This was a quirky one – but it was a story that drew in a lot of readers.
Did any of you go?
A Laois stallion farm will open its doors to racing professionals and fans on Friday and Saturday, January 11 and 12, this week.
Anngrove Stud in Mountmellick is taking part in the ITM (Irish Thoroughbred Marketing) Irish Stallion Trail.
Over 25 stallion farms will be participating in the Trail, which is now in its fifth year.
With farms all over Ireland opening their doors to both industry figures and the general public, this represents an outstanding opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet some of the equine superstars that help make Irish racing such a success.
Anngrove Stud is home to three stallions – Aiken, Tobougg and Vendangeur – and is located on the left hand side of the road into Mountmellick after the Applegreen garage as you drive in from Portlaoise.
Alternatively, coming from the Tullamore direction, turn right in the middle of Mountmellick at Glanbia. Take the Portlaoise Road and look out for the entrance on the right, just as you are leaving the town.
Set in 350 acres, Anngrove Stud took in its first stallion, Lucifer, in 1970 and since then has been home to such as Monksfield, Pollerton, Sexton Blake, Prince Regent, Belfalas, Welsh Term, Treasure Hunter, Arctic Lord and Alderbrook.
The stud’s record as breeders bears scrutiny and their range of winners goes from Night Of Wind, successful in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, to Wither Or Which, the recent Cheltenham Festival bumper winner.
Alastair Pimm is the manager of Anngrove Stud and he is looking forward to the two days.
He said: “We are looking forward to having people drop in to us over the two days.
“It is open to racing professionals and the general public.”
To register your interest or for further information including a full list of participating farms, their stallions and opening hours, click here.
Further studs wishing to participate in the ITM Irish Stallion Trail 2019 are welcome to contact ITM at info@itm.ie or +353(0)45 443060.
