale (November 25 - 29).

Purchasers of foals that will remain in Britain or Ireland can complete paper transfer of ownership applications in the Weatherbys on-site sales offices during these sales, free of charge. For those who have bought filly foals entered at stage one into the Great British Bonus (GBB) scheme, this is particularly pertinent in advance of stage two nominations, as bonuses will only be paid out to those who are detailed in the passport and with the General Stud Book (GSB) as the legal

owner of the horse on the scheme registration date.

Running simultaneously, a passport amnesty will allow owners and breeders to return the passports for any deceased thoroughbreds to the on-site sales offices at Tattersalls and Goffs, regardless of the deceased date of the respective horse.

Breeders are reminded that it is a legal responsibility to register a transfer of ownership or deceased notification with the GSB, administered by Weatherbys, within 30 days. This information is also crucial to closing data gaps in the lifetime traceability of horses bred to race, which is important in demonstrating transparency and accountability across the sector. All stakeholders must play their part in timely record keeping, so why not take advantage of the fee waiver.

Members enjoyed their day out at Downs House and Chasemore Farm (right)

He’s the best I’ve bred... it’s been a wonderful ride

ANDREW BENGOUGH & PARTNERS: Arizona Blaze

Andrew Bengough’s long and distinguished career in racing led to another landmark in September when he claimed his first European Group 1 success as a breeder.

Liberisque, a mare by Equiano who was raced by Bengough with partners before joining a small band of broodmares on his Herefordshire farm, has become the dam of the Flying Five Stakes winner Arizona Blaze.

The Sergei Prokofiev colt’s slick performance at the Curragh under David Egan earns the 71-year-old a TBA Breeder of the Month garland.

“I’ve been around for a long time,” says Bengough self-deprecatingly.

The son of Colonel Sir Piers Bengough, the Queen’s representative at Ascot during the 1980s and four-time competitor in the Grand National, he followed his father’s interest in horses and was riding out for Alec Kilpatrick by the age of 12.

Bengough had wanted to become a trainer and started out with Tony Balding, later spending two and a half years as pupil assistant to Dick Hern in the days of the brilliant but temperamental sprinter Boldboy.

It was during that time his life changed.

“I caught meningitis at the December Sales, I’d gone there with Dick’s fillies,” he explains. “I went into a coma for six weeks and when I came round I’d lost my hearing.”

It also resulted in a change of career and a successful life in the city which he still sustains to this day with Hampden, the Lloyd’s members’ agency.

Bengough continued to hunt for many years and had a pinhooking project with his father for a while.

“Now I just stick to mares,” he says. “I’ve got six at home now, and five with the Cumanis. That all came about on a Sunday walk from Bedford House to their Fittocks Stud. There were some mares for sale and I picked my favourite one out, she was by Darshaan and her Sadler’s Wells yearling was Fantasia [subsequently Group 1-placed] and the Montjeu foal Pink Symphony was bought by Jim and Fitri Hay but we’ve got one of her daughters, Volcanique, now.

“I was allowed by Luca to buy ten per cent of the package, that was all he would let me have!”

Bengough’s other interests with Fittocks include a share in Oasis Dream mare Dreamlike. She produced Program Trading, his first top-level winner when claiming the 2023 Saratoga Derby and now a multiple US Grade 1 star for Chad Brown.

He has other partnerships with mares in Norelands and Tweenhills Studs, but there is a particular pride that Arizona Blaze has the link with his own Arrow Farm & Stud near Hereford, run for 20 years by Karen Rawlings.

Liberisque was found by Amanda Skiffington for €32,000 from the Arqana October Sale and won a handicap at Chelmsford for Ed de Giles.

“We were pleased she managed to win a race and she’s doing very well now,” he says. “She’s a very good-looking mare, she’s got Galileo blood in her and a lovely

temperament.”

