Pre 1857 Duke of Rutland Warren Tower and its grounds
Warren Tower, a large red-brick neo-Tudor house located between Cheveley and Moulton, ideally situated on the boundary of Warren Hill, is thought to have been bought by one of the Dukes of Rutland before 1853, and sold some time after the death of the 5th Duke of Rutland, John Henry Manners, in 1857. John Henry Manners, born in Knightsbridge on 4th January 1778, was the eldest son of Charles Manners and Lady Mary Isablella Somerset and was known as Lord Roos between 1778 and 1779, and then became the Marquess of Granby until 1787. In 1787, on the death of his father, John became the 5th Duke of Rutland. On 22nd April 1799 he married Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of the Earl of Carlisle, and they had 10 children, the eighth of which was Charles Cecil John Manners. Tragically, his wife died in November 1825 aged just 45, and John remained a widower for the next 32 years. He was a highly successful racehorse owner and breeder, but is best remembered as the owner of the winner of the 1828 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, Cadland (SR 2017). The Duke died on 20th January 1857 and all his estates passed to his eldest remaining son, Charles, who became the 6th Duke of Rutland. Warren Tower was later occupied by racehorse owner Richard Naylor in the 1870s, and by Sir Daniel Cooper at the turn of the century. In the 1930s two widows of peers purchased Warren Tower, but during the Second World War it was used by Barnardo's.
1828 2000 Guineas CADLAND (SR 2016) 5/2 owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
1828 Epsom Derby CADLAND (SR 2016) 4/1 owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
1828 Grand Duke Michael Stakes CADLAND owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
1828 Newmarket St Leger CADLAND owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
1829 Oatland Stakes CADLAND owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
1829 Audley End Stakes CADLAND owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
1830 Jockey Club Plate CADLAND owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
1830 Newmarket Whip CADLAND owned by 5th Duke of Rutland, trained by Dixon Boyce and ridden by Jem Robinson
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.
1858-1888 Richard Naylor Warren Tower and its grounds
Richard Christopher Naylor, born on 14th September 1814, initially trained as a chemist based in Liverpool, but in 1846 he inherited a substantial fortune from his uncle which enabled him to become a racehorse owner and breeder, although he is best remembered for establishing a stud farm at Hooton Hall in 1848 and for owning the famous Epsom Derby winner Macaroni. Macaroni, a bay colt by Sweetmeat out of Jocose, was foaled in 1860 at Eaton Stud, Cheshire owned by Richard Grosvenor. However, the Stud suffered an outbreak of strangles, an equine respiratory disease, and Grosvenor was delighted to sell 6 yearlings, including Macaroni, to Richard Naylor for the bargain price of £700.
1863 2000 MACARONI (SR 2017) 10/1 owned by Richard Naylor, trained by James Godding and ridden by Tom Chaloner
1863 Epsom Derby MACARONI (SR 2017) 10/1 owned by Richard Naylor, trained by James Godding and ridden by Tom Chaloner
1863 Doncaster Cup MACARONI owned by Richard Naylor, trained by James Godding and ridden by Tom Chaloner
1888-1909 Sir Daniel Cooper Warren Tower House and grounds
In 1888 Sir Daniel Cooper, born in Woolahra, New South Wales on 15th November 1848, acquired Warren Towers House and grounds, possibly from Richard Naylor, and appointed Mr W Spire to be his racing manager and to oversee the 160-acre site. He succeeded to the baronetcy in 1902 on the death of his father, also named Daniel, on 5th June 1902. Daniel junior was educated at Wellington College and married Harriet Grant-Suttle, daughter of Sir James Grant-Suttle, in 1886. Their only child, a daughter named Dorothy, was born a year later. Daniel was an enthusiastic sportsman, his particular passion being horse racing, and he was elected to the Australian Jockey Club. Whilst in Australia he owned Blairgowrie, winner of the 1886 AJC Champagne Stakes and Champion Stakes. As soon as he settled in England, he resumed his interest in racing with vigour, and was elected to the Jockey Club in 1894. He delighted in seeing his orange and white colours carried to victory in numerous races, but especially in the 1906 1000 Guineas by Flair (SR 1986). He only benefitted from the Baronetcy for 7 short years because he died in London on 13th June 1909 aged 60. He was a very popular figure in the Newmarket racing scene throughout his time in England, and a water fountain, to quench the thirst of weary racegoers, was erected in Newmarket by his widow, Lady Harriet Cooper, in 1910.
