Kildare, Ireland - 20
th
November 2014:
Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM) has launched a new initiative called the "The ITM Irish Stallion Trail" which will see some of the best Irish stud farms open their doors in January for breeders and visitors to view stallions.
Before the official opening of the traditional covering season of early to mid-February, Irish stud farms will showcase some of the very best sires available to breeders in 2015. The trail opens on January 22
nd
, where visitors can attend the prestigious Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park Racecourse. Over 20 stud farms will open their doors on the 22
nd
, 23
rd
and 24
th
of January for stallion viewings.
This is a chance to see world-class stallions such as Sea the Stars (IRE), Shamardal, Lope de Vega (IRE) Galileo (IRE) and Invincible Spirit (IRE) among others. It will also allow breeders an opportunity to see the crop of first season sires for 2016 which include the likes of Australia, Slade Power (IRE) and Gale Force Ten (IRE).
The ITM Irish Stallion Trail will close with a reception at Leopardstown Racecourse on BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle Day on January 25
th
.
ITM will launch a website in the coming weeks along with an official "ITM Irish Stallion Trail" programme to assist visitors planning their own individual itinerary. This will be an opportunity to see behind the doors of some of the greatest stud farms in the world, from Rathbarry in Co. Cork, Coolmore in Co. Tipperary to Derrinstown in Co. Kildare.
Commenting on "The ITM Irish Stallion Trail", ITM's Chief Executive Officer, Charles O'Neill, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Ireland to showcase the very best of both National Hunt and Flat racing stallions. The dates fit perfectly between two great race meetings in Gowran Park and Leopardstown and I am sure it will become a regular fixture in breeders' calendars."
The ITM Irish Stallion Tour is open to everyone to attend and enjoy. Participants are asked to register their intention to attend by emailing [email protected]