Breeding is a new feature of life at Ermyn Lodge, though it was the first priority when Tony Smith purchased the property in 2005.

While the old-established training facility was refurbished, a new, dedicated unit for the breeding operation was built.

Here broodmares can be safely foaled down and given post-natal care before being sent to stallions for covering so that the Thoroughbred cycle can begin again.

Meanwhile, foals and yearlings are prepared for their racing careers, either going straight into training at Ermyn Lodge (or elsewhere) or being sent to the bloodstock sales.

The new ménage, day pens and horsewalker are invaluable in the process, so that horses arrive at the auction ring in the best condition to impress.

All Ermyn Lodge’s home-bred mares are foaled on site, and the majority of the offspring go to the sales each year as part of the commercial exercise.

New racehorse owners have already invested in the breeding side, prompting Tony Smith to say: “If you breed a horse to race it’s twice the fun and it’s twice the pleasure when it produces a winner.” Our aim is to improve the breeding stock and the quality of horses for all our owners.

From the original five broodmares we have expanded to include boarding broodmares for our clients and the subsequent progeny who they want to race for us here at Ermyn Lodge.

The best produce from our original five broodmares includes: Klammer – Group 3 Winner exported to Hong Kong and Byrama Group 1 Winner in America. Other winners include Kandalak and her full sister Nova Hawk, multiple Group Winner and placed 2nd in the Coronation Stakes at Ascot.