Cheltenham
THE birthplace of the famous Arkle and one of the most prestigious stud farms in the country is up for sale. It is expected to command a price in the region of €12m to €13m.
The world renowned equestrian holding, Ballymacoll Stud on 295ac is located 3km from Dunboyne, 7km from Maynooth and is about 20 minutes from Dublin Airport.
Built by Henry Hamilton towards the end of the 18th century, Ballymacoll has had many owners and tenants over the years including the Irish Army who occupied the farm during World War II. In 1946 it was bought by Dorothy Paget who never visited Ballymacoll but actively built its equestrian reputation until her death in 1960.
It was then bought by industrialist and philanthropist Michael Sobell and his son-inlaw Sir Arnold Weinstock who paid £250,000 for the place.
Top class
The stud farm was managed for the Sobell-Weistock partnership by Charlie Rogers who concentrated on breeding from a limited number of topclass mares and targeting the Classics.
This policy has been maintained by successive regimes at the stud including the most recent manager, Peter Reynolds, and has generated undoubted success.
Outlining the success story of Ballymacoll Willie Coonan of selling agents REA Coonans Maynooth says that for over 50 years Ballymacoll Stud has a