Windsor House Stables |
If you can provide any photos associated with this stable, or additional information to fill any gaps then contact johnwslusar@gmail.com |
1863-1865 George Griffin
Windsor Cottage stable, built circa 1863, was owned by the Kennard family for some considerable time, leasing it to a variety of trainers between 1863 and 1928, after which the Cottage was renamed Windsor House. It is thought that George Griffin was the first trainer to lease Windsor Cottage stables from the Kennard Family, training 6 horses in 1863, but by 1865 he was down to just 2 horses. |
1866-1867 John Gee
When George Griffin left Windsor Cottage he was replaced by John Gee who trained 6 horses in his first year, 1866, but the numbers dwindled and by the end of 1867 he had lost his entire string. |
1874 George Rouse
After John Gee left Windsor Cottage there was a lapse before the stables were occupied again. George Rouse, born in Jersey in 1842, worked for John Prince at Stork House in the 1860s, but in 1874 he trained on his own account at Windsor Cottage, handling a string of just 4 from January 1874. At the end of the season he was replaced by Clement and George Jarvis. |
![](../Lambourn 1830.jpg) |
1875-1882 Clement Jarvis, George Jarvis
In 1875 Clement Jarvis held the 7-year lease of Windsor Cottage, sharing training duties with George Jarvis who also rode for the stable. The pair were great supporters of Lambourn Races, sending numerous runners to the 1877 meeting. At that meeting, held on Thursday 19th July 1877, George Jarvis's Drumhead 100/30 finished second to Maud Victoria, owned by W S Cartwright, and later in the day George Jarvis rode Caxby 10/1 into 4th place in the Craven Cup, sponsored by Lord Craven, beaten 3 lengths by Volturno, also owned by W S Cartwright. Towards the end of the meeting George Jarvis partnered Quietude 3/1 in the Visitors Plate, finishing a neck behind Florry York. The Jarvis's left Windsor Cottage at the end of their lease in 1882 and the stables were taken over by James Humphries who was eager to expand his Stork House operation. |
I am grateful to Ordnance Survey (© Crown Copyright) for permission to use the 1830 map shown above. |
1883-1888 James R Humphreys
James Rowan Humphreys, born in Cheltenham on 4th June 1846, suffered a serious accident as a child which left him with lameness for the rest of his life. His first employment was at a Horse Repository in Cheltenham owned by his cousin Henry Humphreys, but in 1873, aged 28, he launched his training career at Stork House as private trainer for Major Stapylton, although he was able to extend his range of owners, with Mr Down a particularly successful owner. Although he trained the winners of few prestigious races, handicaps being his specialty, he was held in high esteem, and struck up an excellent working relationship with Derby winning jockey Fred Allsopp who served his 5-year apprenticeship with Humphreys, and an additional 3 years thereafter. Such was his training ability that in 1883 he leased Windsor Cottage stables as a second yard, maintaining the lease for 5 years. During this period he sent out Claymore to win the 1888 Manchester November Handicap, but at the end of the season he relinquished the lease and concentrated his training at Stork House.
1886 British Dominion Two-Year-Old Stakes at Sandown DIAVOLO (6/1) owned by Mr R Crest, trained by James Humphreys and ridden by C Loates
1888 Manchester November Handicap at Manchester CLAYMORE (20/1) owned by Lord Howe, trained by James Humphreys and ridden by Fred Allsopp |
1890-1898 W Grieve
For a period in the 1890s W Grieve took on the lease of Windsor Cottage stables, although he only enjoyed success in moderate races at this stage of his career. However, in 1898 he did guide Noble Lassie to win 3 consecutive races at courses as far afield as Lewes, Manchester and Lanark. He enjoyed much more success in Lambourn after 1900.
1897 Wellesbourne Handicap Plate at Warwick IDSTONE 7/2 owned by F Masters, trained by W Grieve and ridden by F Allsopp
1898 Coombe Plate at Lewes NOBLE LASSIE 100/7 owned by F Pollock, trained by W Grieve and ridden by Rumbold
1898 Stretford Handicap at Manchester NOBLE LASSIE 10/1 owned by F Pollock, trained by W Grieve and ridden by Purkiss
1898 Wishaw Handicap at Lanark NOBLE LASSIE 5/4 fav owned by F Pollock, trained by W Grieve and ridden by J Fagan |
1893-1902 James Forshaw Peace
James Forshaw Peace was born in Delamere, Cheshire in 1852 and made his way to the Lambourn area in 1883 where he and his wife Susan Toke Peace, born in 1840, resided at Lambourn House. In 1890 they are recorded as being at The Plough at Eastbury along with his sister, Jane Elizabeth Toke Thorp and their mother. He left Eastbury in 1892 and lived at a number of locations in Lambourn for the next 16 years, including Lambourn House, College House, and Windsor Cottage, which he leased from the Kennard family, but he will be best remembered for building Delamere House on the Baydon Road, having purchased 2 cottages before converting them into a much grander house, and adding 30 stables. He was a wealthy man, purchasing 245 acres in the Lambourn area, including 100 acres of arable land and the Crowdown Gallops for £1,200. In 1899 he purchased Ronehurst in Upper Lambourn for £1,050, as well as the Farncombe Bottom Gallops off the Baydon road. He trained for a number of prominent, wealthy owners, including Lord Newton, Lord Kesteven and Sir John Thursby, and he particularly liked having a tilt at the ring at the old Newton-Le-Willows racecourse until it closed at the end of the 1898 season. Amongst his best horses were The Tartar, True Art, Red Heart, St Noel, Canonbury and Ranald McEagh. He hit the headlines on 25th July 1896 when training 5 winners in a day at the Newton Summer meeting, winning with Carsethorn, Larkhill, Palmy, Polytheist and Pollyduck. Remarkably, he repeated the same feat 2 years later at the same racecourse and same Summer Meeting on 12th July 1898, winning with St Tudno, Marasquin, Superb, Trevor and Foxstones. James retired in 1902, and he and his wife returned to the Cheshire area to enjoy their retirement. She died in 1907, at which point he sold the Farncombe Bottom Gallops, and he died at 58 Liverpool Road, Chester in March 1908 aged 56, leaving a will of £15,141.
