Profile of Stuart Payne and Chloe Emsley

Stuart together with his partner Chloe Emsley have just celebrated their first anniversary of their move to the stables at Littlewindsor from Woolminstone. They are situated in a large barn owned by Jason Barber brother of Jeremy Barber next door to the stables occupied by Chris Barber. It has taken them time to settle into their new premises where they have a total of 11 boxes to house their point to pointers but have transformed the buildings into a smart yard with access to the Seaborough all weather gallops within easy access.

Stuart and Chloe first met when working together for Anthony Honeyball at his Mosterton stable and have been together for 8 years and announced their engagement last Christmas. Chloe continues to ride for Ed Walker’s successful stable in Ottery St Mary and last season she was the leading lady rider in both the Devon and Cornwall area and Wessex area as well as being the leading rider at Larkhill. After completing her riding out for Ed, she returns to their yard and then rides out with Stuart in the afternoon. Stuart’s yard is sponsored for the new season by the equestrian brand Le Mieux whilst Chloe continues this coming season with her loyal sponsor Mike Ford Fencing of Chulmleigh.

During a recent visit to their yard accompanied by Tim Holt the opportunity was taken to talk to Stuart and Chloe about their horses and any plans they had for them over the forthcoming weeks: -

1. Megaconstellation. A 5-year-old Telescope gelding out of a Halling mare. Bought by Stuart in May 2022 at Goffs following one outing in an Irish point to point where he was pulled up at two out. Given time to strengthen and mature he did not see a racecourse last season although he did have a racecourse gallop at Chipley Park in 2023. He has grown after a good summer break and is ready to make his English debut this season. He will be running in the name of the Whisky Friday Partnership, a group of local friends.
2. Risk De Pluie. A 4-year-old No Risk at All gelding out of an Irish Wells mare. Bought this year at the May Goffs sale after two outings in Irish point to points. Prior to his first outing he had been hobdayed and then ran on soft surfaces completing the course on the second occasion. He is related to two winners one over Hurdles in Ireland and the other over Hurdles in France. He is likely to be seen over a shorter trip of two and a half miles at Badbury Rings in November and has been pleasing Stuart in his work at home.
3. A 4-year-old filly named Gossip Girl by Pethers Moon out of a Kayf Tara mare called Tara the Gossip. Purchased as a 3-year-old from Yorton and given time to develop. She is a full sister to Talk of the Moon already placed over Hurdles for Kim Bailey. She is likely to be aiming at the Bumper race at Larkhill in December for her debut. She is for sale.
4. Harbour Queen. A 7-year-old Mare by Valirann who won two races for Stuart last season and was placed in three others out of a total of six outings. She won a Mares Maiden at Buckfastleigh and followed up when partnered by Will Biddick in a Restricted at KIlworthy. She did not enjoy the very soft ground at Trebudannon on her penultimate outing and was then runner up in the Mares Maiden final at Woodford behind Grenadine Save. She is likely to start her campaign in a Restricted race in January carrying a 5 pounds penalty and ultimately may be aimed at the Exeter Intermediate Hunter Chase or the Cheltenham equivalent. The apple of Stuart and Chloe’s eyes who they describe as very enthusiastic and a proper stayer.
5. Moon Lady. A 5-year-old Mare by Pethers Moon out a Shirocco mare. Recently acquired privately out of Nicky Henderson’s stable from which she ran four times finishing third once in a Bumper. She is now leased to the Tigers Racing Club, and it is hoped that she will give the Club members some fun during the season. Described by Stuart as ‘a nice scopey mare’ she has shown him and Chloe plenty of ability at home.
6. Starsky. A 9-year-old gelding by Shantou who Stuart acquired at the penultimate Ascot sales in March this year from Barry Brennan’s yard. Previously trained by Paul Nicholls he then won a Maiden at Bishops Court when owned by Tom Malone and subsequently then won two Hurdle races for Dan Skelton before being sold to Barry Brennan. Still a Novice over fences, he made his debut for Stuart in a Ladies race at Cothelstone in May and ran well to finish third behind Not a Role Model and Back Bar. Chloe was pleased with the way he jumped and hopes that this bodes well for Conditions or Open races in the new season. Stuart indicates that he will not want extremes of going but if his jumping holds up, he might consider sending him Hunter Chasing.
7. Avoir de Soins. Another 9-year gelding by Flemensfirth owned by Richard and Shirl Smith. Previously the winner of a Chase for Anthony Honeyball he does not stay 3 miles so a campaign over shorter trips is being plotted. Placed on his final outing last season in the 2-mile Hunter Chase at Stratford and the return to Hunter Chasing is on the cards. However, his debut is likely to be in the Mens Open race over 2 and a half miles at Larkhill in November.
8. Rosie O’Tully. An unraced 6-year-old mare by Mountain High out of a Carroll House mare. Dam won a Chase and 2 point to points and was placed on numerous occasions during her career which spanned 46 races. It is hoped that she has passed on some of her toughness and determination to her daughter.
9. Monkstreet. A 7-year-old gelding by Lucarno out of a Beneficial mare. Placed in an Irish point to point and then placed in two Hurdles when trained by Gordon Elliott in 2021. He is likely to start off in a Maiden in January.

Harbour Queen with Stuart & Chloe