'Racing needs to embrace this' - the historic stud with an exciting new venture

The surroundings of Marston Stud could be a scene from the set of The Duchess, or some such period drama, but behind the picturesque house, stone stables and immaculate fields is no shortage of hard work, dedication and passion for all things equine.

Located in the village of Marston St Lawrence, near Banbury, Marston Stud gives a sense of history and purpose as you pull up, right from the 19th-century stables – straight out of Black Beauty with their cobbled stone floors – through to the splendid house and gravestones of champions past, such as Dublin Flyer and Well To Do.

As Racing Post photographer Edward Whitaker snaps away at the numerous inquisitive and welcoming broodmares in a field outside what is termed 'The Avenue', owner Natasha Halliday is no doubt thinking of the next horse to treat and what lies ahead this spring and summer.