SITUATED in Foulksmills, Co Wexford, Garryrichard Stud is a name synonymous with National Hunt success and now, more recently, sport horse success. Owned by the Hickey family, this business began in the 1870s and boasts an enviable record. A family of stallion masters, these stables were home to top stallions such as Arctic Slave, Over The River, Callernish, Lord Americo and Jeremy. The late Michael Hickey laid the foundation in Garryrichard and this level of excellence and success continues today, with his son, Denis and his grandsons, William and Patrick.

Although the fundamentals remain the same, there is a new look in Garryrichard Stud, as Denis, William and Patrick have also developed a very successful sport horse breeding line, which has seen them produce horses to compete at the highest level. GRS Lady Amaro is a prime example. One of the first sport horse foals born in Garryrichard, by Amaretto D’Arco and out of a thoroughbred mare, Legal Lady, who was by Over The River, GRS Lady Amaro was campaigned successfully by Patrick up to two-star level. She was then sold to his cousin, Mark McAuley. She has gone on to represent Ireland on Nations Cup teams in Hickstead and she finished second in the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva and more recently was third in the Global Champions Tour in Doha.