Deal Done: Watership Down Stud Buy into Oaks Runner-up Emily Upjohn

Emily Upjohn | PA

Watership Down Stud has swopped to secure a 50% interest in Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), runner-up in the Cazoo Oaks at Epsom when last seen. 

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Emily Upjohn was given a Timeform rating of 119p following her narrow defeat in the Oaks 10 days ago, where she overcame a slow start to go down fighting behind Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo).

Emily Upjohn has a number of intriguing entries, including the Irish Oaks and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. 

Wherever she lines out next, the talented 3-year-old will run under Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber's name, alongside Jon and Cyril Shack's Tactful Finance and Stuart Roden.

“We're absolutely thrilled to have bought into such an exciting filly at this stage of her career,” said stud owner, Lady Lloyd Webber yesterday. 

“She is an absolutely stunning filly and the plan is very much for her to stay in training next year. We are also thrilled to be part of this new partnership with Jon, Cyril and Stuart, who are fantastic enthusiasts.”

Emily Upjohn was purchased as a yearling at Tattersalls by Blandford Bloodstock's Tom Goff for 60,000gns. She hails from a superb Aga Khan family that includes dual Derby winner Harzand (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Godolphin's multiple Group 1 hero Hurricane Lane (Ire) (Frankel {GB}).

Lady Lloyd Webber, who alongside her husband Andrew, retains a 50% shareholding in leading stallion prospect Too Darn Hot (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), and added, “We purchased Hurricane Lane's dam Gale Force (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) three years ago and she is very closely related to Emily Upjohn, so we are no strangers to the family. 

“When this filly eventually retires to stud, she will very much suit a mating to Too Darn Hot, which is clearly an added attraction for us.”

Jon Shack said, “As relatively small owners, we are extremely excited by this new partnership. Our family has had mares at Watership Down Stud for many years now and they do a fantastic job.”

“John and Thady and their amazing team at Clarehaven have done an incredible job with Emily so far. With a bit of luck, she can hopefully build on that [Epsom] performance and win a big prize for this new partnership before the season is over.”

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