Moulton Paddocks boasts a rich history dating back to the time of the legendary jockey Sam Chifney senior. Sam had a smallholding, extending to 70 acres, which he called Fidget Farm, and which later included Fidget Hall, a 30-bedroom mansion which King Edward VII later stayed in as guest of Sir Ernest Cassel when attending Newmarket races. Over time Fidget Hall was owned by a number of prominent people, most of them connected to racing, and by 1842 Fidget Hall had become known as Moulton Paddocks.
Sam Chifney, born in Norfolk in 1753, first entered a racing stable in 1770 working for Foxe, having taught himself to ride. His claim was that he had taught himself to ride, and was taught to train by Richard Prince. Sam won the Epsom Oaks in consecutive years, in 1782 with Ceres (SR 2012) and in 1783 on Maid of the Oaks (SR 1923) both owned by Lord Grosvenor. In 1787 he was appointed as the 5th Duke of Bedford’s jockey, although he also rode for Lord Egremont, winning both the Epsom Derby and Oaks in 1789, the former aboard Skyscraper (SR 1969) and the latter partnering Tag (SR 1951) both owned by Lord Egremont. His final classic victory was on the 5th Duke of Bedford’s Hippolyta (SR 1890) in the 1790 Epsom Oaks. He purchased a smallholding of 70 acres located at the foot of Bury Hill gallops, naming it Fidget Farm as a lasting memory to the horse his son, Sam junior, rode to second place in his first ride in public.
Sam Chifney junior was born in 1786, becoming apprentice to his uncle, Frank Smallman who was based in Hertfordshire, in 1799. The next year, aged just 14, he was aboard ‘a Fidget colt’ when second at Stockbridge in July 1800. Sam Chifney senior died in Fleet Prison on 8th January 1807, having previously commissioned the making of a special bridle bit which was not commercial and left him with a debt which he could not pay, and for which he was sent to prison.
1782 Epsom Oaks CERES (SR 2012) 4/7 fav owned by Lord Grosvenor, trained by John Pratt and ridden by Sam Chifney
1783 Epsom Oaks MAID OF THE OAKS (SR 1923) 4/1 owned by Lord Grosvenor, trained by John Pratt and ridden by Sam Chifney
1789 Epsom Derby SKYSCRAPER (SR 1969) 4/7 fav owned by 5th Duke of Bedford, trained by Matthew Stephenson and ridden by Sam Chifney
1789 Epsom Oaks TAG (SR 1951) 5/2 fav owned by Lord Egremont, trained by Frank Neale and ridden by Sam Chifney
1790 Epsom Oaks HIPPOLYTA (SR 1890) 6/1 owned by 5th Duke of Bedford, trained by Matthew Stephenson and ridden by Sam Chifney
1784-1862 William Chifney
William Chifney, eldest son of Sam Chifney senior, was born in 1784 and was 2 years older than brother Sam. Sam was an accomplished jockey who won 9 English Classics, including the 1818 and 1820 Epsom Derby's on Sam (SR 2060) and Sailor (SR 2029), but William was a trainer of some repute. He trained 3 Derby winners, an Oaks winner and 3 Ascot Gold Cup winners, but like many trainers and jockeys of his day, he hit on hard times and, in 1841, he had to sell his house, land and offices for £4000 (equivalent to £425,000 in 2020), and one of his creditors was George Samuel Ford. Will died, aged 78, on 14th October 1862 at Pancras Square, London.
1818 Epsom Derby SAM (SR 2060) 7/2 owned by Thomas Thornhill, trained by William Chifney and ridden by Sam Chifney junior
1819 Epsom Oaks SHOVELER (SR 1861) 2/1 fav owned by Thomas Thornhill, trained by William Chifney and ridden by Sam Chifney junior
1820 Epsom Derby SAILOR (SR 2029) 4/1 owned by Thomas Thornhill, trained by William Chifney and ridden by Sam Chifney junior
1823 Ascot Gold Cup MARCELLUS 6/4 fav owned by Earl of Darlington, trained by William Chifney and ridden by Will Wheatley
1827 Ascot Gold Cup MEMNON 1/2 fav owned by Earl of Darlington, trained by William Chifney and ridden by Sam Chifney junior
1829 Ascot Gold Cup ZINGANEE 2/1 fav owned by 6th Earl of Chesterfield, trained by William Chifney and ridden by Sam Chifney junior
1830 Epsom Derby PRIAM (SR 2066) 4/1 fav owned and trained by William Chifney and ridden by Sam Day
1841 George Samuel Ford
George Samuel Ford, born 1790, was a moneylender to the rich and famous who had become financially embarrassed. Among his clients was Lord Chesterfield, Lord Lichfield and Lord Suffield, but George was a keen follower of the Turf and was known as ‘Lawyer Ford’ in racing circles. William Chifney, despite his many Classic victories, faced his own financial struggle and had to call on George Ford, along with other creditors, to help him out financially in 1841. George Samuel Ford became the owner of Fidget Hall in 1841, setting up stables and a stud farm where he bred the 1854 2000 Guineas winner The Hermit (SR 1983). He also acquired a number of Lord Chesterfield’s racehorses, having lent the good Lord money, including 1849 Epsom Oaks winner Lady Evelyn (SR 1855) and 1851 Cesarewitch winner Mrs Taft. George was also a lucky racehorse owner, owning 1843 Epsom Oaks winner Poison (SR 1752) and the 1846 Coronation Stakes winner Guaracha.
