SWORDLESTOWN Little Stud is not too far from Punchestown racecourse, but it would be rare for a horse bred there to be making his or her name at that bastion of National Hunt racing.

Instead, it focuses on producing quality flat stock from a small band of mares, and what an impact the farm has had, both on the racecourse and in the sale ring. Mariann Klay and Des Leadon are the dynamic duo who breed under the Swordlestown Little banner, and their latest star performer is a live Epsom Derby hope in the form of Arrest.