Successful owner/breeder Lord Jacob Rothschild, who found Group 1 riches as a co-owner with Nathaniel (Ire) among others, died at the age of 87 earlier this week, according to multiple reports.
The fourth Baron Rothschild, OM, was prominent in both banking and finance, and also was active on the art scene. The chairman of the trustees of the National Gallery from 1985 to 1991, he operated his bloodstock interests out of Waddesdon Stud in Buckinghamshire with his late wife Serena. Later appointed the chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Rothschild partnered with the National Trust and turned Waddesdon Manor into a historical landmark open to the public housing an extensive art collection.
Many luminaries of the turf have carried the navy and yellow silks to glory, including G1 Pretty Polly S. victress Thistle Bird (GB) (Selkirk). In Nathaniel's case, his dam, G3 Musidora S. heroine Magnificient Style (Silver Hawk), was purchased privately after delivering six stakes winners. During her time at stud for Rothschild, she left both the now-Newsells Park Stud-based Group 1 sire Nathaniel, who won the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S., as well as the G1 Eclipse S. and Great Heavens (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). The last-named mare won the G1 Irish Oaks. Pounced (Rahy) also represented Rothschild when taking the GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2009.
Rothschild was pre-deceased by his wife, who died in 2019. He is survived by his son Nathaniel, who is now the fifth Baron Rothschild, and three daughters–Hannah, Beth, and Emily and their families.
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