National Hunt Stallion Open Weekend Announced for January 2026
The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) and British European Breeders Fund are pleased to announce the trial of a National Hunt Stallion Open Weekend, taking place across Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026.
The new initiative has been created to provide a dedicated platform for UK-based National Hunt stallion owners’ to showcase their stallions directly to NH breeders or those considering breeding their mares’ for the first time ahead of the forthcoming breeding season as well as providing a unique opportunity for the wider public to see the daily workings and practices of some of Britain’s leading National Hunt stud farms.
The weekend will see seven stud farms opening their doors across two regions across the UK, with 26 stallions showcased and enabling attendees to plan visits easily within geographic clusters and with all studs open from 10am - 3.30pm, subject to slight variances:
Saturday 10 January – Powys, Shropshire & Cheshire
- Yorton Stud
- Shade Oak Stud
- Mickley Stud
- Willow Wood Stud
Sunday 11 January – Worcestershire & Gloucestershire
- Chapel Stud
- Batsford Stud
- Overbury Stud
The weekend is free to attend, but all visitors will be required to pre-register here through a simple sign-up form. Pre-registration will assist participating studs with visitor planning and ensure the best possible experience for attendees.
Speaking on the launch of the weekend, Simon Cox, Chair of the TBA NH committee, commented: “The TBA is delighted to be trialling the National Hunt Stallion Open Weekend for the first time with the support of the BEBF. Following discussions with National Hunt stallion owners, taking into account the time of year, and looking at how other jurisdictions promote their stallions, the weekend aims to provide a focused platform to highlight a selection of NH stallions and stud farms.
“We hope the event will offer both established breeders and those considering breeding for the first time the opportunity to view a range of stallions, stimulate use of breeding incentives such as the Elite NH Mares’ Scheme, and introduce a wider audience to the stud farms involved. We are extremely grateful to all the studs taking part for their support.”
Dave Futter, Owner of Yorton Farm, who stands four stallions on show on Saturday 10 January said: “We have seen the success of other stallion trails, and this is a first step to see how a coordinated approach across a dedicated weekend to showcase both NH stallions and the studs themselves might work.
“Primarily this is for those NH breeders to have the opportunity to see stallions and help with their mating decisions but also provides a unique opportunity for any bloodstock enthusiasts to visit the studs and go behind the scenes so we hope it will be well supported.”
Rachael Linsell, British EBF Head of Communications & Race Programme added: "The contributions British stallion studs make to prizemoney through the British EBF top £2million per year. To support our contributors, the British EBF are now working alongside the TBA and GBRI on projects to promote domestic stallions. Following a successful PR venture for Flat stallions during the December Sales, we look forward to extending our support to the National Hunt stallion weekend in January 2026."
Roisin Close, Chapel Stud owner and manager added: “This is great opportunity for breeders to see the stallions in their home environment, while also allowing us to showcase the day-to-day workings of the stud as we prepare for the forthcoming breeding season.
“While racing yards are often in the spotlight, it is here at the studs where our thoroughbreds take their very first steps towards becoming racehorses. This stage of their development is both fundamental and fascinating, and we’re delighted to open our doors and share it with breeders and the wider industry.”
To register for the NH Stallion Open Weekend, visit here.