FEW dispersals have generated as much interest and emotion as that of Ballymacoll Stud, and their large draft at the Tattersalls December Sale produced some headline prices and even more tears. It would have taken a person with a heart of stone not to have been moved by the sight of Peter Reynolds taking the brilliant Islington for a lap of the ring prior to her sale.

Few farms in history, breeding on the scale that they did, have produced as many Group 1 winners as Ballymacoll. The farm is now in the ownership of Frank Dune, while the prized families, nurtured with care at the farm where Arkle was foaled, will now grace some of the best broodmare bands in the world.