PICTURES: Qatar Racing put multi-million euro stud farm in Ireland up for auction

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 filly topped the Arqana sale in Deauville last August at €1.7 million for a filly, and  a nice Kameko colt made €2 million at Tattersalls in Newmarket

“The facilities are fabulous. The yards are all very practical, the paddocks are all serviced by an internal road network and it's all beautifully fenced. 

“They spent a lot of money on the house - it is beautifully done. It's a lovely property for someone,” said Mr Molony, who adds that it would be a pity if it didn’t continue as a stud farm after all the effort, work and thought that went into Spring Lodge.

“We have to see who buys it I suppose,” said Mr Molony, who added that he is happy to help the new owner with their purchase.

Sheikh Fahad gave an interview to the Leader in 2014 after flying in by helicopter to Manister to inspect his recent purchase at the time.

“It is very impressive. The land looks great, the spot looks nice. It is nice and quiet, it is good for the mares here so I am very happy,” said Sheikh Fahad.

“I bought the farm to keep a few mares and foals down here, Irish ones. It looks like a perfect spot to be honest.

“We are going to build a few stables here and barns. I believe this part of the world, the land is one of the best lands to raise race horses, that is why we bought the place and we are going to raise a few of our race horses down here,” said Sheikh Fahad, who described the land as some of the best in Ireland.

For more pictures, click 'Next'