Bloodstock: Behind-the-scenes at Darley's Kildangan Stud The prestigious gates of Kildangan Stud are usually not crossed by breeders outside of the season but yesterday members of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) were treated to a Farm Walk. On the walk, we were treated to an in depth tour, a behind the scenes exclusive of one of Ireland's most influential breeding and racing operations. About Kildangan Stud Kildangan Stud is home to the Irish-based Darley stallions. It is also used as a breaking and training centre for the majority of Godolphin yearlings in Ireland, and some 20 yearlings are also raised at Kildangan. The farm extends to almost 1,500 acres with accommodation for more than 400 horses and there is a team of 250 employees. Whitefield Yard is the purpose-built foaling unit. The Tour The Farm Walk was hosted by CEO Jimmy Hyland who has been employed by the Maktoum family for nearly forty years. We started the morning with a stallion parade. A number of the stallions were preparing to quarantine before shuttling. Jimmy spoke about each stallion as if they were his own, his pride and joy. Genuinely proud of their achievement on the track and since being in the covering shed. We saw Ghaiyyath, Native Trail and Shadow of Light. With 1,500 acres and accommodation for around 400 horses, paddock maintenance is paramount. As a business they have been working hard to reduce chemical usage and be as energy efficient as possible. A short walk round to one of the paddocks, there were three tractors lined up. We were given a demonstration of each of their attachments from irrigators and seeders to paddock hoovers. Jimmy also explained how they use cattle and sheep on rotation to help manage the grass. Another short stroll down the road and we were at the foaling unit, Whitefield Yard. An absolutely stunning facility that is entirely set up to ensure the comfort of the mare and her new born. We were shown a couple of mares and their foals, including Rosaline with her Lope de Vega filly. Rosaline is the dam of their new stallion Rosallion and his full brother will hopefully run next year. After being talked through feeding, footwork and routine, we were given plenty of opportunity to bombard Jimmy and his colleagues with questions. Next, we're on a bus! We hopped on a bus and drove around the Stud which was beautiful. Heading to the top of the farm where the composting facility is. Jimmy and his colleague spoke passionately about the sustainability of the stud farm. The composting system is something that really has to be seen to be believed, it is a very impressive process. The Godolphin/Darley team are harvesting rainwater, they have extensive rewilding projects and even have their own beehives. Back on the bus, we drove across the farm, out the main gates and over to the maintenance facility. Any machinery maintenance is carried out over here and this is where all of their solar panels are currently. I've never seen cleaner, tidier and more organised workshops. Nearly at the end of the tour, we were taken into the main yard and given a fascinating history lesson. Then we wandered across to the Cape Cross centre, to the museum, the achievements of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed are truly remarkable. Finally, we were treated to a beautiful lunch spread. Fancy a look behind the scenes? I have been privileged to go to Kildangan Stud many times in the past but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to hear Jimmy and his colleagues speak about their roles. They all spoke with such passion, loyalty and genuine love for what they do. Now the tours are available to the general public, I would encourage anyone with an interest in racing, the countryside or history to engage in one of them over the summer.
