Ballymacoll Stud in County Meath, is located in the townland of Ballymacoll, approximately 2 miles from the village of Dunboyne and 4 miles from the town of Maynooth.
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| Ballymacoll Estate was founded by Henry Hamilton (1760-1844). It remained in Hamilton hands until January 1911, when it was sold to Lord Nugent. Other owners and tenants followed, including Boss Croker, the trainer, the Inchape Family, and the Irish Army (during World War II). |
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| In April 1946 the property was purchased by the Hon. Dorothy Paget, daughter of Lord Queenborough and Pauline (daughter of William C. Whitney). She owned the stud until her death in February 1960 at the age of 54. Despite owning the stud, Dorothy Paget never actually visited the farm herself, but she did from time to time receive detailed reports, illustrated with photographs. | |
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| Sir Gordon Richards, had been Dorothy Paget's principal jockey and trainer, right up the time of her death. He was instrumental in persuading the then Mr. Michael Sobell, the industrialist and philanthropist (later Sir Michael Sobell), and his son-in-law, Sir Arnold Weinstock, Managing Director of G.E.C. (later Lord Weinstock) to buy the farm in June 1960. The price agreed for the 300 acre farm, together with approximately 130 horses was £250,000. |
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| Following the purchase, horses surplus to requirements were sold at the Newmarket sales that year. In 1967 the main house at Ballymacoll, which had stood semi-derelict for many years was demolished. |
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| In 1974 Lord Weinstock's son, the Hon. Simon Weinstock became a partner in Ballymacoll with his father. Simon took a very active role in the running of the stud and took particular responsibility for the matings. Tragically Simon Weinstock died in May 1996 at the age of 44. | |
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| Today Ballymacoll comprises of 300 acres of land, all stud railed with 60 stables included in 4 yards. The main yard has recently been totally overhauled. It is interesting to note that in the year 2000 72% of the Ballymacoll mares are descended from those mares purchased from Dorothy Paget 40 years earlier. |
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19 Feb 2010
