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A Fortnight of Strong Results for Elwick Stud at Tattersalls Book 1 & 2

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:44:39 GMT

Elwick Stud is delighted to reflect on a highly successful fortnight at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 and 2, where several of the Stud’s homebred yearlings achieved great results in the ring. Each horse shows the dedication, care, and expertise that underpins the Stud’s 2025 breeding programme over the past year. This season all yearlings have been consigned and prepared by Harry Dutfield and his team.

Sea The Stars × Makawee

This Sea The Stars × Makawee colt, bred by Elwick Stud and Sunderland Holdings, was a particular highlight, realising 425,000 guineas. This striking colt drew significant attention in the lead-up to the sale and went on to justify that interest with an excellent result in the ring.

Sea The Stars × Makawee foal, April 2024

Sea The Stars × Makawee colt, October 2025

Baaeed × Stream Song

Another great result followed with this Baaeed × Stream Song filly, who sold for 410,000 guineas to David Ingordo, acting on behalf of Determined Stables. Set for the American racing scene, David speaking with Shadwell Stud shared his excitement in purchasing one of the first of Baaeed’s crop “He should be a leading sire based on how good he was”. This beautifully balanced daughter of the champion Baaeed proved immensely popular and we are thrilled to see her join such a respected operation.

Baaeed × Stream Song Foal, June 2024

Baaeed × Stream Song Filly, October 2025.

Palace Pier × Barefoot Contessa

As we moved into Book 2, Palace Pier × Barefoot Contessa colt also made a fine impression, selling for 260,000 guineas to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock.

Palace Pier × Barefoot Contessa, January 2024

As the first born of the Stud’s 2024 foals, this bay colt exemplified the quality and consistency that we aim to produce at Elwick Stud, and we are very pleased to see him head to excellent new connections.

Palace Pier × Barefoot Contessa, October 2025

Palace Pier × Dream Child

Rounding off a rewarding sales period, Palace Pier × Dream Child colt realised 95,000 guineas, in the book 2 sales, concluding a strong overall performance for the stud across Book 1. Each of these results reflects the quality of the Stud’s current breeding programme, and the teamwork from the yard and management staff that support it.

Palace Pier × Dream Child, February 2024.

Palace Pier × Dream Child colt, October 2025

We extend the warmest of congratulations to all purchasers and connections involved with these exciting prospects and offer thanks once again to Harry Dutfield and his outstanding team for their exceptional preparation and presentation throughout the sale.

These results mark another proud milestone for Elwick Stud, reinforcing the Stud’s commitment to breeding thoroughbreds of the highest calibre, and we look forward to following the progress of these yearlings as they embark on the next stage of their journeys. Keep an eye out on Elwick Stud’s social feed as we post up-to-date race dates and timings for bred by Elwick Stud runners weekly.

The Life Cycle of a Thoroughbred

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:30:00 GMT

From Foaling to Racing and Retirement at Elwick Stud

At Elwick Stud, we oversee every stage of a thoroughbred’s life, from foaling through to retirement. With a focus on expert care and an in-depth understanding of equine development, we aim to provide each horse with the best possible foundation for success. Below is an overview of the thoroughbred life cycle at Elwick Stud and the steps we take to prepare them for their racing careers and beyond.

Foaling – A New Beginning

The journey of a thoroughbred at Elwick Stud begins with foaling. Our experienced team carefully monitors mares throughout pregnancy to ensure the health and welfare of both mare and foal. Once the foal is born, it is vital that it stands and nurses within the first few hours to receive colostrum, which provides essential immunity for their early development.

At this early stage, we focus on fostering trust between the foal and handler through gentle human interaction. This initial bonding is crucial for establishing a foundation for future training. The foals are raised in a calm, supportive environment to help them grow and develop in their early months.

Weaning – Building the Foundation

At around six months of age, foals are gradually weaned from their mothers. This process is managed carefully to minimise stress and help the foals adapt to new routines. During this time, they are given plenty of opportunities to interact with other young horses, which aids their social development and builds their confidence.

Training begins during the weaning process with basic groundwork, such as leading, standing for grooming, and becoming accustomed to wearing tack. This early training focuses on establishing trust and responsiveness, providing a strong foundation for the more formal training that will follow.

Yearling Development – Preparing for the Next Step

When foals reach 12 to 18 months of age, they are considered yearlings. During this stage, their training becomes more structured. Regular exercise in the paddocks helps develop their physical strength, coordination, and stamina. Some yearlings are sent to experienced trainers in the North of England, who work with them on a more individualised basis to prepare them for their future racing careers.

For those yearlings not yet ready for training, we continue socialising them and introducing activities to help them grow both physically and mentally. We also assess their potential during this stage, and some may be prepped for sale to buyers seeking well-bred horses with strong racing potential.

Breaking – Preparing for Success

At around two years old, horses undergo the "breaking-in" process, which is the introduction to the saddle and rider. Breaking-in is a crucial part of a young horse's education. It involves gradually accustoming the horse to the rider, starting with basic handling and progressing to work under saddle. This process helps build the horse’s confidence and teaches it to respond to basic commands.

Once the horse has been successfully broken in, it begins more intensive pre-race training. We send many of our young horses to specialist trainers across the North of England. These trainers focus on developing key skills such as stamina, speed, and agility, while also helping the horse learn to respond to jockeys. At this stage, the mental demands of racing are also addressed, ensuring the horses can cope with the pressure of competition.

