_Sale announced of historic Ballymacoll Stud

Knight Frank and REA Coonanare have been instructed in the sale of Ballymacoll Stud in County Meath, Ireland. The Stud is steeped in history, producing numerous Group 1 and Listed winners as well as being the birthplace of the legendary racehorse Arkle.
June 12, 2017

Founded by Henry Hamilton in the late 18th / early 19th Century, the Stud was bought by Dorothy Paget in April 1946. She owned the Stud until 1960 when she died – during that 14 year period she never actually visited the property!

In June 1960, the then Michael Sobell and Arnold Weinstock bought the stud with 130 horses on the recommendation of Sir Gordon Richards. For the last 45 years the stud has been expertly managed by Peter Reynolds who with the late Simon Weinstock, has been responsible for the outstanding breeding record of Ballymacoll Stud. Interestingly, the current band of 18 broodmares is descended from the original 1960 package with 12 descended from Country House (1955) and 6 from Sunny Golf (1951).

Ballymacoll Stud has bred 31 Group 1 winners of 55 Group 1 races, including, the 2000 Guineas (2001-Golan), Derby (1979-Troy and 2004-North Light), Oaks (1983-Sun Princess), St Leger (1983-Sun Princess and 2008-Conduit), Irish 2000 Guineas (1995-Spectrum), Irish Derby (1979-Troy), and Irish Oaks (Helen Street). Internationally, prizes have included Breeders’ Cup Fillies and Mare Turf; Breeders’ Cup Turf (1996-Pilsidski; 2008 & 2009-Conduit); Japan Cup (1997-Pilsudski) and Melbourne Cup (2013-Foirente). 

In brief, the stud comprises 294 acres of stud railed land with 60 stables in four yards. There is a manager’s house and three other staff properties. 

Peter Reynolds says “Ballymacoll Stud has been an amazing breeding ground for future champions and all at Ballymacoll will wish any new owner a similar level of success in the future”.

Rupert Sweeting and Willie Coonan of the agents believe that it is rare for such an opportunity  to purchase a stud farm of such international repute that has bred both Domestic and International winners for a number of years. Both expect considerable interest from around the world for this once in a generation opportunity. 

The Stud is to be auctioned on Tuesday 27th June at 3pm at the Shelbourne hotel in Dublin. The guide price is Euros 6-8 million. 

For further information, please contact: Rupert Sweeting