Standing on circa 294 acres, the famous Ballymacoll Stud, Dunboyne, Co Meath sold for €8.15m at auction on Tuesday 27 June.

The lands are of outstanding quality and the property has a superb history of breeding top class racehorses, including two Derby winners, nine Classic winners and 30 Group 1 winners over the past 50 years. Ballymacoll’s top performers include Arkle – one of the most famous national hunt horses bred in this country – and Islington, a hugely successful turf record and is a top broodmare.

Encompassed in the 294ac estate is a large manager’s residence, a fabulous courtyard, three staff cottages, a foaling unit and a gate lodge. The property is believed to have been purchased by owner-breeder Frank Dunne of the supermarket giant Dunnes Stores. Dunne has an equine interest and is the owner of the adjoining Hamwood Stud.

History

The property has a rich history and was under the ownership of the Hamilton family until 1911. Ballymacoll changed hands a number of times over the course of three decades before being secured by Dorothy Paget in 1946.

Despite owning the property, Paget actually never visited, but did keep abreast of happenings through regular reports that were accompanied by photographs. After her death in 1960, the property (along with 130 horses) was bought by Michael Sobell and Arnold Weinstock for a figure in the region of £250,000. In 2010, the Sobell-Weinstock partnership celebrated 50 years in business.

Bidding

An extremely well-attended auction saw the bidding open at €4.5m. Interest from four active bidders saw the price rise to €7m. At this point a break was taken to discuss the bid with the vendor. Upon returning the property was placed on the market. However, it took a further 44 bids before the property was sold for the sum of €8.15m.

Joint agents Coonan Auctioneers, Maynooth and Knight Frank, London handled the sale.