PLANTATION STUD

History of the Stud

Plantation Stud was formed by John, 9th Lord Howard de Walden and Seaford, following the purchase of the land from the Earl of Derby in 1958.  At the time of his death in July 1999, Lord Howard had bred and raced the winners of over six hundred races, including numerous high-class racehorses and stallions.

In July 2005 the stud, together with the majority of the bloodstock, was purchased by Dermot and Perle O'Rourke.

Silver Springs Stud, located 6 miles northwest of Paris, KY consists of 205 acres of prime farmland in the Historic Coopers Run Agricultural District.

Silver Springs named for its natural limestone spring was purchased in 1983 by the late John Costelloe and his wife, Maire, of Co Kildare, Ireland. Beginning in 1985, under the care and management of Randy Roberts, the farm was developed into a stud farm. Prior to 1983 this acreage had produced crops and cattle.

In 2007 Silver Springs was purchased by Dermot and Perle O'Rourke, owners of Plantation Stud, Newmarket.

At Silver Springs, Willow Oak trees line the drive to paddocks surrounded by Burning Bush. The lush pastures at Silver Springs support the mares, yearlings and foals all year round as well as a draft of cattle for the grazing season.

There are currently 28 box stalls in three barns with access to small paddocks and larger fields. Water is supplied to water tanks in each field from the limestone spring.

The recent purchase of 45 acres adjoining Silver Springs will allow additional paddocks to be added for quarantine purposes as well as additional separation of colts from the broodmares and foals.