25th July 1896 Grand Stand Welter Handicap at Newton-le-Willows CARSETHORN 2/1 owned by L H Pilkington, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Calder
25th July 1896 Lyme Park Stakes at Newton-le-Willows LARKHILL 1/2 fav owned by L H Pilkington, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Finlay
25th July 1896 Juvenile Selling Stakes at Newton-le-Willows PALMY 5/2 owned by Mr Legge, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Calder
25th July 1896 Newton Cup at Newton-le-Willows POLYTHEIST 4/1 owned by Captain L H Jones, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Finlay
25th July 1896 St Helens Plate at Newton-le-Willows POLLYDUCK Evens fav owned by G F Fawcett, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Finlay
12th July 1898 Maiden Plate at Newton-le-Willows ST TUDNO 11/8 fav owned by L H Pilkington, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Finlay
12th July 1898 Mile Selling Plate at Newton-le-Willows MARASQUIN 5/2 owned by R A Harper, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Finlay
12th July 1898 Warrington Handicap at Newton-le-Willows SUPERB 10/1 owned by R A Harper, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Lofthouse
12th July 1898 Newton Bridge Handicap Plate at Newton-le-Willows TREVOR 5/2 owned by Sir John Thursby, trained by J F Peace and ridden by F B Black
12th July 1898 Prescott Plate at Newton-le-Willows FOXSTONES 1/2 fav owned by Sir John Thursby, trained by J F Peace and ridden by Finlay |
1902-1906 A B Thorpe
When James Forshaw Peace retired in 1902 the lease of Windsor Cottage stables was taken on by A B Thorpe who had trained in the village for a few years. Many of his horses were trainer owned, although he did train for the Pilkingtons, and like the trainer he replaced he enjoyed sending horses north to Haydock Park, scoring a double there with Lady Sturton and St Rollox in 1903. His lease ran out in 1906 and Henry Lindemere took over the lease, appointing A W Wright as his trainer.
1902 Cuerdon 2-y-o Plate at Manchester BURNIE 9/2 owned by T Pilkington, trained by A B Thorpe and ridden by W Lane
1903 Goldborne Park Plate at Haydock LADY STURTON 4/5 fav owned by C B Fernandez, trained by A B Thorpe and ridden by Bill Halsey
1903 Copeland Plate at Haydock ST ROLLOX 8/13 fav owned by L H Pilkington, trained by A B Thorpe and ridden by Bill Halsey
1903 West Derby Stakes at Aintree BURNIE 5/2 fav owned by T Pilkington, trained by A B Thorpe and ridden by W Lane |
July 1906-1913 A W Wright
In June 1902 A W Wright was appointed trainer to Henry Lindemere at Seven Barrows Stables and the pair enjoyed much success during the 4 years they were together at Seven Barrows, supported by wealthy owners like Sir Henry E Randall, Donald Fraser, Captain W S Power and Eustace Barlow. Bushy Boy was a frequent winner for the pair, as was Outbreak, who notched up 5 successive victories, which included the Free Handicap Stakes at Newmarket. However, the most successful horse during this period was St Wulfram, which won 10 consecutive races in 1905, after being bought from Lord Carnarvon out of the Park Selling Mile Handicap at Windsor for just 410 guineas, and subsequently landed the 1905 Liverpool Autumn Cup. In February 1905 E J Percy, an owner based at Kingston Warren near Wantage, sold his entire stud, with many lots purchased by A Wright, possibly with an eye on his future training career. In June 1906 A Wright terminated his engagement with Henry Lindemere, opting to train on his own account at Windsor Cottage stables which he leased from the Kennard family, replacing A B Thorp. He remained at Windsor Cottage until 1913. |
September 1913-January 1915 Charles Chandler
Charles Chandler, son of ill-fated Lambourn trainer James Chandler, who trained at Lambourn House until he took his own life in May 1906, worked in racing stables, but in September 1913 he severed his connection with Mr Moreton's Letcombe training establishment and moved to Windsor Cottage stables where he replaced A W Wright. Chandler brought with him a number of smart yearlings bred in Ireland and continued to train throughout the early months of the First World War. However, in January 1915 he joined the Army Veterinary Corps, relinquishing his trainer's licence and the lease he had taken out on Windsor Cottage. |
1918-May 1927 Sir Charles Nugent
