Galway stud operation is big hit with the breeders

AN emerging Galway stud farm has added a third stallion to its roster to cope with the demand from local breeders.

Rosshill Farm, on the outskirts of Galway City, is a hive of activity these days as mare owners arrive from all over to avail of the services of the three well-bred stallions standing there.

Gamut is the star of the show, having sired a succession of classy National Hunt horses, most notably Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up and Galway Plate winner Road to RIches, but Tau Ceti, and now, the newest addition, Altruistic, are attracting their share of attention.

The latter, a high-class two year-old, placed in both the Beresford Stakes and the Racing Post Trophy, was unable to fulfil his potential due to a back injury in his classic year when he was a fancied outsider for the Epsom Derby.

The Group 1-placed son of Galileo is standing at Eamonn Hogan’s Rosshill Farm on behalf of his owner Dr Cryus Poonawalla, at a special introductory fee of €500 up front (no foal, free return).

The five-year-old began his career with Johnny Murtagh after making 130,000gns at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale in 2012. Carrying the colours of Andrew Tinkler, Altruistic won on his debut in a 7f maiden at Naas before finishing third in both the Group 2 Beresford Stakes and the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy, after which he was sold in a reputed big money deal to Dr Poonawalla.

“He’s a good-looking horse with a great walk and good bone, the type of stallion that would suit most mares. We’re standing him on behalf of his owner,” said Eamonn Hogan.

“He was a very good two-year-old and showed a high level of form. He had a few injury problems after that, which was a shame because he had plenty of ability.

“He should have plenty of appeal in the West of Ireland, being a high-class son of Galileo and I think €500 represents outstanding value for his first season. Already, his first marers have been scanned in foal.”

Altruistic is one of two winners out of the Rock Of Gibraltar mare Altesse Imperiale, who is a half-sister to several notable performers, including dual US Grade 1 winner Angara (sold for 3,000,000gns at Tattersalls in December 2007) and French Group 2 scorer Actrice.

If Altruistic makes a fraction of the impression that Rosshill Farm star stallion Gamut has done he will, indeed, be doing well.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.