Highclere

Highclere is at the upper end of syndicate ownership, a point that is made at its annual yearling parade in some subtle, and not so subtle, ways.

Highclere parade matches well-heeled optimists with £2m in horseflesh Greg Wood 2010

To understand why, a century ago, most modern architects were fanatically united in their opposition to ornament, look to buildings such as Highclere and to the excesses of Victorian Gothic and related revival styles of the time.

A Victorian fantasy, in stone Philip Kennicott 2011

Harbinger, who won the King George at Ascot in July, contributed the lion's share of the money but Highclere also had three winners at Royal Ascot and has had 41 winners at a strike rate of 27%.

Highclere parade matches well-heeled optimists with £2m in horseflesh Greg Wood 2010

Prospective members park their cars in front of Highclere Castle itself, currently the architectural star of ITV's Downton Abbey, on a lawn where a Lexus is the entry-level vehicle.

Highclere parade matches well-heeled optimists with £2m in horseflesh Greg Wood 2010

The cheapest shares in a Highclere Syndicate for 2011 cost £6,950 plus VAT to own a twentieth of an Invincible Spirit yearling with Jeremy Noseda.

Highclere parade matches well-heeled optimists with £2m in horseflesh Greg Wood 2010

Fortune has smiled kindly on the horses of the Highclere syndicates this year and it did so again as they paraded their next generation in this impossibly lush corner of Berkshire yesterday.

Highclere parade matches well-heeled optimists with £2m in horseflesh Greg Wood 2010

I said to Dave God knows this is not about me because I can't bear pigs or Scunthorpe, and everyone knows Highclere is actually lol hideous, as for the bathrooms let's not go there, but can't we do something to help these people?

Mrs Cameron's diary As seen by Catherine Bennett 2010

For that kind of money people expect results and, this year in particular, Highclere has delivered.

Highclere parade matches well-heeled optimists with £2m in horseflesh Greg Wood 2010

Lady Gorgeous won the Highclere Fillies Stakes for trainer Mick Channon and bookmakers quoted her at odds varying from 25-1 to 50-1 for the 1,000 Guineas.

William Haggas on mission to prove Dancing Rain is no one-hit wonder 2011

A large sign by the paddock yesterday showed the current standings in the British owners 'prize money league, with Highclere fourth, behind Prince Khalid Abdullah, Godolphin and Sheikh Hamdan, son of Sheikh Mohammed.

Highclere parade matches well-heeled optimists with £2m in horseflesh Greg Wood 2010