Downton’s home hosts racing syndicate showcase

As the stars of Downton Abbey filmed the ‘Christmas special’ at Highclere Castle, the estate also played host to one of the most sought-after invitations in the racing world. 

Harry Herbert’s highflying operation, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing showcased their own stars of the future in the form of 16 blue-blooded young racehorses to over 800 people during the four-day event. 

Existing and potential owners intermingled with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Denise Lewis, Barry McGuigan and actor, Nathaniel Parker. 

Harry Herbert said, “We have had the most fantastic four days and despite the current economic climate, every one of our shares have sold. My brother-in-law, John has selected yet another wonderful group of yearlings and we have much to dream about through the winter months before they appear on a racecourse in 2012. 

Over the last four months Harry Herbert (Managing Director of HTR) and John Warren (Director of HTR and Racing Manager to HM The Queen) will have looked at over 2,000 horses at the principal sales throughout Europe in order to purchase the bloodstock which will make up the new syndicates to race in 2012. Eventually, 16 were carefully selected and purchased in the sales rings of France, Ireland and the UK spending approximately £1.6 million on bloodstock.

The morning parades were followed by a champagne reception and lunch at
Highclere Stud with panoramic views over the rolling Berkshire downs.

Highclere Thoroughbred Racing is one of Europe’s leading racehorse ownership
companies. The average cost per horse varies from between 80,000 to 200,000
Guineas. Each syndicate has twenty shares available with prices starting at
£11,950 up to a maximum of £46,950.

For more information on Highclere’s syndicates for 2012, please telephone
Harry Herbert directly on 01488 669 166 or email [email protected] or visit
http://www.highclere.co.uk/

Read an interview with Harry Herbert here

Pictured: Top – Harry Herbert, Sir Alex Ferguson and Hayley Turner; middle – Sir Alex Ferguson with one of the Highclere Yearlings; bottom – Barry McGuigan

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