1906 1000 Guineas FLAIR (SR 1986) 10/11 fav owned by Sir Daniel Cooper, trained by Peter Gilpin and ridden by Bernard Dillon
1909-1915 Mr G A Prentice Warren Tower House and grounds
When Sir Daniel Cooper died on 13th June 1909 Warren House and grounds were purchased by Mr Graham A Prentice who proceeded to spend £10,000 on improvements. Graham Prentice, born in Montreal in September 1863, came to England to be educated at Harrow and Cambridge, completing his degree in 1884. He worked as a successful jobber in the Stock Exchange for over 20 years, but his passion was horse racing, and in the early days he sent his horses to be trained by John Powney at Grateley, Hampshire, enjoying some success by winning the 1903 Stewards Cup with Dumbarton Castle, and capturing 2 Paris Auteuil Hurdles with General Peace in 1900 and Karakoul in 1905. By 1909 he had shifted his attention to Newmarket, sending his horses to be trained by Basil Jarvis. In the mid-1910s Prentice, who died in February 1921, sold Warren Tower House to Seymour Cole.
1900 Paris Auteuil Hurdle GENERAL PEACE 4/5 fav owned by Mr G A Prentice and ridden by Captain Bewicke
1903 Stewards Cup DUMBARTON CASTLE 4/1 fav owned by Mr G A Prentice, trained by John Powney and ridden by Otto Madden
1905 Paris Auteuil Hurdle KARAKOUL 2/1 owned by Mr G A Prentice and ridden by J Ferguson
1909-1918 Sir Edward Hulton Warren Towers Stud
Sir Edward George Stephen Hulton, born on 3rd March 1869 in Hulme, Manchester, was the second son of Edward Hulton, the founder of the Sporting Chronicle, and his wife Mary. He was educated at St Bede's Commercial College which he left aged 16. Upholding the family tradition, Edward junior founded the Manchester Evening News in 1897 along with a host of other newspapers. In 1900 Edward married Agnes Turnbull Wood, later marrying Fanny Warris in 1916 with whom he had a son and a daughter. He was a keen follower of sport, in particular football; he was chairman of Manchester City at the turn of the century, although his greatest passion was horseracing. In 1909 he purchased Warren Towers Stud which was independent of Warren Tower House and grounds, encouraging Mr W Spire to continue in his role of Racing Manager. He made use of many of his successful horses at his stud, including Shogun who had won the Woodcote Stakes and Coventry Stakes in 1912, and the Ascot Gold Vase and Greenham Stakes in 1913, but came up short in each Classic he contested. Other champions which did active service at his Warren Tower Stud were dual Classic winning filly Fifinella, and Lomond. Employing Richard Dawson as his trainer he enjoyed much success on the turf, and was crowned Champion Flat race Owner in 1916. Many of his horses, and his colours, were registered under his pseudonym 'Mr Lytham'. Although 1916 was the pinnacle of his connection with racing, winning both the War-time New Oaks Stakes and New Derby Stakes with Fifinella (SR 2055), he did enjoy further Classic success with Roseway (SR 1942) in the 1919 1000 Guineas. Hulton retired due to ill health in 1923, aged just 54, selling his newspaper business via a private company for £6 million. He died on 23rd May 1925 and was buried in Putney Vale Cemetery.
1911 Gimcrack Stakes LOMOND 40/85 fav owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by R Wootton and ridden by Frank Wootton
1912 Coventry Stakes SHOGUN 4/9 fav owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by R Wootton and ridden by Frank Wootton
1912 Woodcote Stakes SHOGUN 7/2 owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by R Wootton and ridden by Frank Wootton
1913 Greenham Stakes at Newbury SHOGUN 4/5 fav owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by R Wootton and ridden by Frank Wootton
1913 Ascot Gold Vase SHOGUN 8/13 fav owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by R Wootton and ridden by W Huxley
1913 Gimcrack Stakes STORNOWAY evens fav owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by R Wootton and ridden by Frank Wootton
1916 New Oaks Stakes at Newmarket FIFINELLA (SR 2055) 8/13 fav owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by Richard Dawson and ridden by Joe Childs
1916 New Derby Stakes at Newmarket FIFINELLA (SR 2055) 11/2 owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by Richard Dawson and ridden by Joe Childs
1919 1000 Guineas ROSEWAY (SR 1942) 2/1 owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by Frank Hartigan and ridden by Albert Whalley
1924 Epsom Oaks STRAITLACE (SR 1937) 100/30 owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by Dawson Waugh and ridden by Frank O’Neill
1924 Coronation Stakes STRAITLACE 3/1 owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by Dawson Waugh and ridden by Charlie Elliott
1924 Nassau Stakes STRAITLACE 4/9 fav owned by Sir Edward Hulton, trained by Dawson Waugh and ridden by Charlie Elliott
1915-1918 Mr Seymour Cole Warren Towers House and grounds
Seymour Cole purchased the House and grounds from Mr G A Prentice, but in 1918 Seymour Cole sold Warren Tower House and 28 acres of grounds for a considerable sum to Lord Wilton. The mansion and grounds were the former residence of Sir Daniel Cooper and Mr Graham A Prentice.
