Downton actor buys into racing syndicate

The actor has joined the likes of Elizabeth Hurley, Lawrence Dallaglio, Denise Lewis, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ben Fogle and become part owner of two racehorses, after buying into a Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate. West-Woodhay based HTR specialises in putting groups of people together to have a part share in one or more racehorses.
“I am thrilled to become an owner with Highclere. I thought it was about time I became properly educated in the Sport of Kings. It’s a terrific opportunity and to be able to attend the races as an owner really is very exciting. I can’t wait,” said Bonneville.
HTR was started in 1992 by its managing director Harry Herbert, brother of Lord Carnarvon, whose family home Highclere Castle is the film location for Downton Abbey.
Harry Herbert said: “It is great to have Hugh on board as one of our owners at Highclere and we wish him all possible luck with these two lovely yearlings. Both have fabulous pedigrees and have once again been bought by my brother-in-law, John Warren, whose record is second to none.”
Mr Warren, who is a director of HTR and is also bloodstock advisor to the Queen, said that Hugh Bonneville had become part of the Petrushka Syndicate, which owns two yearlings, a filly by Fastnet Rock, out of Labisa trained by Richard Hannon in Wiltshire and a colt by Danehill Dancer, out of Riberac trained by Sir Michael Stoute in Newmarket.
HTR has produced seven champions in the last 20 years, including the 2010 world champion Harbinger, whose wins included the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
The business also currently owns one of the leading contenders for next year’s Investec Derby, Telescope, part-owned by Manchester United football club manager Sir Alex Ferguson.