We have just arrived back from a three week visit to Europe. We had a busy and varied trip.
Our first stop was as guests of French trainer Nicolas Clement and bloodstock agent Tina Rau in beautiful Chantilly. We went out on the gallops to watch Nicolas’ first two strings working in the most stunning surroundings deep in the French forest. Just absolute horse heaven - although Tina assured me that winter was a different story.
We also had the opportunity to have a close look at the Chantilly Racecourse with its stunning backdrop of the Great Stables.
From Chantilly, we headed to Baden-Baden in the South of Germany to attend the BBAG Premier Yearling Sales, tagging along with Tina Rau as she inspected yearlings for clients. It was a very interesting see the differences and similarities in comparison to our Southern Hemisphere sales and yearlings. It was fabulous to catch up with some friends that we hadn’t seen for a number of years at this sale also. We attended the races at Baden-Baden on a Listed race day and were lucky enough to enjoy the hospitality of Coolmore Stud who were sponsors of the main race on the day.
We headed to Ireland (where we spent many years working) and attended a wedding of a fellow National Stud student from a few years back. This wedding was attended by many of our friends who again we hadn’t seen for long time so it was the perfect opportunity to reminisce over a few wines.
We then headed down to Carlow and Wicklow and caught up with a couple more friends. This trip included a visit to the stunning Acorn Stud run by Jerome and Lisa Hullin. We were shown around this beautiful farm and meet their lovely weanlings which included progeny of New Zealand shuttle stallion ‘Vadamos’.
Our trip away was the big refresh that we both needed after what has been a very busy weaning season for us. Our only mare to foal this season has just had a lovely colt (pictured) by Proisir at Haunui Farm and will visit Belardo this season. Dear old Joan’s Girl has been covered by Proisir so we will keep our fingers crossed for a positive pregnancy in a few days.
