Cliff Stud

Helmsley, York, YO6 5HE

Owner: Cliff Stud Ltd. (Henry Cecil)
Manager: Guy Stephenson
Acreage:Approx.. 250 acres
Type: Private

Cliff Stud is situated high above the small town of Helmsley, most famous for the castle and Lord Feversham's Duncombe Park Estate (from whom Cliff Stud is leased). The stud was originally known as the Helmsley Stud and was founded by William Thorpe, with the help of his trainer Matthew Peacock (of Manor House Stud) just before the second world war. Mr.Thorpe died in 1946 and the following year the property was taken over by Noel Murless, who had started training just up the road at the top of Sutton Bank in 1935 at Hambleton Lodge (where Kevin Ryan now trains) before moving to Hambleton House (where Bryan Smart and is now based) after the war, at one time sharing premises with the equally legendary Ryan Price. Although he was to move south the following year, first to Beckhampton (where he was champion trainer in his first season) and then onto Warren Place, Newmarket (where his son-in-law Henry Cecil still trains) he always remained fond of Yorkshire. Interestingly Kevin Ryan's yearling purchases now make a temporary home at Cliff before heading to Hambleton.

The Murless foundation mares were Congo (130 guineas) and Cuddlededee (a mere 45 guineas!), both purchased in 1941. Although Cuddlededee was initially the more successful, producing 1947 Steward's Cup winner Closeburn, it was to be Congo who made the more long term impact, which was not surprising given that she was a half sister to both Nimbus and excellent speed sire Grey Sovereign. Her descendants include Adios (Royal Lodge S G2), Lowna (Molecomb S G3), and Gospill Hill (Blue Riband Trial S L), all trained at Warren Place, although Garfield Weston (of ABF) was the owner of both Gospill Hill and Adios. Lowna however (by Princely Gift) was owned by Mrs.Gwen Murless and her granddaughter Miss Demure won the Lowther S G2, for Harry Herbert's Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds (a forerunner to the highly successful Highclere syndicates). Classic success came in 1968 when the homebred Caergwrle won the 1000 Guineas G1 carrying Lady Murless's colours, her half brother St.Chad having won the previous years Wills Mile G2, Jersey S G3 and Hungerford S G3). Mrs.Murless also bred Finite, winner of Royal Ascot's Brittania Stakes in 1977.

Sir Victor Sasson's Eve Stud had been bought by Noel Murless (who was knighted in 1977, the year after he retired) and renamed Woodditton Stud, here he stood Welsh Pageant, Owen Dudley and Connaught, although his mares and foals continued to be based at Cliff, as Murless regarded the limestone land of Yorkshire as far superior for the raising of youngstock. For this reason the cream of Sasson stock was usually sent to Cliff (although Sasson owned Thornton Stud only a few miles away to the West and also the Cartoft Stud to the East) and included St.Paddy (although Thornton also claims some of the glory for him as he also spent time there!), Twilight Alley (Ascot Gold Cup winner) and The Creditor. The classy Mysterious (1000 Guineas G1 and Epsom Oaks G1) was another good horse to spend her formative years at Cliff.

It was in 1982 that Henry Cecil (by then resident at Warren Place for 5 years) with his then wife Julie (nee Murless) and their friend 'Tote' Cherry-Downes formed Cliff Stud Limited to take over the lease from Sir Noel and Lady Murless. Henry's twin brother David (who sadly died in 2001) came back from the States to act as manager. At that time the Paris art dealer Daniel Wildenstein was the chief patron at Warren Place, and his first crop of foals from Cliff included that great miler Steinlen (Breeders Cup Mile G1 and Arlington Million G1). When Henry Cecil and Wildenstein subsequently split he was keen to keep his young thoroughbreds in Yorkshire and asked David Cecil to find alternative locations. The horses were initially split between Nidd Hall and Copgrove (both then owned by Guy Reed) and Sledmere, although they later consolidated with the yearlings at Copgrove and some of the mares at Sledmere which is how it remains to this day. David Cecil was in charge of this vast operation.

