Cheveley Park Stud: how the operation became a major force in European racing

David and Patricia Thompson’s Cheveley Park Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket has been one of the major forces in European bloodstock and racing for more than three decades.

The owners’ instantly recognisable red colours with a white sash and blue cap have been carried by numerous top-level performers on the Flat over the years, and have become associated with an equally potent string of high-class National Hunt horses in recent seasons.

A food business entrepreneur, David Thompson bought Cheveley Park Stud in 1975 and alongside his family and longstanding members of staff, such as managing director Chris Richardson, has grown the enterprise to encompass six stallions and over 100 broodmares on the near 1,000-acre site.