A DYNASTY that was founded in 1984 comes to an end next month as the bloodstock of owner-breeder Gerry McGrath disperses at Tattersalls Ireland to pastures new. McGrath has enjoyed remarkable success at Athdara Stud, Co Meath, and the strong family he has developed and nurtured for 36 years could be viewed as a going concern in business terms.

It all started with the gift horse, La Noire, a present from his father. “Dad was more interested in racing than breeding,” McGrath says, “he wanted to get rid of her, so she was given to me.” She was a daughter of his parents’ foundation mare, Arctic Run, and became that most precious of things, the gift that keeps on giving.