Irish National Stud

The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation has selected Chance McKeever and Mark Schrenger as recipients of its awards granted for the 2026 Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course at the Irish National Stud. McKeever, a Lexington, Kentucky native is the son of Grade I-winning trainer Andrew McKeever and has gained track experience as an assistant to his father at Keeneland and with Michael McCarthy. He is currently employed at Hunter Valley Farm and has prepped yearlings at Springhouse Farm. "I am delighted to have been awarded this scholarship, and,...

Twenty-four students from the Irish National Stud's Thoroughbred Breeding Management course marked the completion of the six-month programme with a graduation ceremony on Friday, June 27. The event was hosted by well-known industry figure Leo Powell, with the family and friends of the graduating class among those in attendance at the County Kildare stud farm, as well as other respected figures from the Thoroughbred industry. A number of students were recognised for their exceptional performance and contribution over the duration of the course, including: Ava Banahan (Co. Kildare, Ireland) -...

The Gerry Dilger Equine Foundation has opened the application process for its 2026 Irish National Stud Scholarship. Applicants must be currently working on a Kentucky horse farm with multiple years of experience, or currently enrolled as a 2025 KEMI spring intern, or must have completed the program last fall. Also, those who apply must be a resident of the U.S. A bachelor's degree in equine science is preferred, but not required. Applications are due by July 1. Scholarships cover airfare and tuition to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, Ireland,...

The Irish National Stud's Shouldvebeenaring (GB) is the latest young sire that is reported to have his first mares scanned in foal. Among them is Newmarket maiden winner Ultra Violet (GB) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and Louisa May (Ire) (National Defense {GB}), a half-sister to stakes winner Dubara (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), from the family of Milan (GB) and Karpino (Ger) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Additionally, Irish Madam (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), a full-sister to Strath Burn (GB), has been confirmed in foal. Cathal Beale, CEO of the Irish National Stud, commented, "Shouldvebeenaring has been...

As the fifth anniversary of my father's passing approaches on March 4, I can't help but reflect on the past few years and all we've accomplished in his name. Because of each of you, whether you've donated to the foundation or attended our annual golf tournament, helped a young person in their career endeavors in the industry, or simply regaled a fond story of my dad, you have supported us to achieve our most basic goal - to keep his memory alive. On behalf of myself, my mom Erin, my...

Conor Hyland is a graduate of the celebrated Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Course. Since completing the course in 2019, he has been based at the stud, where he holds the role as nominations and sales assistant.  This year represents a big one for the INS with long-time star of the roster Invincible Spirit (Ire) retired from stallion duties. Hyland discusses the new stallions on the roster, including first-season sire Shouldvebeenaring  (GB) and Lucky Vega (Ire), whose first two-year-olds are set to hit the track in Europe this year.  [caption...

Amplify Horse Racing, which promotes education and career opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry for youth and young adults, is accepting applications for the spring 2025 intake of its mentorship program through Tuesday, Jan. 28, the nonprofit said in a release early Wednesday morning. The program offers an introductory step for young people interested in learning more about the Thoroughbred industry by pairing them with experienced professionals who provide valuable career guidance. The spring session will run from Mar. 1 through May 31. The suggested age range for mentee candidates is...

The Irish National Stud (INS) today announced its Thoroughbred Breeding Management Class of 2025, featuring 26 students from eight different countries--Ireland, the UK, France, Sweden, the United States, Colombia, Australia and South Africa. The six-month residential course begins in January and provides students with hands-on training and lectures covering all aspects of Thoroughbred breeding. The curriculum spans key subjects such as reproductive anatomy and physiology, mare and stallion management, foaling procedures, equine nutrition, equine business, and farm management. The programme is designed to ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet...

The four-strong roster at the Irish National Stud was revealed on Thursday, with all returning stallions' fees unchanged from 2024. After the retirement of roster stalwart Invincible Spirit (Ire) on Wednesday, Lucky Vega (Ire) heads the roster at €12,500. The Group 1-winning son of Lope De Vega (Ire) has his first runners in 2025, as does Nando Parrado (GB), who is listed at €6,000. New kid on the block is smart sprinter Shouldvebeenaring (GB) at €6,000. The son of Havana Grey (GB) has placed multiple times at the highest level...

A consequence of massive book sizes is that it has become even harder for a less obvious prospective stallion to break into the elite tier. However, just as many seemingly excellent stallion prospects over the years have failed to make the grade, and there is still scope for a stallion to succeed against the odds, to 'pull himself up by his bootstraps', to join the elite after having started out considerably farther down the ladder. One such has been the admirable Invincible Spirit (Ire), whose retirement from active service at...

Invincible Spirit (Ire), the sire of 22 individual Group 1 winners worldwide, has been retired from covering duties, the Irish National Stud announced on Wednesday. Now 27, Invincible Spirit was a fixture on the Irish National Stud roster of stallions for 22 consecutive seasons, starting in 2003 after his breakthrough Group 1 victory in the Sprint Cup at Haydock the previous autumn. As a racehorse he won seven of his 17 starts for trainer John Dunlop and owner-breeder Prince Faisal, with his other wins including the Duke Of York Stakes...

The Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation awarded two recipients the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Experience Scholarship, the program announced Thursday. The award, open to graduates of Irish equine programs, grants one year placements at leading Kentucky farms to provide the next generation of young people with an opportunity to further develop their horse skills. For 2025, the board selected Ciaran Phelan who will work with Springhouse Farm in Lexington and Lola Queck who will work with Hunter Valley Farm in Versailles. Ciaran worked at Coolmore Stud and Lodge Park Stud, graduated...