Shaw Farm Stud – Where Champions Reside

Eclair D'Ainay, Protektorat and Politologue ( L-R ) grazing on their summer holidays

Photo: Tom Williams

Nestled away in the Shropshire countryside, overlooking a relatively flat landscape, with only the Cold War Hangar at the RAF Museum at Cosford breaking that level, is a stud farm that is not a one-trick-pony in just one equine discipline. It is the brainchild of the Hales family, with their daughter Lisa now the person in charge of not just the next generation of show-jumping and dressage, but housing some of the family’s stars of the National Hunt code of racing whilst they are on their summer holidays. If ever there was a more fitting statement for the term “powerhouse” this would seemingly be it.

Barns full of potential stars of the future separate the entrance to the farm from the show-jumping ring, which when we arrived on a somewhat hazy clouded morning is where we found Lisa, who was currently overseeing a young horse getting to know the obstacles of the ring. The yard dogs also made sure they said hello to us at this time, running up and wanting a fuss. How many of you out there could refuse to pet a 1 year old Alsatian who comes up with a twinkle in their eye and a smile, for example?

An inquisitive Alsatian says hello to us upon arrival

Photo: Tom Williams

Lisa Hales, the current stalwart of Shaw Farm Stud.

Photo: Tom Williams

A quick introduction and pleasantries exchanged, the conversation turned to perhaps their most famous sire, the great and sadly missed ARKO III, who was one that Nick Skelton rode at the 2004 Athens Olympics, before becoming a hugely successful and prominent sire of horses in the show-jumping discipline of equestrian.

“He was the most natural jumper I have ever seen” quotes Lisa, reflecting on the natural talent this individual had spades of. “His legs would be up and tight to his body so quickly, he was just a born natural” she stated, a smile quickly becoming a beaming one as the sentence went on, the pride and admiration of this individual apparent. A huge image of the champion sits in the indoor arena by the stables, with another fine resident of the stud’s image also included next to them. More on them later…

The indoor arena at Shaw Farm Stud, featuring a mural of Arko III and Neptune Collonges

Photo: Tom Williams

An Oldenberg horse standing at just over 16 hands, ARKO III was sired by the world famous Argentinus out of the mare Unika. He was the winner of the 2008 CN International at Spruce Meadows under Nick Skelton, and replicated that victory in many World Cup and Grand Prix classes, at locations such as Leipzig in Germany and Estoril in Portugal. He won £1.2million in prize money before becoming a stallion at the Stud. His most successful progeny is Argento, who is the mount of choice for John Whitaker, one of the stalwarts of the discipline.

He passed away in January of this year, and it has left a hole in not just the hearts of his owners, but the whole yard. His memory does live on through his progeny, and the team at the Stud hope that some of his offspring will rise to near enough the level he himself achieved in years to come.

A 4-week-old foal at Shaw Farm Stud

Photo: Jack Williams

Aside from the plethora of equestrian talent on show that is destined, with hope, for success in the dressage and show-jumping disciplines, the stud is the summer holiday home for the owners’ stars of jump racing. It all began with the legendary One Man, who was an incredible performer at multiple distances, ranging from his Hennessy Gold Cup of 1994 and his King George VI Chase of 1995 and 1996, those of which are raced at 3 miles 2 furlongs and 3 miles respectively, whilst he also won the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase at 2 miles at the Cheltenham Festival. No horse had ever done that beforehand, which made his victory even more remarkable. He was admirable and versatile in distance, and it was these attributes that led to a huge public following and remarks of him being the new Desert Orchid.

Tragically, just 16 days after his victory at Cheltenham, he fell in the Mumm Melling Chase at Aintree over 2 and a half miles. He had to be euthanised after suffering a fatal injury when crashing out at the ninth under Brian Harding. Both jockey and the horse’s owner John Hales were said to be inconsolable after the loss of him, and Lisa added to this as she noted that it was a very tragic time for the family. Indeed, Pat Hales ( Lisa’s Mother ) remarked to us that “there will never be another one like him”.

A horse of a lifetime, once in a lifetime.

