Qatar Racing to set up stud in Limerick
The 102.7 acres at Manister, Croom auctioned by John Flynn last month was bought in trust by Goff’s. It has now emerged that the purchasers are members of the Qatari royal family. It is their first Irish stud in a burgeoning property portfolio.
Qatar Racing was formed in 2011 by Sheikh Hamad, Sheikh Suhaim and Sheikh Fahad Al Thani. They have invested tens of millions in horse racing and the bloodstock industry.
David Redvers, who manages Qatar Racing and Pearl Racing on behalf of Qatar’s ruling Al Thani family, said there were no plans to stand stallions on the property in Croom.
The farm is located close to Rathmore Stud, whose owner Peter Molony will oversee its running.
“Some of the best studs in Ireland are in the Croom area and this will enable us to keep bloodstock in Ireland where Peter can oversee it,” Redvers said.
Molony, son of legendary National Hunt jockey Martin Molony, said the land was bought as an investment.
“It was bought because the land here is some of, if not the best, in the country for raising horses.
“I pointed out to them when they were thinking about buying it that there are seven or eight farms in this small area that have produced group or grade one winners in the last four or five years.
“There is Islanmore, Manister House, ourselves, Caherass House, Roundhill, Ballyphilip and Croom House all producing grade one winners. The land is fantastic here. They will raise young horses,” said Molony.
“It will be developed slowly,” said Molony, with horses expected to be stabled there from next year. It is a major vote of confidence for Limerick and the quality of land here,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Kilfrush stud in Knocklong was also sold recently for an undisclosed sum to David Ryan of Aran Bloodstock, representing Qatari interests. Meanwhile American interests are understood to have purchased the 295-acre Mellon Stud in Kildimo.
