Connections

The birthplaces of national hunt legends Arkle and Best Mate are on the market in Meath, reports

huge reputation in bloodstock circles.

“It has bred 30 individual Group 1 winners internationally including Classic winners Troy, Sun Princess, North Light, Helen Street, Conduit, Spectrum and as recently as this weekend Sir John Hawkwood won a Group 1 at Randwick.”

Ballymacoll’s most famous son, Arkle, was born at the farm in April 1957 and went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Leopardstown Chase in ’64, ’65 and ‘66, the Irish Grand National in ’64, the Hennessy Gold Cup in ’64 and ’65 and the King George Chase in ’65. Ballymacoll is a beautiful property maintained to the highest standards and in picture postcard condition having been completely refurbished in 1998.

The stud has 62 stables set in a lovely ivy-clad Georgian courtyard on a site that incorporates everything needed for a top class equestrian operation including a lunging ring, exercise yard, tack rooms, veterinary room, fodder storage, office space and staff accommodation.

The land extending to almost 300ac is all in pasture and made up of the best of Co Meath land.

With extensive frontage on to three roads the place is divided into paddocks by stud railing and excellently maintained hedging. An internal tarmac roadway system runs through the middle of the property from the main entrance gate to the back gate.

Willie Coonan is expecting huge interest locally and internationally in the sale of Ballymacoll and while no reserve price has been fixed it is anticipated the property will realise in the order of €12m to €13m.