A field full of champions

(L-R) - Lakota Warrior, Politologue, Protektorat, Eclair D'Ainay, Fidelio Vallis, Monmiral ( far back ) and Timeforatune

Photo: Tom Williams

Another dashing, admirable grey owned by Hales is once again catching the public’s eye, but given his exploits and successes, he hasn’t been elevated to the level appropriate for him, and has even received criticism for his victories. The equivalent of Usain Bolt being critiqued for smashing a World Record at the 2009 World Championships. Nevertheless, he is a talented individual indeed, and his name is Politologue.

Politologue grazes on his summer break

Photo: Jack Williams

Nicknamed “Guey” by the assistant trainer to Paul Nicholls in Harry Derham, he has risen through the ranks since joining the yard from France in 2015. Purchased by John Hales, he ran some credible races as a novice hurdler, most notably behind the great Barters Hill in the 2015 Challow Hurdle. It was as a chaser however that he has really shone.

In his novice campaign of 2016/17 he won first time out at Haydock before taking the Grade 2 Noel Novices Chase at Ascot, defeating Rock The Kasbah by 4 lengths. A respectable second behind the tough Waiting Patiently and a victory at Kempton set him up for a crack at the Grade 1 JLT Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, where he ultimately finished fourth, beaten ten lengths by the enigma that is Yorkhill. A stumble at the last caused him to fall on his final outing of the season at Aintree, an unlucky moment for him as he looked to be in command.

He came back the next season in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, defeating his Aintree conqueror and stablemate San Benedeto, before gaining a much deserved Grade 1 in the Tingle Creek at Sandown Park in December. A defeat of Vaniteux in the Desert Orchid at Kempton after Christmas was followed by a second to the infodomitable Altior. His next run wasn’t his true showing when he finished a 23 length fourth in the Champion Chase in March, but he did gain another Grade 1 win the following month at Aintree when edging out Min to take the Melling Chase.

The 2020 Champion Chaser Politologue

Photo: Tom Williams

Whilst his 2018/19 season started with a win in the Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot, he was beaten in his first try at 3 miles in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, coming home in fourth place to stablemate Clan Des Obeaux. He filled that same place in the Ascot Chase in February, beaten by another stablemate in Cyrname before beaten less than 2 lengths into second in the Champion Chase the next month to old nemesis Altior. Min took revenge on him the next month by taking the Melling Chase and forcing him to the runners up spot. It was then determined that he would need a wind op, and as such he was prepared for his 2019/20 season.

A season that would be his vindication.

Beaten in the Shloer Chase by Defi Du Seuil in November, he still ran a fine race. The same horse beat him comprehensively at Sandown, where it would appear he just was not right on the day. Freshened up by his trainer for a crack at the Champion Chase, their efforts, his favoured soft ground, and change of tactics worked wonders as he stormed home under Harry Skelton by nearly 10 lengths, to rapturous applause from the crowds at Prestbury Park. He ran them ragged from the start, inflicting a remorseless gallop and a beating to them all, none more so than his Tingle Creek and Shloer Chase conqueror Defi Du Seuil.

Politologue poses for the camera

Photo: Tom Williams

Last season began really well for him with another win in the Tingle Creek under an emotional Harry Skelton, with a very good second to the improving First Flow at Ascot in the Clarence House Chase setting him up for a crack at defending his Champion Chase crown at the Cheltenham Festival. Unfortunately, at the eleventh hour, he was withdrawn from his defence due to a burst blood vessel, his trainer and owner doing the right thing and pulling him out, his welfare always number one.

The ground probably went against him at Aintree, where he finished a long fourth and unable to land a blow, but he looked excellent and well when we visited the field where he was enjoying his time off. A gentleman who knows where the camera is, he is earmarked at present for a defence of his Tingle Creek title at Sandown in December, where he will hopefully get his favoured Soft Ground.

Politologue looks very well for his summer break

Photo: Jack Williams

A new addition to the arsenal of horses the Hales family are lucky to have is Monmiral. The 4 year old son of the legendary Saints Des Saints is unbeaten, both in his only start from France in March 2020 for Francois Nicolle and the four starts he has had with Paul Nicholls.

Monmiral grazes on his summer holiday

Photo: Tom Williams

Owned as a partnership with Sir Alex Ferguson ( as Manchester United fans we at JTW Equine can only approve! ) and Ged Mason, this juvenile has won all of his races in the UK by more than 5 lengths, making good horses look like mere mortals. His first start on these shores was at Exeter in November, scoring with ease under Harry Cobden by 5 and a half lengths.

