Periodical
FEBRUARY
2026
Followcato
completes the Hat-Trick
26/01/2026
Harry’s Introduction…
Having seen all of our horses over the past couple of weeks I could not be more excited about the season ahead. We have without doubt the strongest group of three-year-olds and up that we have ever had in training and the current crop of two-year-olds give genuine cause for excitement as they move into stronger exercise. My brother-in-law, John Warren, who bought all of the yearling crop is not prone to over optimism (unlike me!), but he was raving about them after I had sent on all of the most recent video updates. We do still have some shares available so I would strongly encourage you to take a close look as these are a really important group of horses.
It was fantastic to see Followcato win his third race in a row and then to cheer on Cooltobecareless as he won well at Fakenham on just his second start. The National Hunt stats make impressive reading with our team running at 36% winners to runners with hopefully more success to come before the end of the season.
With the start of the turf flat season just over a month away may I take this opportunity of wishing all of our shareowners much success for the season ahead - here we go again team so let’s all buckle up for the thrilling ride ahead!
With my best wishes,
Harry Herbert
Chairman
HORSE IN FOCUS
Take a closer look at our striking Mehmas colt, Mimic, who is making great strides in training with Ralph Beckett.
On The Track
Highclere’s National Hunt season has continued into the new year with gusto as the winners keep flowing. Followcato posted a remarkable hat-trick with a third consecutive win at Hereford last month. His season didn’t get off to the best start in the autumn with an unfortunate unseat followed by a distant fifth, but he’s put that right in no uncertain terms.
Highclere owner Experience
Having purchased a share in Knowledge in December 2024 it was very welcome news that he was to race at Southwell on 17th January 2026. I told myself it wasn’t worth travelling almost 4 hours to see Knowledge run his maiden race but the fear of missing something special got the better of me and I decided to go.
Highclere owner Experience
After an anxious wait it was declaration day, my iPad was opened at the correct BHA page glued to the declarations. All that can be heard is the occasional shout of “we not in yet” and then the magic happens and we go from pale to dark blue, move up the list and – we are in! Or as I shout, “we are off”!
Highclere & TaiTtinger-an enduring partnership
While Taittinger’s origins date to 1734, when the original House was founded by Jacques Fourneaux, the true Taittinger story began in 1931, when Pierre Taittinger –stationed in Champagne during World War I – fell under the spell of the historic Château de la Marquetterie. Captivated by its charm, he acquired the estate and began crafting a family legacy that continues today.
rolf’s ramblings
Racing looks to Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival, Glorious Goodwood, York’s Ebor meeting and Cartmel on Bank Holidays to dig us out of a hole.
Oops, sore topic: at Cheltenham’s Trials meeting in February, up popped a pothole that any local Council Highways Department would have been proud of.
CLODAGH’s recipe
This month, the exquisitely flavoursome Frittart takes centre stage — a vibrant, golden-hued dish that captures the essence of the season. Light yet deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect addition to the table as the brighter, gentler days of spring begin to unfold.
Where are They NOW
As promised, here is an update on Heron’s Heir, who was nominated for a prestigious accolade at the RoR Retraining of Racehorses Awards 2026 at the end of last month.
Shelley Saunt, based in Coalville and a member of Endurance GB’s Leicestershire & Rutland group, has been awarded the 2025 Retraining of Racehorses Elite Endurance Performance Award with Heron’s Heir, whom she affectionately calls “Harry”.
TAITTINGER MOMENT
Paul and Jayne Dewhurst are truly deserving recipients of the Taittinger Moment of the Month, recognised for their unwavering dedication to supporting their horses across the length and breadth of the country.