The legacy endures
Built on generations of excellence and an unwavering commitment to bloodstock quality.
1992
Foundation of Watership Down Stud
Watership Down Stud was established by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Madeleine Lloyd Webber. With Racing Manager Simon Marsh, the estate underwent major redevelopment transforming old stable yards for foaling mares and fencing extensive grassland, much of which had previously only been used for sheep grazing.
1993
Landmark Broodmare Purchase: Silver Lane
Watership Down made its first major investment with the purchase of Silver Lane for $750,000. She was in foal to Black Hawk, who went on to earn over £3.5 million in prize money. Silver Lane later produced Shakespeare, sold as a yearling for 2.2 million guineas.
1994
Acquisition of Darara
The stud secured Darara, a Group 1-winning daughter of Darshaan, marking a defining moment in its breeding legacy. She went on to become one of the world’s best broodmares ever, producing four Group 1 winners including Dar Re Mi, who carried the Lloyd Webbers’ colours to Group 1 glory on three occasions. Darara also bred a colt by Sadler’s Wells who sold for 3.4million gns as a yearling in 2000.
1996
Expansion to Ireland: Kiltinan Castle Stud
Kiltinan Castle Stud was acquired, inspired by its natural beauty and location beside the River Clashawley, flowing from Slievenamon. Already familiar with the area through connections to Coolmore Stud, the Lloyd Webbers developed Kiltinan into a premier stud farm. Its rich pasture made it ideal for raising young stock and supporting mares visiting leading Irish stallions.
2006
Birth of Dar Re Mi
A pivotal moment as Dar Re Mi was born, becoming one of the most important horses in the stud’s history and a cornerstone of its future success.
2009
Birth of The Fugue
The Fugue was born at Watership Down Stud. She went on to become a multiple Group 1 winner, including victories in the Nassau Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes. She was one of the standout performers of her generation and further validated the stud’s long-term breeding approach.
2010
Global Group 1 Success
Dar Re Mi secured victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic under William Buick, cementing Watership Down Stud’s reputation on the global stage.
2016
Birth of Too Darn Hot
Too Darn Hot, by Dubawi out of Dar Re Mi, was born at Watership Down Stud. He would become a standout product of the stud’s breeding programme.
2018
Champion Two-Year-Old
Too Darn Hot was crowned Champion 2YO after an unbeaten season, including victory in the Dewhurst Stakes.
2018
Dubawi colt out of Dar Re Mi tops Book 1
Topped the Tattersalls Book 1 Yearling Sale with a Dubawi colt out of Dar Re Mi, who sold for 3.5 million guineas, setting a world record price for a yearling sold in 2018.
2019
Too Darn Hot Retirement to Stud
Following his racing career, Too Darn Hot retired to Darley, where he began his stallion career, extending Watership Down’s influence into the global breeding industry.
2022 – Present
Too Darn Hot: A Global Stallion Force
Too Darn Hot made an exceptional start to his stallion career from 2022 onwards, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young sires in the world. His progeny have achieved top-level success across Europe and Australia, producing multiple Group winners and enhancing his reputation on the global stage. Today, standing at Darley, Too Darn Hot represents one of the most influential modern extensions of Watership Down Stud’s breeding legacy.
2022
Frankel colt out of So Mi Dar tops Book 1
Topped the Tattersalls Book 1 Yearling Sale with a Frankel colt out of So Mi Dar, who sold for a world-leading 2.8 million guineas to Godolphin.
2025
Five Years of Million-Guinea Success at Tattersalls Book 1
Celebrated five consecutive years of million-guinea success at Tattersalls Book 1, led by a No Nay Never colt out of Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Millisle, who sold for 1.9 million guineas to M V Magnier & White Birch Farm. A Frankel filly out of Group 3 winner Ville de Grace also realised 1.5 million guineas to Juddmonte.
Ongoing
Elite Broodmare Legacy Continues
The Darara → Dar Re Mi family remains central to the stud’s success, continuing to produce high-class performers and valuable bloodstock sought after at major sales.
Where you'll find us
Locations
Two farms, one standard of excellence.
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Watership Down Stud
Get directionsNewbury, Burghclere, Berkshire.
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Kiltinan Castle Stud
Get directionsFethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
People
The expertise behind us
Decades of knowledge shaped by hands-on experience.
Madeleine Lloyd-Webber
Owner
Madeleine has always been passionate about horses and enjoyed a successful career in eventing before turning her hand to breeding racehorses.
Simon Marsh
General Manager
Simon was approached by Andrew and Madeleine in 1992 and he has been an integral part of Watership Down Stud and it’s development ever since.
Conor Chapman
Watership Down Stud Manager
Conor joined Watership Down Stud in June 2021 and was appointed Stud Manager in July 2024, overseeing the day-to-day operations and continued development of the stud.
Donna Vowles
Kiltian Castle Stud Manager
Donna has been Stud Manager at Kiltinan Castle Stud since 2013. Donna first worked at Watership Down Stud many years ago as part of our sales prep team.
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