Arizona Blaze is Liberisque’s third foal, following minor winner Sailthisshipalone, and made 36,000gns as a foal when consigned by Fittocks.

For Amo Racing and Adrian Murray he climbed quickly through the ranks, winning the Marble Hill Stakes as a two-year-old in the spring and continuing his form all the way through to a second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

This year he had been narrowly denied at Group 1 level again in the Commonwealth Cup before finally getting his reward.

Bengough received 190,000gns for his Blackbeard half-brother, who was bought by Coolmore and White Birch Farm when reoffered at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Sale and there should be another big result to come later this year, too.

“I’m sorry I haven’t had a filly out of Liberisque but she has a very nice halfbrother to Arizona Blaze by Sioux Nation who is going to the December Foal Sale,” he says. “I normally sell the colts as foals as I’ve only got 40 acres. Out of five mares this year, one was a maiden, one was barren and I got three colts, so they’re all going off in December.”

For a man who clearly relishes going racing and watching the various horses he has shares in, though, it has been just as exciting watching Arizona Blaze thrive in different colours.

“I think he’s the best horse I’ve bred,” he says. “With Luca we’ve had some good ones, but it’s been a wonderful ride with this one.”

Andrew Bengough: bred Group 1 Flying Five Stakes winner Arizona Blaze out of Liberisque

Buy GBB and GBBPLUS fillies at the upcoming sales.

GBB fillies can win up to £20,000 per eligible race. And now, with GBBPLUS, you can boost your bonus and win up to £40,000 per eligible race.

Equine industry: the importance of environmental stewardship

The following is a recent short paper that John Corbett produced for the Farm Efficiency Committee of the ITBA, which he kindly chairs. John is better known as the grassland and nutrition specialist at Coolmore Stud. Whilst focused on Ireland, much of the paper’s content applies to all stud farms.

The Irish equine industry understands its duty to protect the natural environment through conservation and farming in a sustainable way. It is essential to continue to reduce the environmental footprint by employing best farm practice to maintain and improve climate, water and air quality, biodiversity, ecosystems and soil fertility.

Climate

Agricultural carbon sources

Due to the lack of heavy industry, agriculture is responsible for 33% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In most European countries agriculture produces approximately 10% of the total GHG emissions.

Methane is responsible for 64% of total agricultural emissions in Ireland. Enteric fermentation leading to cattle belching, releasing methane, accounts for 90% of this. The remaining 10% is from the storage and management of animal manures.

Nitrous oxide is responsible for 35% of total agricultural emissions. These are

associated with the application of nitrogenbased fertilizers and animal slurries to agricultural soils.

The release of GHG from tillage farming is small compared to the livestock sector and has been reduced further by growing cover crops, incorporating straw and reducing ploughing.

Ammonia is an air pollutant that can indirectly lead to nitrous oxide production. As a principal loss pathway for agricultural nitrogen, ammonia emission reduction is crucial in improving farm efficiency and sustainability. Animal manures produce around 90% of ammonia emissions in agriculture. Chemical fertilizers and road

Reducing the environmental footprint by employing best farm practice is important for the equine industry

transport combined account for the remaining 10%.

Agricultural carbon sinks

Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by trees, hedges, plants and crops through photosynthesis and stored as carbon in biomass in tree trunks, branches, foliage, roots and soils. Woodlands and permanent pastures are referred to as carbon sinks because they can store large amounts of carbon in their vegetation and root systems for long periods of time, a process known as sequestration.

Carbon footprint

On-farm GHG production studies have identified animal emissions from enteric fermentation, manure storage and handling (84%) as the largest contributor to farm GHG emissions. This is followed by chemical fertilizer use (13%), diesel (2%), nitrate leachate (0.5%) and electricity (0.2%).

If the industry can make small changes in the way farmyard manures are used and by managing our chemical fertilizer inputs as efficiently as possible and employing best farm practice for sustainable agriculture, a positive environmental impact can be achieved.

