BEECH HOUSE STUD rose to prominence with the arrival of the unbeaten NEARCO, who entered stud here in 1940. Beech House was originally part of the Cheveley Park Stud of Col. Harry McCalmont, but this parcel was purchased by Charles Hackford, who sold it to Martin Benson in 1930. Here Benson stood Derby winner Windsor Lad, who died after only 3 seasons. NEARCO was found as a suitable replacement in the fall of 1939, and became the Leading Sire in Great Britain in 1947, 1948. He died in June of 1957 from cancer at the age of 22. NEARCO's sireline is one of the most prolific in the world today through his many successful sons including Nearctic, Nasrullah, Dante and others.
The mare LADY ANGELA was also bred here, and was exported to Canada carrying the champion runner and sire NEARCTIC (by Nearco) in 1953.
Beech House Stud was sold to Sir Victor Sassoon in 1960, who stood homeberd Derby winners CREPELLO (died 1974) and ST. PADDY (died 1984) here. ST. PADDY is also buried here. The farm was sold to Dr. Carlo Vittadini, and it is currently owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, who reintroduced stallions to the property in the last couple of years. --A.P.