1918- July 1925 Lord Wilton Warren Towers House and grounds
In November 1918 Lord Wilton, later the Earl of Wilton, purchased Warren Towers and grounds for a considerable sum, previously occupied by Mr G A Prentice, Seymour Cole and Sir Daniel Cooper. He installed Harvey Leader briefly as his trainer in 1918, but then moved horses and Leader to Machell Place for a short period before taking over Ellesmere House. He sold Warren Towers to Lady Ludlow in November 1926.
November 1926-1939 Lady Ludlow Warren Towers House
Alice Wernher leased Bedford Lodge in 1925, while in November 1926 she purchased the historic mansion of Warren Tower. She had married Sir Julius Wernher, a German born art collector and member of the Wernher, Bell & Co who had a controlling interest in the De Beers diamond mining company, on 12th June 1888. They had 3 sons; Sir Derrick Julius Wernher, Major-General Sir Harold Augustus Wernher, and Second Lieutenant Alexander Pigott Wernher. Sir Julius suffered from ill health, dying on 21st May 1912, but Alice remarried the 2nd Baron Ludlow on 25th September 1919 and thereafter became known as Lady Ludlow. The Baron died on 8th November 1922, leaving her widowed for a second time. Her second son, Sir Harold, married Countess Anastasia de Torby on 20th July 1917 and she, thereafter was known as Lady Zia Wernher. She was a prominent thoroughbred breeder and owner, becoming Champion Owner in 1955 and again in 1966. She owned the likes of Ascot Gold Cup winner Precipitation, Coronation Cup winner Persian Gulf, and crowned her ownership by landing the 1966 Epsom Derby with Charlottown (SR 1965).
1936 King Edward VII Stakes PRECIPITATION owned by Lady Zia Wernher, trained by Captain Cecil Boyd-Rochfort and ridden by Pat Beasley
1937 Ascot Gold Cup PRECIPITATION 2/1 owned by Lady Zia Wernher, trained by Captain Cecil Boyd-Rochfort and ridden by Pat Beasley
1944 Coronation Cup PERSIAN GULF owned by Lady Zia Wernher, trained by Captain Cecil Boyd-Rochfort and ridden by Bobby Jones
1966 Epsom Derby CHARLOTTOWN (SR 1965) 5/1 owned by Lady Zia Wernher, trained by Gordon Smyth and ridden by Scobie Breasley
1931-1932 Lord Astor, Lord Beaverbrook Warren Tower Stud
In 1931 Lord Beaverbrook took ownership of Warren Tower Stud, while in July 1932 Lord Astor made use of Warren Towers Stud as a base in Newmarket, and an overflow yard to his Cliveden Stud
July 1925-1945 Sam Darling Warren Hill Stables
Sam Henry Darling was born into a racing family, being son of the famous Beckhampton trainer Sam Darling. His older sister Grace married racehorse trainer Richard Marsh and Sam Henry became Richard's assistant before setting up as a trainer in his own right. He launched his training career at Yatesbury, a yard his father had built, and then moved to Newmarket to train at Green Lodge. By then Sam had married Thora Olive Marsh and it was at Green Lodge that their son Anthony was born in 1914. Unfortunately, Anthony lost his life in the Second World War in 1942. At the end of the First World War Sam shifted to Link Stables, although he had a long-term project in mind to purchase Warren Tower and grounds and build Stables on the site. In July 1925 he managed to complete the purchase of Warren Towers House and about 28 acres of ground. He immediately began the necessary work to transform it into a training establishment, while his previous Links Stables were acquired by the Jockey Club for use on race days. Sam also entered into discussions with Lady Ludlow regarding the sale of Warren Towers House, a purchase which was completed by November 1926. The magnificent mansion passed to Lady Ludlow, although the stabling which Sam had erected was not included in the sale. By 1928 the training establishment was being called Warren Hill Stables, and housed the largest string in Newmarket. The next largest at that time was Jack Jarvis, followed by Felix Leach junior and Frank Butters. After the end of the Second World War Sam sold Warren Place to the Maharajah of Baroda in 1945 and transferred his string to Abington Place where he remained for 2 years before selling it to Harry Wragg. Sam them retired from training.
