This year’s trip to Ireland for the Coolmore stud visit proved as popular as ever. The itinerary doesn’t vary, most of the group met up at Cork Airport and headed by coach to The Horse and Jockey in Horse and Jockey, not far from Coolmore. The village once consisted of the pub, a shop and a petrol station. It has now expanded substantially and the pub is now a very comfortable hotel.

There was quite a rush to the bar for the first pint of Guinness, and some went very seamlessly into a jolly Taittinger champagne reception. This was followed by a very good dinner, with excellent service. Then back to the bar for more Guinness and music singing and occasional dancing.

Following an excellent breakfast, onto Coolmore some twenty minutes away. We were met by Tom Harris, who is in the nominations department, who gave us a fascinating and informative tour. We headed off first of all to look at the stallions. Australia, Camelot, Paddington and Little Big Bear amongst the stallions we saw in the main yard. We the went on to see Auguste Rodin and City of Troy in another yard, their new stallions and exciting to see.

We the headed to the museum, a fascinating history of Ballydoyle and Coolmore, quite astonishing their success. We could have spent the day there but Tom was keen to show us more.

We then set off for a tour of the estate, fascinating to hear about all the tree planting, recycling. The attention to detail that goes into providing the many foals we saw with the best possible start in life. The mares and foals happily sharing paddocks with some good looking beef cattle.

We reluctantly left Coolmore and headed for a very good lunch at Mickey Ryan’s in Cashel. Then a trip to the Cashel Palace hotel, and a viewing of their great picture collection including some stunning Munnings. All too soon back to Cork airport for the return home. Nobody lost or left behind! A lot of fun.