A few weeks later he went up to Doncaster to contest the Summit Juvenile Hurdle, a Grade 2 event. He stamped his class with ease and came away from the well touted Gold Desert of Oliver Greenall to score by 11 lengths under Sean Bowen.

It was his next run at Haydock that put him towards the head of the betting for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival the next month, after a performance that wiped the floor with the well regarded Nassalam of Gary Moore’s yard, and one who had been second in a Grade 1 at Chepstow the previous month. He kept up the gallop to score by 7 and a half lengths, under his partner from Doncaster in Sean Bowen. It was after the race however that trainer Paul Nicholls revealed that he would bypass the Festival and wait for the Anniversary 4-Year-Old Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree a few weeks later.

Monmiral poses for the camera

Photo: Tom Williams

This decision would prove to be another case of expert planning from his connections. On a day where the stable scored a treble in the first three races, he put in a superb performance to pound his rivals into submission, keeping up a remorseless gallop when pressed to score by 7 and a half lengths to Adagio. The runner up had taken the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow in January and had finished second in the Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle the previous month at the Festival.

The plan at present for him is to reappear at Newcastle in late November, to contest the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle over 2 miles. It is clear that the long term aim next season for this individual will be the Champion Hurdle in March at the Cheltenham Festival, with perhaps a crack at the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown along the way? Only time will tell, but as things stand, whilst it may be difficult for a juvenile to transition to open company amongst their elders, the world is at his feet.

And the elders must be worried somewhat, as all this one does is run. Particularly around a field when a pair of photographers are trying to get a nice photograph of him.

Thankfully, we got one or two that will do nicely. Although we should have brought carrots….

Monmiral: Is another superlative season on the cards for this exciting youngster?

Photo: Tom Williams

Another one of the progeny of Saints Des Saints, and another Grade 1 winner last season, was Protektorat. An excitable juvenile a few seasons back, he has matured into a capable chaser, with his novice campaign going along in fine style from start to finish, bar one blemish at Kelso where he simply wasn’t right.

Protektorat on his summer holidays

Photo: Tom Williams

A debut win over fences at the picturesque Carlisle in October set the bar for a good season ahead, with spectacular leaps at several obstacles showing his enthusiasm and scope for the larger obstacles. A 17 length romp at Cheltenham soon followed, making easy work of the sadly departed Southfield Stone by 17 lengths.

A fine second behind Messire Des Obeaux at the rearranged Grade 2 Dipper Novices Chase, when it was moved to Wincanton after Cheltenham was abandoned due to a waterlogged course, was followed by the below par effort at Kelso. It was determined afterwards that he would require a wind operation, after Harry Skelton reported he was making a noise.

Protektorat on his summer holidays

Photo: Tom Williams

The operation appears to have done the trick, as he returned at Aintree in April to take the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices Chase over 2m 4f, defeating the prolific The Shunter, who had taken the Greatwood Hurdle in November and the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase ( Mildmay Of Flete ) the previous month at Cheltenham already in the season, and who had been purchased by J.P McManus recently due to those efforts.

While plans have not yet been fully decided for him, one can imagine medium distance races such as the Ascot Chase, Peterborough Chase and the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase back at his happy hunting ground of Carlisle will be on his agenda, with an end of season target such as the Ryanair or Melling Chase again undecided.

One thing is for certain however – he is one very much to keep an eye on. He is still only 6, and the world is still at his feet.

Protektorat and Fidelio Vallis grazing

Photo: Tom Williams

Sometimes certain times of the year can produce the best of a horse, and that is the case for the next horse – Fidelio Vallis.

Fidelio Vallis poses for the camera

Photo: Tom Williams

Another 6 year old, and another by Saints Des Saints, he began his season at Kempton in a Listed Novice Hurdle at Kempton over 2 miles, where he finished 2 lengths adrift of the winner in second. The next two runs were slightly tame efforts, and as such he was given a break until late March.

