Discover the Captivating Journey of Robert Sangster and Unveil the Rise and Fall of the Sport of Kings

Horse racing has always captured the imagination of people around the world with its elegance, adrenaline-pumping action, and the thrill of watching majestic thoroughbreds competing at the highest level. One name that echoes through the annals of this prestigious sport is Robert Sangster.

In this article, we delve into the life of Robert Sangster, an influential figure who revolutionized the horse racing industry and led it to unprecedented heights. Join us as we witness the rise and fall of the "Sport of Kings" through his captivating journey.

Horse Trader: Robert Sangster and the Rise and Fall of the Sport of Kings

by Brian Hughes (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	752 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages

FREE

The Early Years

Robert Emil Sangster, known simply as Robert Sangster, was born on May 20, 1936, in Paddington, London. His passion for horse racing stemmed from his family's involvement in the sport. His father, Vernon Sangster, owned a successful stud farm, Swettenham Stud, which laid the foundation for Robert's future endeavors.

Robert Sangster initially pursued a career in law but soon realized that his true calling lay in the world of horse racing. In the late 1960s, he started making his mark by purchasing yearlings, young horses aged between one and two years, at auctions. His knack for identifying talented horses soon became evident as his investments started yielding consistent returns.

The Bold Vision

Robert Sangster's impact on the sport of horse racing truly blossomed in the 1970s. Along with his associates, including trainer Vincent O'Brien and bloodstock agent Timmy Hyde, Sangster developed a vision that would reshape the industry.

They believed in creating a syndicate system wherein investors could pool their resources to purchase top-quality horses, ensuring a more competitive field and increased excitement for racing enthusiasts. This vision gave rise to the idea of "bloodstock empires," which revolutionized the way horses were bought and raced.

The Birth of Coolmore Stud

In 1975, Robert Sangster, along with his brother John and business partner Timmy Hyde, purchased the historic Coolmore Stud in County Tipperary, Ireland. This acquisition paved the way for the establishment of one of the most influential and successful stud farms in the world.

Coolmore Stud became synonymous with breeding and developing world-class racehorses. It produced legendary stallions like Sadler's Wells and Danehill, who sired numerous champions and left an indelible mark on the sport. The impact of Coolmore Stud is still felt today through its continued success and legacy.

The Bloodstock Revolution

Robert Sangster's bloodstock empire expanded rapidly throughout the 1980s. He invested in young prospects, particularly yearlings, and owned a significant number of shares in these horses. Sangster's horses were trained by renowned trainers such as Vincent O'Brien, Barry Hills, and Henry Cecil.

Sangster's unrelenting ambition and distinctive eye for racing talent paid off handsomely. His Thoroughbreds dominated prestigious races worldwide, including the Epsom Derby, the Breeders' Cup, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Sangster's horses achieved unprecedented success, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer and visionary in the industry.

A Global Influence

Robert Sangster's influence extended far beyond the racing circuits. He played a pivotal role in the global thoroughbred market, often bidding record amounts for horses at auctions. His vision and financial prowess elevated the value and demand for elite racehorses.

Sangster's impact on horse racing resonated worldwide, particularly in Australia, America, and Europe. His endeavors in breeding and racing demonstrated how risk-taking and careful investments could generate both financial and sporting success, opening doors for future generations in the industry.

The Fall from Grace

Despite the unprecedented heights Robert Sangster reached within the horse racing industry, his empire eventually faced difficulties in the late 1980s. Economic downturns, exorbitant auction prices, and increasing competition took a toll on Sangster's finances.

In 1992, Sangster sold Coolmore Stud to John Magnier and two other investors due to financial pressures. Although this marked the end of Sangster's direct involvement in the stud, he continued to play a significant role behind the scenes as his legacy lived on.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Robert Sangster passed away on April 7, 2004, leaving behind a powerful legacy and an indomitable spirit that revolutionized the sport of horse racing. Although his empire faced its share of challenges, his innovative ideas and bold approach forever changed the way thoroughbred racing operated.

The concept of syndicates and bloodstock empires introduced by Sangster continues to shape the industry to this day. His influence can be seen in the strategies adopted by leading owners and breeders worldwide. The rise and fall of Robert Sangster symbolize the ever-evolving nature of the "Sport of Kings."

Robert Sangster's journey transcended the boundaries of horse racing, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts and professionals alike. His visionary approach, daring investments, and relentless pursuit of greatness left an indelible mark on the industry.

As we reflect upon the rise and fall of the "Sport of Kings," we pay homage to this legendary figure who reshaped the landscape of horse racing forever. Robert Sangster's legacy lives on, reminding us that passion and determination can propel us to unimaginable heights.

Let us celebrate the spirit of Robert Sangster, an icon who took the world of horse racing by storm, leaving an everlasting impact for generations to come.

Horse Trader: Robert Sangster and the Rise and Fall of the Sport of Kings

by Brian Hughes (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	752 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages

FREE

During the boom years of the 1980s, the massed oil wealth of the princes of Dubai and Saudi Arabia were pitted against British millionaire Robert Sangster in a battle for control of one of the world’s rarest, most precious and most unpredictable commodities: top-pedigree thoroughbread racehorses.

From the Jockey Club to Kentucky, from Royal Ascot to Belmont Park, high society and new money celebrated a horsebreeders’ bonanza as hundreds of millions of dollars were waged in the ultimate racing gamble. Horsetrader is the thrilling, compulsive story of the rise and spectacular crash of the Sport of Kings.

Robert Sangster was the man responsible for the boom. together with Irishmen Vincent O’Brien, the world’s finest trainer, and stallion master John Magnier, Sangster undertook the revolutionary policy of buying ‘baby’ stallions – the world’s most expensive yearlings. And the man who could win at this game, they decided, was the man who bought them all. they sent prices through the roof in bidding wars fought with breathtaking daring. Top stallions became worth three times their weight in gold – the breeding rights to them became a licence to print money.

This book traces the gripping story of how Sangster and his little band of Irish horsemen ransacked the world’s most prestigious bloodstock auction, the Keeneland Sales in Kentucky. It witnesses too the terrible crash – the bankruptcies and the ruined thoroughbred farms. Written with the full co-operation of Sangster himself, Horsetrader is the inside track on an awesome bid to corner the thoroughbred market.