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Celebrating 100 years of thoroughbred heritage at Newsells Park Stud
To mark 100 years since Newsells Park Stud was established, Newsells Park Winery is extending a special centenary offer to Wine Club members.
Celebrating its centenary year in 2026, Newsells Park Stud was established in 1926 by Sir Humphrey de Trafford and forms part of an estate whose history can be traced back to the Domesday Book in 1086.
To mark this milestone, Newsells Park Winery is extending a special centenary offer to Wine Club members, available until 31st August 2026, on a selection of wines inspired by the horses that have shaped the stud in recent years.
Among the wines featured is our popular Rosé Reserve, Shambolic, named after one of the stud’s young elite broodmares. Pale salmon in colour with fine, elegant bubbles, this sparkling rosé is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, displaying ripe summer fruits of strawberry, redcurrant and raspberry alongside a rich yet refreshing acidity.
Also included is our Classic Cuvée, inspired by the stud’s record-breaking broodmare Shastye. A premium blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier it is regarded as the truest expression of Newsells Park sparkling wine.
Our 2016 Blanc de Blancs Nathaniel, named after the stud’s outstanding stallion, also forms part of the centenary celebration. Crafted entirely from Chardonnay, it displays the beautifully pure and linear characteristics of the variety.
The history of Newsells Park Stud is one of resilience, evolution and enduring success. Sir Humphrey de Trafford and his family owned Newsells from 1926 until 1972. During that time, the original house was destroyed by fire. It is said that the property was occupied by female military personnel during the war years, and that Sir Humphrey’s agent had noticed several kettles plugged into individual electrical outlets during a visit. Fortunately, the property was comprehensively insured and the proceeds enabled the house to be rebuilt.
Among the successful horses bred at Newsells Park Stud was the 1959 Derby winner, Parthia. Arguably however, the best horse he bred was Alcide, who was got at before the Derby, which he would otherwise very likely have won. He won the St Leger and the King George the following year. The last top horse bred by Sir Humphrey was Approval who won the Observer Gold Cup in 1969 and the Dante in 1970, trained by a young Henry Cecil.
Newsells and the surrounding countryside have long been connected with equine pursuits. In 2000, Jacobs Holding AG acquired the stud and, under the guidance of the late Klaus J. Jacobs, undertook an extensive renovation and development programme to continue this heritage and secure the future of quality bloodstock production in north-east Hertfordshire.
Since 2010, Newsells Park Stud has bred the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Waldgeist, multiple Group 1 and Classic winner Legatissimo, St Leger winner Masked Marvel, as well as Group 1 winners Ylang Ylang, Japan, Mogul, Lightning Spear, Secret Gesture, Gitano Hernando, Librisa Breeze and Rite Of Passage.
In 2021, Newsells Park Stud and its bloodstock were purchased by Graham Smith-Bernal. An existing client of the stud, his vision is to build on the legacy of Klaus J. Jacobs and ensure Newsells Park remains at the pinnacle of breeding and racing for generations to come.
