About us

Chris’ career began in 1976 at the Haras de St Maclou, France. In 1980 he moved to Claiborne Farm, Kentucky before talking up a position at the Niarchos family’s Haras de Fresnay Le Buffard where he looked after the stallions including the great Nureyev. From Fresnay, Chris returned to the USA to Spring Oak Farm in Kentucky where he spent six years managing the stud for Flaxman Holdings, before returning home to join Cheveley Park Stud in 1987 as Managing Director.

John’s introduction to the bloodstock industry came when he accepted a position at Woodditton Stud, followed by a season of sales preparation for Hamish Alexander’s Partridge Close Stud in Lancaster. In 1987 John went to work for the Taylor Made Sales Agency where he was instrumental in setting up the pedigree research department. Upon his return to the UK in 1988 John joined Cheveley Park Stud where, amongst his other duties he looks after the Pedigree and Nomination Departments.

Dale enrolled on the National Stud Course straight from school in 1986 and joined Cheveley Park Stud as a Stud Hand in 1988. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to Head Stallion Man, where amongst the many stallions in his care, he looked after Pivotal when he retired to stud. In 2004, Dale took over the role of Stud Groom at Cheveley Park Stud where his responsibilities saw him in charge of the broodmare band, foaling mares, the preparation and sale of the foals selected for sale and, during the covering season, supervising the smooth running of the Isinglass covering yard. In 2018 Dale was promoted to Assistant Stud Manager and in 2021 he took over the day to day running of all divisions from Andrew Snell.

Matthew has lived and worked around horses all his life having grown up on his parents’ Stud farm. He graduated from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Science degree, before being accepted on to the then BHB Graduate Development Programme, which included a 12 month placement with Darley. Matthew began working for Cheveley Park Stud in June 2003, preparing sales yearlings at Sandwich Stud, before also working a season in the Stallion Yard, when looking after the mighty Pivotal. As Bloodstock Manager, Matthew assists in the daily running of the Stud, as well as being Head of Nomination sales.

Chris started in the horse business early with a weekend job with trainer Jumbo Wilkinson whilst still at school. After leaving school, Chris went to the Newmarket Racing School and under the guidance of Johnny Gilbert, was found a position with Major Dick Hern before moving on the Ken Ivory’s yard to become an apprentice jockey. After a time in Denmark, Chris joined Peter Harris and Walter Swinburn where he stayed for 20 years, progressing up the ranks to Stud Groom. Thereafter, Chris was Assistant Stud Groom at Fair Winter Farm for 6 years before taking up the same position at Cheveley Park Stud in 2018. Chris was promoted to Stud Groom in the autumn of 2022.

Having built up a wealth of experience working for the likes of Kevin Prendergast, Frank Dunne and Airlie Stud, Noel joined Cheveley Park Stud in 2004. He became Stud Groom at Warren Hill and Ashley Heath Studs in 2010, and is now responsible for the foaling of half the of the stud’s broodmare band, as well as looking after all maiden and sale mares, along with a small number of yearling fillies.

Lee began his career in the thoroughbred industry with a weekend job at Jeremy Glover’s racing stables whilst still at school. Work experience with Amanda Perrett followed before going on to complete his A levels. After finishing his education, Lee accepted a student placement at Juddmonte Farms before joining trainer Bryan Smart, where he progressed up the ranks to become pupil assistant. Lee realising his love of stud work, spent seven years at Worksop Manor Stud, with the last two years as assistant stud groom before joining Cheveley Park Stud in 2019. He was promoted to Stud Groom at Sandwich Stud in 2023.

After graduating from Sussex University with a BSC in Economics, Chris went on to obtain an M Phil in finance at Darwin College, Cambridge. He has always held a keen interest in horse racing and trained with the bloodstock department of Pricewaterhouse Coopers where he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1994. Chris joined Mr and Mrs Thompson’s group of companies shortly afterwards and holds various roles. He was appointed Finance Director at the stud in 2007.

Sharon joined the team in 2000 from Jockey Club Estates where she had worked for nine years as Receptionist/Secretary. In her position here as Office Manager she looks after the daily running of the Stud Office, including stallion bookings during the covering season.

Julie came to Cheveley Park Stud in 2002, having previously worked for Wendy Milbank as her PA. Alongside the Finance Director Chris Dant, Julie now manages the Cheveley Park Stud accounts office.

John has worked with horses all his life, having started by riding several point to point winners, John also worked for Jim Dreaper, Lanwades Stud and Conkwell Grange Stud where he looked after leading National Hunt sire Midnight Legend. John joined Cheveley Park Stud in 2004, and was quickly promoted to Head of Stallion Division. As well as being responsible for the day to day management of the stallions, John also oversees the smooth running of the facilities at the stallion yard.