'He's so laid-back, you go in there and give him a little hug' - behind the barn door with Baaeed and co during covering season

When it comes to the destiny of the thoroughbred breed, little can be left to chance. At Beech House Stud, the task of producing the next generation of champions falls to three magnetic stallions, whose days from around January to May are dictated by coverings.  

Shadwell's Newmarket stud is home to the exceptional champion Baaeed, whose first yearlings sell this year; exciting second-season sire Mohaather, whose first crop includes dual Group 3 winner Big Mojo; and the top-class Mostahdaf, the Juddmonte International and Prince of Wales's Stakes winner who is embarking on his second season at stud. 

Even on what has been an early enough start for a visiting reporter, the day has already begun for handlers Chris Constantine, Jack Griffin and Jordan Divine, who are jokingly named by stallion manager Mark Dean as "the three musketeers".