1927 Royal Hunt Cup ASTERUS 10/1 owned by M M Boussac, trained by Sam Darling and ridden by Charlie Elliott
1930 Lincoln Handicap LEONIDAS II 66/1 owned by M M Boussac, trained by Sam Darling and ridden by H Southey
1930 Newbury Autumn Cup BRUMEUX 6/4 fav owned by Mr Macombe, trained by Sam Darling and ridden by Gordon Richards
1939-1945 Warren Tower House Barnardos
In July 1939 Warren Towers House, on the Moulton Road, became an evacuation centre for Barnardo's boys aged between 7 and 15. The home closed in April 1945, after which it fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1989, although at the time there were plans for a larger house to be built by its new Arab owner
In the mid-1960s six of the most prestigious, historical racing stables in Newmarket were honoured by having races named after them on the July course on the Saturday of the late August meeting. One of the six selected was Warren Place Stables, although the first to be dropped, with results shown below:-
1965 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by HASSAN (4/1) trained by Doug Smith and ridden by Holden
1966 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by LAST CASE (2/1) trained by Peter Nelson and ridden by Lester Piggott
1967 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by PETTIFOUR (6/4 fav) trained by Geoff Barling and ridden by M L Thomas
1968 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was not contested
1969 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was not contested
1970 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by BLESSED BEAUTY (7/2) trained by Neville Callaghan and ridden by Willie Carson
1971 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by DERNIER COUP (5/4 fav) trained by Bernard Van Cutsem and ridden by Willie Carson
1972 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by CHARLIE GEORGE (15/8 fav) trained by Philip Robinson and ridden by David Maitland
1973 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by CELESTIAL STAR (10/11 fav) trained by Doug Smith and ridden by Eric Eldin
1974 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by ASTRALINE (95/40 fav) trained by Gavin Pritchard-Gordon and ridden by Willie Carson
1975 Warren Place Nursery Handicap was won by SENATOR SAM (11/4) trained by J W Watts and ridden by John Lowe
1945-1952 Fred (Sam) Armstrong Warren Place Stables
Frederick Lakin Armstrong, universally known as Sam, born in 1904, was the son of the racehorse trainer Robert Ward Armstrong who had trained for the 5th Earl of Lonsdale for over 50 years. Sam was educated at Rosall School before becoming an apprentice in his father's stable, winning his first race at Carlisle in 1921. However, after riding for 2 successful seasons, he suffered a bad fall in 1924 which put paid to his career as a jockey, but at the same time gave him the opportunity to pursue a training career. He joined Harry Cotrill at Lambourn, remaining for 5 years as his assistant, before seeking further experience in Ireland with Frank Barbour. He launched his own training career in 1926 at Ashgill Stables, Middleham, winning prestigious races like the 1937 Northumberland Plate with Nectar II, and the 1938 Wokingham Stakes with Bold Ben. During his time at Middleham he also worked with the Maharaja of Baroda, purchasing yearlings at the sales for him, for which he was duly rewarded in later life. In 1945 the Gaekwar, Maharajah of Baroda purchased Warren Hill Stables (Warren Place) and installed Fred Armstrong as his trainer. In that same year he purchased Sayajirao (SR 1958) for £28,000 and was well rewarded when it won the Lingfield Derby Trial, was placed third in the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, won the St Leger and the Irish Derby. He later purchased My Babu (SR 2108) with whom he won the 1948 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes. That horse went on to become one of the most influential sires of the century. In 1949 Sam persuaded the Maharaja to purchase St Gatien Stables, and by the start of the 1953 season Sam had transferred his string across Newmarket to St Gatien leaving Warren Place to be occupied by former Beckhampton trainer Noel Murless.
1947 Lingfield Derby Trial SAYAJIRAO owned by the Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1947 Irish Derby SAYAJIRAO (SR 1958) Evens fav owned by the Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1947 Woodcote Stakes MY BABU owned by HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1947 Champagne Stakes MY BABU 21/20 fav owned by HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1947 New Stakes (later the Norfolk Stakes) MY BABU 8/13 fav owned by HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1947 St Leger SAYAJIRAO (SR 1958) 9/2 owned by the HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1948 Craven Stakes MY BABU owned by HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1948 2000 Guineas MY BABU (SR 2108) 2/1 owned by HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Charlie Smirke
1948 New Stakes MAKARPURA 100/30 owned by HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Edgar Britt
1948 Hardwicke Stakes SAYAJIRAO 13/8 owned by the HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Charlie Smirke
1948 Sussex Stakes MY BABU 1/3 fav owned by HH Maharaja of Baroda, trained by Sam Armstrong and ridden by Charlie Smirke
1950-1976 Sir Charles Francis Noel Murless
Charles Francis Noel Murless, born on 24th March 1910, began his training career at Hambleton Lodge, Yorkshire in 1935, moving to Hambleton House at the end of the Second World War. In 1947 he was crowned Champion Trainer for the first time after transferring to the famous Beckhampton Stables in Wiltshire, but by the early 1950s he was on the move again, taking over from Sam Armstrong at Warren Place Stables at the foot of Newmarket's Warren Hill in readiness for the 1953 season . In 1952, whilst continuing to train, he became manager of the Eve Stud for Sir Victor Sassoon, later purchasing the Stud after Sir Victor's death, renaming it Woodditton Stud. He landed his first English Classic with Crepello (SR 2019) in the 1957 2000 Guineas, going on to achieve his inaugural Epsom Derby win with the same horse later in the year. In the 1960s Sir Noel employed Sandy Barclay as his first jockey, with Bill Rickaby as a replacement when necessary. In 1966 his daughter Julie married Henry Cecil, although they later divorced in 1990. In a career spanning 26 years at Warren Place, Noel won 19 English Classics and a further 2 Irish Classics, including 3 Epsom Derby victories; 1957 Crepello (SR 2019), 1960 St Paddy (SR 2047) and 1967 Royal Palace (SR 2031). He retired from training in 1976, received a knighthood in 1977 and died on 9th May 1987.