Sir Charles Nugent, 5th Baronet and Count of the Holy Roman Empire, was born on 7th February 1847 at Delvin, County Westmead and served as a Lieutenant in the 17th Lancers, but was also noted as a fearless horseman. He famously rode 5 winners at Streatham Racecourse before launching his training career at Cranbourne, Dorset. He later moved to Hourton-on-the Hill in 1908 and from there to Windsor Cottage Stables, which had 18 boxes,after the War. He married Emily Ruth Eades Nugent (nee Walker) and they were blessed with one son, Hugh, who was born in Market Harborough on 18th May 1878 and became an excellent amateur jockey, but he was tragically killed in a hurdle race aboard Red Dragon at Ostende Racecourse, Belgium on 31st August 1903. His wife was in the early weeks of her pregnancy when he was killed and their son, Hugh Charles Nugent was born on 26th May 1904 and was adopted by his grandfather. Sir Charles won the 1899 Grand Sefton Stakes at Aintree with Hidden Mystery 100/6 ridden by his son Hugh. More famously, he finally won the 1903 Grand National with Drumcree, having finished second in 1901 and unplaced in 1902. He sent out 4 Royal Ascot winners, starting in 1907 with Dibs in the Chesham Stakes, the same horse repeating the success in 1908 in the King Edward VII Stakes, known also as the Ascot Derby. He landed the double in 1907 when Prospector won the Coventry Stakes, and finally won the 1921 Royal Hunt Cup with outsider Illuminator at 50/1. Towards the end of his training career in 1924 he won the competitive Empire Handicap at Newbury with Compiler, who then made it a memorable double in the Stewards Cup a few weeks later. Sir Charles died at Windsor Cottage on Sunday 22nd May 1927 and the trainers licence was taken over by his assistant and grandson Hugh.
1899 Grand Sefton Stakes at Aintree HIDDEN MYSTERY 100/6 owned by Colonel Gallwey, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by Hugh Nugent
1903 Grand National at Aintree DRUMCREE 13/2 fav owned by J S Morrison, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by P Woodland
1903 Grand Sefton Stakes at Aintree LEINSTER 6/1 owned by Sir T Gallwey, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by P Woodland
1907 Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot DIBS 10/1 owned by J S Morrison, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by H Stokes
1907 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot PROSPECTOR 7/2 owned by D Bowering, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by H Stokes
1908 King Edward VII Stakes (Ascot Derby) DIBS 6/5 fav owned by J S Morrison, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by H Stokes
1921 Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot ILLUMINATOR 50/1 owned by E L Short, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by R Stokes
1921 Chesterfield Cup at Glorious Goodwood ILLUMINATOR 8/1 owned by E L Short, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by Frank Bullock
1921 Lambton Gold Cup at Hurst Park WARWAYS 20/1 owned by Mrs Hugh Nugent, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by L Agar
1924 Empire Handicap at Newbury COMPILER 3/1 jt fav owned by L Schaverein, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by W Lister
1924 Stewards Cup at Glorious Goodwood COMPILER 9/1 jt fav owned by L Schaverein, trained by Sir Charles Nugent and ridden by W Lister |
May 1927-1945 Sir Hugh Nugent, John Patrick Walsh
Sir Hugh Charles Nugent, 6th Baronet was born on 26th May 1904 and married Margaret Mary Lavallin Puxley, daughter of Reverend Herbert Puxley, on 28th September 1931. When his grandfather, Sir Charles, died in May 1927 it was left to Sir Hugh to take charge at what was then known as Windsor Cottage, but in 1928 renamed Windsor House stables and he remained in charge during the Second World War. In May 1929 he appointed John Patrick Walsh, a former National Hunt jockey, as his trainer and the next year increased the number of boxes from 18 to 30 after taking back the licence. Walsh kept an association with Lambourn, and when he died on 10th February 1947, aged 63, he chose to be buried in Upper Lambourn. In February 1946 Sir Hugh sold Windsor House to Tom Rimell and retired to Ireland. Sir Hugh died on 30th October 1983 aged 79. |
February 1946-February 1959 Tom Rimell
Tom Rimell purchased Windsor House Stables from Sir Hugh Nugent in February 1946 having previously trained at Kinnersley, near Worcester for the previous 20 years. Towards the end of his time at Kinnersley he shared training duties with his son Frederick Thomas Rimell, who was also still riding at that time, and prior to departing for Windsor House he saw his son successfully applying to train in his own right. Tom had always encouraged his son to make a name for himself in the world of racing, ensuring he rode his first winner by the age of 12, and involving him with the Croome Hunt. Arguably Tom's greatest training success was in the 1932 Aintree Grand National when Forbra, owned by William Parsonage and ridden by Tim Hamey, beat Egremont by 2 lengths at 50/1. However, he also saddled 15 Cheltenham Festival winners during the period when the Festival often only lasted for 2 days rather than the present time 4-day extravaganza. Those winners included 3 National Hunt Handicap Chases, a County Hurdle, Gloucestershire Hurdle and Cotswold Chase. Whilst at Windsor House Tom notched up 2 Royal Ascot winners; firstly in 1952 when Easter Bride won the King's Stand Stakes for W J Rimell, and then 2 years later Chivalry won the 1954 Royal Hunt Cup. Tom retired in March 1959 and sold the stables to Syd Mercer.
