Bluesea’s cracking win ensures Buster King’s legacy lives on
Ted is a hugely knowledgeable racing commentator but, perhaps., the reason Buster King would have escaped his considerable radar was that the horse never ran, suffering an injury after his dam stood on his hoof.
Apart from that, Buster King has covered more half-bred mares than thoroughbreds.
It is a remarkable story and though the old horse died at 24 years of age just six weeks ago, Bluesea Cracker ensures his legacy lives on.
Buster King was very well bredhimself, being by Busted, who sired Florida’s Son, amongst others. Florida’s Son produced plenty of quality
offspring himself, not least the magnificent Florida Pearl, who was placed in two Cheltenham Gold Cups and won the King George VI Chase, a record four Hennessy Gold Cups, one Punchestown Gold Cup, a Royal & Sun Alliance Chase and the Champion Bumper.
Firgrove Stud was the home of Buster King, which is a small, family-run operation in Ballinhassig, Co Cork. Finbarr O’Neill moved from Skibbereen to buy a bigger farm 40 years ago and together with his wife, Marie, has established a reputation for running a shrewd operation. With daughters, Siobhán and Julie, adding their expertise nowadays, it is areputation that persists.
Finbarr was pleased for connections that Bluesea Cracker took the big pot at Fairyhouse.
“I’ve kept an eye on Bluesea Cracker and was impressed enough when she finished second at Naas last month,” said Finbarr yesterday.
“She’s a fine horse. When she finished the race she seemed so fresh. It didn’t knock a feather out of her.
“I remember her as a foal. She was out of a Black Minstrel mare (Zelie’s Pet) who was pigeon-toed to the last. It was amazing she came out straight, which just goes to show that you can never be sure what will happen.”
Although Bluesea Cracker is trained in Cloyne by James Motherway, five members of the Note The Linksyndicate that own the 10-year-old hail from Ballinhassig.
“We didn’t have any party yet but maybe we’ll organise something with the owners.”
While the publicity won’t do any harm, and the win is something for the people of Ballinhassig to be proud of, O’Neill doesn’t expect any huge benefits himself from Bluesea Cracker’s victory.
“I don’t think it will make any difference. We’ll just keep going. I bought a horse in Roscommon by Cavalier last year called West Coast Cavalier. He’s a grade A showjumper with 275 jumping points so I’mstanding him at stud now, along with Ben Bulben.
“We’ll stick to the half-breds from now on. Some fellas are saying to me I should get another thoroughbred sire now after Buster King died but I’m 75 at this stage so I just wouldn’t beinterested.”
And he doesn’t believe that there would be any future in it for him.
“The small stud will go eventually” he opines. “The likes of Coolmore and Rathbarry are standing Grade 1 stallions at national hunt. The small man can’t compete with that. Once upon a time a mare would be going to a local stud but now they’re looking for the pedigree.”
Regardless of future developments however, the O’Neills and Firgrove Stud will forever be a part of the Irish Grand National history.