The key areas are how we manage our natural resources, which are clean water, fresh air, healthy fertile soils, biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems.

Clean water

Nutrient pollution (caused by too much nitrogen and phosphorous in waterways) is the key environmental issue impacting on the state of Irish surface waters.

Nutrients, such as phosphate and nitrate, are responsible for eutrophication which is the enrichment of water leading to an increase in the growth of algae and aquatic plants, depleting fish numbers and leading to a general deterioration in water quality.

1. Respect and protect buffer zones when spreading fertilizer and spraying.

2. Protect from run-off and leaching by planting hedges as a line of defense.

3. Hedgerows and woodland act as buffers, intercepting overland flow, retaining sediment. and phosphorous, thereby improving water quality and reducing flood risk.

4. Apply fertilizers at the optimum time for plant growth.

5. Test water quality regularly.

Fresh air (ammonia and GHG emissions)

Ammonia and GHG emissions by producing food more efficiently with fewer inputs

1. Extensive grazing. Low stocking rates (75 kg/Ha). Lightly stocked farms have a lower negative environmental impact than heavily stocked farms.

2. Extend grazing season.

3. Addition of aerobic microbes/bacteria to manures to stabilize nitrogen volatility and speed up composting process.

4. Limit manure/slurry storage times by processing (compost) and recycling onto land.

5. Use Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS). Trailing shoe.

6. Harvest lab. Measures the amount of nutrients applied.

7. Keep chemical fertilizer use to a minimum.

8. Variable rate fertilize application. GPS for accuracy.

Soil fertility

Increased focus on environmental sustainability on farms will lead to accurate monitoring requirements for balancing soil fertility and crop nutrition with lime

fertilizers, and organic manure recycling.

1. Soil analysis. Grassland, 4 Ha every four years.

2. Nutrient management planning.

3. Improve soil organic matter content.

4. Increase soil microbial communities and populations.

5. Lime according to soil results.

6. Target low fertile soils with organic fertilizers.

Biodiversity and ecosystems

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms above and below the soil that interact within an ecosystem.

1. Stud farms have a good diversity of habitats such as field boundaries, hedges, streams, native woodland, trees, and species rich pastures.

2. 90% of grassland fields are below 5 Ha in size.

3. Hedgerows are an important feature of stud farm landscape. They provide a multitude of ecosystem services and sequester carbon in both above and below ground biomass. They give stud farms their distinctive character and field pattern.

4. Hedgerows and woodland act as buffers, intercepting overland flow, retaining sediment and phosphorous, thereby improving water quality and reducing flood risk. Stud farms can protect the watercourses further from nutrient runoff by planting hedges along the water buffer zones.

5. Having a yearly plan to plant a small line of native hedgerows will have a significant effect on biodiversity and above/below ground woody biomass over time.

There is ample room for both agriculture and biodiversity to develop side by side if effectively managed space is left for nature. Irish stud farms can be a good example of this.

Renewable energy

In addition, emphasis should be placed on researching renewable energy production to dilute fossil fuel use in the future.

1. Willow plantation.

2. Anaerobic digestion, solar and wind energy.

3. Water harvesting.

Conclusion

Each farm and farmer is unique. Policy makers must develop a better understanding of farming decisions and behaviour if policy is to be effective and to encourage the adoption of practices that will improve environmental stewardship.

A Life Well Lived: the next chapter in British racing’s equine welfare journey

By BARONESS MINETTE BATTERS

Nothing is more important to British racing than the horses at its heart. With a lifetime of lived experience and passion for this sport – from riding 30 winners as an amateur jockey to my role as Director of Salisbury racecourse – I know this to be true.

That is why I’m both excited and truly honoured to have been appointed as the new Independent Chair of the Horse Welfare Board (HWB). Five years on from its inception, with a refreshed, more independent Board of world-leading experts and representatives from the sport, we’re laser-focused on building on our predecessors’ work and delivering on our

commitment to our equine athletes.

