BANSTEAD Manor Stud, the headquarters of the Juddmonte European breeding operation, is an idyllic place to breed horses. It is home to champions, the birthplace of many more, and this is a five-star location for the thoroughbred.

I was delighted to get behind the gates and enjoy a tour of the stallion farm in the company of the stallion nominations manager Shane Horan this week, and to meet the stud’s director Simon Mockridge. After a visit one is left with an immense feeling of pride among the team for what the stud, its owner Prince Khalid Abdullah and the famous graduates of the farm have achieved.