THE 2018 ITM Irish Stallion Trail was declared a tremendous success after large crowds turned out on Friday January and Saturday, January 12th and 13th, visiting a record 29 stud farms, many of whom experienced increased numbers on the 2017 high of over 2,000 visitors, with a particular rise in the number of breeders in attendance.

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 and Britain. A group of 40 owners and breeders also travelled over from the Czech Republic.

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. We are very thankful to all the people who came to view them and extend a big thank you to ITM for once again organising this excellent event”

Charles O’Neill, CEO of ITM, said: “Since its inception in 2015, the Irish Stallion Trail has gone from strength to strength, and this year was no exception. The feedback from a record number of participating stud farms has been extremely positive, but probably more impressive is the number of positive messages from visitors who were blown away by the whole experience.

“A massive thank you has to go out to all the farms for their time and hospitality, because that is what helps make the Trail such a success.”

ON TWITTER

Thomas O’Keeffe @ThomasAOKeeffe

Thank you to everyone who visited Kilbarry Lodge Stud to see Diamond Boy during the #IrishStallionTrail. It was a great success and wonderful to see so many enthusiastic NH breeders.

Florian Dublin @prohorseracing

Eye to eye with my all-time hero Sea The Stars. The best ever, still has the aura of a king. It was special to meet him today at the @IREthoroughbred #IrishStallionTrail

Brendan White @WhiteBrendan

Great visit to @coolmorestud today as part of the the #IrishStallionTrail @IREthoroughbred - great to see horses like Australia and Churchill up close

Catherine Magnier @grangestud

Another successful #IrishStallionTrail for which we must thank the many visitors & clients that called and of course a special thanks to all the @IREthoroughbred team on another job well done!