It’s very important to me that the HWB doesn’t sit in an ivory tower. It is our job to engage, collaborate, and deliver projects and change hand-in-hand with those on the ground. After all, they know the sport, and its equine athletes, best. I served as President of the National Farmers Union (NFU) from 2018-2024, and our membership was incredibly diverse, ranging from TV personality Jeremy Clarkson to a small Welsh sheep farmer. Like racing, there was no ‘one-sizefits-all’.

I’m proud to have represented farmers at a time of great change. What I learnt through our many challenges was the importance of clear, evidencebased communication, of not just sharing what we’re doing but explaining why it matters. No one cares more about welfare than those closest to our racehorses, but it’s vital we communicate the reasons behind our actions and the evidence that supports them if we want to succeed.

The Horse Welfare Board’s new independent members

Fred Barrelet is an equine veterinary surgeon and brings 40 years of experience in equine welfare as consultant and former partner and clinical director at Rossdales of Newmarket, and FEI Official Veterinarian for all disciplines at 4* level.

We have already begun shaping our new multi-year strategy, which will be developed in collaboration with those at the heart of the sport, and alongside this have been working closely with stakeholders including the ROA to develop a comprehensive plan for 2026. These plans are vital in ensuring we continue to make meaningful progress for horse welfare over the long term.

The sport’s ‘A Life Well Lived’ strategy, launched in 2020 and implemented across the past five years, has laid very strong foundations for our work. It’s made great strides in safety on the track for our horses, from modifying obstacles to make them clearer to a horse’s eye and to reduce the risk of falls, to establishing the Fatality Review, a 360-degree review of every racecourse fatality to identify patterns and learnings for the future. In the coming months, we’ll set measurable targets to reduce the risk

Dr Neil Hudson MP is the Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, Shadow Defra Minister and an equine veterinary surgeon. Neil is the first vet to be elected to the House of Commons since 1884 and is Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare.

Jessica Stark is currently Director of Communications and Public Affairs at World Horse Welfare and brings an extensive strategic background and deep knowledge of equine welfare across all use of horses in society.

of falls and fatalities and hold ourselves accountable to this. Reducing avoidable risk through evidence-led decisions remains an absolute priority.

Harnessing the power of data and

Baroness Batters: ‘it is vital we communicate the reasons behind our actions’

technology has helped racing establish, amongst other things, the Racing Risk Model (RRM). The RRM is a sophisticated riskmodelling tool developed by independent experts at the Royal Veterinary College, which analyses vast amounts of race data and identifies risk factors that could make racing safer. It’s early days, but its output has already informed the change to padded hurdles and endorsed the benefits of the schooling trials pilot. Three of these pilot days took place earlier this year, offering vital low-pressure race experience to horses and jockeys, and I’m keen they develop at pace. Away from the racecourse, we continue to tackle the complex challenges of traceability, working closely with our colleagues at Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) as they drive forward their aftercare strategy.

But welfare is never ‘job done’. To grow and protect our sport we must continually evolve and keep up with the rapidly advancing understanding of how to provide the very best lives for horses. Project Beacon, the sport’s biggest ever investment into public perception, made this very clear. It tells us welfare concerns remain one of the biggest barriers to engagement for the 3.1 million people identified as potential future fans of the sport and the biggest issue to our current fans. The communications platforms HorsePWR and National Racehorse Week give us an opportunity to tell our story, but it is only evidence, the continuous drumbeat of work and improvements, which will address their concerns.

One area of growing importance and a topic we need to turn our attention to is promoting positive mental, not just physical, wellbeing for horses. And while we’re eliminating risk on course, in 2026 we will turn our focus to the training environment. I’ve already been very encouraged by the willingness of trainers to collaborate and engage, as we look for factors at home that could improve outcomes for horses when we ask the most from them.

