ITM Launch Irish Stallion Trail…

Plenty of Irish stallions have excelled at the foal sales this week and breeders will have the chance to see many of them in one weekend following the launch of the ITM Irish Stallion Trail on Thursday.

In an initiative similar to the popular ‘La Route des Etalons’ held in Normandy each January, more than 20 Irish stud farms will open their doors between Jan. 22 and 24, 2015. Among the stallions on show will be champion sire Galileo, his half-brother Sea The Stars, the Irish National Stud’s Invincible Spirit, as well as Shamardal and his exciting young son Lope De Vega.

The open days are sandwiched between two days of top-class Irish jump racing, with the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase taking place at Gowran Park Jan. 22, followed by Irish Champion Hurdle Day at Leopardstown Jan. 25, at which Irish Thoroughbred Marketing plans to host a stallion trail reception.

Announcing the launch of the stallion trail, ITM Chief Executive Charles O’Neill said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Ireland to showcase the very best of both Flat and National Hunt stallions. The dates fit perfectly between two great races meetings and I’m sure it will become a regular fixture in breeders’ calendars.”