1843 Epsom Oaks POISON (SR 1752) 30/1 owned by George Samuel Ford, trained by R Fisher and ridden by Frank Butler
1849 Coronation Stakes GUARACHA 4/1 owned by George Samuel Ford, trained by R Fisher and ridden by J Howlett
For over 4 centuries racing has been staged in Newmarket, but how have the racecourses evolved from an initial starting point at Fleam Dyke Pumping Station, some 8 miles from the town, with a winning post barely 200 metres from the town centre, into two world recognized, excellent racecourses and a universal acceptance that Newmarket is the Headquarters of racing?
To access an interactive racecourse map showing over 50 individually named racecourses CLICK HERE. The map will enable you to:-
1. Determine when extended races over 8 miles, 6 miles and 4 miles began to be replaced by the courses now visited by thousands annually;
2. Consider how the challenge of crossing the Devil's Dyke was overcome;
3. Contemplate why the town no longer has a steeplechase course despite having at least 5 courses during the past 2 centuries;
4. Examine the practicalities of having up to 48 starting posts and winning posts;
5. Appreciate that it was not financially viable to have an open racecourse spread widely across the heath, with a finishing post barely 200 metres from the town centre;
6. Research how and why the Cambridgeshire Handicap has been contested over 3 different courses.
NOTE: The map does not make mention of 2 particular courses:-
(i) Sefton Course (also known as the Cambridge Road Course)
Source: 1970 Raceform. Used from 1959 to 1975.
(ii) New Circular Course
The Circular Handicap was run on Friday 29th October 1875 on the New Circular Course of about two miles.
Source: London Standard (30th October 1875): ''the horses started near the Turn of the Lands, ran back way of the Cambridgeshire Course towards the Ditch, and afterwards proceeded down the side of the Tan Gallop, and turned into the Rowley Mile near the Bretby Stakes starting post, finishing at the stand at the end of the flat. Except in the hollow near the Cambridgeshire start the runners should have been visible all the way if the sky had been bright and clear''.
Another report hoped that the Circular Handicap would become a feature in future programmes, as it would be contested in front of the new grandstand which would be completed in about a year and would be able to accommodate thousands.
(I am grateful to Tim Cox for bringing attention to these 2 courses.)
Enjoy researching the intriguing history of Newmarket and its many racecourses.
1847-1848 Richard Cooper
Richard Cooper was born at Swaffham in Norfolk and was appointed private trainer Mr W H Roberts at Moulton Paddocks in 1847. Roberts continued as an owner until 1851, but he and Cooper left Moulton Paddocks in 1848. Richard Cooper continued training in Newmarket training or or 2 of his own in the early 1850s. However, by 1855 he was at Mill Hill, and in 1861 at Exeter Place.
1842-57 William Webber
In 1842 Ford sold Fidget Hall to William Webber, a surgeon and founder of Norwich Royal Free Hospital. Webber undertook an extensive programme to enhance the property, increasing the size of the estate to 313 acres. In 1844 Webber was involved in a lawsuit regarding bricks made from earth on the Fidget Hall estate. Webber claimed that the earth was suitable for brick making, but John Fitches, who had made 41,500 bricks, disputed their suitability, stating that they contained too much chalk and stne. William Webber refused to pay him for the bricks, so the dispute went to court. After a lengthy hearing, the court found in favour of Fitches, albeit for a reduced amount. It was during Webber's tenure that the name was changed from Fidget Hall Estate to Moulton Paddocks.
January 1849-56 Sir Robert Pigot, George Bloss
Sir Robert Pigot, the 4th Baronet, was born on 3rd November 1801 and married Emily Georgiana Elise Benyon of Ash Hall, Whitchurch, Shropshire and they had a son, George, who was born at Moulton Paddocks in December 1850, as was his sibling. Sir Robert was a Conservative MP between 1832 and 1853, and also enjoyed racing. He owned Conyngham (SR 1951), winner of the 1847 2000 Guineas. In January 1849 Sir Robert Pigot took Moulton Paddocks on a long lease and sent his horses there to be trained and managed by George Algernon Bloss, who was born in 1815, and who started training in 1842. The Pigot horses afterwards passed to his brother Charles Bloss, and during the 1860s were with William Arnull. By the beginning of 1860 Bloss was disengaged and available as a public or private trainer, accpmpanying his brother Charles to Bedford House stables, training for Captain Machell. In June 1854 Moulton Paddocks was put up for sale, although no sale was made at this point. At that time it was advertised as 310 acres, a Mansion containing an entrance Hall, drawing room, conservatory, 7 best bedrooms and 5 other sleeping quarters, stables and a coach house. George Bloss is first listed as training at Newmarket.
