John’s Letter

Dear Breeder,

As we enter 2026, the appetite for high-quality bloodstock and racing remains as strong as ever, despite the challenges that continue to shape the wider world. At Ballylinch, we have continued to focus on the fundamentals – breeding, raising and developing outstanding horses – and it is rewarding to see that commitment reflected in the results on the racecourse and in the sales ring.

Our flagship sire Lope de Vega reaffirmed his place as the World’s Leading Stallion in 2025, once again topping the global tables for the number of Worldwide Stakes Horses, a title he also achieved in 2024. His remarkable consistency and versatility across continents continue to inspire confidence in breeders everywhere.

It has been especially gratifying to see his Classic-winning son Look de Vega receive such a warm welcome from both Irish and international breeders. In his first season at stud, he covered an exceptional book of 195 mares, and his excellent fertility ensures he will have a large first crop of well-bred foals. He has been given every opportunity to succeed – indeed, perhaps the best start of any stallion to stand at Ballylinch, even surpassing the early support received by his own sire Lope de Vega.

New Bay continues to enhance his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting stallions. His 2025 crop of three-year-olds produced more Group performers than leading sires Sea the Stars, Mehmas and Siyouni – an outstanding achievement, given that they were conceived off a fee of just €20,000. With his better bred crops now hitting the track, 2026 looks set to be a defining year where he can confirm his place among Europe’s elite proven sires.

Bayside Boy had an excellent first crop of yearlings at the sales. It was notable how many good judges were impressed with what they saw, and many are now in the care of top trainers. To my eye, they are strong and very active with great minds. It will be no surprise if his first runners make an immediate impact on the track in 2026, and I expect many shrewd breeders will support him this season.

Make Believe continues to deliver exceptional value for breeders. His Blacktype strike rate remains the envy of stallions at much higher fees, and trainers consistently praise the honesty and toughness of his progeny. With two Group 1 winners in 2025, he represents a genuine opportunity to breed a high-class performer at an accessible level and gives a young mare every chance to succeed at stud.

Waldgeist is quietly delivering, adding another three Stakes winners in 2025 to bring his total to six. He will once again stand in Germany under the excellent care of Gestüt Lünzen, and we are confident he will continue to enjoy strong support in the country of his family’s greatest successes.

Ballylinch bred, raised and sold horses enjoyed notable success across the globe in 2025, with 3 Group 1 winners and these achievements were echoed in the sales ring. Highlights included the 900,000gns Frankel out of Matauri Pearl and the 700,000gns New Bay brother to Bayside Boy, both yearlings were purchased by Godolphin.

As ever, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our clients and partners for your valued support. The entire Ballylinch team join me in wishing you a prosperous and happy year ahead. We look forward to working with you in 2026 and to sharing in many more days of success on the racecourse and beyond.

Yours sincerely,

John O’Connor
Managing Director