1927 County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival ROLIF 7/1 owned and trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by H Cheshire
1930 Seven Springs Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival MISTER MOON 11/10 fav owned by R Gesson, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Fred B Rees
1930 National hunt juvenile Chase at the Cheltenham Festivale BLACK MARSHALL 100/8 owned by Lord Coventry, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Billy Stott
1932 Cotswold Chase at the Cheltenham Festival SOUTHAM 10/1 owned by Mrs W J Gresson, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Mr G Owen
1932 Coventry Cup at the Cheltenham Festival BRAVE CRY 9/4 owned by William parsonage, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by J Hamey
1932 Grand National at Aintree FORBRA 50/1 owned by William Parsonage, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Tim Hamey
1933 Foxhunters Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival MINSTREL BOY 10/1 owned by Major Rushton, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Mr G Bostwick
1934 United Hunts Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival BRAVE GIRL 100/8 owned by A Taylor, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Mr R Harding
1934 National Hunt Juvenile chase at the Cheltenham Festival CAPTAINS CHOICE 10/1 owned by W J Rimell, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Fred Rimell
1936 National Hunt Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival AVENGER 6/4 fav owned by Mrs Mundy, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Fred Rimell
1937 National Hunt Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival TEME WILLOW 3/1 owned by Sir Edward Hanmer, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by J Fawcus
1937 Gloucestershire Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival SOLARIUM 9/1 owned by Sir Edward Hanmer, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by D Morgan
1938 National Hunt Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival TEME WILLOW 10/1 owned by Sir Edward Hanmer, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Fred Rimell
1941 Cathcart Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival KNIGHT OF LONDON 9/2 owned by Mrs Mundy, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by Fred Rimell
1952 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, EASTER BRIDE 7/1 owned by W J Rimell, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by E Fordyce
1954 Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot CHIVALRY 33/1 owned by P Hatvany, trained by Tom Rimell and ridden by D Forte |
March 1959-1960 Syd Mercer
Syd Mercer, formerly trainer in Tamworth, Staffs, moved to Windsor House stables on Thursday 26th March 1959 replacing Tom Rimell. He remained there until selling it to Peter Walwyn the next year for £12,000. At that point it extended over 11 acres, had 30 boxes and 2 additional cottages as well as Windsor House. |
1960-1965 Peter Walwyn
Peter Tyndall Walwyn, born on 1st July 1933, son of Charles Walwyn and cousin of fellow Lambourn trainer Fulke Walwyn and his twin sister Helen, later Helen Johnson-Houghton, was educated at Charterhouse School, and was always destined to become a racehorse trainer. He began his working life as assistant trainer to Geoffrey Brooke at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket, but then took out his own trainer's license, albeit to enable his cousin Helen Johnson-Houghton to train, as the Jockey Club did not allow women to hold their own licence in those days. He purchased Windsor House Stables, Lambourn from Syd Mercer in October 1960, and enjoyed much success. One of his most successful early horses was Golden Wedding who won 8 races, including 3 valuable handicaps in a row in 1963, and was later sent to Saint-Cloud, finishing second in the Prix Perth. His stable star in 1965 was Mabel who won the Yorkshire Oaks having finished 3rd in the 1000 Guineas behind Night Off (SR 1764), and then was beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Long Look (SR 1814) in the Epsom Oaks. However, in 1965 he, and his wife Virginia, but universally known as Bonk, moved to Seven Barrows Stables, as his career was so successful at that point that he needed more than the 30 boxes at Windsor House, the pair remaining in the village for the rest of their lives. He sold Windsor House and stables to Mr & Mrs Peter Spicer and they let the yard to Bryan Marshall.