Meanwhile Cliff produced two further European classic winners for it's clients with Filia Ardross (Preis der Diana G2) and Rafha (Prix de Diane Hermes G1 and May Hill S G3). Rafha is still based at Cliff and has produced the useful Al Widyan and Sadian (John Porter S G3, Ormonde S G3), although Sadian is trained by John Dunlop, which must be rather upsetting for Henry Cecil! Rafha's 1997 colt by Green Desert is Invincible Spirit who has won the Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup G1 and the Duke of York S G3 in 2002 and the Boland S G3, Hackwood S L and Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy L in previous years. She has also had Aquarius and Massarra running for her in 2001, which led to her being named TBA Broodmare of the Year in 2001. Rafha is owned by Nawara Stud Co Ltd (Prince Faisal) and they are also responsible for another Cliff raised star in Olden Times who won the Prix Jean Prat G1 in 2001 and the Earl of Sefton Stakes G3 in 2003, as well as being placed third in the St.James's Palace Stakes G1 and the Lockinge Stakes G1 (twice).

Another recent star was Lady Murless' St.Ninian (Ardross - Caergwrle) who won 7 races including the Newbury Spring Cup and Jubilee Handicap as well as being placed in listed company. He stood as a sire for some years at Easthorpe Hall Stud. The Stilvi Company (named after that great mare) boarded some stock at Cliff until November 2001, including Sariza (by Posse) dam of the useful Selfish (by Bluebird) who won the 1999 Oak Tree S L at Glorious Goodwood trained, of course, by Henry Cecil. One of the last 'Stilvi' horses raised at Cliff is Delfos who won the Prix La Force G3 and Prix du Prince d'Orange G3 in 2004, as well as being placed second in the Prix Eugene Adam G2 and Prix Guillaume d'Ornano G2 in that same year. His 2005 campaign started well with a victory in the Prix d'Harcourt G2. Another 'Stilvi' horse raised at Cliff was the 2000 Sabrehill colt (now gelding) Krataios, who was third in the 2003 Poule d'Essai des Poulains G1 and subsequently won a couple of listed races and the Prix du Muguet G2 as well as being third in the Prix d'Ispahan G1.

The stud is now run as a trading partnership between Cecil's Cliff Stud Ltd (who owns the lease) and Zubieta Ltd. Guy Stephenson has replaced Kevin McCauley as manager. Zubieta is a company associated with Jose Hormaeche who also owns the small Wallhouse Stud in Newmarket. More fencing was put up in 2007 and the stud hopes to accomodate more horses in the future, currently being home to around 25 mares including 10 belonging to Gestüt Ammerland, who bred Hurricane Run.

2007 Bloodstock Sales
Tattersalls October Yearling Sales - 2007
Lot 1892 (Property of Mrs.A.F.Tullie) bc Josr Algarhoud - Cadeau Speciale (Cadeaux Genereux). 1/2 brother to 1w/1RAO viz BURNWYND BOY (Won 2). Dam is placed 1/2 sister to 5 winners inc TRISKEL (Won Silver Flash S L). 2nd dam is placed 1/2 sister to 6 winners inc CLASSIC CLICHE (Won 6 inc Ascot Gold Cup G1, St Leger S G1, Dante S G2, Yorkshire Cup G2, Prix Kergorlay G2, 2nd.Ascot Gold Cup G1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S G1, Goodwood Cup G2, King Edward VII S G2), MY EMMA (Won 3 inc Yorkshire Oaks G1, Prix Vermeille G1, 3rd.Prix Maurice de Nieuil G2 etc, dam of MOMENTS OF JOY, Light Morn), Mediterranean, Threatening (dam of MUTINYONTHEBOUNTY and Lightning Flash) and to the dams of Bounty Quest, SCREWDRIVER and Wavertree Boy. Not Sold (11,500gns)

2006 Bloodstock Sales
Tattersalls October Yearling Sales - 2006
Lot 384 bf King's Best - Petite Epaulette (Night Shift). 1/2 sister to 7 winners inc. RAG TOP (Won 4 inc.Park S G3, Swordlestown Stud Sprint S L, 3rd.Fred Darling S G3, Queen Mary S G3) and Red Top (won 1, 3rd.Swinley S L) and to the dams of ELHAMRI (Won 3 inc.Windsor Castle S L, Weatherbys Super Sprint) and Dress To Impress (3rd.National S L). Dam won 1 and is sister to The Jotter (Won 2, 2nd.Sweet Solera S L, Superlative S L, Empress S L, dam of Final Row) and 1/2 sister to 2 others winners inc. Line Dancer and to the dam of Gulfstream Park. 2nd dam won 1 and is 1/2 sister to 9 winners inc. LONG ROW (Horris Hill S G2, Houghton S L) and COLMORE ROW (Norfolk S G3) and to the dam of POSSESSIVE DANCER (Irish Oaks G1). 3rd dam FRONT ROW won 2 inc.Irish 1000 Guineas, 2nd.Coronation Stakes. 72,000gns (W.Jarvis)