Racing – The Ultimate Test of Skill and Stamina

Racing represents the pinnacle of a thoroughbred’s career. At Elwick Stud, we take immense pride in seeing our horses race, whether on the flat or over jumps. Racing is a true test of a horse’s speed, stamina, and temperament, and it offers a key opportunity to assess their potential for success.

We work closely with experienced trainers to ensure our horses are in peak condition before each race. Trainers design tailored programmes to optimise each horse’s physical condition, race strategy, and mental preparation.

Our stallion Mondialiste has produced numerous successful offspring who have shown exceptional promise on the track. His progeny continue to play a key role in the ongoing success and quality of the horses bred at Elwick Stud. Watching the success of Mondialiste’s offspring is an exciting and rewarding part of our journey, reinforcing our commitment to breeding top-quality racehorses.

Post-Race Career and Retirement – A Peaceful Transition

Once a horse’s racing career concludes, we ensure a smooth transition into retirement. At Elwick Stud, we provide a peaceful and comfortable environment for retired racehorses, whether they stay with us or are rehomed to new owners. Some of our retired horses go on to second careers in other equestrian disciplines, such as eventing or show jumping, while others enjoy a relaxed life in spacious paddocks.

Our commitment to the well-being of our horses extends well beyond their racing careers. We ensure that they receive the care they deserve and are treated with respect for the duration of their lives. Their comfort and happiness remain our priority, and we are proud to offer them a fulfilling life after their time on the track.

A Year At Elwick Stud

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:19:30 GMT

At Elwick Stud, the care and development of our thoroughbreds follow a meticulously planned annual routine, aligned with both the natural breeding cycles of horses and the global racing calendar. Our goal is to prepare horses for their careers on the track and in breeding,while ensuring they receive appropriate care at every stage of their development. Below is an outline of a typical year here at Elwick Stud.

January – Foaling Season & Training Preparations

The year begins with the arrival of the first foals at Elwick Stud. Foaling season is an important time, and our team is on hand around the clock to monitor our stock. Mares are carefully watched throughout their pregnancies, with regular veterinary checks to ensure the health of both the mares and their foals. This year our first due date is 23rd January so we’re soon to be all hands on deck!

It is also a time for older horses to begin their training after their winter rest.

February – Mares Are Covered & Pregnancy Scans

From February to May, mares at Elwick Stud are covered by our selected stallions. The covering period is crucial as it determines the bloodlines and future potential of the foals. Unlike humans, horses have a gestation period of 11 months and 5 days, meaning foals are typically due between January and May.

During this period, mares receive regular pregnancy scans to monitor the health of both the mares and the foals. These scans allow us to assess the progress of the pregnancies and ensure the mares are in good health. Meanwhile, training for older horses continues, with the focus on fitness and preparation for the upcoming racing season.

March – Foals Continue to Arrive

March sees the continued arrival of foals, with several born throughout the month. At Elwick Stud, we prioritise early care for the foals, ensuring their full development and receiving the necessary socialisation and handling to support their future training.

For horses already in training, March marks the start of an increase in training intensity, as horses build towards the upcoming racing season with few starting to run throughout this month especially on National Hunt courses.

Key Races in March:

● Cheltenham Festival (UK): A key event for National Hunt horses, featuring races like the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase.

April – Breeze Up Sales & Racing Season Begins

April is a significant month for Elwick Stud, as we prepare for the Breeze Up Sales , a specialised auction for two-year-old horses in training. During a Breeze Up sale, horses are "breezed" or galloped in front of prospective buyers to demonstrate their speed and fitness. This allows potential buyers to assess a horse's athleticism and suitability for racing before making a purchase. The horses are typically shown on a galloping track or in a controlled setting to showcase their ability and potential.

Alongside the Breeze Up preparations, the racing season officially begins. Horses at Elwick Stud that have been in training over the winter are now ready to compete in early spring races.

Key Races in April :

● Grand National (UK) : One of the most famous steeplechase races, held at Aintree, with global recognition.

● Dubai World Cup Carnival (Dubai) : The Dubai World Cup Carnival concludes with one of the biggest and richest days horseracing in the world.

May to June – Training Intensifies & Key Races Approach

May and June are critical months for racehorses as the competition season gathers pace. For horses in training, these months focus on refining race-specific skills, including speed, stamina, and agility.

Older horses continue their preparations for high-profile races, while younger horses increase their training intensity. This is a key period for horses targeting races later in the year, as their readiness for major competitions is determined here.

Key Races in May/June :

● Kentucky Derby (USA) : One of the most prestigious flat races in the world, held on the first Saturday in May.

● The Guineas (UK) : The first classics of the year take place on the Rowley Mile.

● The Derby & The Oaks (UK) : The second of the domestic classics and a step up in trip, both held at Epsom.

● Royal Ascot (UK) : A highlight of the British racing calendar, with several important races, including the King’s Stand Stakes and Ascot Gold Cup.

July – Sales Season Begins

July marks the beginning of the yearling sales season. At Elwick Stud, we begin preparing our best yearlings for presentation at major sales such as Tattersalls and Goffs . The horses are groomed, handled, and trained to showcase their potential to prospective buyers.

At the same time, training for older horses continues, with a focus on ensuring they are ready for the next series of races.

