Today's thoroughbreds gracing the race tracks around the world can be traced back to three foundation sires : Byerly Turk, Godolphon Arabian and Darley Arabian.

In an article published in New Scientist in 2005 it was stated that : 'Virtually all 500,000 of the world’s thoroughbred racehorses are descended from 28 ancestors, born in the 18th and 19th centuries, according to a new genetic study. And up to 95% of male thoroughbreds can be traced back to just one stallion, Darley Arabian.'.

Today Ireland is the third largest producer of thoroughbreds in the world, after the U.S and Australia, and accounts for 42 per cent of total EU output. Part of that domination stems from the Charles Haughey tax break introduced in the Eighties which led to the growth of, among other, the massive Coolmore operation. Seventy per cent of the world's top stallions have been located in Ireland.

The thoroughbred in Ireland has also played a major role in the production of the Irish Sport Horse when crossed with the Irish Draught. Varying proportions of these breeds result in the production of Irish Sport Horses. The Irish Draught and Thoroughbred has proven to be a very successful cross and gives the Irish Sport Horse its unique, and much sought after, characteristics. The Irish Draught Horse gives our sport horses strength, intelligence and a kind temperament, which are reflected in their performance and ability. The Thoroughbred blood brings athleticism to the breed and enables them to compete successfully at the highest level of every equestrian discipline.

This year we have crossed our own thoroughbred mare Lilo with an Irish Draught stallion and are looking forward to the result.

For more information on the Irish Thoroughbred Industry as well as the Sport Horse industry, please refer to the following sites

Sport Horse Ireland

The National Stud

The Irish Horse Board

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing


Byerly Turk, ridden as a charger Godolphin Arabian
in 1690 at the Battle of the Boyne
before retiring to stud

Darley Arabian



Godolphin Arabian