IT’S good to be back.
Following a virtual event in 2021 and a Trail limited to the breeding industry in 2022, we are delighted that the ITM Irish Stallion Trail can return in its full format next weekend.
Now well established as an annual fixture in the bloodstock calendar, the Trail will again serve to draw the spotlight onto Ireland’s exceptional stallion farms and offer breeders and other interested parties the chance to view a wide array of Ireland’s world-beating stallions.
Thoroughbred sales in Ireland enjoyed an excellent year in 2022 with turnover of over €215 million as buyers from across the globe invested in quality Irish stock at all levels of the market.
This success is directly linked to the first-class stallions we have standing here in Ireland under both codes.
From proven producers to rising stars and exciting new additions, breeders from anywhere in the world can find an Irish stallion to suit any mare or budget. Many of these stallions will be available to view during the ITM Irish Stallion Trail.
Horses sired and bred in Ireland once again proved themselves amongst the global elite in 2022.
More than 80 Group/Grade 1 races were won by horses carrying the IRE suffix and shone on the world’s most competitive occasions.
Irish-breds captured the 1000 and 2000 Guineas from Newmarket, the Oaks at Epsom, multiple Royal Ascot races, Irish Champion Stakes, Prix de l’Abbaye, German Derby, Sydney Cup, Dubai Turf, multiple Breeders’ Cup races, multiple contests at the Hong Kong International Races, the Grand National, and a host of Cheltenham Festival races.
Record number
This year there are a record 35 farms participating in the Trail, demonstrating the strength in depth of Ireland’s formidable stallion roster.
From some of the sport’s most significant global operations to smaller family-run studs, Irish farms consistently produce the goods and are an invaluable part of Ireland’s rural economy.
ITM is very grateful to all farms for opening their doors for the Trail. The hard work of so many passionate and knowledgeable people on Irish farms is the bedrock of the Irish thoroughbred’s worldwide success.
The ITM Irish Stallion Trail is a completely free event. Visitors are simply asked to register which studs they intend to visit for information purposes via the ITM website.
Registrations allow studs to get an idea of the numbers they can expect. Visitors are then free to visit their chosen studs at the time of their choosing within the studs’ advertised opening hours.
Web: itm.ie/stalliontrail
Email: stalliontrail@itm.ie