Frances with husband Russell Hall, Jock and Promise at Burghley
Frances Stead is an interesting woman. Born in England, she graduated from Oxford University’s Somerville College, represented Britain in Modern Pentathlon, was the highly successful Managing Director of L'Oréal New Zealand for 19 years and now lives in a 13th century chateau in south-west France. Despite all of these impressive credentials however, Frances is currently best known as the owner of this year’s Badminton and Burghley winner – Clifton Promise
Promise, ridden by Jock Paget, is not the only horse in France’s stable; his stable mate Clifton Lush won the British Open Championship at Gatcombe and was in the running for the Burghley title too until being withdrawn before show jumping due to a knock on cross country. Clifton Pinot, ridden by Australia’s Kevin McNab, is also a top eventing horse that has just finished 14th in his first four star start at Burghley
We spoke to Frances straight after Clifton Promise’s win at Burghley about the recent success, her long term involvement in the sport and her eye for spotting future talent – in both horses and riders
Interview with Frances Stead