1847 2000 Guineas CONYNGHAM (SR 1951) 4/1 owned by Sir Robert Pigot, trained by John Barham Day and ridden by Jem Robinson
1857-59 Willingham Franklin
In 1857 William Webber sold Moulton Paddocks to Willingham Franklin and his wife. Willingham was the only son of Sir Willingham Franklin, a judge in the supreme course of Madras, and nephew of the explorer John Franklin. Whether Willingham was unhappy with his purchase, or whether he was suffering ill health, the Franklin's put Moulton Paddocks, complete with 258 acres of arable and pasture land, for sale on Thursday 11th March 1858, although it was not sold. Unfortunately, Willingham died towards the end of 1858 and the estate was left to his wife who put it up for sale again in January 1859.
1860-64 Captain Astley Paston Cooper
Sir Astley Paston Cooper, born at Brooke Hall, Norfolk on 23rd August 1768, was an anatomist and surgeon who made a significant contribution to vascular surgery. In 1820 he famously removed an infected cyst from the head of King George VI and 6 months later was rewarded with a Baronetcy. He died on 12th February 1841 when his son, Captain Astley Paston Cooper, inherited his Baronetcy. In 1860 the Cooper's moved in to Moulton Paddocks, while on 10th August 1863 the couple celebrated the birth of their son at Moulton Paddocks. Shortly afterwards the Fryer family purchased Moulton Paddocks.
1864-85 Colonel Frederick Daniel Fryer
In the early 1860s Moulton Paddocks was sold to Colonel Frederick Fryer who farmed the land, kept a large dairy herd, sold pines and larches off the estate, and increased the acreage significantly. On 26th March 1873 Millicent Julia Fryer married Henry James Moncreiff, eldest son of the Lord Justice-Clerk of Scotland. By March 1877 Mrs Fryer needed help to manage the extensive gardens, advertising for a gardener with a thorough understanding of kitchen gardens, walled-fruit and greenhouses. A requirement of the application was to state the wages required and family circumstances. After the death of Colonel Fryer Mrs Fryer had to manage the estate and Moulton Paddocks was sold to Lord William Gerard in 1885.
1885-September 1890 Lord Gerard, Frank Arnull
In 1885 Billy Gerard, a successful gambler, became Lord William Cansfield Gerard and purchased Moulton Paddocks where he employed a private trainer Frank Arnull. Frank, second son of the famous Newmarket racehorse trainer William Arnull, took over the reins at Albert House in 1887 after the death of his father. William Arnull died on 14th August 1887 aged 67, just 4 months after his wife had died. His funeral was marked by all of Newmarket's shops closing, such was the high esteem in which he was held, with the principal mourners being his eldest son, William Arnull junior, his second son Frank, his sister F Arnull and his nephew Charles Arnull. It was a positive Who's Who of Newmarket racing statesmen, with James Waugh, John Dawson, Robert Sherwood and William Jarvis also in attendance. Tragically, his son William was to die less than 2 years later in 1889. Lord Gerard leased the amazing horse Ormonde, owned by the Duke of Westminster, in 1889 to stand at Moulton Paddocks as a stallion, but the horse was taken ill and throughout the season produced one foal. After holding the fort at Albert House for a short period, Frank Arnull was appointed private trainer to Lord Gerard part way through the 1888 season. Lord Gerard installed Frank at Astley House, although Gerard also owned Moulton Paddocks.
October 1890-1892 Lord Gerard, Willie Robinson
The arrangement with Frank Arnull came to an end in October 1890 when Willie Robinson, formerly a successful jockey, replaced Frank Arnull as private trainer to Lord Gerard.
1892-1893 George Alexander Baird (Mr Abington)
Lord William Cansfield Gerard, 2nd Baron Gerard, sold Moulton Paddocks to George Alexander Baird, who moved his stud from Kentford to Moulton Paddocks in 1892. It was thought that he would also move his Bedford Lodge operation to Moulton Paddocks, but events conspired to prevent that happening. During the short period Baird (aka Mr Abington) was in a relationship with Lillie Langtry. Baird died in March 1893 and was buried next to his father at Stichill, a small village in Roxburghshire.
1893-May 1894 Lillie Langtry
Lillie Langtry, born Emilie Charlotte Le Breton on 13th October 1853, was an actress, producer and socialite. She married Edward Langtry in 1874, but they were divorced in 1897, although throughout their troubled marriage she had regular affairs, including men with Royal connections. She also had an affair with George Baird and, after his death, she resided at Moulton Paddocks for a couple of years before purchasing a house called Regal Lodge in Kentford.
May 1894-1896 Captain James Machell
In May 1894 Captain James Machell leased Moulton Paddocks, including the beautiful mansion which had been occupied for 2 years by Lillie Langtry. Prior to that the estate had been owned by Mr George Abington Baird.