He had contested a beginners’ chase at Ludlow on his previous start, but he was well beaten and adrift of the winner, and that only added the calls for him to have a break. Starting off at Fontwell after 103 days off the track, he jumped well under Bryony Frost to land the spoils by 11 lengths as the 2/7F. He duly followed up by the same winning margin at Southwell in mid-April, this time under Harry Skelton as regular pilot Bryony was injured.

In early May they were reunited at Kempton is a Class 2 Handicap Chase, and normal service was resumed as they scored by 9 ½ lengths as the 13/8F to Topofthecotswolds. Two weeks later they made it four in a row for the horse at Warwick in another Class 2 Handicap Chase, taking victory by 4 lengths to Tikkinthebox, running on well when pressed by them and Deyrann De Carjac.

Having progressed over fences to be already at a mark of 149, 11 higher than his best rating over hurdles, it’s clear to see that fences have brought the best out in him. His current mark is only 2 pounds short of his stablemate Greaneteen’s mark of 151 on which he won the 2020 Haldon Gold Cup over 2 miles and a furlong at Exeter in October. That could be his first port of call, as he is seemingly a 2 mile specialist.

Politologue, Fidelio Vallis and Protektorat grazing

Photo: Tom Williams

If he takes that, then there is no reason to think that he could not be in line to contest the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December, albeit he would need good ground, as his performances have been on ground no worse than good to soft. He could be one for the big handicap chases in the spring if not quite Graded level, such as the Grand Annual at the Festival or the Red Rum at Aintree in April.

He is certainly one to go into anyone’s tracker for the season.

A young horse who we haven’t seen the best of yet is Lakota Warrior. Owned in conjunction with Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and J Diver, this Irish-bred 5 year old gelding has run in one Irish Point To Point at Lingstown in March 2020 over 3 miles, beaten only a head by Gerri Colombe. The winner was sold for £240,000 at the Cheltenham Festival Sale 2020, whilst the runner up was unsold, the offer of £145,000 not quite meeting the expectations of his then connections.

Lakota Warrior and handler in the field

Photo: Jack Williams

Privately sold afterwards, he contested a 2m NH Flat Race in December, where he was beaten 8 lengths into fourth on UK debut. Another NH Flat Race in February 2021 resulted in a 21 length sixth, suggesting that this individual will benefit from a trip in the future.

He could be one that is seen contesting races such as the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, either the qualifiers en-route to the final at the Festival, or he could be going onto the intermediate distance of 2m 4f and wait for later in his career to tackle 3 miles again.

A work in progress for trainer Dan Skelton, but one to keep an eye on as their career goes on.

Lakota Warrior: ahead of a breakthrough season, perhaps?

Photo: Tom Williams

As with Protektorat and Fidelio Vallis, another horse to benefit from the switch to fences was Éclair D’Ainay, who put his previous 3 efforts over hurdles well and truly behind when scoring by 10 lengths on chasing debut at Chepstow in November, beating Out On The Tear of Sam Allwood’s by 10 lengths.

Eclair D'Ainay on his summer holidays

Photo: Jack Williams

He blotted his copybook at Wetherby in January on his next start, taking a tumble 3 out, before getting well and truly back on track the following month on his next start when winning at Kelso, the long trip north well worth the effort.

A pair of second places at Kelso and Uttoxeter rounded his season off, the latter over 2m 4f, where he kept on without troubling the winner. Off a mark of 137 he would just get into the Paddy Power Gold Cup, as he is on the same rating as last year’s winner Coole Cody, but would have to win a race to get into the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. He does suit the profile of a usual winner of the race in November, being a second season chaser as per Coole Cody and other winner such as Tranquil Sea in 2009. Perhaps a pipe opener at Chepstow on their Jumps Season Opener card would see him not only strip fitter for a crack at the race in November, but if he wins his prep he would certainly get into a big field handicap such as that.

Timeforatune was sold to the Hales family via Highflyer Bloodstock after bolting up in a NH Flat Race by 11 lengths on debut at Ffos Las in May, when formerly trained and owned by Brian Eckley. Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock went to £175,000 at the Tattersalls May Sale at Newmarket to secure him after his victory, and whilst it is unknown who he will be going to, it can be argued it will be either Paul Nicholls or Dan Skelton who will be training him. He is certainly one to keep an eye on after such an exciting start to his career, especially as he was the most expensive NH Flat winner to go through the ring at that particular sale.