1952 Sussex Stakes AGITATOR 8/15 fav owned by John Arthur Dewar, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Gordon Richards
1954 Sussex Stakes LANDAU 6/4 fav owned by HM Queen Elizabeth II, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Willie Snaith
1955 Hardwicke Stakes ELOPEMENT 6/5 fav owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1956 Hardwicke Stakes HUGH LUPUS 100/30 owned by Lady U Vernon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Rae Johnstone
1957 Craven Stakes SHEARWATER owned by Lt-Colonel Giles Loder, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1957 2000 Guineas CREPELLO (SR 2019) 7/2 owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1957 Epsom Derby CREPELLO (SR 2019) 6/4 fav owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1957 Eclipse Stakes ARCTIC EXPLORER 100/30 owned by Lt-Colonel Giles Loder, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1959 Craven Stakes PINDARI owned by HM Queen Elizabeth II, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1959 1000 Guineas PETITE ETOILE (SR 2079) 8/1 owned by Prince Aly Khan, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Doug Smith
1959 Epsom Oaks PETITE ETOILE (SR 2079) 11/2 owned by Prince Aly Khan, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1959 Sussex Stakes PETITE ETOILE 1/10 fav owned by Prince Aly Khan, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1960 Epsom Derby ST PADDY (SR 2047) 7/1 owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1960 St Leger ST PADDY (SR 2047) 4/6 fav owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1961 Craven Stakes AURELIUS 8/1 owned by Mrs V Lilley, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1961 Hardwicke Stakes ST PADDY 4/9 fav owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1961 Eclipse Stakes ST PADDY 2/13 fav owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1962 Hardwicke Stakes AURELIUS 8/13 fav owned by Mrs V Lilley, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Scobie Breasley
1966 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes AUNT EDITH owned by Mr John Hornung, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
1967 Epsom Derby ROYAL PALACE (SR 2031) 7/4 fav owned by Jim Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by George Moore
1967 Eclipse Stakes BUSTED 8/1 owned by Stanhope Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Bill Rickaby
1967 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes BUSTED owned by Stanhope Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by George Moore
1968 Hardwicke Stakes HOPEFUL VENTURE 4/6 fav owned by HM Queen Elizabeth II, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Sandy Barclay
1968 Eclipse Stakes ROYAL PALACE 9/4 owned by Jim Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Sandy Barclay
1968 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes ROYAL PALACE owned by Jim Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Sandy Barclay
1969 Craven Stakes PADDY'S PROGRESS 13/2 owned by Jim Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Sandy Barclay
1969 Champagne Stakes SAINTLY SONG owned by Mr Stanhope Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Sandy Barclay
1970 Epsom Oaks LUPE (SR 1924) 100/30 owned by Gladys Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Sandy Barclay
1970 Eclipse Stakes CONNAUGHT 5/4 owned by Jim Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Sandy Barclay
1971 Epsom Oaks ALTESSE ROYALE (SR 1954) 6/4 owned by Roger Hue-Williams, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Geoff Lewis
1971 Irish Oaks ALTESSE ROYALE (SR 1954) 1/2 fav owned by Colonel Roger Hue-Williams, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Geoff Lewis
1971 New Stakes PHILIP OF SPAIN 9/4 owned by Sir R Macdonald-Buchanan, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Geoff Lewis
1972 Craven Stakes LEICESTER 8/1 owned by Jim Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Geoff Lewis
1972 Hardwicke Stakes SELHURST 11/4 owned by Jim Joel, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Geoff Lewis
1973 Epsom Oaks MYSTERIOUS (SR 1970) 13/8 fav owned by George Pope junior, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Geoff Lewis
1974 Epsom Oaks POLYGAMY (SR 1847) 3/1 fav owned by Louis Freedman, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Pat Eddery
1976 Champagne Stakes J O TOBIN 4/9 fav owned by Mr George A Pope junior, trained by Noel Murless and ridden by Lester Piggott
At the 1971 Royal Ascot meeting Newmarket Stables won a greater proportion of first prize money than any other location, outperforming Lambourn/Ilsley, Ireland and France. Eight different Newmarket Stables provided winners, with Noel Murless leading the way.
