MUCH has been said about the domination of French-bred horses at the top end of the National Hunt racing, and the figures backed it up in 2024. French breeders produced 25 of the 48 individual horses to win the 74 Grade 1s run in Ireland and the UK in 2024.

In comparison, 16 were bred in Ireland, six in Great Britain and one in Germany. A high number of the 48 were sourced by current connections from French trainers – 18 to be exact, but it is heartening to know that 21 learnt their trade in Ireland, with point-to-point handlers. That includes one bought unraced on the recommendation of their handler.