Racing Royalty
Very occasionally a day comes along that you instantly know will stay with you for the rest of your days. Yesterday was such a day. To say that my husband had been eagerly anticipating the Racing Royalty Package provided by Cashel Palace would be the understatement of the century. He was like a child on Christmas Eve. It did not disappoint.
Racing Royalty at Cashel Palace
From pick up at the hotel reception by the wonderful Equine Concierge, Julie, we were driven about 15 minutes in a luxurious Mercedes to the gates of Ballydoyle where Polly, who has worked there for 20 years, took the driving seat and proved to be a fountain of knowledge on all aspects of probably the most successful flat racing stable in the world.
If horses are your thing, this is equine heaven! If not, it is a fascinating insight into the day to day running and organisation needed to be a world leader in your field. From the variety of gallops in terms of distance and surface, the quarantine requirements for racing horses around the world, to the original blueprint created by the legendary Vincent O’Brien seventy years ago, the attention to detail and logistical challenge was incredible. The views and vistas were equally impressive.
The piece de resistance was watching up close the majestic horses being put through their paces on the gallops. On this occasion we were so fortunate to do this alongside the watchful eye of the maestro himself, Aidan O’Brien, although this cannot be guaranteed due to his understandably busy schedule. His knowledge and insight made this an even more special occasion.
The next part of the trip was a short journey to the local town of Fethard where the Fethard Horse Country Experience provides a fascinating history of the horse’s development and contribution to Irish culture, from working animals to hunting and racing. A worthwhile stand alone trip for all of the family, housed in the recently refurbished 17th century building. Lunch was provided here showcasing an array of local food and beverages although normally this would be served at the highly acclaimed local eatery, Dooks Fine Foods.
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, the final part of this package was a guided tour of Coolmore, undoubtedly the best equine stud farm in the world. We were met by Maurice Maloney, who if he hadn’t been at Coolmore for the last forty years, surely would have made his living as a comedian and raconteur such was his wit, repartee and easy going nature. His knowledge and insight into the running of the stud was first class. The impeccable facilities, with rubber walkways, stables that I’d be happy to live in and individual paddocks, made you realise that stars such as Camelot, Australia, Wootton Bassett and Churchill to name but a few, really are treated like royalty. Seeing Wootton Bassett and Churchill in the flesh, being led out by their handlers was truly a sight to behold, their regal majesty on full display!
The driven tour of the 3,500 acre farm brought home the sheer scale and beauty of this project. Observing the mares watching over their stunning foals, crashed out in the sun, is an image that will stay with us forever.
Maurice emphasised the impressive green credentials of both Coolmore and Ballydoyle: the complete self sufficiency of the entire set up, with all feed and bedding processed on the farm and all water supplied from their own reservoirs. It is also an employer of large numbers of local people and a huge contributor to the local economy.
The legacy museum just takes this trip to another level. It is awash with racing memorabilia such as the tiny saddles and actual silks used by the racing gods such as Piggot, Eddery, Fallon, O’Brien et al. The content of this museum alone would fill an entire day for racing aficionados.
The Racing Royalty Package is aptly named as you encounter the noble bloodlines of the equine stars as well as the organisation that the racing world pays homage to. A glass of champagne ended what can only be described as a day of lifetime. Thank you Cashel Palace.
Note: My husband and I experienced the Racing Royalty Experience courtesy of Cashel Palace.
This experience costs 2500 euros per couple and is the only way to gain access to Ballydoyle. It can only be booked in conjunction with a stay at Cashel Palace.
Read my review of Cashel Palace.
Most def not a millennial. Too old to drink s*** wine. Penchant for luxury travel. Sharing my fav things in life; past, present and future.