April 1896-March 1898 Woolf Joel
After extensive alterations had taken place in early 1896, Moulton Paddocks was leased to Woolf Joel in April 1896, although he did not take up residence until the Newmarket July meeting. Woolf, born in 1863, was one of the Barnato Brothers, along with Jack Barnato Joel and Soloman Barnato Joel, who jointly made their money from South African diamond mines, while Woolf also made more money from Kaffir Circus, and he was keen to pursue his hobby of racing, and to invest in a large string of thoroughbreds at Moulton Paddocks Stables. However, tragedy struck on 14th March 1898 when he was shot dead, aged just 34, in his Johannesburg office by a blackmailer. In April 1898 Messrs Driver & Co were instructed to sell Moulton Paddocks which, at that point, extended to 757 acres. It was eventually purchased by Sir Ernest Cassel in 1899 and he expanded the estate to 1300 acres over the next 20 years. Sir Ernest Cassel was a friend of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, who stayed at Moulton Paddocks on numerous occasions when attending Newmarket races with Cassel.
1899-1901 Sir Ernest Cassel, Fred Day
In 1894 Fred Day, a vet and successful trainer, returned with his family from Australia and initially lived in Cheltenham. Shortly after that he was invited by Sir Ernest Cassel to become his private trainer at Moulton Paddocks. Fred's wife Emma died on 28th March 1897 leaving Fred with 6 young children to care for, including the oldest child Reginald who was 14 when his mother died. Fred was an extremely successful trainer for Sir Ernest, especially at Royal Ascot where, in 1900 he achieved a remarkable treble, guiding Gadfly to success in the Alexandra Plate, Solitaire to win the Gold Vase and Bonarosa to capture the St James's Palace Stakes. In 1901 Fred had moved on to Lowther House where he trained 2000 Guineas winner Handicapper (SR 1950) at 33/1 for Sir Ernest Cassel.
1900 Alexandra Plate GADFLY 6/1 owned by Sir Ernest Cassel, trained by Fred Day and ridden by Lester Reiff
1900 Ascot Gold Vase SOLITAIRE 3/1 owned by Sir Ernest Cassel, trained by Fred Day and ridden by Lester Reiff
1900 St James's Palace Stakes BONAROSA 100/30 owned by Sir Ernest Cassel, trained by Fred Day and ridden by Lester Reiff
At the 1900 Royal Ascot meeting Newmarket Stables won a greater proportion of first prize money than any other location, over 70%, outperforming other prominent racing centres. As many as 11 different Newmarket Stables provided winners, with Fred Day leading the way.
Fred Day
St James's Palace Stakes:-BON ROSA (100/30)
Gold Vase (Queens Vase):-SOLITAIRE (3/1)
Alexandra Plate (Queen Alexandra Stakes):-GADFLY (6/1)
Joseph Enoch
Coronation Stakes:-WINIFREDA (5/1)
Albert Gilbert
New Stakes (Norfolk Stakes):-MELTON Colt (6/1)
Fern Hill Stakes (Sandringham):-HERCULES (4/1)
Enoch Wishart
Royal Hunt Cup:-ROYAL FLUSH (100/7)
Tom Jennings
Hardwicke Stakes:-BONIFACE (10/1)
Richard Marsh
Ascot Derby (King Edward VII Stakes):-ECTON (5/1)
Bob Sherwood
Chesham Stakes:-VELES (7/2)
Jersey Stakes:-RICE (100/30)
John Huggins
Triennial 3rd Leg:-JOLLY TAR (4/5 fav)
Windsor Castle Stakes:-VOLODYOVSKI (5/2)
Peter Gilpin
Queen's Stand Stakes: (King's Stand Stakes)-EAGER (7/4 fav)
John Dawson
Queen Anne Stakes:-TORPEDO Colt (6/1)
Jack Waugh
All-Aged Stakes (Diamond Jubilee):-NATTIM (evens)
1902-1911 Sir Ernest Cassel, George Blackwell, William Leader, Francis Lambton
William Leader, universally known as Bill, was born at Wroughton in 1851 and was the brother of Tom Leader senior, a prominent Newmarket trainer who started the Leader dynasty in the town. William married Agnes Armstrong in Scotland and they were blessed with 5 daughters and 2 sons, one of whom died in the First World War. William trained in Wroughton, famously training Count Schromberg to win the 1897 Chester Cup, as well as the Goodwood Cup, Liverpool Autumn Cup and Auteuil Hurdle. Sadly, Agnes died in 1899, aged just 44, leaving William to bring up 7 children. In 1902 he was invited to train for Sir Ernest Cassel at Moulton Paddocks, with Hon Francis Lambton as racing manager. William was in post just 7 years, dying on Tuesday 30th March 1909 from complications after an apoplectic seizure. George Blackwell took over in Summer 1910, lasting only until October 1910, when it was left to the Honourable Francis Lambton to hold the fort at Moulton Paddocks until Sir Ernest enticed his former jockey William Halsey away from Saville House.
