HONORA and Bobby Donworth have sold their renowned Roundhill Stud in Patrickswell, Co Limerick, to the Qatar-based Alwasmiyah Stud. The property, extending to approximately 130 acres, is one of the finest bloodstock holdings in the region.

The Donworths rank among Ireland’s elite flat breeders and were crowned Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Flat Breeder of the Year earlier this year for producing classic winner Field Of Gold. Other notable graduates from Roundhill include Group 1 winners Rizeena and Zabeel Prince, as well as the talented but demoted 1000 Guineas heroine Jacqueline Quest.

Alwasmiyah Stud, owned by Hamad Bin Ali Al Attiya and managed by his sons Ali and Mohammed, is one of Qatar’s leading breeding and racing operations with extensive interests in Ireland, England, and France.

A spokesperson for Alwasmiyah confirmed the acquisition, stating: "We are delighted to have secured Roundhill Stud, a historic and world-class farm. We also purchased the yearling half-sister to Field Of Gold, by Ghaiyyath. The plan is to base all our thoroughbred mares at Roundhill and to continue our long-term goal of breeding a Derby winner. At present, we have between eight and 10 horses in training across Ireland and England.”

This year, the Alwasmiyah team also made its first appearance as buyers at the Goffs Orby Sale, securing four promising fillies - two by Wootton Bassett, one by Starman, and one by Churchill. The team credited Tom Taaffe for his warm welcome and invaluable help during their stay, and expressed appreciation to Charlie O’Neill for his generous assistance throughout the process.

“It was our first experience buying at Goffs, and both Tom and Charlie made it a truly memorable and smooth experience,” said the Alwasmiyah team. “We’re delighted with our purchases and hope this marks the beginning of many successful acquisitions for Alwasmiyah.”

For the time being, all Alwasmiyah’s mares are boarded with Patrick Morrissey, while several of the stud’s racehorses are trained across England and Ireland.

Meanwhile, all of Alwasmiyah’s yearlings are being broken by Aidan Ryan in Fethard.

“Aidan has been doing this job for many years and is truly one of the best in the business,” said the team. “We’re very pleased to have our young horses in such capable hands.”

The Alwasmiyah team also expressed deep appreciation to Niall Ryan, who advised and supported them throughout the Roundhill purchase process and has been a major influence in their participation at both the yearling and mare sales.

“Niall has been an invaluable advisor and guide on buying Roundhill Stud,” said the Alwasmiyah team. “We have learned so much from him and always will. We truly appreciate his experience and integrity in every step of this journey.”