Noel Murless
Coronation Stakes:-MAGIC FLUTE (85/40)
Norfolk Stakes:-PHILIP OF SPAIN (9/4)
Doug Smith
Britannia Stakes:-STUBBS GAZETTE (5/2 fav)
Wokingham:-WHISTLING FOOL (11/2)
Bernard Van Cutsem
Ascot Stakes:-CELTIC CONE (6/1)
Fred (Sam) Armstrong
Chesham Stakes:-MEADOW MINT (6/5 fav)
Jack W Watts
Queen Mary Stakes:-WATERLOO (9/2)
Harry Thomson Jones
Ribblesdale:-FLEET WHAINE (9/1)
George Todd
Royal Hunt Cup:-PICTURE BOY (9/1)
T E Leader
Windsor Castle Stakes:-DAWN REVIEW (15/2)
1976-2013 Henry Cecil
Henry Cecil, born in Aberdeen on 11th January 1943, trained at Freemason Lodge, taking over from his step-father, Cecil Boyd-Rochfort, in 1969, and remained there until Boyd-Rochfort sold Freemason Lodge. Henry Cecil then moved to Chestnut Tree Stables, then known as Marriott, residing there until the end of the 1976 season, after which he moved to Warren Place. During his time at Chestnut Tree Stables he trained two 2000 Guineas winners, in 1975 Bolkonski (SR 2047) and in 1976 Wollow (SR 2000). In 1976 he took over from his father-in-law Noel Murless and went to on train at Warren Place for 37 years, arguably becoming the best trainer of all time. He was crowned Champion Trainer on 10 occasions from 1976 to 1993, and won no less than 25 English Classics, including landing the Epsom Derby 4 times; 1985 Slip Anchor (SR 2106), 1987 Reference Point (SR 2122), 1993 Commander in Chief (SR 1987) and 1999 Oath (SR 1937). However, despite suffering lean patches in his training career, and suffering from constant ill health, his greatest triumph was his handling of the mighty Frankel (SR 2280) who had an unbeaten 14 race career, including the 2011 2000 Guineas. Henry was knighted in 2011 and died on 11th June 2013 aged 70.
1977 Prince of Wales's Stakes LUCKY WEDNESDAY 5/6 fav owned by Charles St George, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1978 Prince of Wales's Stakes GUNNER B 4/5 fav owned by Pauline Barratt, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1978 Eclipse Stakes GUNNER B 7/4 owned by Pauline Barratt, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1979 1000 Guineas ONE IN A MILLION (SR 1935) Evens fav owned by Helena Springfield Ltd, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1979 St James's Palace Stakes KRIS 11/10 fav owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1979 Ascot Gold Cup LE MOSS 7/4 owned by Carlo d'Alessio, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1979 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes KRIS 8/11 fav owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1979 Yorkshire Oaks CONNAUGHT BRIDGE 9/2 owned by H Barker, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1979 Sussex Stakes KRIS 4/5 fav owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1979 William Hill Futurity Stakes HELLO GORGEOUS 11/8 fav owned by Daniel Wildenstein, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1980 Ascot Gold Cup LE MOSS 3/1 owned by Carlo d'Alessio, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
1980 St Leger LIGHT CAVALRY (SR 1932) 3/1 owned by Jim Joel, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Joe Mercer
At the 1980 Royal Ascot meeting Newmarket Stables won about 45% of the first-place prize money, out-performing Lambourn/Ilsley, Ireland, France and other prominent racing centres. As many as nine different Newmarket Stables provided winners, with Sir Henry Cecil leading the way with 3 victories.
