Cathal Beale

Irish National Stud

What conclusions did you draw from the 2023 foal sales?

I think it was in line with what we saw at the yearling sales, with a fall from the record prices of last year. The top end remained strong, and the lower levels of the market remained ever more difficult.

Did you change your covering fees for 2024 and what were your reasons for changing or not changing?

On the back of the yearling sales, it was clear that we had to look at covering fees to give breeders a chance.

We reduced or held all our fees. Looking at the foal sale averages for our stallions I think we have priced our roster very competitively to ensure breeders have a good chance of making a profit.

Do you expect covering numbers to be up or down at your farm next season and why?

I expect an increase for us with a new horse on the roster in Mac Swiney.

In your opinion, which parts of the racing/breeding industry are doing best at the moment and which parts are under most pressure?

I think it is always the primary producer (the breeder) and the end user (the owner) that require the most support.

Outside of your own stallions, what sire has surprised you in the past year?

It probably wasn’t much of a surprise, given how well his two-year-olds ran, but Havana Grey has been the story of the year with a very strong second crop supplementing his first crop which continued to progress as three-year-olds.

What is the biggest challenge facing the industry at the moment?

More support for breeders and support for owners, whether that comes in the form of additional prize money, enhancement of the IRE Incentive and Filllies Bonus Schemes, or other means. All other things stem from this.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start a breeding enterprise?

Start slowly and find an entry point that suits your means, whether that is as a syndicate or club member, a pinhooker or purchasing a mare.

I think if you can partner up with people it allows you to buy a smaller percentage of a better animal. It costs roughly the same to keep a very good mare as a poor one.