Key Races in July :

● King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (UK) : A prestigious flat race held at Ascot, attracting top middle-distance horses.

● Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Preparatory Races (France) : Races leading up to the Prix de l'Arc, often used as indicators of form for the world-renowned race in October.

● Qatar Goodwood Festival : Starts at the end of July and features the Goodwood Cup, Nassau Stakes and Sussex Stakes.

August – Yearling Sales & Racing Continues

August is a significant month at Elwick Stud, as the first major yearling sales of the season take place. We present our carefully selected yearlings at auctions such as Tattersalls Newmarket and Goffs , where they are offered to potential buyers. This is a key moment for the future of the horses bred at the stud, as they move into the hands of new owners who will take them on their own journeys in racing.

For our horses in training, August is a month for continued competition, with a number ofimportant races scheduled for the late summer months.

Key Races in August :

● The Ebor Festival (UK) : A prestigious week of racing held at York featuring The Nunthorpe, The International Stakes, Yorkshire Oaks and the Ebor.

● Arlington Million (USA) : A Grade 1 race held in Illinois, attracting top horses for international competition.

September to November – Autumn Races & Final Yearling Sales

The autumn months see Elwick Stud transition from the yearling sales to preparing horses for the final stages of the racing season.

For those still in training, September through November is a time for refining skills and preparing for key autumn races.

Key Races in September/October/November :

● St Leger Stakes (UK) : The final domestic classic, over the greatest classic distance held at Doncaster.

● Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (France) : One of the most prestigious flat races in Europe, held annually at Longchamp in Paris.

● Champions Day (UK) : held at Ascot this is the finale of the British flat season.

● Breeders' Cup (USA) : Held in November, the Breeders’ Cup is a key international event that attracts horses from around the world to compete for top honours in a range of races.

December – Rest and Preparation for the New Year

As the year draws to a close, December is a quieter month at Elwick Stud. We attend the December Breeding and Foal sales, often as both a vendor and purchaser where we look to diversify our band of Broodmares. The horses are given rest and recovery time ahead of the next season. Preparations also begin for the next foaling season, with the mares that will give birth in January receiving the necessary care and attention.

This month offers an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the year while preparing for the new one, when foaling season will begin again, and the cycle will start once more.

At Elwick Stud, each season unfolds with its own rhythm and purpose, from snowy mornings in January to the sunny afternoons of summer, and the crisp, golden hues of autumn to the quiet rest of December. Throughout the year, we remain committed to providing our horses with the best care, support, and opportunities for success. Whether it’s a foal’s first steps or the thrill of watching a horse race, every moment is part of a carefully orchestrated journey. We look forward to another year of growth, progress, and achievements at Elwick Stud, as we continue nurturing champions for the future.

A Royal Week Round Up

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:36:00 GMT

As the 2024 Royal Ascot meeting draws to a close let's look back over this week's news

The week of Royal Ascot is exciting for so many reasons. Who will triumph? Will the weather be kind? Will we have a runner? Who will wear what? Royal Ascot has always held a special place for the team here at Elwick Stud. It was one of the late Mr. Turnbull’s first racing aspirations to have a runner at the meeting. In true Geoff style, after having a runner at the Royal Meeting he then wanted a winner, enter Lord Glitters… His next aspiration was to breed a winner at the Royal Meeting, something we continue to aspire to.

Lord Glitters winning the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, 2019

Last week was a particularly busy one with runners across the UK and provided us with possibly one of our most exciting weeks, as we also had excitement from horses we had bred and sold, also horses that we had reared for clients. Below is a brief recap of the week.

Mayberry Moon kicked the week off with a bang! The son of Mondialiste made his racecourse debut a winning one at Carlisle on Monday, for Michael Dods and Connor Beasley. Although a little green, he showed a great attitude in the closing stages to put the race to bed.

Mayberry Moon- Carlisle Racecourse 17th June 2024

Educating Rita made her second start at Catterick on Tuesday where she built on her debut and won for Michael Dods and Connor Beasley. The daughter of Belardo was very professional and showed she had learnt a great deal from her debut a few weeks before.

Make Haste bred by our friends and clients Sheraton Bloodstock. The daughter of Blue Point made 40,000 guineas as a foal at Tattersalls, before attending Tattersalls again as a yearling, to be sold to her now trainer Diego Dias for 75,000 guineas. She ran in Wednesdays Queen Mary after impressing on her winning debut at Naas. Although Wednesday’s result wasn’t a winning one, we look forward to following her career.

Make Haste- March 2022 at Elwick Stud

After success on her seasonal reappearance at Doncaster back in May, Lava Stream impressed in the listed Agnes Keyser Stakes at Goodwood. On Thursday she lined up in the Ribblesdale Stakes. She is the second foal out of Stream Song, one of our foundation mares. Although foaled in Ireland, she has been raised here at Elwick Stud. She kept us on the edge of our seats during the Ribblesdale, with a sweeping finish that was almost Glittersesque! She was only beaten a neck by Ballydoyle’s Port Fairy. Her plan for the remainder of the season will be left in the hands of David.

