The autumn months at Kimpton Down Stables proved successful, rounding off the season with several high-class performances and leaving us with plenty of optimism as we look toward the year ahead.

Although Arc weekend was never likely to replicate 2024’s exceptional results, CAPE ORATOR ensured we were still well represented. He took his second Arqana Series success of the season with a decisive victory in the valuable Haras de Bouquetot Critérium d’Automne. Stepping up to Group 1 company at Saint-Cloud, he went on to finish a very credible third in the Critérium International, behind Champagne Stakes winner PUERTO RICO. He is an exciting prospect for this year—super straightforward, with an excellent work ethic—and has already strengthened physically during a quieter period, which is very encouraging.

AMILOC continued to advertise his tenacity with a fine fourth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. He will develop into a lovely four-year-old, and some ease in the ground early this season should very much play to his strengths.

PINTARA showed real toughness and class in her Listed success in the Montrose Fillies’ Stakes. Her pedigree always suggested she would improve with age, and she looks a filly with a very bright future. Her performance was preceded by a successful sale for 1.8 million guineas at the Tattersalls December Mares’ Sale alongside Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) winner and Celebration Mile Stakes (Group 2) runner up, SAQQARA SANDS who sold for 2.1 million guineas.

FAVORITE MEMORY turned her name to bold when finishing 3^rd at Lingfield in the River Eden Fillies’ Stakes (Listed). She has not been the most straightforward, but she tries and it was great to see her add some black type back into her family.

Over the last two years, EMULOUS has been in the limelight as Kimpton Down’s top producing broodmare, but last season Mrs Aykroyd’s PARNELL’S DREAM was well represented by her progeny (PRIDE OF ARRAS and K SARRA), and 2026 could be even better for her.

Following his dual Group 2 successes in the Dante and the Great Voltigeur, PRIDE OF ARRAS took his foreign debut to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the International (Group 2). The drop back in trip may have been slightly sharp for him, but a fourth-place finish was more than respectable. He handled the travelling well and will now head to Dubai for the World Cup meeting, where a step back up in trip in the Sheema Classic should see him competitive.

K SARRA made a striking impression on debut at Southwell, picking up strongly and showing a smart turn of foot that should stand her in good stead over middle distances this year. She has a very professional attitude toward her work and has a beautiful frame which she will fill into even more at three.

Continuing the strong two-year-old trend, A LA PROCHAINE, GOLDEN ORBIT, and GONNA FLY all made equally impressive starts. They are exciting prospects for this season which will keep us warm during the winter months.

EMULOUS will continue to be represented at Kimpton Down by QIRAT, who remains in training, as well as her KINGMAN filly SERENETTA. After a promising debut at Newmarket, she went on to secure her first victory at Kempton, showing an impressive turn of foot and galloping out very strongly. She is a filly we’re particularly excited about. Generally, the family have always got better with age, and we will be keeping this in mind.

Dual-winning two-year-old BAY OF BRILLIANCE continued his upward trajectory, producing a dominant performance in the ‘Double Trigger’ Novice Stakes at Redcar, finishing eight and a half lengths clear of his rivals. He looks a lovely type to campaign over middle distances this year.

RICHIE’S ROCKET also impressed, following a good debut at Newmarket with a convincing win at Lingfield. Coming from a family full of speed, he showed a sharp turn of foot and being by NEW BAY will make him an interesting horse to follow this season.

2025 certainly had its ups and downs, but overall, it was a positive one for the yard. There is a strong group of exciting horses in training, and with a good team around them, we head into 2026 with plenty of confidence and anticipation.