Long-time Thoroughbred owner/breeder Lady Rothschild died in a London hospital on Sunday, a spokeswoman for her family said. The owner of MG1SW Nathaniel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was 83. Lady Rothschild, born Serena Mary Dunn on Apr. 28, 1935, “fought a recent illness most valiantly,” the spokeswoman added. Lady Rothschild, who was known to shy away from the public eye, was married to investment banker Lord Jacob Rothschild and ran Waddesdon Stud in Buckinghamshire. The granddaughter of Canadian financier Sir James Dunn, Lady Rothschild leaves four children and eight grandchildren.
The aforementioned Nathaniel–named after her son–gave Lady Rothschild a landmark success on the racecourse in 2011, when he saluted in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. at Ascot for trainer John Gosden. Having previously claimed the G2 King Edward VII S. at the Royal meeting, Nathaniel stepped up to beat 2010 Derby winner Workforce (GB) (King's Best) before winning the G1 Coral-Eclipse S. at Sandown the following season for Lady Rothschild and Newsells Park Stud, who had bought into the horse prior to his 4-year-old year. Prior to going to stud at Newsells Park, Nathaniel ran third to Frankel (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in his swansong, the 2012 G1 Champion S. He has already sired Classic victress Enable (GB), a two-time G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner, who was also successful in the 2018 GI Breeders' Cup Turf and 2018 G1 Premio Lydia Tesio winner God Given (GB).
“This is very sad news and we offer our deepest condolences to Lady Rothschild's family and friends,” Newsells Park Stud Racing Manager Gary Coffey told Racing Post. “We enjoyed some great days together on the racecourse with Nathaniel. Lady Rothschild was a passionate horsewoman and breeder who cared deeply about our industry. She will be greatly missed. The continued success of her homebreds will leave a lasting legacy.”
Other successes in the blue and yellow colours included 2012 G1 Irish Oaks winner Great Heavens (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), a full-sister to Nathaniel, as well as Thistle Bird (GB) (Selkirk)'s victory in the 2014 G1 Pretty Polly S. Lady Rothschild was also represented Stateside at the Breeders' Cup when Pounced (Rahy) won the GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2009.
Active at the bloodstock sales, Lady Rothschild paid a then record 4.6 million guineas for a broodmare when purchasing G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Magical Romance (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) carrying to Pivotal (GB) at Tattersalls in 2006. Later in her breeding career she later foaled Australian SW & GSP Tall Ship (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).
G1 Investec Derby nominee Great Bear (GB) (Dansili {GB}), a son of Great Heavens, was the final winner for Lady Rothschild, winning a 1700-metre all-weather feature at Wolverhampton for trainer Roger Charlton on Nov. 16.
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