November 1911-August 1918 Sir Ernest Cassel, William J Halsey
William James Halsey was born at Potter's Bar, Middlesex, in 1867 and was brought up by his grandmother in nearby Barnet. He became a successful jockey when his most productive period was at the turn of the century, riding Handicapper (SR 1950) to win the 1901 2000 Guineas at 33/1 for Sir Ernest Cassel, and Australian Star to win the 1901 City and Suburban Handicap.
September 1919-September 1922 Sir Ernest Cassel, Hugh Powney
Hugh Powney was destined to become a racehorse trainer, for his father taught him the art of reading pedigree lines from an early age. His father, John, lived his entire life in the same house at Lansdown, Bath, being born and dying in the exact same room in May 1894. He owned racehorses for over 50 years, and is widely, but incorrectly, reported to have owned the staying horse The Hero, when he won the 1847 Goodwood Cup. However, the Racing Calendars and all newspapers at that time record John Day as the owner, with John Powney not owning him until he was 6-years-old. As a 3-year-old, the chestnut colt The Hero ran in the colours of John Day when second at 4/1 favourite in the Goodwood Stakes behind Jonathan Wild on Wednesday 29th July 1846. On Friday 14th August 1846 The Hero won 2 consecutive races for John Day at Salisbury, winning the Salisbury Handicap from Miss Shirley when ridden by A Day, and then walking over in the Salisbury Gold Cup over 2 miles. He won the Dundas Stakes, His Majesty's Plate and the County Cup at York in August. He opened his 4-year-old account at Ascot Heath on Thursday 3rd June 1847 wearing the colours of John Day in His Majesty The Emperor of Russia's Plate, beating Wolf-dog when 6/4 joint favourite. However, the pinnacle of his career was reached on Thursday 29th July 1847, still in the ownership of John Day, when The Hero won the Goodwood Cup (4/5 fav) over 2 3/4 miles from Eryx. As a 5-year-old in 1848 he won again at Goodwood for John Day, but he was bought by John Powney in 1849 as a six-year-old and ran down the field in 6th behind Lord Stanley's Canezou in the Goodwood Cup on Thursday 2nd August 1849. Hugh assisted his brother John at Grateley before going on to assist Major Bewick. He then was appointed private trainer to Sir Ernest Cassel at Moulton Paddocks in September 1919, replacing William Halsey who had returned to Saville House. although Sir Ernest died on 21st September 1921. Moulton Paddocks was left to Edwina Mountbatten after Cassel's death, but his executors put it on the market with 1,315 acres and 40 boxes in October 1921, eventually selling it in April 1922 for £35,000 to Mr Solly B Joel. Hugh Powney then became a public trainer at Waterwich House, Newmarket, while in January 1923 he occupied a few boxes at Osborne House, leased from Ellen Chaloner
October 1922-1924 Etienne de Mestre, Solly Joel
After the death of Sir Ernest Cassel in October 1921 the Moulton Paddocks Estate was managed by Hugh Powney and Captain Cecil Boyd-Rochfort until it was put up for auction. In April 1922 Moulton Paddocks Estate, ideally located adjoining the Bury Hill and Limekilns gallops, consisted of 1315 acres, a good residence, a well-known training establishment with boxes for 40 horses, 3 farms which included a stud farm, was put up for auction and bought by Mr James White on behalf of a client for £35,000 (equivalent to £2 million in 2020). Solly Joel began moving his horses to Moulton Paddocks in October 1922, installing Etienne de Mestre to train there. Australian trainer Etienne George de Mestre, born 1874, was the eldest son of the legendary Australian trainer Etienne de Mestre, and moved to England in 1900 to assist Australian trainer Richard Wootton in Epsom. In 1910 he began his training career at Warwick House, Middleham, to take charge of Mr G W Smith's horses, and then to Knaresborough followed by Danby House Malton. His father, Etienne, in Australia's Hall of Fame, owned and trained Archer, winner of the first two Melbourne Cups in 1861 and 1862, both ridden by John Cutts. He later won the 1867 Melbourne Cup with Tim Whiffler, ridden by John Driscoll, and then achieved back to back wins in 1877 and 1878 with Chester and Calamia respectively. He died in Moss Vale, New South Wales on 22nd October 1916 while his son was in England. Etienne junior gained early success at his Malton Stables in 1912, purchasing Junior for just 500 guineas in December 1911. The colt went on to win the Manchester Cup (£2560), Ebor Handicap (£850), Chesterfield Cup (£577), Bibury Cup (£827) and the Limekiln and Atlantic Stakes (£1719) giving his owner a handsome return on his investment. At the same time as Junior was beating all before him, de Mestre was sent horses by Sir William Tatem. De Mestre felt the location and size of his Yorkshire stable was limiting his progress as a trainer, so he upped sticks and relocated to stables in Bishop's Canning, Wiltshire, before moving on to Green Lodge Stables in December 1916. He left Green Lodge towards the end of the War, moving to Ponds Farm, Whatcombe between December 1919 and 1920, afterwhich he joined Solly Joel, initially at Sefton Lodge in 1921, but eventually taking over Moulton Paddocks in 1922 after Solly had purchased it by auction on the death of Sir Ernest Cassel. In the short time de Mestre was at Moulton Paddocks he won the 1924 Eclipse Stakes for Solly with Polyphontes ridden by William McLachlan. A short while later de Mestre was replaced by Walter Earl, and it was Earl who guided Polyphontes to a second Eclipse victory in 1925. De Mestre moved on to train at Whitsbury and died at Colleton House, Twyford, near Worcester on Thursday 18th August 1932.
