RATHER than stick their heads in the sand, it appears that more and more Irish breeders and stallion masters are choosing to embrace the best of the French National Hunt breeding systems. One who has done so is Paul Cashman at Glenview Stud, part of the Rathbarry group.

Last year he acquired the exciting French jumps stallion Jeu St Eloi for the 2024 covering season, and after his second season there the sire has shown how popular he is with some 350 mares covered already. His large selection of foals on offer at Tattersalls Ireland this week resulted in 40 selling for almost €940,000, including the best filly on offer who realised €85,000.