Who is this year’s High Sheriff?
Hon. Frances Stanley DL is serving as High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire for 2025-2026.
Frances is a dedicated advocate for heritage, horseracing, and philanthropy, committed to preserving and promoting horseracing and Newmarket’s rich cultural legacy. She plays a leading role in championing the town as the Home of Horseracing, ensuring its traditions and institutions remain
at the heart of both the racing world and the wider community.
Many people assume that all of Newmarket’s equestrian institutions are in Suffolk, but several key centres are actually in Cambridgeshire. These include the British Racing School (BRS), which plays a vital role in training the next generation of jockeys and racing professionals, and The National Stud, the UK’s only commercial stud farm open to the public. Also in Cambridgeshire is the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) Peter O’Sullevan House, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation and support centre for injured jockeys. Additionally, parts of the Jockey Club Estates’ extensive training grounds extend into Cambridgeshire, ensuring that the county remains a crucial part of British racing.
Frances and her husband, Peter, live at New England Stud, where they breed thoroughbred horses and have raised their three children. With two now married, they welcomed their first grandson in January 2025. Peter played a pivotal role in the breeding success of Ouija Board, a multiple Group 1
winning mare, and her son Australia, a Derby winning stallion.
Frances was also appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire in 2019 and she has been Chairman of Trustees for the National Horseracing Museum since 2022, where she has overseen significant developments in both the museum’s reach and engagement. She also served as a Governor at Heathfield School and is an Ambassador for Cambridge Children’s Hospital, reflecting her deep commitment to education and
healthcare.
A lifelong equestrian, Frances has always immersed herself in the traditions of British horseracing, even taking part in the historic Newmarket Town Plate in 2016 – the longest and oldest flat race, ridden in and won by King Charles II in 1671.
Beyond racing, Frances is passionate about strengthening Newmarket’s voice in regional development, particularly in transport infrastructure. She has actively campaigned for the
advancement of East West Rail’s eastern section, including the redoubling and electrification of the Cambridge to Newmarket train line, to ensure better connectivity and opportunities for the town.
Her commitment to public service extends to philanthropy and fundraising. As Chairman of Presents Galore, she leads East Anglia’s largest Christmas Fair, held at Newmarket Racecourse, which raises approximately £90,000 annually for charity. She has also spearheaded numerous fundraising efforts for organisations including: East Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH), Breast Cancer Haven Trust, NHS Blood Bank, Countryside Alliance and Racing Welfare’s Charity Race Day.
She looks forward to supporting the judiciary, police, and wider community, ensuring that our county continues to thrive and uphold the principles of justice and service.
(Photo credit: Matthew Power Photography)
