The National Stud
In April 2008 the National Stud was transferred from the Government to National Stud Limited, a subsidiary of The Jockey Club. Under the terms of the transfer, The Jockey Club have agreed to continue to provide the National Stud's unique educational and training schemes for stud staff, as well as public access to the stud, for a minimum of five years.
Background & History
The National Stud was established in 1916 in order to ensure the supply of good quality light horses for cavalry. Although the changing demands of 20th century warfare reduced the importance of this original function, the Government decided to retain the Stud for the purpose of breeding high-class Thoroughbreds. In March 1963, the Secretary of State for the Home Department directed the newly established Levy Board to run the Stud as a breeding centre, owning stallions and mares; to assume complete financial responsibility for the Stud; and to hold the Stud as an identifiable asset "capable of being handed intact to a fresh trustee" if and when the occasion arose. It was at this time that the decision was made to sell the National Stud's two farms and build a brand new, purpose-designed stud on 500 acres of land at Newmarket obtained from The Jockey Club for a peppercorn rent on a 999 year lease. The area of land forms part of the Jockey Club Estates property portfolio. The National Stud's facilities include accommodation for eight stallions and up to 200 mares in nine separate yards. Its range of educational programmes of stud staff are unique in Great Britain and provided free of charge to the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Currently, the primary roles of the Stud are:
To provide a comprehensive range of services to the British Thoroughbred breeding industry of the highest quality, to internationally accepted standards at affordable prices. These include stallion services, seasonal and permanent boarding, foaling, sales preparation and quarantine for export.
To provide a first-rate residential education and training facility for young people entering the Thoroughbred breeding industry or seeking higher qualifications within it, offering a range of courses to meet stated industry needs; and
To be an effective and accessible shop window for the industry to the racing and wider general public, raising the levels of interest, awareness and knowledge.
As part of its wider policy of bringing to an end the Government's direct involvement in the administration and financing of racing, the Government transferred its interest in the Stud to The Jockey Club.The Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, said: “I am pleased that The Jockey Club has agreed to take on ownership of the National Stud. This means first class training in stud management will continue and, importantly, that the facility will be managed by an organisation dedicated to the improvement of horseracing.” Julian Richmond-Watson, Senior Steward of the Jockey Club, added:"We are delighted to be acquiring the National Stud. Together with the breeding industry we will seek to develop proposals to safeguard its long term future. Preserving the heritage of British Thoroughbred breeding, as well as the pursuit of excellence through the provision of education and training services, sit very well alongside the Club's overall aims and objectives."
Visit the website of The National Stud at www.nationalstud.co.uk