Racing is the biggest financial contributor to equine welfare in this country. We’ve contributed over £60m since 2000, largely funded via the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board. It’s something the sport should be very proud of.

We contribute greatly to the positive relationship between humans and horses. And in many regards, we are already world leaders in our day-to-day practices and care. The opportunity now is for British racing to claim and champion that position: to be the global leader in equine welfare, a beacon of best practice, and unrelenting in our efforts to build a sport that puts respect for the horse at its heart.

Behind the scenes at the RoR Awards

On January 24, 2026, during Cheltenham’s Festival Trials Day, a different kind of champion will take the spotlight. The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards, now a fixture on the equestrian and racing calendar, celebrate the extraordinary second careers and lives of former racehorses.

Launched in 2014, the RoR Awards exist for a simple but powerful reason: to show the public that every racehorse has a life beyond racing. They celebrate the versatility, talent and adaptability of thoroughbreds in new disciplines, from dressage to showing, eventing to hacking, while sharing the human stories that make those transitions possible.

Following the success of the 2025 event, which for the first time was held at Cheltenham racecourse on Festival Trials Day, the Awards will return to Cheltenham in 2026 with the Jockey Club as headline supporter – a fitting partnership that further strengthens RoR’s long-standing relationship with one of racing’s most historic institutions. Alongside the RoR Horse of the Year, which recognises outstanding achievements in a second career, a new Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust Partnership of the Year Award will honour the deep connection between horse and human, regardless of rosettes or trophies.

As RoR Managing Director, David Catlow, explains: “These Awards aren’t just about competition success; they’re about celebrating what can be achieved when time, care and patience are invested in a former racehorse. Each nomination tells a story of potential fulfilled, of partnerships that prove a racehorse’s life isn’t over when it comes off the track.”

The Awards’ importance extends far beyond individual recognition. In an era where racing’s social licence depends increasingly on how the sport demonstrates its care for horses throughout and beyond their careers, RoR’s work plays a crucial role in safeguarding racing’s reputation and public trust.

Research such as the British Horseracing Authority’s Project Beacon, launched to deepen understanding of public and participant perceptions, highlights how central welfare is to the sport’s future narrative. Events like the RoR Awards make that welfare tangible. They show audiences that aftercare is not an afterthought, but an integral part of the racing story.

Last year’s Awards achieved 73 pieces of media coverage, including on ITV and BBC, reaching a television audience of more than 2.2 million and generating over 160,000 social media impressions. This year, RoR will again

partner with Great British Racing to expand that reach, building on the momentum and continuing to show the public that racing takes its responsibility to horses seriously.

For those who attend, the RoR Awards are as much about atmosphere as achievement. Held in a private marquee overlooking the famous Cheltenham track, the day combines a celebration of welfare and versatility with the excitement of live racing. Guests – including the great and good from racing and other equestrian sports, owners, trainers, breeders, riders and supporters – enjoy a two- course lunch and the chance to see some of the sport’s most inspiring aftercare stories unfold.

Zara Tindall MBE, RoR’s Patron, opened last year’s ceremony, setting the tone for a day of pride, reflection and, often, emotion.

For owners, breeders and racing enthusiasts, there are several ways to take part in the 2026 Awards. Nominations are open until November 7 and can be submitted via the RoR website at ror.org.uk. If you have sold or gifted a former racehorse, you can encourage its new owner to nominate or even put them forward yourself.

There are also opportunities to support the event more directly. While headline supporter has been secured by The Jockey Club, other opportunities remain, including the prestigious Horse of the Year Award. Sponsorship offers a visible way to demonstrate commitment to welfare and to align with racing’s official aftercare charity.

And, of course, anyone can attend. Tickets go on sale in November, offering a chance to enjoy a unique day at Cheltenham surrounded by like-minded people who share a passion for the horses that make the sport possible.