Sir Henry Cecil
Gold Cup:-LE MOSS (3/1 fav)
King Edward VII Stakes:-LIGHT CAVALRY (9/2)
Queen Mary Stakes:-PUSHY (7/1)
Paul Kelleway
King's Stand Stakes:-AFRICAN SONG (10/1)
Sir Michael Stoute
Jersey Stakes:-HARD FOUGHT (15/8 fav)
Michael Jarvis
Queen's Vase:-TOONDRA (15/2)
Gavin Hunter
Norfolk Stakes:-CHUMMYS SPECIAL (11/2)
Harry Wragg
Chesham Stakes:-KIRTLING (5/1)
Bruce Hobbs
Bessborough Stakes:-BARLEY HILL (6/1)
John Winter
King George V Stakes:-JOHN O'GROATS (10/1)
Harry Thomson Jones
Fern Hill Stakes:-TREVITA (14/1)
1981 Queen Anne Stakes BELMONT BAY 4/1 owned by Daniel Wildenstein, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1981 Ascot Gold Cup ARDROSS 30/100 fav owned by Charles St George, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1981 Middle Park Stakes CAJUN 20/1 owned by James Stone, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1982 Queen Anne Stakes MR FLUOROCARBON 3/1 joint fav owned by James McAlister, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1982 Ascot Gold Cup ARDROSS 1/5 fav owned by Charles St George, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1982 Middle Park Stakes DIESIS 10/11 fav owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1982 William Hill Futurity Stakes DUNBEATH 4/7 fav owned by Michael Riordan, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1983 Queen Anne Stakes VALIYAR 10/1 owned by Garo Vanian, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1984 Queen Anne Stakes TROJAN FEN 9/4 owned by Stavros Niarchos, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1984 William Hill Futurity Stakes LANFRANCO 100/30 owned by Charles St George, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Lester Piggott
1985 1000 Guineas OH SO SHARP (SR 2027) 2/1 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1985 Epsom Derby SLIP ANCHOR (SR 2106) 9/4 fav owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1985 Epsom Oaks OH SO SHARP (SR 2027) 6/4 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1985 St Leger OH SO SHARP (SR 2027) 8/11 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1986 Racing Post Trophy REFERENCE POINT 4/1 owned by Louis Freedman, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1987 Epsom Derby REFERENCE POINT (SR 2122) 6/4 fav owned by Louis Freedman, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1987 Ascot Gold Cup PAEN 6/1 owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1987 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth II Stakes REFERENCE POINT 11/10 fav owned by Louis Freedman, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1987 St Leger REFERENCE POINT (SR 2122) 4/11 fav owned by Louis Freedman, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1988 Epsom Oaks DIMINUENDO (SR 1956) 7/4 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1988 Irish Oaks DIMINUENDO (dead-heat) (SR 1956) 2/9 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1988 Yorkshire Oaks DIMINUENDO 30/100 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1988 Irish Champion Stakes INDIAN SKIMMER 9/4 owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Michael Roberts
1988 Champion Stakes INDIAN SKIMMER 8/15 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Michael Roberts
1989 Epsom Oaks SNOW BRIDE (SR 1909) 13/2 owned by Saeed Maktoum Al Maktoum, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1989 Irish Derby OLD VIC (SR 2107) 4/11 fav owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1989 Irish Oaks ALYDARESS (SR 1921) 7/4 owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Mick Kinane
1989 St Leger MICHELOZZO (SR 1929) 6/4 fav owned by Charles St George, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1989 Racing Post Trophy BE MY CHIEF 4/7 fav owned by Peter Burrell, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1990 St James's Palace Stakes SHAVIAN 11/1 owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
1990 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes BELMEZ 15/2 owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Mick Kinane
1990 Racing Post Trophy PETER DAVIES 2/1 joint fav owned by Charles St George, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen
At the 1990 Royal Ascot meeting Newmarket Stables won over 70% of the first-place prize money, out-performing Lambourn/Ilsley and other prominent racing centres. As many as nine different Newmarket Stables provided winners, with Sir Henry Cecil leading the way with 4 victories.
Sir Henry Cecil
St James's Palace Stakes:-SHAVIAN (11/1)
Coronation Stakes:-CHIMES OF FREEDOM (11/2)
King Edward VII Stakes:-PRIVATE TENDER (11/4 fav)
Queen's Vase:-RIVER GOD (6/4 fav)
Harry Thomson Jones
Gold Cup:-ASHAL (14/1)
Ben Hanbury
Prince of Wales Stakes:-BATSHOOF (2/1 fav)
Fern Hill Stakes (Sandringham):-MY SHAFY (4/1)
Sir Michael Stoute
Ribblesdale Stakes:-HELLENIC (6/1)
Luca Cumani
Queen Anne Stakes:-MARKOFDISTINCTION (7/1)
Alec Scott
Cork & Orrery Stakes:-GREAT COMMOTION (5/1)
Geoff Wragg
Jersey Stakes:-SALLY ROUS (20/1)
Bill O'Gorman
Coventry Stakes:-MAC'S IMP (2/1 fav)
John Gosden
Chesham Stakes:-CHICARICA (10/11 fav)
1992 Racing Post Trophy ARMIGER 5/4 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1993 Epsom Derby COMMANDER IN CHIEF (SR 1987) 15/2 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Mick Kinane
1993 Irish Derby COMMANDER in CHIEF (SR 1987) 4/7 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1993 Prince of Wales's Stakes PLACERVILLE 11/2 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1993 Racing Post Trophy KING'S THEATRE 9/2 owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Willie Ryan
1994 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes KING'S THEATRE 12/1 owned by Sheikh Mohammed, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Mick Kinane
