OUR stud was started by my grandfather Tom O’Neill in 1936. King of Diamonds was born here in 1962, Imperius was purchased from racehorse trainer Con Collins on the Curragh and Highland Flight was bought privately in England.

That was the only time grandad left Ireland and his good friend Johnny Hughes went with him when Highland Flight was bought. John Hughes, his son, bred Special Envoy (King Of Diamonds) and Vivaldi (Imperius), both world-famous horses for the Pessoa family.

Roll on to what I can remember; Loftus [O’Neill] bought a thoroughbred mare Tranquilla (Hul A Hul) from John Hutchinson. She was covered by Imperius and Master Imp arrived the following year in 1987.

We also bred Kings Servant (King Of Diamonds x Highland Flight), Highland King (Highland Flight x King Of Diamonds) and his half-brother Kings Master (Master Imp x King Of Diamonds).

I bought on an old mare by Prefairy, named Marand and after a bit of work, Golden Master (Master Imp) was born. When Master Imp passed away 11 years ago, I was on the lookout then for a replacement thoroughbred stallion.

With the help of Eoin Banville of Artic Tack Stud and our vet Justin Browne they helped me to find Pointilliste (Giant’s Causeway). We also purchased Masters Choice (Kings Master x Grand Plaisir) from his breeder Dan Cleere to replace Kings Master.

1. What has been your proudest moment as a breeder?

Sure when you sell a young horse and see his or her name in the results, let it be the Olympics, Badminton or national events, you are happy. We have had many proud moments down through the years.

2. Best advice you ever got?

My family and friends insist I am not good at taking advice!

3. Tell us about this year’s foal crop?

I only have eight foals this year, (usually it’s between eight and 12), five fillies and three colts, my favourite being a colt by Masters Choice out of a Pointilliste mare. We will see what happens but the plan is to keep them on.

4. And for 2021, has Covid had an impact on breeding plans?

We have more of our own mares in foal for 2021 and all stallion owners appear to be busy this year. We may wait and see what next year brings.

5. Which are your favourite stallion/mare lines?

All our stallions have been favourites, they’ve all been good servants to us and a part of our family. We also had mares that were good to us.

I suppose there were a few that ended up uneconomical and I could do with being tougher but with old Irish pedigrees, once they are gone, they are irreplaceable.

6. What do you think are the greatest challenges facing Irish horse breeders?

X-rays for young horses and buyers looking for the perfect horse at vetting. We also want to help our farmer-breeders, they have been the backbone of Irish breeding for generations. We don’t want to end up with a “chosen few” dominating Irish breeding. The right producer and rider is another challenge. You can breed the best horse in theory but if he doesn’t fall into the right hands as a youngster there is no joy.

7. Given the changing market, if you won the Euromillions lottery would you buy another replacement stallion?

Firstly, I would prefer to have my health, then I would buy a thoroughbred stallion or two.

8. Looking ahead to 10 years’ time, what changes do you think will have taken place in sport horse breeding by 2030?

We will cross that bridge when we come to it. We’ve won the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) title more than any other studbook since those rankings began in 1994 and we want to keep our focus on that.

Our Irish Sport Horses were and are famous all over the world and I hope in 2030 it will still be the same.

9. You’ve also been elected to the Irish Horse Board?

I’m in the final few months of having served two terms on the Irish Horse Board, on Horse Sport Ireland’s Breeding Sub-board and now the Breeding, Production and Advisory Council (BPAC). Recently, new schemes have been introduced for breeding and producing young horses. Hopefully they will reap rewards.

10. Out of undoubtedly many people, is there anyone in particular to acknowledge for your success?

Our long line of successful stallions and champion progeny could not be possible if it wasn’t for my mum, Frances Hatton. Her knowledge, help and support throughout the years has been the strength of our family business. I can’t thank her enough.

We are celebrating her special 90th birthday this weekend.