The RoR Awards remind us all that every horse’s story continues long after its racing days are over. They are a vital showcase for the positive outcomes that aftercare delivers, reinforcing the social licence that racing depends upon, inspiring confidence in the sport’s future, and celebrating the remarkable animals at its heart.

2025 Challenge Champion Master Wickham

ROR

Our jury have their say:

Can British racing’s rich history and heritage inspire new racegoers?

Racing should be proud of both its history and its heritage, yet too often, the sport doesn’t make enough of either.

The National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket offers a fascinating insight into the story of racing, but as we know, Newmarket is not the easiest place to reach for many around Britain.

So why not take racing’s history on the road? Imagine a travelling exhibition, perhaps an interactive bus, that celebrates the sport’s past while promoting the museum at the same time. We often underestimate how much young people enjoy history when it’s made engaging and hands-on. Picture children trying on famous

Ella McNeill, racing presenter

“

I believe British racing’s heritage is one of its most powerful assets for attracting new racegoers.

Take Royal Ascot – its enduring popularity isn’t just about world-class racing; it’s about the theatre of tradition. The royal procession, car park picnics, the bandstand and dress codes are all part of the show’s fabric. People love playing up to the occasion. For many, it’s a rare chance to step into something completely and utterly uniquely British. While some criticise the formality, I’d argue these protocols are exactly what make it special.

Racing’s rich traditions give the sport its soul and the more we embrace them, the more powerful the experience becomes.

Look at events like the Goodwood Revival –people enjoy feeling transported and racecourses could lean into this idea. Imagine themed racedays that bring a decade to life, complete with vintage dress codes, old style bookmakers, historic race replays, and pop-up storytelling zones. Or even digital experiences where fans meet past legends, human and equine, through virtual reality. There are many ways to bring racing’s history alive, but the key is to reimagine heritage as entertainment,

Richard Phillips, trainer

winning silks or exploring how the Darley Arabian shaped the modern thoroughbred.

From the greats like Sir Gordon and Sir Anthony, Sir Noel and Sir Mark to iconic owners from Edward VII to Engelhard, the characters and achievements are a worthy story to tell.

The racegoer’s experience can still capture the glamour of My Fair Lady at Royal Ascot or the vintage charm of Goodwood. Perhaps racecourses can go further in encouraging certain styles and dress codes.

” “

Britain is a world leader in both horseracing and fashion and combining these two pillars of style and sport could bring a fresh energy to racedays, appealing to a new audience, both young and old.

At a time when our industry is striving to strengthen its social licence, we also have a chance to showcase how horse and human welfare have evolved. Racing’s story is not just about its past glory, but also about progress and care.

As we know, the Epsom Derby has been struggling to hold its place in the sporting calendar, coming up against football and many other sports on a Saturday afternoon.

Our blue riband event has faced challenges in recent years competing with football and other sports for attention. Perhaps it’s here that a renewed focus on heritage could begin. The Derby’s royal connections, its influence on the breed and even its link to the Suffragette movement make it a rich part of British culture. By bringing these stories to life and involving the local community, we can help the Epsom Classic – and racing itself – to reclaim its rightful place in the national conversation.

”

not something to view behind glass.

That said, younger generations don’t all come for tradition alone; most come for atmosphere and immersive experiences. In a world dominated by screens, algorithms and endless scrolling, it’s striking that social media use among Gen Z has declined in recent years. People crave tangible, real-world experiences, particularly post-Covid. They want to dress up, go out, and belong to something.

In an age of digital noise, people are seeking depth and meaning more than ever. Racing, with its rich heritage, offers exactly that. The sport’s history isn’t dusty or dull, it’s full of colour, style and characters who have shaped our culture as well as our sport. Heritage isn’t a hurdle to attracting new fans; it’s a gift that could propel the sport forward.

THINK TANK

Harriet Rochester, communications consultant

Tony Wells, owner

I believe racing does a good job in promoting its heritage and history, particularly the racing media. ITV Racing, Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing frequently run features on past champions, be they equine or human. On a big race day, they will often open the show with footage of previous editions of the day’s big race to set the scene.

