BREEDERS who had mares covered by Sands Of Mali in 2025 are dealing with some uncertainty over the issuing of covering certificates. Foals cannot be registered and mares in foal cannot be sold at public auction without these certs.

The root of the problem is the ongoing legal dispute between Joe Foley of Ballyhane Stud and his former business partner Steve Parkin. The issue will not affect breeders who support Sands Of Mali in the future as the horse was recently sold to stand at Yeomanstown Stud.

Six mares in foal to Sands Of Mali were sold at the recent Goffs November Sale and one was sold at Tattersalls in Newmarket. These transactions cannot be completed without the covering certs but The Irish Field understands that Weatherbys have declined to validate the necessary documents following an objection lodged by Parkin’s legal team who refuse to accept that the relevant fees have been paid.

Joe Foley told The Irish Field: “I can confirm that the nomination fees were all paid in full before the mare sales and that those funds were accounted for properly. This is a most unfortunate situation for the mare owners, and indeed Goffs, to find themselves in and I’d hope the matter is resolved shortly.”

Sands Of Mali covered approximately 200 mares in 2025. Earlier this year lawyers for Parkin, who had a 20-year business relationship with Foley, claimed in the High Court that Parkin was the sole owner of the stallion. He was bought for £225,000 privately. Foley claims he negotiated the deal and owned 50% of the horse.

In February the High Court ruled that the stallion should remain at Ballyhane Stud while the case continues. The horse was sold to Yeomanstown Stud in early November and it is likely that the purchase price remains in a holding account until the legal dispute is settled.

In the meantime Sands Of Mali has enhanced his reputation as a sire. His daughter Time For Sandals won the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and he finished seventh in the European leading second season sires table, having had far fewer runners than any of the six stallions ranked above him.

His stud fee for 2026 is €22,500.