Castlewellan Agricultural Show is delighted that the internationally renowned Coolmore stud farm is this year’s sponsor for our Search for A Star Young Horse Championship. Coolmore is owned by one of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs John Magnier and occupies over 7500 acres across Tipperary and Cork. Stabling horses at stud who are Derby and National Hunt champions as well as many with prestigious wins across Europe, the US, Australia and the Middle East, it also includes the nearby Ballydoyle Racing Stable, where numerous winners have been trained under the watchful eye of Aidan O’Brien.
Members of the Castlewellan Agricultural Show committee travelled down for the launch and were given and informative tour by Gerry Ahern taking them through all the aspects of breeding and the care and attention that is required. Speaking on behalf of the Coolmore Group, Gerry welcomed the partnership “Castlewellan Show has over forty years of showcasing equestrian classes and attracts a high standard of entrants. We are delighted to be associated with this long running Agricultural Show”.
The day’s highlight was meeting and being photographed with Galileo, a winner of the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. This handsome bay which stands at over 16 hands was sired by the legendary Sadler’s Wells and has himself sired over 100 stakes winners, commanding a €300,000 covering fee.
Committee members also met two of the other 25 stallions which stand at the stud, Duke of Marmalade & Fastnet Rock as well as visiting the foals. “Chairperson, Michelle McCauley extolled the commitment of Coolmore “Listening to Gerry as a sheep and cattle pedigree breeder myself, I understood everything they were trying to do in terms of quality and standards - breeding is a gamble, an expensive roll of the dice but you keep hoping that every so often the right combination could produce you a winner”.
The Coolmore – Search for A Star Young Horse Championship takes place on Saturday 13th July and is open to 1 year old colt/gelding or filly; 2 year old colt/gelding or filly; 3 year old colt/gelding or filly with a prize fund of £2000. Qualifying rounds will take place at Shows across the island. David Lyons from the horse committee commented “The Search for A Star Young Horse Championship” was a great success when we ran it for the first time last year, it is fantastic that we have secured such notable sponsorship to retain it as a class”.
Castlewellan Show launches on 18th April and details of all classes will be available then.
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