Stallion Cannock Chase set to be sold privately by Kivells auctioneers

Cannock Chase, a winner at Royal Ascot in 2014 and of the Grade 1 Canadian International in 2015, and who stood the 2019 breeding season at Worsall Grange Stud, is to be sold privately by West Country auctioneers Kivells in order to dissolve a partnership.

Since retiring from action in 2016 as the winner of five races and almost £500,000 in prize-money, with his success at the royal meeting coming in the Tercentenary Stakes (now Hampton Court), the former Sir Michael Stoute-trained middle-distance performer stood for a season at Nunstainton Stud for a private fee, and then two for £3,000 at Worsall Grange in North Yorkshire.

Around 20 other horses, including 11 yearlings by Cannock Chase, a two-year-old Finjaan filly and Sidestep colt, along with a few mares, are to be sold from 10.30am on Tuesday at the Exeter Livestock Centre. Cannock Chase is not included in this auction and will become available for viewings during the next fortnight.

"The stallion will be sold privately. We have removed the stallion to a private yard so that people will be able to come and look at him," said James Morrish, the auctioneer who is overseeing the sale.

"Bookings can be made from Wednesday with us on 01409 253275 or by email, marketing@kivells.com, and people have until midday on Friday, July 5. If they wish to go and see the horse, they ring us, we’ll tell them where the horse is, they can make a bid, I then put that to Moorfields and they will make the final decision."

Morrish emphasised that, although this is an unconventional way of selling thoroughbreds amid what appears to be a complicated issue, the wellbeing of the horses was the priority.

"We have made a huge amount of effort with bloodstock agents, vets, trainers and individuals, as well as Weatherbys, the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, stud owners, trading standards officers, employing the best of hauliers and so on to put the welfare of the sale extremely high," he said.

"It’s been an extremely stressful process but thanks to some very good advice from people who understand the business, I believe this will be as successful as it can be under the instructions I have been given."

The youngstock are registered as being bred by Killashee House Limited, which has been placed under administration by Moorfields. Its two company directors are named as Kahlil de Burca and Lucy Horner, who is Worsall Grange’s stud manager.

She declined to comment when contacted by the Racing Post. Worsall Grange is still standing the stallions Peace Envoy and Dylan Mouth.

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