Large crowds turned out last Friday and Saturday for the 2018 ITM Irish Stallion Trail, visiting a record 29 stud farms, many of whom experienced increased numbers on the 2017 high of over 2,000 visitors.

An additional 12 Group 1 winners joining the Irish stallion ranks in 2018 were undoubtedly a huge draw for the breeders that travelled from all over the country, as well as from France, Germany, the UK and the Czech Republic.

Gerry Childs, a member of Elite Racing Club, who enjoyed unbelievable success with Marsha (IRE) this year, having bred her using an Irish stallion, commented: “This is my third visit for the ITM Irish Stallion Trail. I adore seeing the stars of the past and how they are faring as stallions.”

Participating stud farms were similarly positive, with Niamh Woods of Rathbarry Stud commenting: “We’ve had a very busy two days showing our stallions in both Rathbarry and Glenview Studs, with 400 visiting the two farms.”