1921 Lincoln Handicap SORANUS 33/1 owned by Solly Joel, trained by Etienne de Mestre and ridden by Brownie Carslake
1921 Coventry Stakes PONDOLAND 5/4 fav trained by E De Mestre and ridden by Shatwell
1921 Prince of Wales's Stakes POLYMESTOR 3/1 trained by E de Mestre and ridden by Steve Donoghue
1924 Eclipse Stakes POLYPHONTES 7/1 owned by Solly Joel, trained by Etienne de Mestre and ridden by William McLachlan
1924-May 1931 Walter Earl, Solly Joel
Walter Earl began his training career in 1918 at Saville House before moving on to Exeter House Stables the next year, with Robert Sievier as one of his most high-profile owners. In 1924 Walter moved to Moulton Paddocks Stable as private trainer to Solly Joel, replacing Etienne de Mestre, winning the 1925 Eclipse Stakes with Polyphontes, the 1928 Lincoln with Dark Warrior, the 1926 Goodwood Cup with Glommen and the 1926 Ebor and 1928 Doncaster Cup with Pons Asinorum. When Solly Joel died on 22nd May 1931 Walter continued to train, but as a public trainer until March 1932. He later moved to Kremlin House, which he shared with Geoff Barling for a year and a half, but then took on Primrose Cottage for 8 months, although he lived at Lincoln Lodge, a house where Skeets Martin had once lived. He had further spells at Heath House and Stanley House.
1925 Eclipse Stakes POLYPHONTES 11/4 fav owned by Solly Joel, trained by Walter Earl and ridden by Harry Wragg
1926 Goodwood Cup GLOMMEN owned by Solly Joel, trained by Walter Earl and ridden by Harry Wragg
1926 Ebor Handicap PONS ASINORUM 5/2 owned by Solly Joel, trained by Walter Earl and ridden by Harry Wragg
1928 Lincoln Handicap DARK WARRIOR 28/1 owned by Solly Joel, trained by Walter Earl and ridden by R Jones
1928 Doncaster Cup PONS ASINORUM owned by Solly Joel, trained by Walter Earl and ridden by F N Winter
May 1931-March 1932 Walter Earl
When Joel died in 1931 the estate passed to his son Dudley, although Walter Earl continued to train there until March 1932. Dudley Jack Barnato Joel, born on 26th April 1904, was the son of Soloman Joel, and became a Conservative MP from 27th October 1931 until his death on 28th May 1941. He inherited Moulton Paddocks in 1931on the death of his father. Dudley was killed in action aboard the bombed merchant ship HMS Reistan and was buried in Willesden Jewish Cemetery in London.
1941-83 Joel Family
After the death of Dudley Joel in 1941 the house fell into disrepair and was demolished by the end of 1950. On Tuesday 7th February 1950 all of the fixtures and fittings of Moulton Mansion were put up for sale by auction. Items included 71 oak and pine panelled doors, 20 capital oak, pine and marble mantelpieces, 28 bath and lavatory fittings, 16 greenhouses and a teak summerhouse. In 1951 Harry and Solna Thomson Jones (nee Joel) were living at Moulton Paddocks, while in October 1954 the stables were used as a stud, with all enquiries to A W Earl.
1984-1987 Jeremy Hindley
Jeremy Hindley was assistant to the great Sir Noel Murless before moving to Thompson-Jones, but in the 1970/71 season he felt it was time to launch his own training career. Jeremy purchased Kremlin Stables and the nearby paddocks owned by Teddy Lambton. Towards the end of the 1977 Flat season Jeremy purchased Clarehaven from David Robinson, taking with him a string of 78 horses. During his 7 years in charge at Clarehaven he won the 1979 Windsor Castle Stakes at Ascot with Rollahead, the 1981 Bunbury Cup with Captain Nick and the Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with Crimson Embers. He transferred to Moulton Paddocks Stables in 1984 where he remained for the final 2 years of his career, training the Italian St Leger winner Comme L'Etoile, before leasing Moulton to Sheikh Mohammed
1985 Vernons Sprint Cup at Haydock OROJOYA 11/1 owned by Robert Sangster, trained by Jeremy Hindley and ridden by Brent Thomson
1985 Dewhurst Stakes HUNTINGDALE owned by Mrs P J Threlfall, trained by Jeremy Hindley and ridden by Michael Hills
1985 Northumberland Sprint OROJOYA owned by Robert Sangster, trained by Jeremy Hindley and ridden by Brent Thomson
1986 Italian St Leger COMME L'ETOILE owned by Prince Kais Al Said, trained by Jeremy Hindley and ridden by Michael Hills
1986 National Stakes at the Curragh LOCKTON owned by Alan Gibson, trained by Jeremy Hindley and ridden by Michael Hills
1987-1993 James Toller
James Toller was born into a racing family, being the son of the former Bath, Chester and Newbury Clerk of the Course Charles Toller. James began at Bernard Van Cutsem's stable as assistant, followed by time in America and Australia to gain further experience. When he returned to Newmarket he was assistant to Luca Cumani at Bedford House Stables, and successfully applied for a licence to train in 1980. By 1987 James was at Wellbottom Lodge, Moulton Paddocks. James went on to lease Eve Lodge Stables from Lester Piggott between 2004 and 2014.
