Welcome

The sales season just gone by has indicated that high quality bloodstock remains a good investment in times of financial uncertainty. New emerging buyers have joined with the existing major players to create a strong market for the most desirable racing prospects.

With this in mind, Ballylinch Stud and its international partners have continued to seek out the best potential stallions in Europe, and this year we are retiring an exceptionally talented colt in Dream Ahead, the joint Champion European two-year-old of 2010 with Frankel, and the outstanding sprinter in Europe in 2011. He joins a very strong group of young stallions at Ballylinch Stud including Lawman who’s first two-year-olds have made a great impression in 2011 and who promises to become one of Europe’s leading young sires.

The first foals by Intense Focus have been very well received by the bestjudges and, with the strong support given to him by his trainer Jim Bolger, this very fast Dewhurst winner will have every chance to succeed when his first runners hit the track in 2013.

The outstanding first book of mares covered by Lope de Vega in 2011 reflects the strength of the syndicate which owns him, including the highly successful Gestüt Ammerland, many of whose best mares visited this hugely talented Dual Classic winner in his first season. His first foals are eagerly awaited in 2012.

Soviet Star, in keeping with his age, will cover a strictly limited book in 2012, while Whipper, the leading French-based sire of two-year-olds in Europe, will remain at Haras du Mezeray.

Sadly, 2011 also saw the death from colic of King’s Theatre, a stalwart of Ballylinch who became an outstanding dual purpose sire and who is currently the leading National Hunt Sire. His young stock are eagerly sought after and will keep their sire in the headlines for many years to come.

On the racing front, the homebred Wizz Kid developed into one of Europe’s leading sprinters, while Anam Allta is a highly progressive Group 3 winner, and Lady Wingshot (by Lawman) is a very promising two-year-old. All three fillies remain in training in 2012 and we have high hopes for them.

As usual, I want to thank all our clients for their continued support and to wish you lots of success with your breeding endeavours in 2012.

John O’Connor, Managing Director

If you feel that we can be of any assistance to you please contact us on 00353 (0) 56 7724217 or E-mail us at info@ballylinchstud.ie

John O Connor – Managing Director