1960 Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot NEW MOVE 4/6 fav owned by C Nicholson, trained by Peter Walwyn and ridden by Lester Piggott
1963 Eccles Stakes at Manchester GOLDEN WEDDING 4/5 fav owned by Mrs M Chaplin, trained by Peter Walwyn and ridden by Joe Mercer
1963 Stroud Green Handicap at Newbury GOLDEN WEDDING 5/2 fav owned by Mrs M Chaplin, trained by Peter Walwyn and ridden by Joe Mercer
1963 Charles Greenwood Handicap at Kempton GOLDEN WEDDING 4/1 owned by Mrs M Chaplin, trained by Peter Walwyn and ridden by Joe Mercer
1965 Yorkshire Oaks at York MABEL 7/4 fav owned by G Williams, trained by Peter Walwyn and ridden by Joe Mercer |
1966-(1970) Bryan Marshall
Bryan Andrew Marshall, born in Cloughjordan, County Tipperary on 29th February 1916, was destined to spend his life with horses as his father was an International show jumper. He joined the stable of Hubert Hartigan aged just 13, as soon as he had completed his compulsory education, and rode his first winner at Kempton when Cheviotdale was successful on 10th May 1929. After spending 5 years with Hartigan he joined the Noel Murless stables in Hambleton, Yorkshire where he rode Murless's first National Hunt winner, Outlook, in 1935. At the outbreak of the Second World War Bryan joined the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, promoted to the rank of Captain, and left the forces in 1946, joining the Saxon House Stables of Fulke Walwyn where he was retained as stable jockey. He gained early successes on his return, winning the Cathcart Challenge Cup on Leap Man at the Cheltenham Festival, and later winning the 1947 King George VI Chase at Kempton on Rowland Roy. He went on to record a victory in 3 of the next 4 runnings of the Cathcart, in 1948 aboard Jack Tatters, 1951 aboard Semeur, and in 1952 partnering Coolrock, and was also on Manicou for Peter Cazalet when winning the 1950 King George VI Chase. However, Bryan will be best remembered for gaining back-to-back wins in the Aintree Grand National, firstly in 1953 aboard Early Mist 20/1 owned by Joe Griffin and trained by Vincent O'Brien, followed a year later on Royal Tan 8/1 for the same owner and trainer combination. At the end of that season he decided to retire from riding, feeling that his body was unable to take any more crashing falls, and launched his training career. He began training at Berkeley House stables in Upper Lambourn, but moved to Windsor House stables in 1966 when Peter Walwyn vacated them for Seven Barrows. His training career must have been a disappointment to him after such a glittering riding career, but he did train some winners for his wife, although they dissolved their marriage in 1972, and in June 1973 he brought his training career to an end, opening the Compton Racecourse Transport Company in Newbury later that year. He died at Dunedin hospital, reading on 9th October 1991 aged 75. |
1970-1977 Roger Charlton
Roger Charlton purchased Windsor House and stables in 1970 from the Spicers and spent 7 years developing the site. The number of boxes was reduced to 26, but Roger added one of the first, and best, equine swimming pools in the country, which proved invaluable to Nicky Henderson when he took up residence in 1978. |
July 1978-June1992 Nicky Henderson
Nicholas John Henderson OBE, son of Johnny Henderson and his wife Katherine Beckwith-Smith, was born on 10th December 1950 and educated at Eton College. He was always likely to carve out a career in racing for his father, who died in 2003, loved the sport and was one of the founding members of the Racecourse Holdings Trust, and to commemorate his father's achievements in the sport Cheltenham renamed one of their races the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase. Nicky, whose Godfather was Field Marshall Montgomery, rode as an amateur when notching up 69 wins, notably the 1977 Foxhunters Chase at Aintree on Happy Warrior and the Imperial Cup on Acquaint, and gained invaluable experience as assistant to Fred Winter for 4 years between 1974 and 1978, learning his trade from a man who had both ridden and trained Grand National winners. In 1976 he married Diana, daughter of the great amateur jockey John Thorne, and the couple were blessed with 3 daughters, Camilla, Tessa and Sarah. In July 1978 he successfully applied for a trainer's licence in his own right and began training at Windsor House Stables in Lambourn which he purchased from Roger Charlton. Whilst at Windsor House he increased the number of boxes within his first two years from 26 to 51, and became Champion National Hunt Trainer for 2 consecutive years from 1985 to 1987, following on from his former boss Fred Winter. In April 1981 the Henderson family had a huge thrill when Diana's father, John Thorne, rode Spartan Missile into second place in the Aintree Grand National, the fairy-tale Grand National which was won by Bob Champion, recovering from cancer, and Aldaniti. Unfortunately, John Thorne was killed in a point-to-point the next year, and when Spartan Missile died he was buried in the grounds of Windsor House. Apart from that, it was a highly successful period for Nicky, winning the Champion Hurdle 3 years running with See You Then between 1985 and 1987, and also winning the 1992 Queen Mother Champion Chase with Remittance Man. During his time at Windsor House he registered two Triumph Hurdle wins with First Bout in 1985 and Alone Success in 1987, and an Arkle Challenge Trophy with Remittance Man in 1991. In all, in this early period of his career between 1978 and 1992, he won 14 races at the Cheltenham Festival. He was then offered the chance to transfer to the historic Seven Barrows training establishment, complete with its private gallops, and exchanged places with Epsom Derby winning trainer Peter Walwyn, with Walwyn moving to Windsor House Stables.
