The National Stud played host to a very special guest on Thursday, 2nd May as the Duchess of Cornwall visited one of Newmarket’s finest attractions. The Duchess was appointed as The National Stud’s first ever patron last November and this was her first visit since that announcement.

Greeted by a delegation of officials including the Duke of Roxburghe, chairman of The National Stud, as well as its managing director Tim Lane. The Duchess was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Archie Lane as part of the welcome at Wavertree House.

The Duchess of Cornwall beamed as she horsed around with a mare called Royal Rascal, feeding mints to the horse and meeting a six-week-old foal before going to meet The National Stud’s three resident stallions, Time Test, Aclaim and Rajasinghe, using the opportunity to officially open the refurbished Stallion Unit and also meeting  students enrolled in the National Stud’s enrolled in the stud’s Diploma Course in Stud Practice and Management.

Tim Lane, managing director of the National Stud, said it was an “amazing visit”.

“She’s a proper horse lady, stroking stallions and petting foals to feeding carrots to Time Test,” he said of the occasion. “She’s really a wonderful horsewoman.”

The history of the National Stud, which was acquired by the Jockey Club in 2008, dates back to 1915 when Colonel William Hall Walker donated his bloodstock to the British government in an attempt to remedy the country’s shortage of thoroughbred stallions.

You can experience The National Stud for yourself and learning more about its history by going on a Tour, to find out more and to secure your places then click here. Tours of The National Stud run from Wednesday to Friday at 11am, daily during School Holidays and at 11am and 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and allows you the chance to see the newly refurbished Stallion Unit, the resident stallions as well as spending time with the mares and foals. Pre-booking is advised.