Lava Stream in the Ribbersdale Steaks at Royal Ascot, 20th June 2024

Mondo Man was bred by Elwick Stud and sold at the Arqana Breeze Up Sale in 2023 through The Bloodstock Connection. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Big Red’, we are delighted to see the horse he has turned in to for P & J Brandt and owners, Ecuries Serge Stempniak, Mme Pia Brandt & N-P Gil. He’s shown a great level of consistency in his racing, finishing fifth in the French Derby four lengths behind the impressive Look De Vega after missing the break. He ran in Fridays King Edward VII Stakes finishing fourth, after coming off the pace again on ground that was possibly a little quick for him. He holds an entry for the Arc and we hope he can pick up further black type as the season progresses.

Mondo Man in 2023

Dora Milaje also impressed on Saturday at Haydock Park under Mark Winn, who was celebrating his 21 ^st birthday. The daughter of Mondialiste got out of trouble when switching right to get up just before the line. Trained by David O’Meara she is now a winner at 2, 3 and 4 and will hopefully go on to pick up some black type.

STREAM SONG DELIVERS A TOP CLASS FAMILY DOUBLE

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:37:05 GMT

Iron Lion (GB) and Lava Stream (IRE)'s success at Goodwood and Haydock Park demonstrates Elwick Stud's excellence in breeding equine athletes.

Weekends like this can rarely be bought, never mind bred. Stream Song however had other plans, with her first and second foals producing stellar results over the weekend at Haydock and Goodwood.

Stream Song holds a special place for all of us at Elwick Stud as she was the last mare bought by the late Mr Turnbull. We always said that Geoff had the Midas touch and we are lucky that he got it so right with this one too. "Dad has left us with another beauty." Says Nick Turnbull speaking with the Racing Post. Nick also shared how Geoff's decision making skills still influence his and the family's decisions "what would dad have done is usually what we would say to most questions asked, and it tends to be the right decision when you follow it that way." And what a decision that purchase was.

Stud Manager, Gary Moore says “Once he’d (Geoff) sent us down to have a look at her (Stream Song) and we’d said we liked her, I don’t think he was going to stop bidding until we got her,” he remembers with a fond smile when he spoke with Martin Stevens for the Racing Post “He wanted her and that was that."

Unfortunately, in 2022 we lost the Sea The Stars foal out of Stream Song, but she has a very nice Sea The Stars colt yearling who will most likely head to Tattersalls Book 2 this October. She also has a Baaeed filly foal at foot and is in foal to Ghaiyyath.

At Haydock Park on Saturday 8th June, we saw Iron Lion (GB) clinch the Class 2 handicap over 1m 4f under a classically patient Jamie Spencer ride. The son of Roaring Lion impressed and is to be targeted at the Old Newton Cup next, with a view to maybe running in the Ebor.

Then at Goodwood on Sunday, we saw Lava Stream (IRE) burst through the pack to take the Listed, Weatherbys Agnes Keyser Stakes with a ride from Danny Tudhope, that took us back to the wins of Mondialiste and Lord Glitters. The filly by Too Darn Hot has shaped in to a lovely strong individual and hopefully has a great chance at some further improvement and further black type.

We would like to express a big thank you to David O’Meara and his team at Willow Farm, who have done and continue to do a excellent job with these two.

Legendary Lord Glitters retired.

charlotte.turner@elwickstud.co.uk (Charlotte Turner) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:08:24 GMT

The Peter Pan of horse racing, Lord Glitters, has been retired. He has had an unbelievable career and has captured the hearts of many racing fans around the world. He has allowed the family to experience racing at the highest level and delivered at the biggest racing events around the world, fulfilling Geoff’s dream of a Royal Ascot winner. Special thanks go to David, Danny, Jason, Matt, Irfan and all the team at O’Meara Racing for doing such a wonderful job with him. He is very much a part of the legacy left by Geoff and will live out his days as a legend here at Elwick Stud.

Read more here - https://www.racingpost.com/news/latest/hugely-popular-lord-glitters-retired-at-the-age-of-nine-following-stellar-career/566882?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=RP%20-%20News&utm_content=Lord%20Glitters&utm_term=Null

Breeze up success for Mondialiste!

charlotte.turner@elwickstud.co.uk (Charlotte Turner) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:59:29 GMT

Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up 2022

Sales success for Mondialiste with his first offering at a breeze up sale.

Johnny Hassett of Ballyhannon House offered a colt out of the successful REACHFORTHESTARS at this years renewal. He was knocked down to Oliver St Lawrence for 165,000gns. A new top lot for the sire, who has now had seven individual winners.

We are very excited to follow his career and wish his connections the best of luck with him.

Emotional success for Lord Glitters with barnstorming run from last to first

charlotte.turner@elwickstud.co.uk (Charlotte Turner) — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 09:16:25 GMT

Originally posted by Andrew Dietz for the Racing Post - 11/02/2022

Lord Glitters sparkled in the desert again when making it back-to-back wins in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes with a trademark barnstorming run down the home straight under Danny Tudhope.

The star of David O'Meara's North Yorkshire stable turned nine last month but showed he retains all his enthusiasm and class with another valuable international success.

Winner of the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes in 2019, the popular grey has saved his best for his travels in recent times and arrived for the carnival on the back of victory in the £500,000 Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy in November.

He had been fourth in a Group 2 at Meydan on his first run of the year and showed the benefit of that outing with this victory by a length from Royal Fleet.

Last turning for home, Tudhope angled out towards the centre of the track and Lord Glitters charged past Zakouski, who was edged out for second by Royal Fleet near the line.

The jockey said: "It's quite emotional with this horse winning at this sort of stage. It means a lot to me and the team and well done to everybody back at home.

