Periodical
MAY
2025
MERCHANT
winning at
YORK (15.05.25)
Harry’s Introduction…
Only a few days to go now before the greatest racing festival in the world, Royal Ascot, kicks off next Tuesday. We are sending a strong select team and are hoping that we can continue our terrific record of winners and placed horses to runners there which over 33 years stands at a whopping 36%!
Our first winner there back in 1997 was Heritage, trained by John Gosden and ridden by the great Frankie Dettori in the King George V Handicap. This is the race that we have been most successful in with four victories and counting. We are keeping all fingers and toes well and truly crossed that this year Merchant, trained by William Haggas, can bring up the five timer!
If you are heading to Ascot next week I very much look forward to seeing you there and sharing a glass or two of champagne at our picnic in the Owners and Trainers car park. Wishing you a fabulous week of racing and if you have a runner the very best of racing luck! Let battle commence!
With my best wishes,
Harry Herbert
Chairman
01
Frances de Haan
On the track
The season is undeniably in full swing and the team have been travelling to all corners of the country this month to watch our horses run. A wonderful problem to have! It really has been fantastic to see so many of our horses make it out onto the track, some for the first time and others continuing their 3yo or 4yo campaigns.
As Emily alluded to in last month’s newsletter, we were very much looking forward to Merchant make his way to York for the prestigious Dante meeting. Merchant did not disappoint, he made his mark in no uncertain terms when justifying favouritism in emphatic style in the last race of the day on the Thursday. Tom Marquand was prepared for a strong finish after Merchant’s third placed effort at Newmarket last time out, and the preparation paid off as he produced a standout performance which saw Merchant power to the line the victor. The closest rival 2 ½ lengths behind in second, a 90 rated horse called Rahiebb trained by Roger Varian.
As you will read in my Royal Ascot preview article, he now heads to The Royal Meeting for the King George V Stakes in a bid to secure Highclere’s fifth victory in the race!
02
frances de haan
ROYAL ASCOT PREVIEW
Highclere runners
Royal Ascot is the pinnacle of British flat racing, a prestigious five-day spectacle where tradition, elegance, and world-class sport come together, making it one of the most anticipated and coveted meetings in the global racing calendar. Boasting eight Group 1 races and 22 Pattern or Listed races across five days, it's no surprise that it has been coined the "Olympics" of horse racing. A victory on this stage is among the most prized in the sport.
Highclere has always upheld an impressive roll of honour at Royal Ascot. With eleven victories, we’ve proven our ability to hold our own on racing’s grandest stage. 2024 was no different, it was my first year working for Highclere, and it's safe to say the bar was set very high! The most notable performance was, of course, Soprano’s emphatic victory in the Sandringham Stakes, followed closely by our beloved Believing finishing placed in not one, but two Group 1s (the King Charles III Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes) in the same week.
As an owner, it is a dream to have a runner at Royal Ascot, let alone a winner, so to witness Soprano make this dream a reality was a privilege.
Our achievements at Royal Ascot last year have heightened our expectations for the 2025 renewal. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that we head to the Royal Meeting next week with an exceptional team of horses.
“If I was to dream of how I would have this filly looking physically for Royal Ascot, this would be it.”
George Boughey
03
Frances de Haan
Get to Know Rosie Turner
This month I went behind the scenes to chat to the wonderful Rosie Turner (nee Tapner). Rosie is a former top international model who transitioned into a successful TV presenter with a focus on equestrian sports. After gracing the cover of Vogue at 16 and spending a decade in the fashion industry, she shifted her attention to presenting at major events like the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, and the Longines Global Champions Tour. Known for her engaging interview style and down-to-earth demeanor, Rosie combines her passion for horses and the countryside with her media career. Not only is she hugely successful in front of the camera but she is also one of the most approachable people you could meet, and one I am fortunate enough to call a friend. Hopefully a position I have not abused by asking for a behind the scenes interview at supper the other night! Of course the answer was yes… I hope you enjoy the chance to get to know Rosie Turner at little more
04
Rolf Johnson
Point to point
Rolf’s Ramblings
POINT OF NO RETURN? Amateur steeplechasing losing its focus
Even the twin ‘apostles’ of Point-to-Pointing, Iain Mackenzie and Martin Harris who crafted the late lamented bible of ‘Hunter Chasers & Point–to-Pointers’ (1968-2012), are fearful the version of steeplechasing they chronicled so spontaneously and expertly is doomed.
The annuals, choc-a-bloc with meticulous results and arch commentaries on eccentric participants (two and four-legged) and idiosyncratic racecourses, were required reading for many who had no concept of striking ‘hunting pink’ but dutifully togged up in bland Pointing mufti – Barbours, corduroys and green wellies - to wend along rutted lanes to remote venues in all weathers. The trek ensures involvement.
05
frances de haan
where are they now
Carry On The Magic was a National Hunt horse trained by Paul Nicholls who finished placed in two of his seven runs. He now has a very happy home since his retirement in 2022 with Alyssa Crook who sent the following update via Sue Craddock:
Magic is being ridden and kept by a young 28yr old lady called Alyssa Crook.
06
clodagh mckenna herbert
Honey by Clodagh
So thrilled to share with you all my new online lifestyle store 'Honey by Clodagh' a brand built around the joy of entertaining at home. Honey by Clodagh is a hive of beautifully curated lifestyle products that make hosting at home seem effortless. Whether you are lighting a candle for an intimate dinner, hosting a beautiful lunch in the garden or setting the table for a long laughter filled meal, Honey by Clodagh offers pieces that turn moments into memories. Designed to bring comfort, beauty and intentional living into your home.
07
CLODAGH MCKENNA HERBERT
Lemon, Harissa & Olive Spatchcock Chickenwith Bulgar Wheat, Cucumber & Dill
08
TaIttinger Moment
MARILYN WADE
This month our Taittinger moment goes to Marilyn Wade and Gary who are pictured celebrating their civil partnership.
Many congratulations to you both and we look forward to raising a glass of Taittinger with you at Royal Ascot next week!
If you have a special event or milestone to celebrate do get in touch as we always love to celebrate these special moments with the rest of the Highclere family.
09
ROR
ROR CHARITY CRICKET MATCH
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) charity are putting on a fundraising day. It’s called the RoR Racing to Cricket Fundraising Day and it is on Sunday 7th September 2025 at Wormsley, the stunning Getty estate in Buckinghamshire.
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British horseracing's official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. Their mission is to safeguard the wellbeing of all former racehorses. They carry out vital work and are a charity that need supporting.