Billesdon Brook a fine tribute to racing's renaissance man Bob McCreery

Bob McCreery was never afraid to think outside the box. Today’s bloodstock industry is ruled by fashion but McCreery was one of those breeders with the confidence to take a differing approach at his Stowell Hill Stud in Somerset, something which stood him in remarkably good stead.

2,000 Guineas winner High Top and dual Classic winner Old Vic were the pinnacle of Stowell Hill’s achievements during McCreery’s lifetime.

But it is also probably no coincidence that the stud consistently produced winners by a number of lesser, insignificant stallions; think 1990 2,000 Guineas third Anshan, one of the best sired by Persian Bold, the diminutive 2002 King’s Stand Stakes winner Dominica, who was bred in partnership with Major Bobby Kennard and one of the best sired by Alhaarth, and Listed winner Ronaldsay, later the dam of Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten who was one of just two stakes winners sired by Kirkwall.