Studs up

The Irish bloodstock sector has never been healthier, with high rollers competing to pay huge sums for stud farms across the country. Róisín Burke and Tina-Marie O’Neill report

Ballymacoll stud near Dunboyne in Co Meath

With its 294 acres of land, 70 loose boxes and an international reputation for its breeding operation, the Ballymacoll stud near Dunboyne in Co Meath was always likely to attract significant attention when it went on the market.

But even taking all that into account, its eventual selling price – €8.15 million, against a guide price of €6 million – was exceptionally strong, and reflective of a sector that continues to attract the ...