In September 2013, the international horse racing power house purchased a 102-acre farm at Spring Lodge, Manister, Croom, Co Limerick. This week the organisation confirmed that planning has been secured for the development of an equine stable yard with 14 stables, six foaling boxes, a seven-bay loose shed, fodder storage barn, manure storage building, soiled water tank, lunge area, covered walker, tack room, vet’s office, feed room, and all ancillary services.

Confirming the news, a delighted Peter Molony, the Irish representative of Qatar Racing, said: “Hopefully the plan is to start building on 1 December. It is going to be a nice facility and will try to show the place off to its best. It will be done in two stages. Initially we are building a 20-box courtyard and there will be some loose sheds for yearlings, so probably room for up to 40 horses.”

The first phase is due to be completed in February with all the state-of-the-art facilities set to be finished by December 2015. The investment by a branch of the Qatari royal family in Co Limerick is understood to run into millions of euro.

Qatar Racing was formed in 2011 by Sheikh Hamad, Sheikh Suhaim and Sheikh Fahad Al Thani. Mr Molony said that Sheik Fahad hopes to visit the new stud in Limerick shortly. The plan for the moment is that it will be for breeding and raising young stock.

He added: “The dream is that in years to come horses bred in Spring Lodge will add to Sheik Fahad’s impressive tally of Group 1 winners in America, Australia, England and France.”