The Queen’s long-term commitment to breeding racehorses was recognised at an award ceremony last night (7 July) hosted by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA).
The evening, sponsored by Lanwades Stud, celebrated another remarkable year for British breeding. The Queen’s racing advisor John Warren collected the prestigious Andrew Devonshire Bronze on Her Majesty’s behalf. A presentation of the bronze to The Queen had been made earlier in the year (pictured).
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“It was only when going through the list of previous winners that we noticed one of the most important breeders in Britain had not been recognised,” said TBA chairman Richard Lancaster.
“As the TBA patron and a fine example of a committed and knowledgeable British breeder, it was an honour to be able to thank The Queen in person and present this esteemed award.”
The Horse & Hound Cup — for the leading National Hunt stallion for individual chase winners — was once again awarded to British-bred Kayf Tara. Simon Sweeting (pictured below) from Overbury Stud collected the Cup on behalf of Goldphin owner Sheikh Mohammed.
Culminating what has been a phenomenal 2014/2015 season for the Oaksey and Bradstock racing dynasty, their broodmare Plaid Maid — dam of this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Coneygree and the gelding’s half-brothers Carrruthers and Flintham — scooped the Dudgeon Cup for broodmare of the year.
In recognition of his major contribution to National Hunt breeding, Robert Waley-Cohen, father of top amateur jockey Sam, was awarded The Queen Mother’s Silver Salver.
Topping an overwhelming number of nominees, David Porter-Mackrell (pictured below), the senior stallion man at Newsells Park Stud, took home the TBA stud staff award and £1,000 prize-money, plus a portrait of his favourite stallion Mount Nelson — painted and presented by equestrian artist Liz Armstrong.
“It meant so much just to be nominated so winning today is a bonus. Knowing that Julian [Dollar] took the time to put me forward is recognition in itself,” said David.
