Grid Iron Maiden is the newest addition to Grid Iron Racing and she’s already turning heads. This two-year-old filly was bred at Norton Grove Stud, a family-run business in Malton that has been delivering exceptional racehorses for over 40 years.
Norton Grove Stud is a labour of love for the Lingwood family. Richard and Maggie Lingwood have owned and managed the stud since 1995, after inheriting it from Major Hudson. Three generations of the Lingwood family work at the stud, along with a number of dedicated and reliable staff. It’s a testament to their passion and hard work that Norton Grove delivers between 60 and 90 foals each year.
Grid Iron Maiden’s sire is Sogann, a son of the legendary Frankel, and her dam, Next Stop, was a race-winning mare. There’s plenty of promise in those bloodlines, and it’s all the more reason to get excited about what the future holds for Grid Iron Maiden. In fact, Grid Iron Maiden is one of the first crop from Sogann, whose first colt sold for an impressive 34,000 euros in November.
Brian Ellison is the trainer charged with getting her race-ready. Brian is one of the leading dual-purpose racehorse trainers in the UK. Based at Spring Cottage Stables in Malton, North Yorkshire, the training establishment is barely recognisable since its acquisition 22 years ago. Brian is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring the best out of every horse he works with.
Harry Russell, one of the rising stars of the jockey world, has been riding Grid Iron Maiden out on the gallops in Malton. Harry’s impressed with how quickly she’s learning and developing under his guidance and says she’s getting better every day.
Grid Iron Maiden spent November at the stud and then went to Brian Ellison for breaking in and training. She started her training to be a racehorse in February and has been cantering on the gallops in Malton. Her work has been stepped up now in preparation for racing.
The team at Grid Iron Racing are keeping a close eye on her. We’re all excited to see what the future holds for this promising young filly. Of course, as with any young horse, there’s no telling what the future holds. But with her pedigree and early progress, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about Grid Iron Maiden’s future.
We’ll keep you posted on her progress as she continues her training and makes her way toward the racetrack. Watch this space!