"He's just as enthusiastic and we thought he might need his last run. We were very happy with him and knew there was a bit of improvement there.

"They went a nice even pace the whole way and he travelled so nicely. When he does that you know he's going to finish off well."

Last year, Lord Glitters went on to win the Group 1 Jebel Hatta before finishing sixth behind Lord North in the Dubai Turf and Tudhope suggested the same route will be followed.

Paddy Power gave Lord Glitters an opening quote of 7-1 for the Dubai Turf following this success.

"He enjoys it out here, he's thriving now and we know he's in good form," added Tudhope. "They'll be jumping up and down at home as he's a stable star and I'm sure everybody is happy."

Bespangled brings 330,000gns as buyers dip into Godolphin goldmine

charlotte.turner@elwickstud.co.uk (Charlotte Turner) — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:52:55 GMT

By James Thomas, Sales correspondent for the Racing Post.

After a white-hot Tuesday session that was topped by the 2,200,000gns Waldlied, prices cooled a little during day three of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale on Wednesday, although a clearance rate of 87 per cent spoke of the ongoing strength of trade.

The market was headed by the unraced Bespangled, an unraced daughter of Dubawi offered by Godolphin who fetched 330,000gns from Billy Jackson-Stops. The Newmarket-based agent signed alongside the Turnbull family's Elwick Stud.

"The team at Elwick Stud were very keen on her and she was an obvious standout in this session," said Jackson-Stops. "They've had a lot of good horses along the way and they're revamping their stock. She's a very good individual, is by Dubawi and there are some nice horses coming along behind her. The pedigree really stands out and she will go to the straight to the breeding shed."

The three-year-old is a second-generation Godolphin homebred as she is out of Pure Diamond, a Listed-winning daughter of Street Cry and the German champion two-year-old White Rose, who joined the Darley fold through Blandford Bloodstock at 620,000gns in 2007.

Pure Diamond has bred one winner from as many runners, namely Charlie Appleby's Symbol Of Light, who looked a smart prospect with two bloodless victories on the all-weather this autumn. The mare also has a yearling filly by Frankel and a Kingman colt foal in the pipeline.

Elwick Stud, whose founder Geoff Turnbull passed away aged 74 in July last year, saw their flag bearer Lord Glitters gain a lucrative and much-deserved success in the Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy earlier in the month. The Turnbull colours were also carried to success by the Julie Camacho-trained Burning Emotion, a daughter of the owner's Miondialiste, at Kempton yesterday.

Godolphin sold 84 lots across the first three sessions of the December Mares Sale, which in turn generated receipts totalling 4,629,500gns and an average price of 55,113gns.

Lord Glitters sparkles in Bahrain Trophy for David O'Meara and Jason Watson

charlotte.turner@elwickstud.co.uk (Charlotte Turner) — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 12:18:42 GMT

Racing Post 19/11/2021

When entering Sakhir racecourse it almost feels like you are entering a scene from Star Wars, with deserts, rolling dunes and grand buildings on either side of the track. A fitting match to the other-worldly setting was an out-of-this-world performance from the legendary Lord Glitters as he claimed the £500,000 Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy.

The gallant grey was returning for Bahrain's marquee race after finishing fifth last year, and at the grand old age of eight produced a trademark burst from last to first for an ecstatic David O'Meara in front of a packed grandstand of locals.

Despite getting slightly worked up as Bahrain's royal band serenaded the runners into the paddock, it didn't take long for Jason Watson, taking the ride for the first time, to settle the 2019 Queen Anne winner in his customary position at the back of the field.

A strong pace set by Pogo suited the duo perfectly as they struck with an exhilarating late run to pip top-class Godolphin duo Barney Roy and Magny Cours, with the Richard Fahey-trained Fev Rover fourth.

O'Meara, who missed last year's race after contracting coronavirus, said: "It means the world because he's not a young horse and every big race we turn up in and run well in is a bonus. I've had a lot of good horses in the past and a lot of them are on the decline by the time they're rising nine, so we're under no illusions that he's probably got a short window left in his career.

"We finished fifth last year and felt we had some unfinished business. I can't imagine he will come back at nearly ten and try to win again – surely there will be a time when the old legs start to give way – but not yet.

"The enthusiasm is still there, the ability is still there and for me he was overlooked coming into this race. We're often guilty of looking at him through rose-tinted glasses but I still felt with my neutral head on that I could write off his last two runs and his ability was there."

For Watson, it was the perfect way to bounce back from a tough year and fitting that the win should come for O'Meara, who has been his biggest supporter since the jockey split from Roger Charlton in July.

"It's a really big deal to me," said Watson. "I had a rocky year at home personally and in my job, which has been tough to deal with, so I'm delighted.

"I came out here with a lot of nerves and I wouldn't call myself a nervous jockey. Lord Glitters is a true champion of the yard and in David's eyes he's a world-class horse and he's proved that plenty of times. It's an honour really."

O'Meara added: "Danny is our main man but with his commitments we needed a good guy in there to pick up the slack. Even before the Charlton split came I was chatting to Jason's agent wondering why he wasn't getting as many rides as he should. It teed up great and fair play to Jason – first time on him, he's only 21 and he's given him a hell of a ride."

For a moment approaching the line, it looked like Barney Roy was going to continue Charlie Appleby's world domination, but the trainer was nonetheless pleased with the run of the four-time Group 1 winner.