1985 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival SEE YOU THEN 16/1 owned by Stype Wood Stud, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Steve Smith Eccles
1985 Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival FIRST BOUT 5/1 owned by F M Al Athel, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Steve Smith Eccles
1985 Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival THE TSAREVICH 5/1 fav owned by Mrs C Henry, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by John White
1986 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival SEE YOU THEN 5/6 fav owned by Stype Wood Stud, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Steve Smith Eccles
1986 Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival RIVER CEIRIOG 40/1 owned by Robin McAlpine, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Steve Smith Eccles
1986 Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival THE TSAREVICH 8/1 owned by Mrs C Henry, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by John White
1987 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival SEE YOU THEN 11/10 fav owned by Stype Wood Stud, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Steve Smith Eccles
1987 Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival ALONE SUCCESS 11/1 owned by Sheikh A Dahlawi, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Steve Smith Eccles
1987 Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown FIRST BOUT 11/10 fav owned by F M Al Athel, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Steve Smith Eccles
1988 Sefton Novices Hurdle at Aintree RUSTLE 13/8 fav owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Michael Bowlby
1989 Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival RUSTLE 4/1 owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Michael Bowlby
1990 Kim Muir Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival MASTER BOB 20/1 owned by Ian Wills, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Mr J A Berry
1990 Cathcart Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival BROWN WINDSOR 13/8 fav owned by Bill Shand Kydd, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by John White
1990 Henry VIII Novices Chase at Sandown Park ACRES HILL 6/5 fav owned by Johnny Henderson, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Richard Dunwoody
1990 Feltham Novices Chase at Kempton SPARKLING FLAME 7/2 owned by Chandler Hargreaves Ltd, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Richard Dunwoody
1991 Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival REMITTANCE MAN 85/40 fav owned by J E H Collins, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Richard Dunwoody
1991 Feltham Novices Chase at Kempton MUTARE 11/8 fav owned by Michael Buckley, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Richard Dunwoody
1991 Mildmay Novices Chase at Aintree SPARKLING FLAME 4/1 owned by Chandler Hargreaves Ltd, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Richard Dunwoody
1992 Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival REMITTANCE MAN Evens fav owned by Tim Collins, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Jamie Osborne
1992 Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival FLOWN 13/2 owned by Edward P Winfield, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Jamie Osborne
1992 Tolworth Novices Hurdle at Sandown NEW YORK RAINBOW 5/1 owned by Michael Buckley, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Jason Kavanagh
1992 Melling Chase at Aintree REMITTANCE MAN 4/9 fav owned by J E H Collins, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Jamie Osborne |
June 1992-1999 Peter Walwyn
Peter Tyndall Walwyn, born on 1st July 1933, son of Charles Walwyn and cousin of fellow Lambourn trainer Fulke Walwyn and his twin sister Helen, later Helen Johnson-Houghton, was educated at Charterhouse School, and was always destined to become a racehorse trainer. He began his working life as assistant trainer to Geoffrey Brooke at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket, but he then took out his own trainer's license, albeit to enable his cousin Helen Johnson-Houghton to train, as the Jockey Club did not allow women to hold their own licence in those days. He purchased Windsor House stables in 1960. However, by the start of the 1965 season he, and his wife Virginia, but universally known as Bonk, had moved to Seven Barrows Stables, remaining in the village for the rest of his life. By the 1970s he was recognised as one of the finest trainers in the country, landing his first Classic success in the 1970 1000 Guineas with Humble Duty (SR 1966), and winning back-to-back Flat Race Trainers Championships in 1974 and 1975. In 1974 he won his second Classic when Polygamy (SR 1847) was victorious in the Epsom Oaks for owner Louis Freedman. However, it was in 1975 he gained his greatest success, winning the 1975 Epsom Derby, Irish 2000 Guineas, Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes with his beloved Grundy (SR 2123). In total he notched up 24 Royal Ascot successes, the undoubted highlight of which was the 1971 Ascot Gold Cup with Rock Roi. In June 1992 he moved to Windsor House Stables, allowing Nicky Henderson to transfer to Seven Barrows Stables in exchange. Peter continued to train until his retirement in 1999, although he maintained his links with racing by serving as the Chairman of the Lambourn Trainers Association, which he had been a leading force in setting up a decade beforehand. In the same year he was given honorary membership of the Jockey Club, and in 2012 he was further honoured with an MBE for services to horseracing. His wife, Bonk, died on 2nd January 2014 and Peter died 3 years later on 7th December 2017 aged 84.
1997 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot NADWAH 10/1 owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum, trained by Peter Walwyn and ridden by Richard Hills |
![m](../newbury 1907 gentsa.jpg) |
![k](../newbury 1909 gentsa.jpg) |
![l](../newbury 1917 gentsa.jpg) |
![m](../newbury 1920 gentsa.jpg) |
![m](../newbury 1922Lz.jpg) |
2000-2006 Ralph Beckett
Ralph Michael Beckett, born in June 1971, is the grandson of Ralph Beckett, 3rd Baron Grimthorpe and cousin of Edward Beckett, 5th Baron Grimthorpe. His family has a long connection with racing, his grandfather winning the 1946 Lancashire Chase and 1947 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Fortina, trained by Hector Christie. After completing his formal education Ralph started as stable lad in 1989, spending a year in Australia working for Colin Hayes amongst others. In 1990 he gained further UK experience working for Jimmy Fitzgerald before venturing to Belmont, New York to gain additional International experience. In Ireland he worked for Arthur Moore for just over 2 years between 1993 and 1994. At that time Martin Pipe was the master of his trade, and Ralph spent a year learning from him before being appointed as assistant to Peter Walwyn, then based at Windsor House, Lambourn, in 1996. As the new millennium dawned Derby winning trainer Peter Walwyn decided to retire and Ralph took charge at Windsor House Stables. During his 6 years at the historic Lambourn stables he sent out Come On Jonny to win the 2005 November Stakes Heritage Handicap at Doncaster, and was unfortunate not to land his first Classic success when Penkenna Princess finished second in the 2005 Irish 1000 Guineas, beaten a whisker by Saoire (SR 1773) ridden by Mick Kinane. Earlier in that season Penkenna Princess had won the Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury. In total, whilst at Windsor House, he recorded 105 winners, although his CV still lacked a Classic winner, but in 2006 he moved to Whitsbury Manor stables, made famous by David Elsworth and Desert Orchid, accepting the post from landlord Chris Harper. Whilst at Whitsbury Manor he notched up his first Classic victory when Look Here (SR 1834) won the 2008 Oaks for J H Richmond-Watson at 33/1 partnered by Seb Sanders.
