About Old Manor Stables
Old Manor Stables
Nestled in the rolling chalk hills of Letcombe Bassett, Oxfordshire, Old Manor Stables is the home of Sara Bradstock’s renowned National Hunt training yard. Steeped in character and surrounded by open countryside, it’s a place where horses thrive — not only because of the first-class facilities, but because of the calm, personal atmosphere that defines the yard.
Old Manor Stables is more than just a training base — it’s a true family operation built on generations of horsemanship. Every horse receives individual care and attention, with Sara, Lily, and their dedicated team closely involved in every aspect of daily life at the yard. Their philosophy is simple: to bring out the best in each horse by ensuring it is happy, healthy, and understood.
The facilities at Old Manor Stables are designed to offer the perfect balance of challenge and comfort. Horses benefit from private gallops on natural turf, purpose-built schooling grounds, and quiet hacking routes through the surrounding countryside — an environment that builds both fitness and confidence. The small, hands-on nature of the yard means every horse is known intimately, allowing for tailored training programmes and careful management throughout the season.
It was from this tranquil corner of Oxfordshire that Coneygree was trained to make racing history — winning the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup as a novice.
Most recently, the heroic Mr Vango has been the flag bearer – with his demolition of the field in the Welsh Grand National, followed in 2025 by taking the London National, The Peter Marsh Chase and then most recently galloping his rivals into submission in the Midlands National. He highlights the yard’s ability to produce champions from a close-knit, personal setup.
Old Manor Stables continues to uphold that tradition of excellence, blending experience, intuition, and care to develop horses that love their work and perform at their peak. Visitors to the yard often remark on the sense of calm and partnership between humans and horses — the hallmark of a truly special training environment.
