MARK Dobbin, a prominent racehorse owner who has horses in training with Johnny Murtagh, Joseph O’Brien and Ger Lyons, has been revealed as the new owner of a large section of Kevin Prendergast’s Friarstown Stables on the Curragh.

Last November, it was reported that the veteran trainer had sold three lots totalling 160 acres of Friarstown to undisclosed buyers for approximately €3.75 million. Prendergast retained 90 acres.

Now Dobbin, who owns a construction company in New York, has lodged plans with Kildare County Council which say he and his wife Sonja own 110 acres of Friarstown and they want to invest a further €7 million to turn it into a stud farm.

The redevelopment is to include two new equine barns that will provide for 24 stable units in each, staff accommodation and a farm manager’s house along with other elements.

The plan states: “In summary, Mark Dobbin will have invested a total of up to €10 million in the stud farm, its development and related equine operations by the time the stud is completed.”

The plan states that “Additional investment is likely to follow if the stud achieves its near-term objectives.”

The business plan states that Dobbin’s company, the Highline Group, deals in New York’s luxury residential market and records average annual revenues of $100 million, employing over 200 people.

It states that Dobbin, a native of Co Down, “is a passionate racehorse owner and breeder” and that Friarstown Stables “is a natural fit for his future plans in Irish racing”.

The document states that the Dobbins “currently have horses stabled in Yorkshire, Kentucky, Kildare and Tipperary and their aim under this application is to consolidate their business in one operation at Friarstown Stables, Co Kildare”.

The business plan states that “the primary source of income for the business will be through the breeding, raising and sale of high quality bloodstock on behalf of its clients”.

It says that Dobbin has enlisted David Spratt’s Gaelic Bloodstock to assist in identifying and sourcing top quality fillies that will hopefully become elite broodmares in time.

Gaelic Bloodstock has purchased mares for Dobbin since 2010 including the Irish Oaks third Cairde Go Deo. Dobbin has also enjoyed stakes race success with Ladies Church and American Sonja.

The business plan states that since 2010, Dobbin has been a successful racehorse owner and in recent years his string of horses in training has increased to 20.

A decision is due on the planning application next month.