BAROUCHE Stud in Two Mile House, Naas, Co Kildare, has been named Equine Business of the Year at the FBD National Farmyard Awards.

This is the first time that the equine industry has been recognised in the eight-year history of the awards, which are run by the Irish Farmers Journal. The awards aim to encourage the maintenance and presentation of farmyards.

Judges Tim O’Connell (FBD), Katherine O’Leary (Farmers Journal) and Tom Ryan (Teagasc) placed a major emphasis on farm safety when selecting this year’s winners.

Owned by Barbara Facchino, Barouche Stud is a private farm on 40 hectares with 19 active broodmares. It is managed by Rory Mathews who has worked for the Facchino family for 25 years.

In choosing Barouche Stud as their winner this year the judges noted the high quality stone work which makes Barouche Stud quite distinctive.

“The contrast between stone and deep mahogany wood against the backdrop of mature trees and hedges makes this a beautiful place to visit,” they noted.

WELL PLANNED

Barouche Stud has exceptionally well planned handling facilities for both mares and foals. It includes a lungeing ring, horse walker, individual resting paddocks and loading facilities.

The judges reported: “The tack room is neat and tidy. Medicines are stored appropriately and everything is clearly marked.

“Barouche operates its business to the highest standards.”

Accepting the award, Barbara Facchino paid tribute to her stud manager and the other three full-time staff members.

Barouche breeds to sell and only a few fillies are retained to race. Their current star is Erysimum, winner of the Listed Ruby Stakes in Killarney for trainer Willie McCreery. The three-year-old daughter of Arcano is an exciting prospect for next year, says the owner.

Readers may be surprised

to learn that Barouche Stud owned Tap Your Heels, the dam of leading USA stallion Tapit. “She died in March but we have a full-sister to her in Naas and another sister in training.

“We have some nice mares on the farm here and some particularly good ones in America.”

Barouche sent one yearling to this week’s Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale and there is a draft heading to Newmarket next month.

As Barouche operates at the higher end of the market there may be another top class racehorse among the consignment. One thing for certain is that any horse produced by Barouche Stud has been raised to the highest standards.