2004 Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket PENKENNA PRINCESS 25/1 owned by Mrs H M Chamberlaine, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Paul Hanagan
2005 Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury PENKENNA PRINCESS 7/2 owned by Mrs H M Chamberlaine, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Seb Sanders
2005 Irish 1000 Guineas runner-up at The Curragh PENKENNA PRINCESS 25/1 owned by Mrs H M Chamberlaine, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Seb Sanders
2005 Balby Handicap at Doncaster COME ON JONNY 12/1 owned by A E Frost, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Seb Sanders
2005 888.com Handicap at Haydock COME ON JONNY 7/1 owned by A E Frost, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Nelson De Souza
2005 November Stakes Heritage Handicap at Doncaster COME ON JONNY 14/1 owned by A E Frost, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Nelson De Souza |
2006-2018 Harry Dunlop
Harry Dunlop, born in 1976, is the younger son of legendary Epsom Derby winning trainer John Dunlop and his wife Sue, and was destined to forge a career in racing; his godfather was Sir Henry Cecil, who also provided guidance and a helping hand. He rode out regularly at his father's stables, winning point-to-points, and then rode as an amateur, even recording a success in a Cheltenham Bumper, but his build made him realise, from a very early age, that a riding career was not possible. Whilst still at school he saw his father send out the filly Salsabil (SR 2017) to win the 1990 1000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks, and on leaving school he gained training experience at a number of different stables in a number of different countries. He worked as assistant to Nicky Henderson at Seven Barrows before venturing to Newmarket, eventually working for his godfather, Sir Henry Cecil from 1999 to 2002. In 2002 he returned home to his father's Castle Stables, Arundel where he made the final preparations to apply for his trainer's licence and launch his own training career. In 2006 he moved to the historic Windsor House Stables in Lambourn, arriving in late September 2006, replacing Ralph Beckett who had transferred to Whitsbury Manor stables. He, and his wife Christina, faced many challenges in the early days, not least because they had a son, Tom, aged just 8 months old, but on 2nd November 2006 he saddled his first runner, Situla, at Wolverhampton in the Median Auction Fillies Stakes, which won at 8/1 owned by Anamoine Ltd and ridden by Dane O'Neill. Since that inaugural winner Harry has landed races in Compiegne, Longchamp, Chantilly, Deauvile, Saint-Cloud and Maisons-Lafitte as well as many victories in the UK, with particular favourites being Knight to Behold and Robin of Navan. In mid-2018 Harry decided to switch training venues from Windsor house to Frenchman's Lodge Stables in Upper Lambourn, where he hoped to be equally successful.
2008 EBF National Express Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle CLASSIC REMARK 40/1 owned by Hesmonds Stud, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Micky Fenton
2009 Cecil Frail Stakes at Haydock FESTOSO 16/1 owned by Prince A A Faisal, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Steve Drowne
2010 London Gold Cup Handicap at Newbury GREEN MOON 11/1 owned by Mrs Ben Goldsmith & Lady Annabel Goldsmith, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Jamie Spencer
2010 Fairway Stakes at Newmarket GREEN MOON 2/1 owned by Mrs Ben Goldsmith & Lady Annabel Goldsmith, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Jamie Spencer
2012 Wetherbys VAT Service Star Stakes at Sandown ROZ 28/1 owned by Mrs Mary-Anne Parker, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Jim Crowley
2012 Prix Amber Rama Stakes at Compiegne SIR PATRICK MOORE 2/1 owned by The Astronomers, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Christophe Soumillon
2014 Prix Auberville at Clairefontaine RED TORNADO 13/10 fav owned by Blackley, Cross, Johnstone, Whitaker & Woodley, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Gerald Mosse
2014 Prix de la Maniguette at Chantilly RED TORNADO 47/10 owned by Blackley, Cross, Johnstone, Whitaker & Woodley, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Gerald Mosse
2015 Criterium FEE Listed Stakes at Deauville ROBIN OF NAVAN 16/1 owned by Haven't A Pot Partnership & Richard Foden, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by T Piccone
2015 De Coride Group 3 Stakes at Chantilly ROBIN OF NAVAN 4/1 owned by Haven't A Pot Partnership & Richard Foden, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by T Piccone
2015 Criterium De Saint-Cloud ROBIN OF NAVAN 3/1 owned by Haven't A Pot Partnership & Richard Foden, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by T Piccone
2017 Criterium De Maisons-Laffitte FIGHTING IRISH 4/1 owned by Daniel McAuliffe & Anoj Don, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by C Demuro
2017 British Racing EBF Racing stakes at Newmarket KNIGHT TO BEHOLD 11/8 fav owned by L Neil Jones, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Richard Kingscote
2018 Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes KNIGHT TO BEHOLD 7/1 owned by L Neil Jones, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Richard Kingscote
2018 Sri Lanka The Wonder of Asia Handicap at Sandown JACK FINBAR 25/1 owned by Haven't A Pot Partnership, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Jim Crowley
