Mentmore and Crafton Studs facts for kids
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Mentmore Stud and Crafton Stud were famous places in England where special racing horses called thoroughbreds were bred. These studs were part of the large Mentmore Towers estate, located near the borders of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
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The Start of Crafton Stud
The Crafton Stud farm began around 1850. It was founded by a wealthy man named Baron Mayer de Rothschild. This farm was located in Crafton, Buckinghamshire, about one mile from Mentmore Towers.
Famous Horses from Crafton
One of the most important horses at Crafton Stud was a male horse (called a stallion) named King Tom. He was known as a "founding stallion" because many successful racehorses came from him. Two of King Tom's famous children were Favonius and Hannah. In 1871, these horses won several major races, including the Epsom Derby, the 1,000 Guineas, the Oaks, and the St Leger.
Mentmore Stud is Built
Mentmore Stud was built much later, between 1913 and 1914. It was created by Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery. He wanted a new stud farm to work alongside his Crafton Stud. The Earl had gained Crafton Stud through his marriage in 1878 to Baron Mayer de Rothschild's daughter, Hannah.
Early Successes at Mentmore
The first two stallions to live at Mentmore Stud were Cicero and Neil Gow. The 5th Earl of Rosebery had great success with horses bred at Crafton. He won The Derby three times with horses named Ladas, Sir Visto, and Cicero.
A New Generation of Winners
In 1929, both Crafton and Mentmore studs were passed down to Harry Primrose, 6th Earl of Rosebery. He continued the family's tradition of breeding champion horses. Under his care, many more winners were born. Two of the most famous stallions bred at Mentmore during his time were Blue Peter (who won the Epsom Derby in 1939) and Ocean Swell (who won the Derby in 1944).
