The 10th annual Gerald Leigh Lectures were held on the 3rd June 2026 at the Sales Paddocks, Newmarket by kind permission of Tattersalls
Now firmly established as a respected educational event, BCET collaborated with the Thoroughbred Breeders Association to bring this year’s topic of “Breeding for Success: Tackling Reproductive Loss in the Thoroughbred Industry” which featured distinguished lecturers from both the UK and America.
It reflected the success Gerald Leigh has as a prominent owner breeder of racehorses, based at Eydon Hall Farm in Northamptonshire. He established himself as a leading international breeder by developing strong families with a small but select broodmare band. His breeding programme produced champions including Barathea, Act One, Bosra Sham and Gossamer.
On the racecourse, he achieved international success with Classic and Group 1 wins in England, Ireland, France, America, Canada and Australia. Amongst these victories, Markofdistinction delivered a first Group 1 success for jockey Frankie Dettori in the 1990 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. His homebred Barathea, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Mile in a course record, was named “European Horse of the Year” at the 1994 Cartier Awards. Among his commercial successes in the sales ring, his broodmare Korveya was sold for a world-record $7 million in 1998.
Nick Wingfield Digby gave a fitting tribute to Gerald and we were delighted to raise a toast in his honour during our lunch, led by Sarah Whitney.
The BCET are incredibly grateful for the continued support from his Charitable Trust.
Refreshments and a delicious lunch were provided by Crown Caterers.
The Genetic Cost of Speed: The Impact of Inbreeding Coefficients on Fertility
Dr Jessica Lawson
Royal Veterinary College
SPARKS: It's not black and white but taking a leaf out of the Panda's book could help Thoroughbred breeders.
Dr Andy Dell
Early Pregnancy Loss in the Mare: Current Understanding and Emerging Discoveries
Dr Mandi de Mestre
Cornell University
Endometrial Insights: Diagnostics, Fertility Outcomes and Responsible Antimicrobial Use in Reproductive Practice. Panel Discussion
Drs Rebecca Mouncey, Camilla Scott, Mandi de Mestre, Karen Wolfsdorf
Placental Dysfunction: The role of biomarkers in diagnosis and predictions / Stud Stats: The Future of Stallion fertility in Your Pocket
Dr Sarah Moore
Rossdale & Partners
Pregnancy Failure: Insights and Advances from across the pond
Dr Karen Wolfsdorf
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
A fatal twist: Umbilical cord torsion and pregnancy loss in the mare
Dr Jessica Lawson
Royal Veterinary College
Therapeutic Interventions in High-Risk Mares; What does the evidence say?
Dr Karen Wolfsdorf
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute