Childwickbury Stud
CHILDWICKBURY STUD is one of the most historic studs in England, with a rich tradition of Classic winners and yet this equine haven is based just outside the M25 corridor, near St Albans.
The stud is used by Dean Ivory as an overflow yard with horses going there who are coming back from injury, having a holiday or who have just arrived from the sales.
The stud dating back 130 years to 1888 is one of the oldest thoroughbred stud farms in the country. Surounding the stud buildings, the land is divided into spacious post and rail paddocks and is surrounded by fine mature trees.
Two yearling colts at Childwickbury Stud
Over the years Childwickbury Stud has produced numerous classic and group winners, making it one of the most successful nurseries for raising bloodstock in the country. The stud is most associated with the Joel family who bred and raced thoroughbreds with great success over many years.
The influence of ‘Absurdity’, one of Mr J. B. Joel’s foundation mares, has been one of the most enduring factors in the stud’s success. In the stud’s main yard, a monument is dedicated to ‘Doris’, the dam of ‘Sunstar’ and ‘Princess Dorrie’. She played a firm part in building the stud’s solid reputation.
Mr J B Joel’s son, Jim (Mr H. J. Joel) continued the fine family racing tradition and his record among British based breeders of classic horses has not been surpassed in recent times, as he also owned and bred nine other horses that were placed in classic races.
He won all English Classics bar the Oaks. He and his father Jack, won many Classic races and Jim Joel was one of only a handful of owners to have won both the Derby (in 1967) and the Grand National (in 1987) with Royal Palace and Maori Venture respectively.
Childwickbury Stud is a working commercial stud which also preps yearlings for some of the country’s major consignors. Who knows if one of the current crop of yearlings by Kodiac or Muhaarar will add to the roll of honour at this beautiful and historic stud?
