Superstar Ex-Racers - Coolmore on TV

I saw an amazing broadcast from Channel 4’s ‘Morning Line’ at the weekend, coming live from Coolmore Stud in County Tipperary, Ireland.  And it had ex-racehorses aplenty – Big Time!

To open, we were allowed a peep over the stable door of the mighty Galileo -  one of the best TB stallions  in the world, and sire of some of the best racehorses – as he contentedly munched his breakfast hay. And then, through the Irish morning mist,  came a parade of some of the world’s best, most beautiful, and successful stallions. One by one they were brought from their individual turnout paddocks (each gate with the horse’s brass nameplate attached) and stood before us by their personal handlers. Nick Luck, the programme presenter, and some of the Coolmore staff, introduced each horse, outlining its racing triumphs, personality, breeding characteristics, and successful progeny.

It was wonderful to see them all, no longer sleek and hard racecourse warriors, but  fat, relaxed and contented, being still ‘on holiday’ from the covering season. Galileo was walked out first for us – such a pretty horse, and looking quite chubby! – strolling meekly  beside his handler like the perfect child’s pony.

Then we met one of my old favourites, the gorgeous, dark-and-handsome Yeats – who raced so long and so successfully. He’s thirteen years old now, but still looked full of beans. MV Magnier, son of the owner, told us that Yeats ‘means more to Mum and Dad than us kids’!

Next came Dylan Thomas – a giant of a horse ( Coolmore’s biggest stallion, apparently.) Both he and Yeats are now proving good dual purpose sires, getting  jumping winners under National Hunt rules as well as on the Flat. Rock of Gibraltar, who was introduced next, looked small compared to Dylan Thomas, but we were told he is nevertheless ‘energetic’, just as he was on the track.

In the adjoining paddock, looking with interest at the camera, was 21-year-old Danehill Dancer. He is retired from stud duties now, it was explained, having covered an estimated 5000 mares. (So he’s certainly earned his rest!) He sired some great winners, including recent champions Kingston Hill and The Grey Gatsby. As with the other Coolmore stallions. Danehill Dancer will live out the rest of his days in his personal paddock at the stud, cared for by the people he knows and who clearly think the world of him.

Next we saw the newest recruit to the Coolmore’s ranks – War Command – who we saw being walked sedately round the empty yard. He had only arrived two days before, having just retired from racing, and was being kept quietly on his own in order to settle in to his new home.

Derby winner Pour Moi was paraded next, one of Coolmore’s  more recent stallions. His first crop of yearlings has been well-received at Newmarket’s Yearling Sales this week, one fetching over 200,000 guineas.

There was breaking news on the programme, too, that the fantastic horse Australia, winner this year of both the English and Irish Derbys, as well as much more, was retiring early from racing due to a foot infection. He would be arriving at Coolmore within days, to prepare for a no doubt spectacular stud career. Australia is by the legendary Sadlers Wells out of the brilliant mare Ouija Board, and the world’s biggest – and richest! – TB breeders are desperate to send their mares to him.

Australia and War Command are entering a fabulous life. The Coolmore stallions are treated like royalty (as indeed they are, of the equine kind), with their personal stables, paddocks, and loyal attendants, and with the world’s best vets, farriers and other horse care experts to guide their management. Moreover, they have the enduring care, respect, and love of their own dedicated handlers. And, of course, a rather pleasant lifestyle with the ladies….

As life-after-racing second careers for ex-racehorses go, it doesn't come much more successful – and glamorous! – than this.  To borrow a phrase from soccer – that other sport full of expensive and spectacular male stars – “ The boys done good !”

I recommend trying to catch this programme on Channel 4 On Demand.  The horses are wonderful to see – and the glimpse we were given into Coolmore’s private museum – never filmed before – is amazing! Look out for Sadlers Wells…!