Racecourses similarly do a good job in promoting the heritage and history, with races run in the names of former champions and often including information about former winners of the feature race in the racecard. But is this enough to attract a new audience?

When I first became interested in racing in the 1970s, I was fascinated to hear or read about the recent champions, the likes of Arkle, Mill Reef and Brigadier Gerard. I used to wonder what it must have been like to have been there when they won a major race. I guess new racing fans may feel similarly about the likes of Frankel, Sea The Stars or Kauto Star.

What is great about our sport is you never know when you are going to witness history in the making. So, while we can all look back and wish we were there on those special days, the opportunity to witness something unique could happen on your next racecourse visit. It’s those ‘I was there’ moments that stay with you. I was at Cheltenham to see Dawn Run win the Gold Cup and become the first (and only) horse to win the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup. I remember waking up the following day and thinking ‘I witnessed something historic yesterday’.

Maybe racing could do more in promoting its heritage and history and it’s not just down to the media and the racecourses, it’s all of us. We’ve all got great memories of those special days. Let’s share them to encourage new racing fans to join us.

In September, I found myself as a newcomer at Goodwood Revival, ticket in hand, hair set in victory rolls, dressed as a 1940s horsewoman. I’ll admit, I went for the dressing up, but it was the wonderful theatre and roar of the engines that hooked me. Suddenly, the nostalgia became real: history and heritage brought vividly to life, with the crowd as much a part of the show as the beautiful and historic cars themselves.

It made me wonder, does racing do enough to showcase its own extraordinary history in such an immersive way? We have centuries of stories and heroes, equine and human, and moments that shaped sport and society. Yet we rarely invite people to step inside that history on the racecourse.

Through my own involvement working in horseracing, I know there is a great deal of work happening centrally to attract and retain new audiences. I also appreciate there are operational realities, costs, and practicalities that come with any new initiative. But for a moment, I am putting that aside with a free hand to imagine.

In an age when audiences crave escapism and experience, perhaps this is an untapped opportunity. People love a reason to dress up, to play a part, to feel they belong to something bigger. Could racecourses bring racing’s past to life in a way that captures imaginations far beyond the traditional fanbase?

Imagine re-creations of famous races, with original commentaries echoing around the track as legends of the

saddle step back into their silks or are brought back once more by today’s top jockeys.

With 2026 marking 250 years of the St Leger, how inspiring would it be to see a reenactment of one of its great renewals on Town Moor – the horses parading, jockeys in vintage silks, the crowd dressed for the era, the bookmakers chalking odds on blackboards, the air thick with nostalgia and excitement. History could gallop again, not in a museum, but in motion, alive and thrilling for a new generation to feel part of.

From King James I’s discovery of Newmarket in 1605 to Queen Anne’s vision for Ascot, centuries later racing’s story is Britain’s story – rich, layered, and theatrical. Perhaps, with the help of the National Horseracing Museum, racecourses could turn heritage into a stage and would be something you don’t just watch but become part of.

Because what Goodwood Revival showed me is this: people don’t just want to watch sport or history, they also want to step into it and become part of the cast and the performance.

ROA VAT SOLUTION

Reclaiming VAT is easier with the ROA VAT Solution.

The Racehorse Owners Association team is here to simplify the process, helping you claim back £000s on your racing expenses and giving you more time for the sport you love. Let us take care of the details and make VAT reclaim seamless. For more information contact our team on 01183 385 685 or email vat@roa.co.uk

European Champion, the best juvenile by Lope de Vega and one of only three colts in over a century to win both Britain’s biggest races for two-year-olds.

Won the G1 Middle Park by four lengths and faster in the G1 Darley Dewhurst than his grandsire Shamardal. See Nick Luck’s flm about him at darleystallions.com