Lot 1763 (Property of Whitemire Stud) bc Tobougg - Cadeau Speciale (Cadeaux Genereux). First foal. Dam is placed 1/2 sister to 4 winners inc. TRAFALGAR SQUARE (Won 3). 2nd dam is placed 1/2 sister to 6 winners inc. CLASSIC CLICHE (Ascot Gold Cup G1, St Leger G1, Dante S G2, Yorkshire Cup G2, Prix Kergorlay G2, 2nd.Ascot Gold Cup G1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth II Diamond S G1 etc), MY EMMA (Yorkshire Oaks G1, Prix Vermeille G1 etc, dam of MOMENTS OF JOY and Light Of Morn), Mediterranean (Won 2, 2nd.Curragh Cup G3), Threatening (Won 2, 2nd.Masaka S L, dam of MUTINYONTHEBOUNTY) and to the grandam of SCREWDRIVER and Wavertree Boy. 3,000gns (Belstane Racing Stables).

Doncaster October Yearling Sales 2006
Lot 712 (Property of Mr.P.M.Toes) bf Matty G - Yankee Doodledanby (Quiet American). Second foal. Dam is placed sister to Quiet Fun (Won 5, $157,077, 2nd.Sundance Stakes L) and 1/2 sister to 4 other winners inc. Sovereign Creek (Won 5, £25,998, 2nd.Osiris Plate, 3rd.Golden Boy S). 2nd dam won 1 and is 1/2 sister to 5 winners. 3rd dam Future Fun won 5 $123,792, 2nd.Tempted Stakes G2. 4th dam is IMMINENCE won 8, $110,645, Bed O'Roses Handicap G3. Family of WHO'S FOR DINNER, TEQUILLO and DR PATCHES. 4,800gns (Racing Factory).

Lot 713 (Property of Mr.P.M.Toes) chf Ocean Of Wisdom - Ensorcelles Moi (Riverman). 1/2 sister to 2 winners inc. MISS PRISM (Won 2, £22,505). Dam Ensorcelles Moi won 2, 2nd.Prix de Bagatelle L, Prix de Liancourt L, 3rd.Prix des Lilas L and is 1/2 sister to 4 winners inc ARABIAN KING (Won Prix de 'lAvre L, Prix Pelleas L), East Of Heaven (Won 1, 3rd.Prix de Guiche G3), Sans Escale (Won 1, 2nd.Prix de la Seine L, Prix Melisandre L, dam of Cartography) and Kaheel. 2nd dam ESCALINE won 4 inc.Prix de Diane G1, Criterium de Saint-Cloud G2, Prix Vanteux G3 etc and is 1/2 sister to 4 winners inc ESDALE (Premio Carlo Porta G3). 3,200gns (BBA Ireland).

Tattersalls December Sales - Part Two - Foals 2006
Lot 1424 bf Oasis Dream - Pie High (Salse). 2nd foal. Dam won 4 and £35,924 and is 1/2 sister to 5 winners inc LEAP FOR JOY (Premio Omenoni G3(x2), 2nd.Premio Certosa L, 3rd.Diadem S G2, Phoenix Sprint S G3 etc, dam of CHAPEL CONCERT), Waffle On (Won 2, 3rd Prix Lovelace L, dam of DESERT ALCHEMY, MADID and La Frou Frou) and to the dams of Crystal Magician and KING'S CHAPEL (NZ 2000 Guineas G1, ING Telegraph H G1 etc). 2nd dam Humble Pie won 2, 3rd.Manton Rose Bowl S L and is 1/2 sister to 4 winners inc COLLEGE CHAPEL (Won 5 inc.Prix Maurice de Gheest G2, Cork & Orrery S G3, Greenlands S G3(x2), Tetrarch S G3, 2nd.July Cup G1, 3rd.Nunthorpe S G1 etc) and BREADCRUMB who is the dam of BARROW CREEK (Jacobs Golden Peitsche G2), LAST RESORT (Challenge S G2), ARCTIC CHAR (Spring Trophy L) and HEARD A WHISPER (Harry Rosebery Challenge Trophy L) and grandam of ANDRONIKOS, TRANS ISLAND and WELSH DIVA. Withdrawn

