John’s Letter

Dear Breeder,

The Ballylinch stallions had another stellar year in 2023.

Our flagship sire Lope de Vega confirmed that he is one of the world’s leading sires with only Frankel and Dubawi ahead of him by worldwide stakes horses and prize money.  His top class 2-year-olds Iberian and Beauvatier look certain to give him an even better year in 2024.

New Bay also had a great season on the track and in the sales ring with three Group 1 2-year-olds sired off his lowest stud fee.  He is performing at a level that only an elite stallion can and with his yearlings making up to 1.65 million Euro, the market has already recognised this.  Given the quality books he has covered in the last few seasons, allied to his proven ability to upgrade his mares, will see him become one of Europe’s best stallions in a very short time.

The improved books of mares that Make Believe covered in the wake of his outstanding son Mishriff’s Classic success are now being reflected in his young stock.  He has two excellent Classic prospects for next year in Andre Fabre’s Sajir and Paddy Twomey’s Porters Place backed up by his biggest and best-bred crop of yearlings, which means we can expect a massive season from him next year.  He gives breeders a great chance to breed a top horse at a more competitive fee.

New Bay’s top class miler Bayside Boy has been given a great chance to succeed at stud with a high-quality book of mares and support of the top breeders.  A visit to inspect him will not leave you disappointed, with his precocious talent and outstanding physique he looks certain to make a big impression as a stallion.

Waldgeist has some promising runners in his first crop of 2-year-olds who are well regarded by many of Europe’s top trainers.  Just like the first crop of his own outstanding sire Galileo, Waldgeist’s progeny look sure to make significant progress from two to three.  His yearlings sold exceptionally well again this year showing both trainers and agents like what they see.  Expect plenty of top-class action from him next season.

Finally, I thank all our clients for their continued support.  Our talented and committed team are here to help you in any way that we can, and I wish all of you every success in your bloodstock endeavours over the next twelve months.

John O’Connor
Managing Director