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Copgrove Hall Stud, located in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has a rich heritage of thoroughbreds and is both a horse boarding stable and horse riding school. Originally purchased in the 1970s by the late Guy Reed, the property was the former home of Major Lionel Holliday, a prominent breeder of renowned horses such as Vaguely Noble and Hethersett.
In the mid-1980s, an opportunity arose for Guy to acquire a nearby dairy farm, which he quickly seized. Recognising the potential of the beautiful, free-draining limestone land, he had a vision to transform it into a top-class racing school farm and a leading nursery for raising young stock. With meticulous planning, Guy planted hedges and laid out rolling paddocks, recognising their importance in the muscular skeletal development of young horses.
The Wildenstein family, one of the leading breeders at the time, were among the first to take advantage of Copgrove Hall Stud's exceptional land and facilities, as they did not have their own stud at that time. Weanlings from America, France, Ireland, and the UK would arrive annually and be sent to their respective trainers twelve months later. Many Group and Group 1 winners were raised on the land at Copgrove, including Peintre Celebre, Epervier Bleu, Arcangues, Bigstone, Victoire Bleue, and Pistolet Bleu.
In addition to breeding from his own modest band of broodmares, which included La Cucaracha (winner of the Group 1 Nunthorpe), La Pomme d'Amour, Tiddliwinks, Flossy, and Pablo, Guy also provided comprehensive facilities to ensure a complete programme for thoroughbreds. The stud boasts 300 acres of the finest land for grazing bloodstock, spacious and well-equipped foaling facilities with CCTV and a knowledgeable team on hand, as well as a peaceful rural location ideal for resting racehorses.
Copgrove Hall Stud continues to evolve, recently launching a new website and undergoing significant changes and renovations. The stud is committed to providing the best facilities to its thoroughbreds and entrusting their care to experienced professionals. Brian O'Rourke, widely regarded as an outstanding horseman, is the contact for bloodstock-related inquiries, while Liz Hall is available for further information and assistance.
To experience the rich heritage and excellent facilities of Copgrove Hall Stud, interested parties are invited to get in touch via phone or email. The stud is located at Copgrove Hall in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with the address provided for convenience.