She was instrumental in career of Gold Cup winner Coneygree, trained by her late husband, Mark.
Sara Bradstock has officially joined the ranks of National Hunt trainers after being granted a full licence to continue the operation she previously ran with her late husband, Mark.
Based at Old Manor Stables near Wantage, Bradstock is poised to saddle her first runners soon, with the support of her daughter Lily, who has been a vital part of their family-run business and is expected to inherit the trainer’s badge in the future.
CONEYGREE 🔴⚪️
The novice that won the Cheltenham Gold Cup 😲pic.twitter.com/HHEl2inInR
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) January 13, 2022
Lily has played a significant role in the career of Southfield Theatre, a successful point-to-pointer and champion at the age of 14, as well as winning at the Cheltenham United Hunts fixture.
"Sara Bradstock said: "Lily's role is immense; she works incredibly hard and has a deep love for the horses. She handles much of the physical work. Since leaving school, she has been consistently involved here, riding as an amateur while also managing the top eventer Tout Chocolat. Lily has a special connection with the horses, and they truly adore her."
She has high hopes for Mr Vango, who recently showcased his talent by finishing third in the National Hunt Chase at the Festival in March. "Mr Vango is targeting the Welsh Grand National, a race that seems perfect for him as he thrives in soft ground and possesses the strength to tackle it," Bradstock explained. "I purchased him for 30,000 guineas after he won a point-to-point, and he’s a towering horse, standing over 18 hands.
Bradstock added, "He delivered an impressive win at Exeter and performed admirably in the four-miler, where he could have claimed second place had it still been run over that distance."
The historic yard in Letcombe Bassett is rich in tradition, with Bradstock noting, "Golden Miller was trained here and remains the only horse to win both a Gold Cup and a Grand National in the same season. We've sent out horses like Carruthers, bred by my father (Lord Oaksey), to win a Hennessy, and Step Back to claim the Whitbread. Coneygree, with his fragile legs, did all his work on our grass Greendown gallop and underwent extensive rehabilitation on the roads. He was recently awarded the supreme champion title at the Lambourn Show and is integral to our yard."
Bradstock continued, "Taking him to the grass was essential for his soundness, given his long legs. Mark chose to pursue the Gold Cup rather than the Sun Alliance Chase, and as typical of the horse, he gradually overcame his rivals with his impressive jumping and stamina."
The yard boasts both a one-mile all-weather gallop and a grass facility that allows the horses to work a mile and a half in the opposite direction.
Another promising talent in Bradstock's string is Smugglers Haven, acquired with a similar approach to Plaid Maid, the dam of Carruthers, as she is a half-sister to Limini. "She ran well at Uttoxeter recently," she noted.
In addition, Bradstock plans to launch a racing club named The Remembering Mark Racing Club. "The club will focus on a horse by Chemical Charge, aiming to gather 30 members, each contributing GBP 2,500 to cover all seasonal expenses and acquire a share in the horse," she explained.
Reflecting on her late husband’s influence, Bradstock concluded, "Mark and I have always trained and cared for the horses as partners, and I will continue to draw on his wisdom as I have all his insightful advice in my mind."
