AFTER going virtual in 2021, the ITM Irish Stallion Trail returns as an in-person event next Friday and Saturday, January 14th-15th.

Though limited to breeding industry personnel due to Covid-19, the event will again draw the spotlight onto Ireland’s fantastic stallion roster and provide breeders with the opportunity to view an array of world-class stallion farms within a condensed period.

The year 2021 was an exceptional one for thoroughbred sales in Ireland. Irish breeders, consignors, and sales companies deserve great credit for keeping the show on the road and it was spiriting to see such vibrant trade featuring buyers from across the globe at all levels of the market.

A lot of this success can be linked back to Ireland’s formidable stallion roster, which offers a uniquely diverse array of proven, up-and-coming, and new stallions to suit any mare or budget. Many of these stallions will be available for breeders to view during the ITM Irish Stallion Trail.

Horses sired and bred in Ireland were again to the fore in 2021. IREs won more than 50 Group 1 or Grade 1 races across five continents.

Irish-breds took home the Derby, Irish Derby, St Leger, Prix de Diane, Cox Plate, Sheema Classic, multiple Breeders’ Cup races, 20 of 28 Cheltenham Festival races, and many more notable victories.

Outdoor event

The ITM Irish Stallion Trail 2022 is an entirely outdoor event and attendance is limited to those directly involved in the breeding industry. The decision to limit attendance to the breeding industry was made in order to minimise risk to farms ahead of the covering season and protect public health. Arrangements may be subject to change and visitors should check the latest info on the ITM website before making plans.

A Covid-19 Code of Conduct has been developed by Horse Racing Ireland Health and Safety and all those attending the Trail will be deemed to have agreed to it.

All visitors are asked to wear masks, practice social distancing, and regularly sanitise their hands. Visitors to Coolmore Stud and Castlehyde Stud will also be required to show a valid Covid Certificate. With the event taking place entirely outdoors, all visitors are advised to dress for the weather.

Web: itm.ie/stalliontrail for an up-to-date list of participating studs

Email: stalliontrail@itm.ie

Tel: 01 45443060