LUMVILLE Farm in Edenderry, one of 10 farms in the Derrinstown portfolio of properties, is to be offered for sale at public auction next month. The guiding price for the entire property of some 218 acres is €4.5 million.

The farm in Co Offaly was purchased by the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum in 2005 and is one of the most beautifully-appointed farms in Ireland. It has played an important part, even in a relatively short time in its current ownership, in the success of the Irish operation, responsible for breeding or raising 41 Group 1 winners and at least three champions.

Stephen Collins, general manager of Derrinstown Stud and associated farms, explained the decision to sell one of their crown jewels. He told The Irish Field yesterday: “This is part of a consolidation of the business, both here and abroad, that is taking place since the passing of Sheikh Hamdan last year.

“It follows a reduction in the numbers of horses we have in training and a major reduction in the numbers of breeding stock we have here, but in every other way it is business as usual.

“The land at Lumville is simply magnificent, and this is an opportunity for anyone to take over a turnkey property. The place has been maintained to an extremely high standard, and I have no doubt that the auctioneer, Will Coonan of Coonan Property, will be fielding enquiries from all over the world for this beautiful farm.”

This season has been an exceptional one on the racing front for Shadwell, now under the direction of Sheikha Hissa, a recent visitor to Ireland to see her horses and farms.

Baaeed remains unbeaten in 10 starts, and his four wins this year have all come at Group 1 level, in the Lockinge Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, Sussex Stakes and the Juddmonte International.

Earlier this month Minzaal, one what turned out to be his last start, was a brilliant winner of the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup. Future stallion plans for the son of Mehmas have not yet been made.

Keeneland buyers

This week, at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Shadwell Farm appeared again on the list of buyers at a major yearling sale, purchasing three fillies for $2.1 million.

The trio were a Constitution half-sister to this year’s Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting for $750,000, a Medaglia D’Oro daughter of Grade 1 winner Centre Court for $700,000, and a Ghostzapper half-sister to Horse of the Year and five-time Grade 1 winner Knicks Go for $650,000.

Full details of the property are on page 17 of this issue.