Lady James Douglas Buy a print >>	View

Breeder (B),  Owner (O)

Also Known As:  Martha Hennessy

Associated Places:  Harwood, Newbury

Description:

Born Martha Hennessy in France, Lady James Douglas was twice widowed by the time she founded the Harwood Stud near Newbury. She lived in a house overlooking the stables and was often pleased for the mares and foals to be led to her front door for inspection. She was unfazed if a youngster cavorted across her immaculate flower beds. "Let him go. I pay gardeners to keep the place tidy", she would remark.

Lady James was the first woman to win a Derby in her own colours, with the war-time Triple Crown winner Gainsborough in 1918. Both Gainsborough and Bayuda were trained by Alec Taylor. Lady James also bred Rose of England who won the Oaks for 1st Baron Glanely, and Herodote, the successful sire.