From left: David Porter-Mackrell, Karina Byrne (Newsells Park Stud HR Manager) and Ollie McPhail with pupils from Edwinstree Middle School.
Last week pupils from Edwinstree Middle School enjoyed a unique day out of the classroom with a trip to Newsells Park Stud, one of Britain’s leading breeding operations.
Organised by Racing to School and supported by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the visit formed part of the charity’s educational programme, which aims to introduce younger generations to racing and breeding and the career opportunities on offer.
Home to Classic-producing sire Nathaniel, the Royston-based stud has also become synonymous in recent years with success in the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin.
The pupils were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the stud, which included a stallion parade of Nathaniel, Isaac Shelby, A’Ali and Without Parole, led by 2024 TIEA Employee of the Year, David Porter-Mackrell.
A key member of the team at Newsells Park Stud for over 15 years, David’s dedication to his role and expertise in looking after his charges saw him land the top prize at the 20th renewal of the prestigious industry celebration.
From left: Barn leader and 2021 Stud Award winner, Elody Swann, 2024 Employee of the Year, David Porter-Mackrell, 2025 Stud finalist, Kim Skolfield and Newsells Park Stud General Manager, Julian Dollar.
The visit also offered the pupils the chance to see the foals thriving under expert care, with Kim Skolfield – herself a finalist in the Stud category at the 2025 TIEA – explaining how the team supports and nurtures young thoroughbreds through their early-stage development.
The day was rounded off by a farrier display, with an insight into the importance of good hoof health, and an opportunity for the pupils to put their riding skills to the test on Racing to School’s roving Equicizer.
Ollie McPhail, Programme Manager at Racing to School and longstanding TIEA Judge, said:
“Today marked a first visit to Newsells Park Stud for Racing to School and we’ve had a wonderful time exploring. The students have had plenty of hands-on time with mares and foals, learning about the day-to-day care that shapes the early lives of the sport’s stars of the future.
“As a TIEA judge, it has been particularly special to see previous Employee of the Year Award winner David Porter-Mackrell showcasing the stallions he cares for so diligently and talking to the young people about his passion for the thoroughbred breeding industry.
“Our thanks must go to Julian, David and the whole team at the stud for welcoming us so warmly.”
Julian Dollar, General Manager of Newsells Park Stud, said:
“We were thrilled to welcome pupils from Edwinstree Middle School to Newsells Park Stud, giving them the opportunity to meet our stallions, mares and of course this year’s foals.
“We’re proud to have such dedicated professionals like David and Kim on our team, who are not only passionate about our horses, but also committed to inspiring the next generation of talent in the industry.”
Nominations for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin open later this year. For more information about the awards, please visit: www.thoroughbredawards.co.uk
Left: 2024 Employee of the Year, David Porter-Mackrell with school pupil; Right: Farrier with pupils from Edwinstree Middle School.