Appleby said: "I'm delighted with Barney Roy. We came to win the race and thought we had done but with Lord Glitters in there it's never over until they hit the line."

O'Meara confirmed a return to Dubai is on the cards next for Lord Glitters, although an intriguing seed was planted in a post-race encounter with Saudi Cup organiser Prince Bandar, who extended an invitation for Lord Glitters to take part in the Neom Turf Cup on Saudi Cup day in February.

Salsada wins on hurdles debut

charlotte.turner@elwickstud.co.uk (Charlotte Turner) — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 07:22:53 GMT

From the Racing Post - An average maiden hurdle for this track with the exception of the winner, who was a cut above. The early pace was steady, causing several to race keenly.

SALSADA, a very useful sort on the Flat, gradually warmed to the task in terms of her jumping and, impressed with how readily she put the race to bed in the straight, extending her advantage all the way to the line. There's more to come and she may well prove capable of defying a penalty.

You always hope they'll do it like that and we think a lot of SALSADA . She just had a problem with the stalls and she's been sent to me to go jumping. She made two mistakes and would have won by further otherwise. She's Listed class and probably wants more of a galloping track - Brian Ellison, trainer.

From pit ponies to thoroughbreds, one man’s inspirational dream

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:33:52 GMT

From pit ponies to thoroughbreds, one man’s inspirational dream.

As the Flat racing season gets underway tomorrow, PETER BARRON tells the remarkable rags-to-riches story that began at a County Durham pit and led to one man’s multi-million pound vision

IF the script had been written for Hollywood, it might easily have been dismissed as too far-fetched and overly romantic…

The plot begins with a Durham miner’s son discovering his love of horses while watching his father care for the pit ponies as they emerge from the darkness at the end of another gruelling week. The boy boldly declares that he’ll own racehorses one day, but is dismissed as a dreamer – a Walter Mitty. He grows up to prove them all wrong and, not only does he go on to own top-class racehorses, but creates a stud farm designed to breed champions for years to come.

It certainly does sound fanciful, but Geoff Turnbull MBE turned it into a reality through his sheer hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and uncanny knack of being able to tell a good horse when he saw one.

Sadly, Geoff passed away last summer, aged 74. His legacy is the magnificent Elwick Stud, near Hartlepool, where it now falls to his family to carry on what many so-called experts dismissed as an impossible dream.

“I consider myself lucky to even have known him, let alone be his son,” says Geoff’s son Nick, as he sits in a room at Sheraton Farm, overlooking a paddock where a contented mare picks lazily at the grass, and her foal marvels, wide-eyed, at the wonders of the world. “This place was his vision, he made it happen, and he would have wanted the dream to live on.”

It all began at Horden Colliery, where Geoff’s father, William, was head horse-keeper, responsible for looking after the pit ponies. He taught his son: “If you have love and respect for a horse, you have a friend for life.”

At 15, Geoff became an apprentice turner at a company in Billingham, and went on to be founder of the GT Group of companies, an environmental engineering business with an annual turnover of more than £50m and employing 600 people at its peak. He was awarded the MBE for service to the UK export industry in 1991.

And he proved as good as his word by using his success in business to become a racehorse owner, starting off by buying a chestnut mare, called La Sylphide, as a Christmas present for his beloved wife, Sandra. Nicknamed Tinsel, La Sylphide won seven times. Geoff’s dream was off and running.

Proud of his roots as a miner’s son, he set his sights on winning The Pitmen’s Derby at Newcastle – otherwise known as The Northumberland Plate – and came within a short-head of realising that part of his dream when his horse, Macorville, came second in 2007.

As Geoff continued to grow the number of horses running in his increasingly familiar dark blue and pink colours, his attentions increasingly turned to developing a stud. He and Sandra kept all their horses at their home at Elwick, but an exciting new phase of the dream took shape in 2014 with an ambitious move to nearby Sheraton Farm. Set in 300 acres, it was the perfect location to become the headquarters of the stud operation.

A milestone moment came in July 2014 when Geoff bought a three-year-old bay colt in France. Called Mondialiste, he was put into training, in North Yorkshire, with David O’Meara, who had sourced the horse with Geoff.

Their judgement paid off spectacularly when Mondialiste proved to be a star, with a track record that included Group 1 victories in the Woodbine Mile, in Canada, and the Arlington Million, in America.

But Geoff had also bought the colt with a view to him standing as a stallion at Elwick Stud, and he took up those duties when he retired after the 2017 season.

Another vital piece of the jigsaw was put in place when Geoff recruited Garry Moore to be his stud manager. Garry, son of veteran Middleham trainer George Moore, who had trained both La Sylphide and Macorville, came with a wealth of experience. He’d spent 15 years at Coolmore, in Tipperary, one of the world’s largest breeding operations of racehorses, before moving to another leading stud, Whatton Manor, in Nottinghamshire.

“Geoff always told me, ‘when I buy a stud, you can come and run it,’ but I thought it was just a pipedream,” recalls Garry. “Then he called out of the blue one day to say he’d bought this place, and he persuaded me to come up and see it.”

Geoff went on to outline his vision, telling Garry that he wanted to make Mondialiste a stallion, and invest in the best mares he could afford. It was enough to convince Garry to up sticks from Nottinghamshire and move his wife, Louisa, and their children, Dylan and Emily, to Elwick.

