Oxted the pride of British-breds at Newmarket with breakthrough Group 3 success

Oxted’s victory in Friday’s Group 3 Abernant Stakes was a rewarding success for his breeders Homecroft Wealth Racing.

Not only did Oxted’s owner-breeders retain the gelding to race but they also campaigned his four-time winning dam Charlotte Rosina, both trained by Roger Teal.

Tony Hirschfeld of Cheval Court Stud has produced an illustrious list of horses over the years and bred Oxted in conjunction with Homecroft Wealth’s Stephen Piper, chief executive of the Surrey-based financial advisers.

“I own the mare together with Stephen Piper, who I’ve had a lot of horses with,” said Hirschfeld. “David Fish, who sometimes comes in with us on a horse, also has a share in Oxted.”

Tony Hirschfeld (left), pictured here with Teddy Grimthorpe, is the man behind Holmcroft Wealth Racing along with Stephen Piper and David FishCredit: Dan Abraham

An injury forced Charlotte Rosina into retirement as a four-year-old but, as fate would have it, apparent misfortune brought a favourable outcome.

“Charlotte Rosina got an injury on the gallops and was box rested for eight months but, as it worked out, she went on to produce Oxted as her first foal,” said Hirschfeld.

The 90-rated daughter of Choisir showed plenty of ability over five and six furlongs and was covered by Cheveley Park Stud’s July Cup winner Mayson. The mating yielded Mayson’s best performer to date and Oxted will now be aimed at Royal Ascot. He could also bid to emulate his sire with a tilt at the Darley July Cup.

Hirschfeld continued: “We’re very lucky to have Oxted. He’ll go to Royal Ascot for the Diamond Jubilee, and probably go for the July Cup.

“He’s a big, strong boy and has improved a lot from three to four. Roger hadn’t got him completely tuned up at Newmarket - he was probably 85 per cent fit.”

Charlotte Rosina hasn’t had a smooth run at stud over the last few years and has been rested this year. However, connections have a full-brother to Oxted in training to look forward to.

“Unfortunately, over the last two years she’s been very hard to get in foal and she lost her foal a couple of years back,” said Hirschfeld. “She’s a lovely mare who will rest this year and won’t be covered. After all they are horses, not machines.

“We have Oxted’s two-year-old full-brother called Chipstead, who is also in training with Roger Teal.”

Hirschfeld’s Cheval Court Stud is no stranger to big-race breeding success, producing the European champion two-year-old filly Superstar Leo in partnership with Lester Piggott. Sir Henry Cecil’s Group 1 Matron Stakes winner Chachamaidee is also a notable Cheval Court Stud graduate among many others

“I don’t keep so many mares any more,” said Hirschfeld. “I’m easing down and spending much of my time abroad, but we’ve had some huge successes over the years with Lester. Him and I were partners for many years and we bred some wonderful horses together.”

This article and series is in association with Great British Racing International

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