1994-2004 Paul Howling
Paul Howling began his training career in 1988 at Brook, Surrey before moving to Newmarket in the mid-1990s. He trained at Wellbottom Lodge after James Toller had vacated the stables, but Paul eventually moved on to Warren Place, leasing boxes from Henry Cecil in 2005. He spent 5 very successful years at Warren Place, relinquishing his licence in 2010.
1994-2013 Sheikh Mohammed, Mahmood Al-Zarooni, Saeed bin Suroor
In 1987, after the retirement of Jeremy Hindley, Wellbottom Lodge, Moulton Paddocks was leased by James Toller, but in 1994 Moulton Paddocks was initially leased, and then sold 10 years later, to Sheikh Mohammed who installed Saeed bin Suroor as his trainer before he moved on to the former Stanley House Stables, now called Godolphin. After 8 successful years, the Sheikh, his trainer, his racing manager Simon Crisford, and stable jockey Frankie Dettori realised that Moulton Paddocks was too small. In early 1997 they had to prepare the way for 30 two-year-olds to be stabled at Moulton Paddocks to replace the older horses which had disappointed that season. With room for just 56 boxes in total, but with 75 two-year-olds purchased, the team needed new premises. They considered purchasing Dick Hern's former Kingwood House Stables at Lambourn, although that would have broken with the tradition of training solely in Newmarket, so in the end they had to extend Stanley House Stables where the Godolphin operation became firmly established. In 2010 Godolphin installed Mahmood Al-Zarooni in Moulton Paddocks, and all went well at first. Mahmood Al-Zarooni, born in Dubai on 16th October 1975, trained for the Godolphin operation from 24th March 2010 until 2013. In 2012 the combination won the St Leger with Encke (SR 1889) at 25/1 when partnered by Mickael Barzalona. However, on 22nd April 2013 the BHA announced that 11 horses trained by Al-Zarooni at Moulton Paddocks had tested positive for anabolic steroids. Al-Zarooni was banned from training for 8 years after he admitted administering a prohibited substance, and Godolphin installed Saeed bin Suroor to Moulton Paddocks to take temporary charge, deciding to close the stables for a period whilst they investigated.
2012 St Leger ENCKE (SR 1889) 25/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Mahmood Al-Zarooni and ridden by Mickael Barzalona
1997-present Lucy Wadham
Lucy Wadham, born in London, spent many happy days of her childhood riding in Norfolk and taking part in point-to-point races despite not coming from a family grounded in racing. She worked for the BBC, but also was a permit trainer, although she always held a desire to train full time. She successfully applied for a trainer's licence in 1997 and was given the opportunity to lease Moulton Paddocks Stables. Throughout her training career, extending to over 2 decades, she has trained important winners on the Flat and under National Hunt rules, including United, who won the Grade 1 Champion 4-year-old Hurdle at Punchestown in 2005 when partnered by Leighton Aspell. In 2009 she guided El Dancer to success in the Top Novices Hurdle at Aintree, and a year later the same horse won the Victor Chandler Hurdle at Cheltenham. In 2011 Dorcas Lane won the Pretty Polly Stakes, while in 2015 she won the Lancashire Oaks with Lady Tiana. She has proved time and again that if she is given the right ammunition, she is capable of hitting the target.