Tattersalls December Sales - Part Three - Mares, Fillies etc. 2006
Lot 2680 (Property of Mrs David Aykroyd) Dry Wit, 5yo bm Desert Prince - Nawasib (Warning). Cov Kyllachy. Was placed and is out of winning 1/2 sister to 7 winners inc AZZILFI (Geoffrey Freer S G2, 2nd.Gran Premio Italiano G1, GP der Continentale St Leger G2, 3rd.King Edward VII S G2), KHAMASEEN (Won 3 inc. Coppa d'Ora di Milano G3, 2nd.Classic Trial S G3, 3rd.Goodwood Cup G2 etc) and TAMNIA (Won 2 inc. Star S L, 2nd.Moyglare Stud S G1 etc., dam of CORONER - Prix Hocquart G2, 3rd.Prix du Jockey Club G1) and to the dam of Johannes (Won 1, 2nd.Ripon Champion 2yo Trophy L). 2nd dam Tanouma won 3, 3rd.Fred Darling S G3, Grand Metropolitan S L and is 1/2 sister to 7 winners inc Scatterered and to the dams of Sant Jordi, Canadian Challenge and He's Elite. Withdrawn

2005 Bloodstock Sales
Doncaster St Leger Sales 2005
Lot 2 bc Iron Mask - Harifana (Kahyasi). 1/2 brother to 4 RAO. Dam won 1 and is 1/2 sister to 4 winners inc. Harawi (Won 1, 3rd.Prix Coupe des Trois Ans L), LA PERROTINE (Won 4) and HARAPOUR (Won 4) and to the dam of Haraplata (Wnr, 2nd.GP des Stadtsparkasse L). 2nd dam won 1 and is 1/2 sister to 2 winners inc HOUMAYOUN (Won 4 inc.Derby Italiano G1) and HANZALA (Won 4 inc. Prix Denisy L, Prix de Meudon L, GP de Villeurbanne L) who is dam of HASAINIYA (Trigo S L, dam of Hasik) and Hanzanar and grandam of SLIP DANCE (Empress S L, 2nd.Sweet Solera S G3). 13,000gns (Rae Guest)

Lot 3 bc Daggers Drawn - Cappadoce (General Monash). First foal. Dam is unplaced 1/2 sister to 2 winners inc. Imoya (Won 1, 3rd.Salsabil S L). 2nd dam is unraced 1/2 sister to 5 winners inc GREAT DANE (Won 7 inc.Budweiser International S G2) and Witching Hour (Won 1, 3rd.Doncaster Mile L, dam of 3 winners). 3rd dam is unraced 1/2 sister to CROCO ROUGE (Won 4 inc.Prix d'Ispahan G1, Prix Lupin G1), PERSIANALLI (Won 4 inc Relaunch S L, 3rd.La Jolla S G3, Will Rogers H G3), Tom Waller, Lurina and ALIDIVA (Won 3 inc.Oak Tree S L, dam of TAIPAN, ALI-ROYAL and SLEEPYTIME) and to the dam of ROYAL MILLENNIUM. Not Sold (7,500gns)

Tattersalls December Sales 2005 (Mares etc)
Lot 1657 (as agent) Tres Vite 7yo bm Platini - Thesi (Windwurf). TIF Night Shift. Dam of 3 foals. Unplaced 1/2 sister to 2 winners and to the dam of TOUCH OF LAND (Prix Dollar G2(x2), GP Mercedes-Benz Preis G2, GP de Vichy G3, 2nd.Prix Hocquart G2, 3rd.Hong Kong Cup G1). Dam won 2 and is 1/2 sister to 7 winners inc TURFKONIG (Grosser Amdahl-Bayerisches Zuchtrennen G2(x2), Idee Hansa-Preis G2, GP der Wirtschaft G2, Mehl-Mulhens Rennen G2, Zanders Union Rennen G2, 3rd.Dutsches Derby G1), TRYPHOSA (Won 3 inc.ARAG Preis G2, 3rd.Prix de Diane G1, dam of Tainos), TIBERIUS CAESAR (Won 4 inc. GP der Freien Handesradt Bremen G3) and TOCOPILLA (Won 2 inc. Prix Casimir Delamarre L, 3rd.Prix Fille de l'Air G3). 2nd dam won 1 and is 1/2 sister to 8 winners inc. Tamina (Won 2, 3rd.Alexander Rennen L) who is dam of TARSUS. 3rd Dam Tania Won 5, 2nd.Furstenberg-Rennen, Bavaria Rennen. 9,000gns (BBA Germany)

