Bred For It

It's Episode 30!

A Festival review through a breeding lens.

Jess Stafford is joined by breeding expert and journalist Amy Lynam to analyse the stallions, pedigrees and production lines behind the 2026 Cheltenham winners.

We assess which sires boosted their standing, which lines continue to deliver elite jumpers, and how Irish and French breeding models are shaping the modern National Hunt horse.

Episode 29 – The 'A' Road to Cheltenham

With the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival underway, Jess speaks to two guests with major hopes for the week. 

First, we hear from Chris Dawson of Nunstainton Stud, home to Dragon Dancer, whose son Haiti Couleurs lines up in the Gold Cup. Chris explains how he acquired Dragon Dancer from France, the pedigree influences that convinced him to pursue the stallion, and what Haiti Couleurs’ success has meant for Dragon Dancer’s growing reputation.

Jess is then joined by bloodstock agent Marcus Collie, who shares the story behind purchasing leading Triumph Hurdle contender Minella Study. Marcus discusses the physical and pedigree traits that made the horse stand out and gives an insight into how he sources talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Along the way, Jess uncovers a fascinating pedigree link connecting both Minella Study and Dragon Dancer - through Kirsten Rausing’s renowned ‘A’ family, a distinguished Flat dynasty now making its mark on the Cheltenham Festival stage.

It's Episode 28!

With the countdown onto the Cheltenham Festival, the French-breds are set to dominate once again. 

So what’s the secret?

In this episode, Jess Stafford speaks to Céline Gualde who runs Cap Orne Stud in Normandy and sits at the heart of French breeding as Secretary of the French TBA on the committee of France Galop and President of the National de l'Obstacle Show. 

From AQPS to “bred to race” thinking, this is a deep dive into why French-breds keep delivering on racing’s biggest stage as Jess and Celine unpack the structure, culture and stallion philosophy behind France’s National Hunt success. Plus, find out what Celine really thinks about the British & Irish purchasing powers landing the very best French NH stock! 

It's Episode 27! 

*WATCH NOW on YOUTUBE*

For Episode 26 of Bred For It, we do something a little different with our first-ever audio and visual episode.

I’m joined by Classic-winning owner, breeder and Rebel Racing founder Phil Cunningham in Meydan, Dubai. Phil's colours lit up the track last season with major sprint victories including the Stewards’ Cup and an extraordinary Ayr and Silver Gold Cup double but his success spans three decades going back to the extraordinary English & Irish Guineas winner Cockney Rebel. 

The on-track success has taken Phil rapidly from hobby owner into the bloodstock world: owning mares, producing homebreds and, most notably, standing his horses Cockney Rebel and Rajasinghe as stallions. But as Phil explains candidly in this episode, that experience has fundamentally changed his outlook.

So what is it really like to go from hobby owner to Classic winner and why has Phil decided he’ll never stand another stallion again?

Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tbrwr-F4tOc

This podcast is brought to you in association with VV Chapeaux the unique hat brand of VV Rouleaux - Situated in London's chic Marylebone Lane, VV Chapeaux is the place to top off your raceday style. 

It's Episode 26! A new year brings fresh stallion momentum to two of the most influential and forward-thinking studs in Britain.

This podcast is brought to you in association with VV Chapeaux the unique hat brand of VV Rouleaux - Situated in London's chic Marylebone Lane, VV Chapeaux is the place to top off your raceday style. 

It's Episode 25!

Jess reflects on the loss of leading National Hunt stallions, emerging sires making their mark, and key developments shaping the global breeding landscape.

Jess is joined by legendary Auctioneer John O'Kelly to reflect on his final sale at Tattersalls, alongside stories and insights from more than 30 years at the heart of the sales ring

Harriet Jones of Consign Ltd gives her account of the remarkable €2.6 million Arqana sale of Half Sovereign, the pressures of consigning and establishing their name in the industry.

This podcast is brought to you in association with VV Chapeaux the unique hat brand of VV Rouleaux - Situated in London's chic Marylebone Lane, VV Chapeaux is the place to top off your raceday style. 

It's Episode 24:

As December settles over Newmarket and the foal and mares’ sales draw to a close, the Sceptre Session delivered real fireworks with Porta Fortuna and Barnavara topping the headlines, while stallion farms opened their doors to showcase the sires shaping future mating plans. With the Flat sales winding down and the National Hunt scene beginning to heat up, this episode brings you a blend of both codes: with both guests looking to unearth the next champion in their sphere.

This week’s guests:

* Head to the Bred For It instagram page for an exclusive look at Oliver breaking in his mentioned yearling! 

It's Episode 23: 

With the 2026 stallion fees out, Jess breaks down the key headlines: major new arrivals at Coolmore and Darley, Juddmonte boosting their mid-market, and Diego Velazquez adding depth to Britain’s middle tier. But behind the big numbers sits a far tougher landscape for everyday breeders.

To dig into that reality, Jess is joined by Philip Newton, Chair of The Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Listen in as he addresses the falling foal crop, pressure on owner-breeders and the need for real structural change.

It's Episode 22: 

From Newmarket to Del Mar, this episode celebrates the global reach of bloodlines and the people turning small beginnings into world-class success stories.

It's Episode 21: