Introduction and History of Watership Down Stud

Watership Down Stud was founded by Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber in 1992.  Set in the rolling downs of the Hampshire countryside their vision was to build a stud that would produce top quality thoroughbreds that they would go on to race and breed from.

Our philosophy has been to build up a small but select group of mares, race the fillies out of them and sell the colts.  Over the years this has proved a winning formula with great success both on the racetrack and in the sales ring.

The first broodmare to take up residence at Watership Down Stud was SILVER LANE, dam of multiple Group 1 winner Black Hawk (winner of £3,500,000 prize money) and Shakespeare who sold as a yearling for 2.2 million guineas.  DARARA was soon to join and go on to produce the 1999 colt by Sadler’s Wells ex Darara who became the highest priced horse sold in Europe as a yearling for 3.4 million guineas, who as River Dancer was a Group 1 winner in Hong Kong.

CRYSTAL SPRAY was next; Since being purchased for 500,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Sales she has produced Group 1 winner Crystal Music who has been retained by the stud, Group 1 placed Tchaikovsky and Group 2 winner Dubai Success.

Kiltinan Castle Stud was purchased in 1996, located just outside Fethard in Co Tipperary. Kiltinan acts as both a boarding stud and an ideal location to raise our own as well as clients' stock.  Kiltinan's location is perfect for broodmares visiting stallions based in Tipperary and Co Kildare.