Manton Estate’s new owner named: the sale is still subject to contract
Harriet Rochester’s Marlborough Downs Uncovered column reveals that Manton’s racing heritage and its current ‘masters’ are secure for the foreseeable future
The Manton estate is renowned not just for its racing heritage, but for its beauty with vistas that inspired paintings by famous artists - including Sir Alfred Munnings and his Early Morning on Manton Downs (right).
Those who’ve read the book The Masters of Manton by Paul Mathieu will know that the Manton estate is steeped in over 150 years of horse racing history. The estate’s 2,200 acres provide some of the most magnificent facilities in Europe to train racehorses, mainly because the carpet-like grass gallops on the downs haven’t seen a plough for centuries.
One of Manton’s current two ‘Masters’ is trainer George Baker. He revealed recently that its future and heritage is, it’s hoped, secured for the foreseeable future, with a buyer confirmed subject to contract, as Mr Paul Clarke from the Hungerford area who made his fortune in the bulb growing business.
The Manton estate was put on the market in April by the Sangster family with an asking price of £26 million.
George BakerIt is thought that Mr Clarke has not bought the whole of the estate. George Baker told Marlborough News Online: “First indications are that the purchaser is keen to maintain the status quo. Meaning, I hope, that [racehorese trainer] Brian Meehan and I will remain as tenants here for the foreseeable future. I’m meeting with the buyer, who apparently lives near Hungerford, this week, so I’ll know more after that. It’s early days and we’ll see how matters evolve.”
With Mathieu’s book, one can delve into Manton’s racing and social history. Amazingly, more than 50 classic winners have been trained from the estate.
The book also reveals the property’s darker periods and some of its unsavory characters - notably the Duchess of Montrose, who, alarmingly, once hissed at Queen Victoria - as well as how Manton’s future was once guaranteed by £1 million in gambling winnings kept in a paper bag.
George Baker explained how times have changed: “Historically the day to day business of Manton was kept behind closed doors. It even used to have its own chapel and pub, reducing the temptation of the lads to pay a visit to Marlborough.”
“We have a great team here at Manton, everyone mucks in and there’re certainly no curfews! It’s a totally different and relaxed environment compared with way back when and I like to think we’ve moved on a bit now!” George smiles.
The "chapel" An example of how stringent Manton life was 50 years ago and prior to this is the old chapel, which George mentioned. It was a pigsty until the 1950s, when George Todd converted the upper floor into a chapel. Each Sunday the lads would pray while the pigs snuffled below:
“O Lord and Father way up there
Who gives each dog his daily dinner
Please listen to our humble prayer
And send George Todd another winner! “
Baker, who train’s 65 horses at Manton’s Barton Yard, explains his yard’s approach: “The business of horseracing today is a lot different. Part of the fun of owning a racehorse is watching it on the gallops at home as well as at the racecourse.”
“So contrary to what Manton used to be renowned for - its secrecy - our yard is very much an open house when it comes to owners, and provides a fantastic experience. I feel very lucky to be able to train from here, and my wife and children love Marlborough and the area. Here’s to Manton and, I hope, a bright new future”.
The Masters of Manton can be bought from at the White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough.
Pictures courtesy of Paul Mathieu, author of The Masters of Manton.
The Marlborough Downs Uncovered column will be appearing in MNO's forthcoming section THE HORSEBOX bringing 'Equestrian news and views for Marlborough and the Downs."