WHAT is the best way to overcome the post-Christmas blues?

Perhaps there are still a few turkey sandwiches knocking about to help prolong the festive spirit, or maybe the time has come to start your 2025 health kick. But for racing fans and bloodstock aficionados the answer is simple: the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM) Irish Stallion Trail.

Those heading out on this year’s Trail will be treated to behind-the-scenes access at virtually all of Ireland’s top studs.

You will find everything from Group 1-winning Turf celebrities enjoying their second careers, a whole host of stallions from both the flat and jumps spheres, including the respective champions for 2024, picturesque studs and so much more. This really is your chance to see behind the curtain of the bloodstock business.

The ITM Irish Stallion Trail is completely free to attend and open to all, from industry stalwarts right through to first-time visitors. There is always a family friendly atmosphere on the Trail, where it is very much a case of the more the merrier.

We have put together the following beginners’ guide to help you get the most out of the Trail.

1. Preparation is key

The first port of call for anyone heading out next weekend is the ITM website (itm.ie). Not only will you find all the information you need but it is important to register so that farms get an idea about the numbers of visitors they can expect. This task should only take a matter of moments.

There are 35 studs taking part in this year’s ITM Irish Stallion Trail spread right across the length and breadth of the country. These range from family-run operations right through to powerhouses of the racing world.

Each and every stud has its own unique charms, so where you head really is a matter of personal preference (and possibly location). But whether you intend to visit just the one farm or aim to cram in as many as possible, having a plan will ensure you get maximum enjoyment out of your trip.

The ITM website hosts a handy page listing all the studs taking part in this year’s event, complete with information such as stallion rosters and addresses. This page also features opening times, which can vary from farm to farm, while a number of studs are only open to the public on Friday.

It is well worth checking the schedule to avoid disappointment, as some of those open only on Friday include two of the bigger draws, namely Tally-Ho Stud and Yeomanstown Stud, the latter of which will be proudly showing off newly minted champion flat sire Dark Angel.

2. Set your coordinates to stallions

Another useful feature on the ITM website - and in this publication - is the map, which highlights the locations of the participating studs. This is the perfect tool for finding your nearest farm or planning your Trail route, and can be used in tandem with Google maps to research times and distances between each stop.

Those hoping to visit as many studs as possible may want to focus on either Kildare, Carlow and Kilkenny, or Cork, as these are key hubs with multiple locations all in fairly close proximity. It is worth bearing in mind that visiting the bigger farms with more sizeable rosters will require more time than the boutique establishments with only one or two stallions.

For those heading in from overseas, there are plenty of studs within easy reach of the airports at Dublin and Cork, making these ideal destinations for international Trail travellers.

3. Must-see attractions

Once on the stud listings page you will be able to draw up your dream list of places to visit. For many, the first name on that list will be Coolmore. The Fethard-based farm is home to a galaxy of stars, including no less than four Derby winners and sire sensations No Nay Never and Wootton Bassett.

Top-class new retirees Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy are sure to be among the most popular names strutting their stuff. With so much sire power on show demand to see the Coolmore stallions is always high, so you will need to prebook a day and time slot via the registrations page on the ITM website.

And Coolmore is far from the only internationally renowned operation opening its doors during the ITM Irish Stallion Trail. Ballylinch Stud, the Irish National Stud and Darley’s Kildangan Stud should all be high on visitors’ lists, not only on account of the horsepower on display but the impressive surroundings as well.

4. Away from the crowds

As a rule of thumb the bigger the stud, the bigger the crowd it will attract. So if you want more of a personal touch, and possibly more of a chance to get up close and personal with the horses on show, then it is well worth calling in on some of the smaller operations.

Capital Stud in Co Kilkenny and Starfield Stud in Westmeath are young outfits going places fast, while Boardsmill Stud in Meath and Burgage Stud in Carlow each boast a wealth of history, as well as exciting present day line-ups. All four are well worth adding to your itinerary.

5. Don’t be shy

Wherever you head, your hosts will be only too happy to answer your questions or share their insights about their horses or their farms, so don’t be afraid to ask. Who knows what you might learn about the history of the property or the horses who now call the place home.

It is also worth remembering that all those heading out on the Trail share one important thing in common: a love of racing. This means there is always a friendly atmosphere out on the Trail, and there is no better way to find out where the hidden gems can be found than by striking up a conversation with your fellow visitors.

6. Dress for the occasion

While you can expect a warm welcome out on the Trail, you are not guaranteed warm weather. Quite the opposite, in fact. With this in mind, getting wrapped up is advised as the vast majority of proceedings take place outdoors.

Keep your eyes peeled when you are out and about as some studs will help you brave the elements with stallion-branded merchandise such as caps and beanies, which are very much de rigeur on the Trail.

Some studs have also been known to push the boat out on the refreshments front, meaning you can stave off the cold with hot food and drink at certain locations. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE ITM IRISH STALLION TRAIL