2018 Prix Guillaume at Deauville KNIGHT TO BEHOLD 233/10 owned by L Neil Jones, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Oisin Murphy
2018 Prix De Lutece at Longchamp JACK FINBAR 23/10 owned by Haven't A Pot Partnership, trained by Harry Dunlop and ridden by Jim Crowley |
December 2019-present Roger Teal
Roger Teal, born in 1968, experienced the thrill of racing from an early age, his mother trained point-to-point winners before taking out a licence as a permit trainer, so it was no surprise that, when Roger had completed his compulsory education, he began working in the stables of Horsham trainer John Jenkins in 1984. Soon afterwards Jenkins moved to Epsom, and Roger followed him, riding as an amateur. However, when Jenkins decided to move once again Roger wanted to stay in the Epsom area and was taken on by Phillip Mitchell, for whom he rode on the Flat and over National Hunt fences. He soon was appointed assistant to Phillip Mitchell and realised that he wanted to train in his own right. He took out a licence in 2007, training in Epsom until 2015, winning the 2009 Darley Stakes at Newmarket with Steele Tango, who then went on to gain 2 valuable wins in Meydan in 2011, firstly with the Master Collection Turf Handicap, followed by the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Handicap. He performed wonders with Tigers Tale in 2012, striking up 3 consecutive victories at Lingfield, Kempton and Newbury. In 2014 Tigers Tale won the valuable London Mile Handicap Hurdle final at Kempton. Roger, and his wife Sue, then upped sticks and moved to Shefford Valley Stables, spending the best part of 4 years there, dispatching winners on the Flat and over jumps. In December 2019 the pair moved to the historic Windsor House Stables in Lambourn, replacing Harry Dunlop, and in 2020 Roger gained his first Group 1 success when Oxted won the July Cup Stakes at Newmarket. Oxted went on to register further Group 1 success in the 2021 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
2009 Darley Stakes at Newmarket STEELE TANGO 25/1 owned by The Thirty Acre Racing Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Liam Keniry
2011 Master Collection Turf Handicap at Meydan STEELE TANGO 4/1 owned by The Thirty Acre Racing Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Ryan Moore
2011 Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Handicap STEELE TANGO 7/2 owned by The Thirty Acre Racing Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Ryan Moore
2012 Quality Print Handicap at Lingfield TIGERS TALE 5/1 owned by B Kitcherside and big cat Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by James Doyle
2012 Grassroots Racing Handicap at Kempton TIGERS TALE 9/2 owned by B Kitcherside and big cat Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by James Doyle
2012 Pertemps Outward Bound Handicap at Newbury TIGERS TALE 9/2 owned by B Kitcherside and big cat Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by James Doyle |
![](../windsor house2.jpg) |
2014 London Mile Handicap Final at Kempton TIGERS TALE 20/1 owned by B Kitcherside and big cat Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Danny Brock
2015 Stevens & Bolton Handicap at Sandown TIGERS TALE 3/1 owned by B Kitcherside and big cat Partnership, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by George Baker
2017 Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster TIP TWO WIN 11/2 owned by Mrs Anne Cowley, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Adam Kirby
2018 Al Biddah Mile at Doha, Qatar TIP TWO WIN owned by Mrs Anne Cowley, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Adam Kirby
2019 Horris Hill Stakes at Newmarket KENZAI WARRIOR 13/2 owned by Mr & Mrs Rae Borras, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Jack Mitchell
2019 Portland Handicap at Doncaster OXTED 14/1 owned by S Piper, T Hirschfield & D Fish, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Cieren Fallon |
![](../windsor house3.jpg) |
2020 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket OXTED 7/2 owned by S Piper, T Hirschfield & D Fish, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Cieren Fallon
2020 Dragon Stakes at Sandown GUSSY MAC 10/1 owned by Austin Whelan, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Jack Mitchell
2020 Standard Open NH Flat race at Newbury OCEAN WIND 7/2 owned by Rockingham Reins Ltd, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Aidan Coleman
2020 July Cup Stakes at Newmarket OXTED 12/1 owned by S Piper, T Hirschfield & D Fish, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Cieren Fallon
2020 Cesarewitch Trial Handicap at Newmarket OCEAN WIND 5/4 fav owned by Rockingham Reins Ltd, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Jack Mitchell
2020 Vertem.co.uk Handicap at Doncaster OCEAN WIND 13/8 owned by Rockingham Reins Ltd, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Jack Mitchell
2021 Mansionbet Handicap at Kempton KENZAI WARRIOR 20/1 owned by Mr & Mrs Rae Borras, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Jack Mitchell
2021 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot OXTED 4/1 owned by S Piper, T Hirschfield & D Fish, trained by Roger Teal and ridden by Cieren Fallon
|
Top 5 Windsor House Stable horses of all time
SEE YOU THEN (1985, 1986, 1987 Champion Hurdle)
REMITTANCE MAN (1991 Arkle Trophy, 1992 Queen Mother Champion Chase, Melling Chase)
OXTED (2021 King's Stand Stakes, 2020 July Cup, Abernant Stakes)
ILLUMINATOR (1921 Royal Hunt Cup, Chesterfield Cup)
EASTER BRIDE (1952 King's Stand Stakes) |
© John Slusar 2023 |