Subjectivist to stand at Chapel Stud

Chapel Stud is delighted to announce that dual Group 1-winning stayer Subjectivist will be joining its stallion roster for the 2026 breeding season, in a deal brokered by Richard Venn Bloodstock.

A son of Teofilo, Subjectivist established himself as one of the finest stayers of his generation, with career highlights including victory in the Gr.1 Ascot Gold Cup (2021), the Gr.1 Prix Royal Oak (2020), and the Gr.2 Dubai Gold Cup (2021). A dominant front-runner with a powerful turn of foot, he was widely recognised as a horse without equal over two miles and beyond.

Trainer Mark Johnston reflected: “I always say that, when placing horses, the opposition trumps all other factors. But, very rarely, you come across a horse where the opposition isn’t a factor at all. Subjectivist was such a horse. In 2021, I truly believed that there wasn’t a horse in the world that could beat him at two miles or more, in any ground.

“I have heard great reports from many breeders about his first crop foals and I am truly delighted with the one I have here at home myself. I will be continuing to support him with my own mares, as will his owners, and I am determined to get his progeny started early as I am convinced that he has the pedigree, conformation and form to be a successful sire on the flat as well as over jumps.”

Moving from Alne Park who are ceasing the stallion side of their operation, Dan Skelton said: “We will be sorry to see him go, he is a lovely horse with a great temperament.  We have had some cracking foals by him and will continue to use him.  We would like to wish Chapel Stud all the best for the future."

Commenting on his arrival at Chapel Stud, owner and manager Roisin Close said: “I am delighted to be able to stand Subjectivist on behalf of his owners. To add another Group 1 winner of his calibre to our roster is tremendously exciting for Chapel Stud, and for British breeders. He was a truly exceptional racehorse – tough, talented, and consistent – and he has all the attributes to make a top-class stallion.

Our thanks go to Richard Venn, who brokered the deal to stand Subjectivist at Chapel Stud. Richard has a hand in sourcing stallions for many studs across the UK, Ireland and France, and we’re fortunate to benefit from his expertise and eye for the right horses. Always with something exciting up his sleeve, his input is invaluable to studs and breeders alike."

Subjectivist joins Bangkok, Eldar Eldarov, Hellvelyn and Planteur on the Chapel Stud roster, giving the farm an enviable line-up of Group winners. This growing band of proven performers highlights Chapel’s commitment to standing stallions of international quality while keeping them accessible to British breeders.

Alongside celebrating Subjectivist’s arrival, Chapel Stud recognises the difficult climate that many breeders face, Roisin Close added:  “These are difficult times for UK breeders. Like many of you, I face rising costs while the market return stands still. Too many breeders are selling at a loss, cutting back on coverings, or walking away altogether. That threatens not only individual businesses but the future of British breeding.

“The same applies to UK stallion farms. Each time we lose a stallion overseas, or a stallion farm closes, the whole industry loses choice and opportunity. Supporting your local stallions is about more than this season’s results — it’s about safeguarding diversity and ensuring a strong future for British breeding. We need to support each other; by working together, breeders and stallion farms alike can protect what makes our industry world-class.”