IN the world of soccer we constantly hear that a strong youth policy was the key to success at various clubs. In the horse world, successful breeders usually attribute the results to the broodmare band. The all important ‘bottom line’ or maternal side gets talked up from the flat breeding studs to show ponies to National Hunt.

Ireland has for many years punched above its weight in the breeding of pacers. Norman Brown of Rosehall Stud, the Dunnes of Porterstown, Newtown Stud and Hughie Richardson all produced top-class animals which set track records, or were exported or both. Recently, the Oakwood Stud in Offaly has raised the bar even higher by importing quality mares which in turn have helped the median at yearling sales.