Earlier this month, after a two-year hiatus, second year Equine Science students got to enjoy the annual trip to Co. Kildare where they experienced the energy and allure of the thoroughbred industry; firstly at the Sportsman thoroughbred yearling sale at Goffs, followed by a trip to the Curragh and onward to Kildare town where they were given tours of the highly acclaimed RACE Academy and the National Farrier School, Farriery Ireland.
The hum of the auctioneer punctuated with the fresh pace of the gavel from the Goffs rostrum only highlighted how easy it is to spend fortunes on the enigmatic breed. UL students, captively engaged, fulfilled exercises judging these yearling and estimated their selling price, quickly calculating if these animals were or not, profitable pinhooks. The trade was strong, the median price at €21,000, up one third from 2021, and the top lot a record breaking €300,000, a Ten Sovereigns filly out of an Invincible Spirit mare consigned by Abbeville Stud.
Enthusiasm followed on to Farriery Ireland and the RACE academy, schools dedicated to providing training and apprenticeships to farriers, work riders and hopeful jockeys. Donal Bennet, master farrier and Katie McManamon, jockey instructor, gave very welcoming and informative talks. The trip culminated with exciting rides on motorised racing simulators giving the students a sample of the pace and vigour similar to that experienced while riding one of those majestic thoroughbreds in a race.
On
behalf of Equine Science UL, I wish to thank all those who facilitated our
memorable trip.
Amy Fitzgerald
Equitation Teacher, Department of Biological Sciences, UL
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