The stud was founded in 1939 by Arthur Budgett when he purchased AURICULA as a yearling filly and PICCOLA II (in foal to MR JINKS). During the war the colt offspring by Mr Jinks covered Auricula and the first product of a Kirtlington mating was multiple winner JACK TACK.
The stud was originally based at Park Farm in Kirtlington, Oxfordshire where several top class horses were raised including BLAKENEY, MORSTON, DERRING-DO etc. For a brief period between 1982 and 1984 the mares moved to Whatcombe and then returned to Park Farm under the management of Arthur’s youngest son Christopher.
Due to the expanding Kirtlington Park Polo Club run by Chris’ brother James, the mares moved to Cheveley Park Stud in 1989 before returning to the new purpose built stud in 1990.
The new stud comprises of 345 acres on some of the best land in the country.
We know the land is ideal for raising racehorses. Located in close vicinity is Middleton Park, once the important stud of the fifth Earl of Jersey, one of the most prominent owners and breeders of the first half of the nineteenth century. Thirteen Classic winners have been raised and bred on this two square miles outcrop of Oxford Limestone Brash. How many other areas in the world could boast such a record!
Five Derby winners:
Middleton, Mameluke, Bay Middleton, Blakeney, Morston
One Oaks winner:
Cobweb
Seven Guineas winners:
Cobweb, Charlotte West, Riddlesworth, Glencoe, Ibraham, Bay Middleton, Achmet