“It was a massive step for us all, but it was because I had such faith in Geoff, and everything he was trying to do, that we came – and I’m so glad we did,” says Garry.

On the track, the biggest highlight of all for Geoff and Sandra came in June, 2019, when the striking much-loved grey, Lord Glitters – again trained by David O’Meara and sourced by his assistant Jason Kelly – won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes in the hands of Danny Tudhope at Royal Ascot. The pitman’s son – the dreamer, the Walter Mitty – had triumphed before The Queen.

Lord Glitters, now an eight-year-old, continues to sparkle to this day, and O’Meara described him as “the horse of a lifetime” after he won the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, at Meydan, in Dubai, earlier this month.

Meanwhile, back in this country, excitement is building as the start of the turf Flat season approaches. It is a pivotal year for Elwick Stud, and Geoff’s dream, because the first of Mondialiste’s progeny will be making their racecourse debuts.

Having started his stud duties at Elwick, Mondialiste is now standing in France to widen his influence. He has now produced 45 two-year-olds, with 25 in training across several northern trainers.

Elwick Stud represents a £10m investment. A five-star equine hotel, it is home to a growing band of 35 broodmares that are sent out to visit some of the country’s finest stallions. State-of-the art facilities include 23 grass paddocks, a new all-weather paddock, lunge rings, and stabling for 108 horses.

It is a finely tuned, high-tech operation, with each foaling-box overseen by CCTV cameras, and the pampered mums-to-be fitted with an ingenious alarm system that sends a call to Garry’s phone – any time of day or night – when their waters break.

“It’s incredible what Dad created from scratch – it’s our job now to carry on his vision and make sure we turn it into a sustainable business,” says Nick, who is leading the operational side of the business.

“He always had such belief in Mondialiste, from the moment he saw him, and it’s just really sad he’s not here to see his first two-year-olds run this year. It’s going to be very, very emotional if one of them wins.”

At this point, Garry looks up, shakes his head and adds: “It’s not if – it’s when.”

The belief in Geoff Turnbull’s impossible dream remains as strong as ever.

Originally published in the Northern Echo, 24th March 2021.

Hester Prynne proves chip off the old block to get Mondialiste off the mark

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:30:14 GMT

Hester Prynne proves chip off the old block to get Mondialiste off the mark

Trainer David O’Meara has made an encouraging start to the season with his two-year-olds and could not have been happier to see latest newcomer Hester Prynne become the first winner for his former stable-star-turned-stallion Mondialiste.

The filly has big shoes to fill given Mondialiste won the Woodbine Mile and Arlington Million for O’Meara and jockey Danny Tudhope, but she showed a pleasing attitude for the same combination to overhaul Alaskan Jewel by a length.

O’Meara said: “It’s Mondialiste’s first winner from only a handful of runners so I’m delighted we were able to get that. She’s very tough and shows a lot of the same qualities that made him have such a good career. She’ll be best over five or six furlongs.”

Mondialiste stood at at Elwick Stud, which was established by both Mondialiste’s and Hester Prynne’s late owner Geoff Turnbull, who died last summer.

Turnbull’s son Nick, who is now running Elwick Stud, said: “It’s very emotional – and that was always going to be the case when Mondialiste had his first winner.

“I spoke to Danny Tudhope afterwards and he said she’s a really tough filly. He’s ridden a few of Mondialiste’s two-year-olds now and they have all had that toughness."

Tudhope made it three on the day when he guided course specialist Zihaam to a sixth Beverley victory in the 1m½f handicap, before following up on Rhoscolyn in the closing 7½f handicap.

Drought ended

Kodimoor made all under Phil Dennis in the 7½f handicap to end a two-year barren spell and record his sixth victory on his 64th start.

The Mark Walford-trained eight-year-old last triumphed in the summer of 2019 but fought back when challenged by Lukoutoldmakezebak to score by a head.

Elwick Stud poised to become the new northern powerhouse

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:28:17 GMT

Elwick Stud poised to become the new northern powerhouse.

The landscape of Teesside may be dominated by the kind of industry that revolves around chimneys, refineries and an oil processing plant known locally as 'The Cracker', but over the hill and not too far away at Geoff Turnbull's Elwick Stud a different kind of production line is about to come to life.

Under the care of owner, breeder and prominent industrialist Turnbull, Elwick Stud has received more than £10 million of investment that has seen the land developed from a working farm into a state-of-the-art breeding facility.

There are around 50 boxes spread between two locations, one to house mares, their foals and yearlings and Turnbull's string while they are out of training, and just up the road is Elwick Hall and the stallion yard, which is currently vacant except for the grand designs the stud's owner has in place.

Turnbull made his fortune from a hugely successful career in manufacturing, notably with his own GT Group. And although he recently sold his business to the German firm Knorr-Bremse Group for an undisclosed but not inconsiderable sum, the word retirement is something that means very little to the 70-year-old.

"There are ambitions to build, not one of the biggest studs in the world but one of the best," he says from a sitting room adorned by photographs of his many racecourse triumphs.

There are plans for more boxes and more horses, which of course means more expenditure, but Turnbull and stud manager Gary Moore insist the new venture is one that places quality over quantity.

An example of this approach came at the Goffs Orby Sale when Turnbull parted with €270,000 for Barefoot Contessa, a Dansili yearling half-sister to French Classic winner Beauty Parlour from the coveted Wildenstein dispersal draft.

