Death of pioneering Professor Twink Allen aged 80
New Zealand-born expert in equine reproduction was well known in Newmarket
Professor William 'Twink' Allen, the leader in his field of equine fertility, has died aged 80 after a short illness.
Born in New Zealand, Allen had been a well-known figure in Newmarket for many years and is the father of Catherine Dettori, wife of jockey Frankie.
A graduate of veterinary medicine from the University of Sydney, he was a director of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Equine Fertility Unit, a professor at the University of Cambridge and held numerous other research positions. He was awarded a CBE in 2002.
He was particularly known for his work in assisted reproductive technologies, carrying out pioneering methods of embryo recovery and transfer in mares and studies of hormones and ultrasonography.
Allen also regularly advised breeders, once suggesting to Watership Down Stud's Simon Marsh that he should have the fallopian tubes of broodmare Darara flushed out after she had been barren for four years. She went on to produce the outstanding pair Dar Re Mi and Rewilding.
He also had plenty of original thoughts about the sport. After the news of his appointment as the Jim Joel Chair of Equine Reproduction at Cambridge in 1995, he was interviewed by Libby Purves on BBC Radio 4.
"I have a personal theory that if I had lots of money and could breed my own racehorses, I would train them as youngsters by making them run from their yard or stall that they are in at night, together, down a mile or a mile-and-a-half alleyway to get to the green paddock to feed," he said.
"I would like to see an experiment, pen them all up, get them excited and say go, and then watch who wins, pick that one out and train it."
More to read:
Barry Mahon to step into Teddy Grimthorpe's shoes
Few regrets from the man who might have bred Denman
'They know how to win' - high-flying Ardad the first freshman to hit ten winners
Barnstorming Baron Samedi: from 3,500gns foal to $400,000 Belmont Gold Cup hero
'It's life changing' - huge pinhooking profit as Dark Angel colt brings £410,000
Published on inNews
Last updated
- 'A global sire sensation' - Lope De Vega tops Ballylinch Stud's 2025 roster at career-high €175,000
- 'The benefits are felt in the pocket' - TBA praises Shade Oak as model for carbon calculations
- Rathasker Stud announces 2025 roster headed by Bungle Inthejungle
- 'We believe he will make notable appeal' - high-class Go Bears Go to stand at Springfield House Stud
- Dullingham Park Stud fees unveiled for 2025 with Shaquille's first foals eagerly awaited
- 'A global sire sensation' - Lope De Vega tops Ballylinch Stud's 2025 roster at career-high €175,000
- 'The benefits are felt in the pocket' - TBA praises Shade Oak as model for carbon calculations
- Rathasker Stud announces 2025 roster headed by Bungle Inthejungle
- 'We believe he will make notable appeal' - high-class Go Bears Go to stand at Springfield House Stud
- Dullingham Park Stud fees unveiled for 2025 with Shaquille's first foals eagerly awaited