History

 

There has been a stud at Highclere for over 100 years. Siddown Warren Stud, as it was originally named, was founded in 1902 by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. At that time, the stud was made up of 200 acres of chalk paddocks situated in the valley between Beacon and Siddown Hills; a location which affords shelter and shade in severe weather.

The 5th Earl laid out the foundations of the stud with the purchase of Grand Prix (by St. Simon) in 1900 for 700gns. Grand Prix was the dam of the outstanding broodmares Jongleuse (by Juggler) and Malva (by Charles O'Malley), the dam of the 1930 Epsom Derby winner Blenheim. Not only did the 5th Earl found Highclere Stud, but he was also a keen supporter of the new racecourse at Newbury which opened in 1905 and he was one of the first stewards. As well as being the famous Egyptologist.

The 6th Earl (1878-1987), who was a well known amateur jockey in the 1930's, bought further success to Highclere Stud by importing yearlings from the USA. Nevertheless, it was the 7th Earl (1924-2001) who truly developed the bloodlines at Highclere. Lord Porchester, as he was then, did this by reintroducing the families that had been around in his grandfather the 5th Earl's day. In 1962 he bought Grand Prix's descendant Jojo. Jojo foaled 13 winners in all, including Queen's Hussar (the sire of champions Brigadier Gerard and Highclere) and the outstanding broodmare Hiding Place. Group 1 performers Little Wolf and Smuggler were both progeny of
Hiding Place, as was the mare Cubbyhole who produced the 1,000 Guineas second Niche, the first filly to win the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The family's deep love of horses and its association with racing
continues in the present generation. The 8th Earl's sister Lady
Carolyn and her husband John Warren still have mares descended from both Malva and Jongleuse. Nevertheless, they are always aiming to improve and develop the bloodlines at Highclere Stud, and have made a number of significant purchases in recent years.

The Hon Harry Herbert, younger brother of the current Earl, runs the most successful racing syndicate in the world, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd, in which John Warren is also a director.  Successful horses include Lake Coniston, Tamarisk, Petrushka, Delilah and Highest.  Also the Royal Ascot Racing Club champion Motivator who was managed by Highclere.

 

As his father was, Harry Herbert is currently a member of The Jockey Club as is Lady Carolyn Warren.

 

For more information on Highclere Castle and the Carnarvon family visit www.highclerecastle.co.uk