Publican breeds country’s first Andalucian colt

A PUBLICAN and first-time horse-breeder was toasting the birth yesterday of the first thoroughbred Andalucian colt to be foaled in Ireland.

Gary Hyde, who runs the Castle Tavern in Glanmire, Co Cork, helped deliver the foal in stables at his home in Rathcooney, north of the city, at 5am on Tuesday. The foal was sired by Iberico, one of two Andalucian stallions he imported from Spain last year.

Iberico has covered about 200 mares in Spain, Mr Hyde said, but this is the first time the breed has been successfully bred here.

Buyers have already expressed an interest in the new foal, which could fetch up to €7,000 as a yearling.

Mr Hyde bought the colt’s father, Iberico, and the other stallion, Complicada, in Malaga last year. They are often used in dressage events but are renowned for carrying matadors in the bullrings of Spain, and are worth up to €15,000 each.

Mr Hyde said he has always been interested in the breed. “They are noble, gallant, full of courage and they have spectacular movement,” he said. “There is a fierce presence about them.”