Simon Mockridge's amateur camera skills a secret asset for Juddmonte

Juddmonte stud director Simon Mockridge is one of the most widely respected figures in the bloodstock industry, a fount of knowledge on the management of thoroughbreds and a constant source of counsel for colleagues and fellow farm administrators. It is neither overstatement nor obsequiousness to say as much; it is just common knowledge.

What might be less known about Mockridge is that he is also an enthusiastic and accomplished amateur photographer, and that his shots around Banstead Manor Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket have often proved effective in Juddmonte engaging with clients and general racing fans.

You will likely have seen some of his work, perhaps without realising it. Remember Frankel, equipped with broom, cheering on the British curling team at the Winter Olympics in 2014? Or Midday proudly beholding the Galileo colt who was her first foal in 2013? What about Enable as a graceful foal?

Kingman (right) and Treve get acquainted in the Juddmonte breeding shedCredit: Simon Mockridge

Right up to a picture of Kingman and dual Arc heroine Treve becoming acquainted in the breeding shed that was widely circulated on social media this week: all were captured by Mockridge.

“It really started when I was at school in what was then Rhodesia,” he says, explaining the root of his passion. “It all began with a Kodak instamatic, trying – rather unsuccessfully as I could never get close enough – to capture some of the wonderful native birds such as carmine bee-eaters, hoopoes, sunbirds and bateleur eagles. I also have a fascination with snakes but it's always best to have a longer lens for those!

“As no doubt you can tell from my images, I’ve had no formal training and it’s very much a hobby. Over the years of working with horses I've been fortunate enough to observe some of the very best equine photographers such as Trevor Jones, Laurie Morton and in more recent times Asunción Piñeyrúa and Bronwen Healy.

"We would all love to have their level of skill, execution and above all else calmness and patience.”

Enable showing agility even as a foal at Banstead Manor StudCredit: Simon Mockridge

Mockridge has used a Canon EOS 5D to pursue his hobby in recent years.

“It's basically foolproof and can do everything for you, providing of course you point it in the right direction,” he says. “I try to carry it in the car with me when on the farm – you never know when that special opportunity may arise.”

The photography acts as therapy and allows Mockridge to engage with the natural world, he says.

“There's nothing better than being free with nature, enjoying the wonderful setting of the stud or the bush of Africa,” he remarks. “For anyone who enjoys photography, I'd recommend they take the time to visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum each year – they're just breathtaking images.”

A frosty morning at Banstead Manor StudCredit: Simon Mockridge

Asked to nominate his favourite subject for photography and one of his most cherished pictures, he says: “As you might suspect, it's the majesty of horses, with wildlife not far behind – specifically black rhino as I just love their uncompromising attitude.

“Also barn owls: they're so elusive and you never have a camera when you need one, which leads me on to my favourite photo involving a barn owl and foals – a chance moment taken out of the car!”

Modest to a fault, Mockridge might not be offering his services for the Juddmonte stallion brochure just yet, but his photographs of the elite thoroughbreds and varied wildlife around Banstead Manor Stud can still be enjoyed regularly on the operation's social media channels.

SOME OF SIMON MOCKRIDGE'S BEST IMAGES...

An elusive barn owl getting getting up close and personal with foalsCredit: Simon Mockridge