Len Cundell

Leonard Ambrose Cundell (1879 – 15 December 1939), commonly known as Len Cundell, was an English racehorse trainer. Based for much of his career at Chilton, then in Berkshire, he was particularly associated with the racehorse Noble Star, winner of the Ascot Stakes, Goodwood Stakes, Cesarewitch and Jockey Club Cup in 1931.

Early life and military service Cundell was born in 1879 at Liddington, Wiltshire. He was the second son of farmer and butcher Matthew Henry Cundell and his wife Emma Willis, and grew up at Coley Park Farm near Reading in Berkshire.

Before his racing career Cundell served in the Berkshire Imperial Yeomanry, reaching the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Imperial Yeomanry Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in August 1907. During the First World War he served as a lieutenant in the Army Remount Service, including service in Egypt. The Remount Service was responsible for obtaining and caring for horses and mules for military use.

Racehorse training career Cundell established himself as a racehorse trainer at Chilton. By the early 1920s he was training from Lime Tree House in the village, before moving his horses to the Bungalow Stables in late 1923.

Aerial view of the Bungalow Stables at Chilton, shortly before the site was acquired for the construction of RAF Harwell. Thorningdown Road runs alongside the site.

The Bungalow Stables had been established in 1905 and were reportedly named after the bungalow on the site, said to have been the first building of its type in Chilton. The establishment included a large bungalow, about 30 loose boxes and other buildings, together with training gallops on the surrounding chalk downs.

In 1931 Noble Star won the Ascot Stakes over two miles, ridden by Freddie Fox. He subsequently won the British Goodwood Stakes at Goodwood Racecourse, a long-distance handicap over approximately two miles and three furlongs.

Cundell died suddenly at Blewburton Hall on 15 December 1939, aged 59.

Members of the wider Cundell family also continued in racehorse training. Frank Cundell began his career in Cundell's stable and later took over the Blewburton establishment. The family's racing history continued for several generations.