Making waves

Roisin Close’s Chapel Stud is a growing operation packing a big punch in a short space of time.

- Hannah Lemieux

NESTLED within the scenic Malvern Hills is a small stud making steady waves in the bloodstock world.

Owner/manager Roisin Close has been growing her breeding operation for over 15 years, and with new, larger premises at Chapel Stud for 2020 and a recent success story in the sales ring, this looks to be an exciting year for the flourishing set-up.

The stud’s flagbearer is Coach House, a son of Oasis Dream formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien. His now three-year-old progeny, Summer Sands, sold for a record 625,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale in October.

It was a huge moment for Roisin, who saw the interest in Coach House rocket, and his bookings for this season have already doubled — Roisin expects his popularity to continue to grow throughout the season.

“Achieving a price like that in the sales ring really is the dream and what every breeder sets out to do,” says Roisin. “Coach House has the most phenomenal pedigree. Coolmore bought his dam, Lesson In Humility, in-foal with him, and Joseph O’Brien rode Coach House when he was trained by his father. Joseph always liked Coach House and put his money where his mouth is by purchasing his son, Summer Sands, who is now in training with him.”

Coach House has covered some “really good books of mares” and has so far totalled 61 winners, amassing nearly £700,000 in prize money from just two crops.

Summer Sands is certainly shining the light for the nine-year-old stallion, whose coat gleams during a dull January day while the H&H photographer snaps away.

“Summer Sands is a Listed winner and Group One third-placed horse. He was a £2,000 purchase as a yearling, then in April 2019 he sold for £85,000 at the Ascot breeze-up sales before selling for a record price at Tattersalls,” adds Roisin.