Menu
In the crisp air of an October afternoon in 2022, Brian Ellison and Ian Smith wound their way through the green, rolling hills of North Yorkshire. Their destination was Norton Grove Stud, a place where the timeless beauty of the English countryside meets the pulsating heart of thoroughbred breeding.
Norton Grove Stud, located in North Yorkshire, is a testament to the rich heritage and dedication to equine excellence in the horseracing industry. With over 60 years of experience, it has established itself as a premier destination for breeding and raising high-quality horses. This family-run business, led by Richard and Maggie Lingwood since 1995, represents three generations of the Lingwood family’s passion for horse care and breeding.
The stud specialises in a variety of services including foaling, livery, sales preparation, and breaking in horses. It has a top-class reputation for the quality and standard of its horses and their care. Norton Grove Stud stands out for its commitment to providing only the best for its customers and equine guests. The facilities at the stud include horse walkers, exercise areas, and dedicated foaling boxes equipped with CCTV, monitored around the clock during the foaling season.
Norton Grove Stud is home to several notable stallions such as Pearl Secret, Marmelo, Wells Farhh Go, and Century Dream. Each of these stallions has a distinguished record, contributing to the stud’s reputation for producing high-calibre racehorses. The stud delivers between 60 and 90 foals each year, showcasing its significant role in the world of horse racing and breeding.
When Brian and Ian visited to see a young filly sired by a stallion named Sogann, they were stepping into a place rich in racing heritage and dedicated to the art of breeding racehorses. The environment at Norton Grove, with its extensive experience, would have provided the perfect foundation for a promising young racehorse like the filly they were thinking of investing in. This setting, steeped in a tradition, would have been an ideal starting point for her journey in the world of horse racing.
October 2022 had marked a significant moment for what was to become Grid Iron Racing as Brian Ellison and Ian Smith visited Norton Grove Stud to witness the promising prospects of the young filly, but it was the stallion Sogann who captured their imagination. Sogann, a majestic son of the legendary Frankel, bore the unmistakable stamp of his illustrious sire – the deep chestnut coat, the intelligent gaze, and a presence that spoke of latent power.
Sogann, despite never gracing the racecourse due to injuries, had an aura of unfulfilled potential. His lineage was exceptional; bred by Al Shaqab Racing from the Royal Academy mare Rumored, he was a half-brother to the acclaimed Dabirsim. His value was recognised early on, fetching a staggering €550,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale in 2017.
In the paddocks of Norton Grove, Sogann carried himself with a noble grace, his movements fluid and assured. He was a stallion who, despite his setbacks, exuded a quiet confidence. Richard Lingwood, the owner of Norton Grove Stud, often spoke of Sogann’s good nature and unusual fondness for attention, traits that endeared him to all who worked with him.
As the winter of 2023 approached, Sogann was preparing to see his first crop of runners take to the tracks. The anticipation was palpable; his progeny were poised to showcase the legacy of their sire. But fate had other plans.
In February, a pall of sorrow descended over Norton Grove Stud. Sogann, in a tragic twist, lost his life in an accident. The incident was as sudden as it was heartbreaking – a momentary loss of balance, a fall that no one could have foreseen or prevented. The news of his passing was a shock to everyone at the stud, especially so soon after the excitement of his first crop.
Richard Lingwood described the accident with a heavy heart. Sogann, the stallion who had been unlucky with injuries throughout his life, had met an untimely end. His nature, not bad-tempered but rather seeking affection, made the loss even more poignant. There was a sense of what might have been – a sire of great promise, taken too soon.
Despite the tragedy, Sogann’s legacy was not to end with him. His first crop of runners, carefully nurtured by trainers like Charlie Johnston, Brian Ellison, Alan Brown, and Ruth Carr, carried the hopes and dreams of many. There was a collective wish within those involved in Sogann that among these young horses, his potential would finally be realised on the race tracks.
As Brian and Ian reflected on their visit to Norton Grove and the untimely demise of Sogann, they understood the fragile beauty of this sport. In horse racing, as in life, triumph and tragedy walk side by side. Sogann’s story, albeit brief, was a testament to the hopes and heartbreaks of the racing world, a narrative that would be remembered as his progeny raced towards their destiny.
October 2022 had marked a significant moment for what was to become Grid Iron Racing as Brian Ellison and Ian Smith visited Norton Grove Stud to witness the promising prospects of the young filly, but it was the stallion Sogann who captured their imagination. Sogann, a majestic son of the legendary Frankel, bore the unmistakable stamp of his illustrious sire – the deep chestnut coat, the intelligent gaze, and a presence that spoke of latent power.
Sogann, despite never gracing the racecourse due to injuries, had an aura of unfulfilled potential. His lineage was exceptional; bred by Al Shaqab Racing from the Royal Academy mare Rumored, he was a half-brother to the acclaimed Dabirsim. His value was recognised early on, fetching a staggering €550,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale in 2017.
In the paddocks of Norton Grove, Sogann carried himself with a noble grace, his movements fluid and assured. He was a stallion who, despite his setbacks, exuded a quiet confidence. Richard Lingwood, the owner of Norton Grove Stud, often spoke of Sogann’s good nature and unusual fondness for attention, traits that endeared him to all who worked with him.
As Ian stood in the courtyard of Norton Grove Stud, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. It was a moment he had been eagerly awaiting – the first glimpse of the filly that might carry the hopes and dreams of Grid Iron Racing into the future.
She was a picture of equine beauty and potential, her coat a rich tapestry of bay hues. But it was her four white socks, strikingly reminiscent of her grandfather, the mighty Frankel, that first caught the eye. They were like beacons of heritage, symbolising the greatness that ran through her veins. Adorning her head was a distinctive white blaze, bold and pronounced, setting her apart with an air of uniqueness.
Her eyes, bright and intelligent, sparkled with a vivacious spirit. They held a depth of understanding and a hint of playful mischief, suggesting a quirky humour that was both endearing and intriguing. As she moved, there was a gracefulness to her, a natural ease that hinted at the agility and speed she would hopefully fully manifest on the race track.
Brian and Ian exchanged a look, a silent acknowledgment of what they were witnessing. Here was a filly not just born from a lineage of champions but also possessing her own distinct personality and charm. Her physical attributes, so reminiscent of her legendary lineage, were complemented by an intangible quality, an essence that showed promise.
The filly, even in her youthful innocence, seemed to understand the significance of the moment. She carried herself with a dignified poise, yet there was a playful tilt to her head, a lightness in her step that spoke of her buoyant spirit.
In this filly, Ian could see not just the legacy of her ancestors but the promise of a bright future. She was more than just a racehorse; she was a symbol of hope, a beacon of the passion and dedication that defined what was to become Grid Iron Racing.
