QATAR Racing, headed up by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani (pictured above) of the Qatari royal family, is selling its stud farm in County Limerick, the Limerick Leader has reported. The global operation has put its 100-acre breeding complex - Spring Lodge in Manister - up for auction. It takes place on Thursday, June 5 at 3pm in the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare. The advised minimum value is €2 million. Qatar Racing purchased the “wonderful limestone holding with a proven track record of producing world-class racehorses”, according to promotional material, in 2013, for €1,050,000. Significant investment has been pumped into the breeding operation and into a property thereon in the intervening years. When contacted by the Limerick Leader, a spokesperson for Qatar Racing said they “won’t be making any comment on the sale of Spring Lodge”. READ MORE: RIP: Gardai stand down search for missing man (44) following tragic update The Leader understands Qatar Racing’s Limerick enterprise has proved very successful but they are reducing their breeding operation in Ireland. They continue to have horses in training with Joseph O Brien, Gavin Cromwell and Johnny Murtagh and now have a lot more horses in America, Australia and James. Goffs Property, who are handling the sale of Spring Lodge, say it is situated within the Golden Vale of Ireland. “It has been identified as one of the ‘hot spots’ of Ireland’s thoroughbred breeding sector being adjacent to Group One producing stud farms – Rathmore, Croom, Manister, Ballyphilip and Caherass Stud to name but a few. “The stud benefits from a superb infrastructure with a high standard of equipment installed throughout and has an enviable record as a breeding ground for exceptional racehorses,” they say. Peter Molony, Irish representative of Qatar Racing, owner of neighbouring Rathmore Stud and manager of Spring Lodge, said there has been a lot of success over the 12 years. “Two yearlings that were born and raised there last year - St Mark’s Basilica
PICTURES: Qatar Racing put multi-million euro stud farm in Ireland up for auction