"I thought we'd have to spend more than that to get her, but the budget is there to be spent if we need it," Turnbull says, before noting that some of the potential stars of his broodmare band are still revealing their true potential.

"We've got a lot of quality fillies coming through. We'll have more than 30 fillies in training next year and I'd hope maybe ten of those will prove good enough to join the broodmare band. I'd expect Reachforthestars to be a Group horse before she retires.

"That's the kind of quality we've got and that's the route we're taking. It's an enjoyable route if you get it right but it's frustrating if you don't because you have to compensate by buying. Although if the right filly or mare comes up, we'll definitely buy.

"The early target is 100 horses; we'll probably hit that at the end of this year and, if not, definitely by the spring of next year. You've got to have the structure and the quality with the mares, so that's what we've been concentrating on as a young stud going forward. Getting the standard of the mares up to what I call world class isn't easy."

Easy it may not be, but that has not stopped Turnbull trying, and at this month's Tattersalls December Mares Sale he added Kalinova, a Red Ransom half-sister to Soviet Song in foal to Camelot, at 50,000gns, and Sibaya, an Exceed And Excel half-sister to St Leger hero Harbour Law in foal to Nathaniel, at 26,000gns to his burgeoning band of broodmares.

Standing start

However, perhaps the boldest aspect of his plans for Elwick Stud is not the number of mares Turnbull plans to house but the fact he also intends to stand his own stallions.

There are plans in place for as many as four stallions to reside at Elwick Stud in due course, but at the moment the only intended occupant of the stallion yard located a short drive away from the main yard is the apple of Turnbull's eye, Mondialiste.

It had been a close call as to whether the son of Galileo would be retired to stand at Elwick in 2017, but eventually the decision was reached that trainer David O'Meara would get another roll of the dice with the soon-to-be seven-year-old.

Such is the enthusiasm Turnbull displays for his dual Grade 1 winner that it is hard not to feel that his desire to see the offspring of the globetrotting Mondialiste one day carrying his familiar blue and pink silks could well have been be a big contributing factor in his desire to expand the stud.

"I couldn't believe he was going to sale," Turnbull explains of how he came to own the regally bred horse. "He didn't look in the best condition when I saw him. There's no doubt that Freddy Head is one of the best trainers in the world but he'd been using him as a pacemaker and already had some fantastic horses in his stable.

"When you have only one of them it makes a difference as you concentrate on them a lot more. It's made a big difference to the horse to get him settled, just letting him run around the field. When we first got him you couldn't go in the stable with him.

"We've already had plenty of interest from people wanting to send mares to him, and not just from around here."

Despite his clear affection for Mondialiste, it is not just blind admiration that drives Turnbull, although he says backing your own judgement is immensely important. It was his own intuition than led to the purchase of Mondialiste, and that may be a good omen for one of Turnbull's potential stars in 2017 in Kings Gift.

Turnbull went to €52,000 for the son of Casamento despite the protestations of those whose opinion he normally relies on. The maverick move certainly looks to have paid dividends as the two-year-old ended his season with a fine second in the Horris Hill Stakes, as the highest-rated progeny of his sire by Racing Post Ratings, and with the profile of a horse who looks nailed on to become an even better three-year-old.

"I spotted him as a foal over in Ireland. I just loved him and said I was going to buy him," Turnbull explains. "Paul Mulrennan got off him and said ‘this is the best two-year-old I've sat on this year'. They were lovely words to hear - we've still not seen his full potential, not even close."

Northern heights

Turnbull, who has horses in training with Michael Dods, O'Meara, Kevin Ryan, Tim Easterby and Jedd O'Keeffe, is unequivocal about the prospects of the north as a powerhouse within the thoroughbred industry and is determined to make his contribution a lasting one.

"I can't see my horses going out of the north," he says. "The standard of training up here is second to none. I've got a good relationship with the people around here," before he concedes that his ambitions do not lie solely within the area in which he was born and raised.

"But I exported more than 95 per cent of everything I made in manufacturing and horseracing isn't a parochial thing either. It's international; if a trainer wants to take a horse to anywhere in the world it's just the same as going to Catterick as far as I'm concerned."

At a time when the number of owner-breeders is decreasing and those aiming to breed for the sales ring and not the racecourse are seemingly having a growing influence on the breed, a short spell in the company of Turnbull highlights that there are individuals out there still willing to make investments based primarily on their love of the sport and the thoroughbred.

"I just love horses," he says. "I've been doing it for 17 years as a hobby, racing horses and breeding. The first horse I bred was Rising Prospect [out of his seven-time winner La Sylphide] and he won first time out at York. We entered him for the Derby after that; beginner's luck!

"During the years I spent working in the commercial sector I used to drive past the stud staff on my way to work and think ‘I wish I was doing what you're doing'.

"I've had a great life and I've enjoyed what I've done in manufacturing but now I've got the bit between my teeth with this, the stud is my main thrust.

"I'm not risk averse but this will be run like a business and I expect a return on my investment. I'll strive to be the best in the world but it's a long-term thing."

They say that you should never mix business and pleasure, but if you can make your business your pleasure and vice versa there is no telling how far you can you go, and that is precisely the position in which Turnbull finds himself.

This article was first published in the Racing Post in December 2016.