On Friday January 6th, Coolmore and Castlehyde opened their doors to 30 ITBA Next Generation members. The day started with a comprehensive stallion viewing at Coolmore led by Jason Walsh, who shared his knowledge on conformation, nominations and racing, with plenty of questions and laughs to keep the young breeding enthusiasts on their toes. Among the impressive stallion roster on show at Coolmore was Cartier Champion Two-Year-Old-Colt Blackbeard and Cartier Horse Of The Year and 5-time Group 1 winner St. Marks Basilica.
A browse through the glittering Coolmore trophy room left the Next Generation members feeling inspired, as well as providing breath taking views of the neighbouring Slievenamon Mountain through a floor to ceiling glazed wall. Jason led the group through the immersive Coolmore Museum, where the legacy of the breed-shaping Sadlers Wells takes centre stage. Coolmore’s Christy Grassick, Maurice Moloney and Gerry Aherne joined the group for lunch in the boardroom to conclude the first half of the day.
The group got back on the Coolmore sponsored bus and headed to Castlehyde, Blackbeard merchandise in tow. Cathal Murphy & Barry Kennedy led the group through the Castlehyde roster, with Sioux Nation stepping out first, fresh from a very strong start with his first runners in 2022. The National Hunt enthusiasts among the group were pleased to see the likes of Santiago, Kew Gardens, Maxios and Order Of St George, to round off the day.
Orla Donworth, Chairman of the ITBA Next Generation thanked the Coolmore and Castlehyde teams, commenting “We are extremely grateful to Coolmore & Castlehyde for providing our members with unparalleled access to their elite stallions and senior management today.” Conor Wixted, Vice Chairman shared Donworth’s sentiment, adding “the generosity and backing of Coolmore & Castlehyde left its mark on us today, throughout 2023 we want to keep building the momentum of the Next Generation”.
