The O’Brien Domination in Irish Flat Racing

[zilzal]

I was looking to have another read of a great opinion column last week in the Racing Post on the above subject possibly by Richard Forristal but I’m having difficulty finding it. I don’t buy the Post this time of the year. I think it suggested this domination wasn’t entirely healthy. Could someone post a link for me please. Or perhaps it was a dream!

[value31]

No, it is not a dream and it will get worse ovwr the coming years. O’Brien’s main patrons breed their own horses which give them a significant advantage. Breeding fees go up and up while prize money is stagnating Of course it’s not healthy but it is the way of the world at the moment. The USA leads the way where billionaires have their taxes reduced while many citizens see the cost of rent and food exceed their net income.

[Tonge]

They breed their own horses but also spend millions at the sales. Always strikes me as odd. Juddmonte & Shadwell also buy at the sales but seem to have most success with home breds. Anyone got stats on Coolmore home breds v purchases?

[Helcatmudwrestler]

What they pay at sales will probably not be total outlay at Coolmore , they own shares in some of the mares I’d guess , or shares in the syndicates that own them. Them buying the stock inflates the stallions fees for the stallions they stand .

[Author]

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