East Regional Day visit to The Royal Stud, Sandringham
On Thursday July 5, 45 TBA members were privileged to visit The Royal Stud in Sandringham, where Stud Manager David Somers impeccable knowledge of all the horses was a great help to understanding the Stud’s ethos and breeding processes.
The Royal Stud was established at Sandringham, standing in over 300 acres, in 1886 by Edward, Prince of Wales and soon became highly influential in the development of the Thoroughbred bloodstock. From our visit, it was clear that Her Majesty The Queen takes a particular interest in her bloodstock breeding which is also apparent with her success on the racecourse. Her Majesty also receives weekly updates from the Stud, wherever she is, to keep her up to date on recent events. Before this, the Stud was at Hampton Court; where now, Her Majesty The Queen’s other passion, Native Ponies are bred.
The day started with a tea and coffee reception at the Sandringham Restaurant, followed by a tour of the stud and a lovely lunch back at the restaurant, with the optional offer of visiting Sandringham House, Museum and Gardens.
The Stallion standing at Sandringham Stud is Royal Applause who is now 25 years old, and appropriately spends his days in luxurious paddocks which have been developed in the historic Walled Garden. The group was fortunate to see Royal Applause looking in superb condition.
The photo taken is by the statue of the famous racehorse Persimmon, a 4-time Champion Stallion, in front of the Stud Office. Next to the office are two stable yards. There is also a foaling unit with excellent facilities, including CCTV cameras. Close by is a paddock used for mares before they foal.
Other areas are also used for stud purposes and include Friar Marcus Yard - a yard used for the horses as a winters rest and Wolferton is used for quarantine. In addition, foals are weaned then move to Polhampton, before returning to Sandringham to start the breaking in process, and mares are also kept there before returning for foaling.
The Royal Studs is currently home to Her Majesty’s broodmare band, which includes National Hunt broodmares. During the visit, the group were treated to a parade of mares and their 2018 foals. These included:
1) WISHING WIND, with her bay colt foal.
2) PURE FANTASY, and her chesnut colt foal.
3) LIGHT MUSIC and her bay filly foal.
4) MOMENTARY and her bay colt foal.