Lot 1658 (as agent) Bramasole 3yo bf Thunder Gulch - Smooth as Silk (Deputy Minister). 1/2 sister to 1w/2r/2rao viz PRIVATE VOW (Won 3, Futurity S G2). Dam won 2 and is 1/2 sister to JUNO PRINCE (Won 2) and to the dam of Dianne's Debut. 2nd dam SACQUE Won 11 inc.River Cities Breeders Cup H G3, Atlantic City Breeders Cup H L and is own sister to MILANESE (Won 6, Bayerischer Preis L). 3rd dam won 3 and is 1/2 sister to 6 winners inc RIVER VIEW ROAD and SIGNARI. Withdrawn.

Lot 2821 Muscida 4yo bm Woodman - Space Time (Bering) TIF Lucky Story. Won 1 race. 1/2 sister to 2w/2r/3rao inc Tadreeb (Won 3, 2nd.Palm Beach S G3, Dave Feldman S). Dam is placed 1/2 sister to 4 winners inc PREDOMINATER (Won 3). 2nd dam won 1 and is 1/2 sister to 5 winners inc CALISTA (Won 6, Canadian H G2, Prix d'Angerville L, Prix de la Cochere L, 2nd.Prix de Psyche G3, Honey Fox H G3, Pebbles H G3 etc), Earthrise (Won 6, 3rd.Ack Ack H L) and to the dam of IBUKI PERCEIVE (Daily Hai Queen Cup L), Summer Sonnet (dam of ACT ONE and SUMMER SOLSTICE) and KENTUCKY ROSE. 3rd dam PROSKONA won 5 inc. Premio Umbria G2, Prix de Seine-et-Pose G3 etc and is 1/2 sister to 10 winners inc. KEOS and KORVEYA (Dam of BOSRA SHAM and HECTOR PROTECTOR). 12,000gns (VENDOR).

2002 Bloodstock Sales
Tattersalls October Yearling Sales
Lot 889 bf Dr Devious - Tamnia (Green Desert). Dam won 2 inc.Star S L, 2nd.Moyglare Stud S G1, 3rd.Oak Tree S L, Joel S L and is 1/2 sister to 5 winners inc. AZZILFI (Won 3 inc.Geoffrey Freer S G2, 2nd.Gran Premio di Milano G1, GP der Continentale St Leger G2, 3rd.King Edward VII S G2) and KHAMASEEN (Won 3 inc.Coppa d'Oro di Milano G3, 2nd.Thresher Classic Trial S G3, Premio Duca d'Aosta L, 3rd.Goodwood Cup G2), 2nd dam Tanouma Won 3 and 3rd.Fred Darling S G3 and Grand Metropolitan S L is 1/2 sister to 7 winners inc.Scattered and the dam of He's Elite and Canadian Challenge. 3rd dam DIFFUSION won 2 inc.Prix d'Arenberg G3, 2nd.Prix des Reves d'Or L and 4th.Prix du Petit Couvert G3. Withdrawn

Doncaster October Yearling Sales
Lot 642 (property of Mrs.M. & Miss S. Hills). b f Emperor Jones - Soba Up (Persian Heights). 1/2 sister to 3 RAO. Dam won 7 and £46,828, 3rd.Chester Rated Stakes L. and is 1/2 sister to 8 winners inc. SPITZBERGEN (Won 9 and £25,167), SOBERING THOUGHTS (Won 7 and £43,553) and SOBA JONES (Won 5 and £29,032), also 1/2 sister to the dam of DARK MOONDANCER (Won 10 inc.Prix Ganey G1, Gran Premio di Milano G1, Prix d'Harcourt G2, American H G2, San Luis Obispo H G2, San Luis Rey S G2, St.Simon S G3 etc). and Dances With Dreams (Won 1,2nd.Prix Saraca L, 3rd.Golden Daffodil S L,4th.Poule d'Essai des Pouliches G1) and to the dam of SOAKED (Won 15 and £82,365). 2nd dam, SOBA, won 13 inc.King George S G3, Stewards Cup H L, 2nd.July Cup G1, King's Stand S G1, Prix de l'Abbaye G1, Haydock Sprint Cup G1, Diadem S G3, 3rd.Diadem S G3. Not Sold (3,900gns)

Some Previous Sales

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Copyright 2002 Stephen George-Powell

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