Stallion Trail aiming to attract big crowds

The annual ITM Irish Stallion Trail takes place this Friday and Saturday with a number of the country's top studs opening their doors to the public.

Studs participating in the Trail in 2020 include Ballylinch, Boardsmill, Castlehyde, Coolmore, Derrinstown, Gilltown, Irish National Stud, Kildangan, Rathasker, Rathbarry & Glenview Studs, Yeomanstown, and many more.

Some of the world’s greatest stallions, both Flat and National Hunt, will be on display, including multiple champion Flat sire Galileo, leading National Hunt sire Kalanisi, multiple Group 1 sire Dark Angel, and four-time Ascot Gold Cup hero Yeats.

There will also be an exciting group of new stallions to be viewed, including Royal Ascot hero Blue Point, Classic winner Phoenix Of Spain, and the globe-trotting Joshua Tree.

Alex Cairns of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing is urging people to make use of a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes at some of the country's biggest breeding operations:-

“Over 25 stallion farms around Ireland will be opening their doors to breeders and the public so they can have a look behind the scenes in a wonderful industry that contributes so much to Ireland, be it economically, socially or culturally.

“They can see some of the champions we have here in Ireland. All people have to do to get involved is register at www.itm.ie.

“You can find a full list of the stallion farms that are opening their doors on the website.

“Due to the high demand for Coolmore Stud people are asked to register through the website and to choose a time to visit the stud.

“Registrations have actually closed for Saturday 11th due to high demand, which is great, but registrations remains open for Friday 10th.

“There are also a huge number of other studs spread around the country, from County Cork to County Down that people can visit.

“They can see some of the champions of the Flat and the National Hunt who contribute so much to the sport by producing the winners and champions of tomorrow.”