Newmarket's racing and breeding community is mourning the loss of successful breeder David Shekells, who died on Jan. 12.
With his wife Carol, Shekells, 74, had owned Old Mill Stud in Chippenham, on the outskirts of Newmarket, since 1981. In partnership with Carol's son, the Newmarket trainer Stuart Williams, they were responsible for breeding the Royal Applause (GB) full-brothers Mister Cosmi (GB), winner of the G2 Richmond S., and Auditorium, who won the Listed Two-Year-Old Trophy at Ripon and was runner-up in the G2 Champagne S. for Cheveley Park Stud.
Old Mill Stud also co-bred the Lincoln winner Ocean Tempest (GB) (Act One {GB}) and raised another winner of the competitive Flat season curtain-raiser, Sweet Lightning (GB) (Fantastic Light), at the farm. Another celebrated Old Mill Stud-bred performer was Cruzspiel (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), winner of the Queen Alexandra S. at Royal Ascot as well as the Listed Ballycullen S. and later a successful hurdler.
Paying tribute to his stepfather, who worked for Cheveley Park Stud before setting up on his own, Stuart Williams said, “David very much loved what he did and had no interest in retiring. He had so much experience foaling mares that if [vets] Rossdales ever had a problem they would ring David and ask what to do. At this time of the year he never left the farm.”
The funeral will take place at 12.45pm on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at West Suffolk Crematorium, Risby, Bury St Edmunds (IP28 6RR) with a reception afterwards at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket. Family flowers only with any kind donations to the charity Brook, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys.
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