THE Irish National Stud Breeding and Racing Club have had a super 2017 and next year will campaign two potential crackers, an Invincible Spirit filly out of stakes-placed Lethal Quality, and Divine Approach, a half-sister to the globetrotting Red Cadeaux.

The club signed off a wonderful year by bidding farewell to both their Dragon Pulse foals on Monday at Goffs; both will be reoffered next October as yearlings.

Highlights of last year included Réalt Rua running second at Naas on her debut. Unable to break her maiden she still gave her owners some fantastic moments, especially when she just got pipped at the post in a five-furlong Curragh maiden.

Willie Mullins’ Closutton Stables, David O’ Meara’s Willow Farm and Ballylinch Stud have all been on the list of venues visited during 2017 as well as racedays at the Curragh, Leopardstown, Naas, Tipperary, Down Royal and Punchestown.

The cherry on top the cake was the trip to York to see the Juddmonte International. A vintage renewal and some good company ensured the members had a superb time.

This year too saw the club’s Dawn Approach filly, Divine Approach, make her debut. She is a half-sister to Red Cadeaux and we still harbour hopes of a classic year in 2018. To whet the appetite for 2018 the club also have a drop dead gorgeous Invincible Spirit filly to go to war with. A full-sister to the group-placed Promising and out of the stakes-placed mare Lethal Quality, her full-brother realised half a million at the 2016 Orby Sale, she has been retained to race for the INS Breeding and Racing Club and she gives much cause for excitement.

If you would like to get involved in the Irish National Stud Breeding and Racing Club contact Ciarán de Barra at cdebarra@irishnationalstud.ie or call on 045 521251.