1994 Sussex Stakes DISTANT VIEW 4/1 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1996 1000 Guineas BOSRA SHAM (SR 2049) 10/11 fav owned by Wafic Said, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1996 Epsom Oaks LADY CARLA (SR 1894) 100/30 owned by Wafic Said, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1996 Champion Stakes BOSRA SHAM 9/4 owned by Wafic Said, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
1997 1000 Guineas SLEEPYTIME (SR 1932) 5/1 owned by Greenbay Stables Ltd, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1997 Epsom Oaks REAMS OF VERSE (SR 1881) 5/6 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1997 Prince of Wales's Stakes BOSRA SHAM 4/11 fav owned by Wafic Said, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1997 Sussex Stakes ALI-ROYAL 13/2 owned by Greenbay Stables Ltd, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1998 St James's Palace Stakes DR FONG 4/1 owned by The Thoroughbred Corporation, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1998 Yorkshire Oaks CATCHASCATCHCAN 2/1 fav owned by Lord Howard de Walden, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1999 1000 Guineas WINCE (SR 1828) 4/1 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1999 Epsom Oaks RAMRUMA (SR 1910) 3/1 owned by HRH Prince Fahd Salman, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1999 Epsom Derby OATH (SR 1937) 13/2 owned by The Thoroughbred Corporation, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1999 Irish Oaks RAMRUMA (SR 1910) 4/9 fav owned by HRH Prince Fahd Salman, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon
1999 International Stakes at York ROYAL ANTHEM 3/1 joint fav owned by Thoroughbred Corporation, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Gary Stevens
1999 Yorkshire Oaks RAMRUMA 5/6 fav owned by HRH Prince Fahd Salman, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Pat Eddery
2000 Epsom Oaks LOVE DIVINE (SR 1863) 9/4 fav owned by Lordship Stud, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Richard Quinn
2007 Epsom Oaks LIGHT SHIFT (SR 1811) 13/2 owned by Niarchos Family, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Ted Durcan
2009 Champion Stakes TWICE OVER 14/1 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2010 Eclipse Stakes TWICE OVER 13/8 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2010 Yorkshire Oaks MIDDAY 11/4 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2010 Champion Stakes TWICE OVER 7/2 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2011 2000 Guineas FRANKEL (SR 2280) 1/2 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2011 St James's Palace Stakes FRANKEL 30/100 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2011 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes FRANKEL 4/11 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2011 Sussex Stakes FRANKEL 8/13 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2011 International Stakes at York TWICE OVER 11/2 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Ian Mongan
2012 Queen Anne Stakes FRANKEL 1/10 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2012 Sussex Stakes FRANKEL 1/20 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2012 International Stakes at York FRANKEL 1/10 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
2012 Champion Stakes FRANKEL 2/11 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally
December 2013-November 2015 Ed Walker
Ed Walker, former assistant trainer to both Roger Charlton and Luca Cumani, began training in his own right in 2010. In October 2010 he moved to the 24 box Authorized Yard at St Gatien, where he won the Listed Hyde Stakes in November 2010 at Kempton Park when Riggins dead-heated with Fanunalter. In December 2012 he transferred to Grange House Stables, where he trained for just one season, before leasing part of Warren Place in December 2013 after the death of Sir Henry Cecil. During his time at Warren Place he trained the 2014 Bengough Stakes winner Lightning Moon, while in 2015 Stormy Antarctic ran Johannes Vermeer to a head in the Criterium International at St Cloud. His lease at Warren Place expired in November 2015, so in early 2016 he moved to Eve Lodge Stables, his fourth different stable in as many years, remaining there until the end of the season. In December 2016 he left Newmarket, bound for Lambourn, continuing his training career at Kingsdown Stables in Upper Lambourn.
2014 Bengough Stakes LIGHTNING MOON 13/2 owned by M Betamar, trained by Ed Walker and ridden by George Baker
2013-2015 Lady Jane Cecil
In 2008 Henry Cecil celebrated his third marriage, this time to Jane McKeown who, in 2011, became Lady Cecil. When Henry died on 11th June 2013 Lady Cecil took over the trainer's licence and continued to train at Warren Place for the next 2 years, although she did share the stables with Ed Walker. At the end of the 2015 Flat season she retired from training.
2014 Gordon Richards Stakes NOBLE MISSION 4/1 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Lady Cecil and ridden by James Doyle
2014 Huxley Stakes NOBLE MISSION 9/4 fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Lady Cecil and ridden by James Doyle
2014 Tattersalls Gold Cup NOBLE MISSION Evens joint fav owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Lady Cecil and ridden by James Doyle
2014 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud NOBLE MISSION 2/1 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Lady Cecil and ridden by James Doyle
2014 Champion Stakes NOBLE MISSION 7/1 owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Lady Cecil and ridden by James Doyle
2016-present Sheikh Mohammed
On Lady Cecil's retirement and Ed Walker's move to Eve Lodge Stables, Sheikh Mohammed was in talks to purchase Warren Place Stables and it was subsumed into his Godolphin enterprise.
FRANKEL (2011 2000 Guineas and 13 Group 1 races)
REFERENCE POINT (1987 Epsom Derby, St Leger)
MY BABU (1948 2000 Guineas, Sussex Stakes)
OLD VIC (1989 Irish Derby)
SLIP ANCHOR (1985 Epsom Derby)