2004 Jacuzzi UK Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter THE DARK LORD 14/1 owned by Mr & Mrs A E Packham, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Leighton Aspell
2004 Thwaites Smooth Beer Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham THE DARK LORD 6/1 owned by Mr & Mrs A E Packham, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Leighton Aspell
2004 Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham THE DARK LORD 8/1 owned by Mr & Mrs A E Packham, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Leighton Aspell
2005 Grade 1 Champion 4-y-o Hurdle at Punchestown UNITED 6/1 owned by R B Holt, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Leighton Aspell
2008 Conqueror Stakes at Goodwood ENFORCE 14/1 owned by Mr & Mrs A E Pakenham, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by William Buick
2009 Top Novices Hurdle at Aintree EL DANCER 14/1 owned by Ron Davies, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Dominic Elsworth
2009 Warwickshire Oaks Stakes CASSIQUE LADY 3/1 owned by Mr & Mrs A E Pakenham, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Eddie Ahern
2010 Victor Chandler Hurdle at Cheltenham EL DANCER 5/2 owned by Ron Davies, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Leighton Aspell
2011 Dick Hern Fillies Stakes at Haydock CRYSTAL GAL 11/1 owned by Mr & Mrs A E Pakenham, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Dane O'Neill
2011 Pretty Polly Stakes DORCAS LANE 9/2 owned by Richard Keeley, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Paul Hanagan
2015 Lancashire Oaks LADY TIANA 7/2 owned by The FOPS, trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by Graham Lee
July 2013-present Charlie Appleby, Godolphin
Charlie Appleby, born on 5th July 1975, first began working for Godolphin in 1998 as stable head lad, then travelling head lad before becoming assistant trainer. He was appointed as Godolphin trainer in charge of Moulton Paddocks Stable in July 2013, landing his first Group 1 success in November when Outstrip won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita when ridden by Mike Smith. He spends a greater part of his time each year at Moulton Paddocks, although during the closed Flat season in England he works from his Marmoom Stable base in Dubai. He has won the prestigious Dubai Millennium Stakes in consecutive years from 2018 to 2020, but did win it for the first time in 2016 with Tryster ridden by William Buick. He landed his first English classic in 2018 when Masar (SR 1944) won the Epsom Derby.
2013 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf OUTSTRIP 4/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Mike Smith
2014 Middle Park Stakes CHARMING THOUGHT 22/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2016 Gimcrack Stakes BLUE POINT 11/8 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2016 Eclipse Stakes HAWKBILL 6/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2016 Prix Marcel Boussac WUHEIDA 10/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2016 Jebel Hatta TRYSTER 4/9 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2016 Dubai Millennium Stakes TRYSTER 3/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2017 Sydney Cup POLARISATION 13/2 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Corey Brown
2017 Solario Stakes MASAR 11/8 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2017 Pavilion Stakes BLUE POINT 13/8 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2017 Bengough Stakes BLUE POINT evens fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2017 Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf WUHEIDA 20/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2017 Prix Marcel Boussac WILD ILLUSION 25/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2017 Autumn Stakes GHAIYYATH 11/4 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2017 Prix Saint-Alary SOBETSU 12/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Dubai Millennium Stakes FOLKSWOOD 15/8 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Craven Stakes MASAR 7/2 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Epsom Derby MASAR (SR 1944) 16/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 King's Stand Stakes BLUE POINT 6/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Prix de l'Opera WILD ILLUSION 2/1 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes QUORTO 11/8 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Nassau Stakes WILD ILLUSION 4/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (Australia) JUNGLE CAT owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2018 Natalma Stakes (Canada) LA PELOSA owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Jamie Spencer
2018 Prix du Prince d'Orange GHAIYYATH 19/10 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf LINE OF DUTY 10/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2018 Jebel Hatta BLAIR HOUSE 12/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2018 Al Quoz Sprint JUNGLE CAT owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2018 Melbourne Cup CROSS COUNTER 9/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Kerrin McEvoy
2019 Vintage Stakes PINATUBO 6/4 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2019 Chesham Stakes PINATUBO 3/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2019 Woodcote Stakes PINATUBO evens fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2019 Diamond Jubilee Stakes BLUE POINT 6/4 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2019 King's Stand Stakes BLUE POINT 5/2 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2019 Grosser Preis Von Baden GHAIYYATH 23/10 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2019 Dewhurst Stakes PINATUBO 1/3 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2019 Prix d'Harcourt GHAIYYATH 7/10 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2019 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes PINATUBO 1/3 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2019 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (Canada) OLD PERSIAN owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2019 Meydan Sprint BLUE POINT owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2019 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint BLUE POINT owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2019 Al Quoz Sprint BLUE POINT owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2019 Dubai Millennium Stakes SPOTIFY 5/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2020 Coronation Cup GHAIYYATH 11/10 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Eclipse Stakes GHAIYYATH 9/4 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 International Stakes GHAIYYATH 11/8 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Prix Jean Prat PINATUBO 3/5 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Autumn Stakes ONE RULER 5/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Dubai Millennium Stakes GHAIYYATH 2/5 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Prix Maurice de Gheest SPACE BLUES 5/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Bayerishes Zuchtrennen BARNEY ROY evens fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Grosser Preis Von Baden-Baden BARNEY ROY 4/1 owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle
2020 Jebel Hatta BARNEY ROY 4/6 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
2020 Al Rashidiya BARNEY ROY 4/5 fav owned by Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick
GHAIYYATH (2020 International Stakes, Eclipse Stakes, Dubai Millennium Stakes)
CONYNGHAM (1847 2000 Guineas)
POLYPHONTES (1924 & 1925 Eclipse Stakes)
MASAR (2018 Epsom Derby)
BLUE POINT (2018 & 2019 King's Stand Stakes, 2016 Gimcrack Stakes)
