Fond Farewell to Dickie Bridges
01 July 2011
Lord Lloyd Webber with Dickie Bridges
Paddock and Maintenance manager of Watership Down Stud for the last 15 years, Dickie Bridges has retired at the age of 80.
Dickie has been a huge part of the Stud team and Sydmonton Court Estate before this and he will be sorely missed. His devotion to the Stud has been paramount to its success and Watership Down Stud would like to take the opportunity to wish Dickie every success in his retirement.
Dar Re Mi eternally cast in Bronze
30 June 2011
Lady Lloyd Webber was on hand last week to unveil the new bronze statue of Dar Re Mi.
The filly, who is a multiple Group 1 winner has been cast in bronze by sculptor Philip Blacker and after many weeks of anticipation, was revealed to be an extremely life like and altogether wonderful piece of artwork. The commissioned Dar Re Mi now stands on the lawn at Watership Down Stud where she can be admired by all who visit the stud.
Rewilding wins the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes
15 June 2011
Rewilding again proved himself to be a champion when winning the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot this year.
The dual Group 1 winning Tiger Hill colt out of Darara and half brother to the multiple Group 1 winning champion Dar Re Mi; was held up at the back of the field until the last two furlongs when his amazing turn of foot prevailed to push on strongly for an emphatic defeat of So You Think.
Watership Down Stud are delighted for the Godolphin team and all involved with this magnificent horse.
Rewilding wins the 2011 Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr. 1)
28 March 2011
Rewilding in Summer 2008, shortly before the October Sales
Rewilding, the 2006 colt by Tiger Hill ex Darara has won the 2011 Dubai Sheema Classic Gr 1.
Bred by Watership Down Stud from one of their foundation mares Darara, Rewilding has followed in the footsteps of his half sister Dar Re Mi (2005 mare by Singspiel ex Darara) who won the same race in 2010. Rewilding was sold by Watership Down Stud as a yearling at the 2007 Tattersalls October Sales and was purchased by John Ferguson for 500,000gns.
Beating the course record at 2 mins 29.01secs he was ridden to an emphatic win by Frankie Dettori. Watership Down Stud would like to congratulate HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Dar Re Mi returns home to Stud
01 November 2010
Dar Re Mi returns home to Watership Down Stud following an exemplary racing career to start her preparation to join the broodmare band.
Dar Re Mi Wins Dubai Sheema Classic
27 March 2010
Dar Re Mi began her 2010 campaign in style by winning the Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr1). Settled off the pace she showed an amazing turn of foot in the straight to win comfortably, beating off strong challenges from Buena Vista and Spanish Moon. Her jockey William Buick was making his debut Group 1 ride for John Gosden and rode brilliantly to bring her home to victory.
If this performance is anything to go by then 2010 promises to be very exciting.
Breeders Cup Turf
02 November 2009
Dar Re Mi came a very respectable 3rd in the Breeders' Cup Turf run at Santa Anita this weekend. This prestigious race meeting marked the end of her 2009 season and she will now enjoy a break before resuming her race career in 2010. We look forward to next season after what has been a remarkable year.
Dar Re Mi wins Yorkshire Oaks (Group 1)
20 August 2009
Dar Re Mi has won the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Group 1). Ridden by Jimmy Fortune she held off the favourite Sariska to win. This 2005 filly by Singspiel is out of one of Watership Down Stud’s foundation mares Darara.
Dar Re Mi Wins Pretty Polly Stakes (Gr 1)
27 June 2009
Dar Re Mi has won the Pretty Polly Stakes (Group 1) at the Curragh. She battled on resolutely to win by a short head much to the delight of Andrew and Madeleine Lloyd Webber who were there to cheer her on. Dar Re Mi (by Singspiel) is the daughter of one of Watership Down Stud's foundation mares Darara who has now produced three group 1 winners and six stakes performers.