The unbeaten Timeforatune poses in the field

Photo: Tom Williams

It looks to be a fascinating season for all of the horses seen at the Stud on their summer holidays, and it might be that one or two end up being Graded winners this year. One thing is for certain – they all looked fantastic on their holidays, and have certainly enjoyed their stay.

A visit to the Stud cannot be complete without seeing two veterans of the National Hunt game. Residing at Shaw Farm are the 2012 Grand National winner Neptune Collonges and the 2011 Supreme Novices Hurdle and 2012 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Al Ferof.

Neptune Collonges grazes patiently, whilst enjoying his retirement

Photo: Jack Williams

Now 20 years old, Neptune Collonges, or “Nipper” as he is affectionately known, is a stalwart of the National Hunt code, and apart from winning the Grand National on his final start, he also collected the following races;

2005-2006 ( Novice Hurdler )

Winter Novices Hurdle ( Grade 2 ) at Sandown Park

River Don Novices Hurdle ( Grade 2 ) at Wetherby

Prestige Novices Hurdle ( Grade 2 ) at Haydock Park

2006-2007 ( Chaser )

Rehearsal Handicap Chase ( Listed ) at Newcastle

Punchestown Gold Cup ( Grade 1 )

2007-2008

Country Gentleman’s Association Chase ( Listed ) at Wincanton

Punchestown Gold Cup ( Grade 1 )

2008-2009

Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup ( Grade 1 ) at Leopardstown

2010-2011

Argento Chase ( Registered as the Cotswolds Chase ) ( Grade 2 ) at Cheltenham

Neptune Collonges; The 2012 Grand National winner is a champion to behold, and still sprightly at 20!

Photo: Jack Williams

Add in some very good placings in a couple of big chases such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and you have a very capable staying chaser.

It was John’s decision to run him in the 2012 Grand National, but if anything were to have happened to Nipper in the race and he didn’t come home, then Lisa told us that she and the family “would never have forgiven him”.

“It was the worst 10 minutes of our lives”.

“The biggest relief was getting him back safely, let alone winning the race”, she added. It had never been their favourite of races, but John wanted a crack at it and he was allowed to do, on the condition that Nipper came back safely from it.

The greatest result is when horse and jockey come back safely from a race. Always will be. The elation of winning a race is always second to that feeling.

Neptune Collonges and a friend in the field

Photo: Jack Williams

Finally, it was time to see “Alfie”. Al Ferof is another stunning son of Dom Alco, just like Nipper.

Al Ferof: 2011 Supreme Novices Hurdle and 2012 Paddy Power Gold Cup triumphs adorn his CV

Photo: Tom Williams

A beautiful grey, he went on to defeat the legendary pair of Sprinter Sacre and Cue Card, and not to mention the ill-fated, talented individual Spirit Son, in the 2011 Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham, before gaining more black type later that year in the Henry VIII Novices Chase at Sandown Park.

More Graded success followed him the next season, with the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot going to him, as did the next year’s renewal.

In 2015 he moved from Paul Nicholls’ yard to Dan Skelton, the former assistant trainer of Mr Nicholls. From there he took his final victory of his career, a Grade 2 in the form of the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon.

Al Ferof modelling some protective gear for a recent injury

Photo: Tom Williams

Retirement beckoned after the season had ended, when finishing 20 lengths behind Un De Sceaux at Auteuil, but it was more than deserved, and he now spends his time happily rolling around in his box or out in the field.

When we saw him however, he had been a bit too excited, and had tried to jump his box door. End result – Two cut front legs. So bandages required then.

Hopefully it won’t be long before he is back in the field with his friends such as Nipper.

Al Ferof and Lisa

Photo: Tom Williams

At the end of the article, we wish to thank Lisa, and all at Shaw Farm Stud, for the opportunity to visit the stud and see the superstars of NH Racing, both past and present, as well as the chance to see some of the next generation of equestrian athletes. We very much hope that the next season will go as hoped, and better for all of the horses and staff connected to the stud and the family.

And hopefully 2021 will be a better year for everyone after 2020.

We look forward to photographing the team on course very soon, hopefully at least one of them days will be a victory!

For the full album, please visit our Flickr page here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/153708976@N07/albums/72157719453350966

Until next time!