May 28 2009
Coolmore
Coolmore’s home is Ireland. It is home to 6 of the top 10 european sires in 2008. It is the largest breeding operation for Thoroughbred horses in the world. Gerry, our host, led us around some of the facilities where we saw Galileo, the world’s most expensive horse worth 60 million euro(shown here with the one white sock). We were able to see 5-6 of the 16 studs presently at Coolmore. Their other sires can be found at Coolmore Australia and USA(located in Kentucky). Coolmore is located on 2000 acres of the most exceptional land in Ireland. The studs mated 5x a day collecting fees of 7000-40000 per event. We were able to see the mating room as well, upon description it sounded like a medieval ritual but then again they are horses and not people. There were beautiful pastures of mares with their fillies and colts, unnamed untill their racing begins. Of course I tried to name one filly. It only resulted in a nickname the group gave me. Apparently in all my naiveness- which many of you will understand. I suggested a name to Gerry for the filly of “Butterfly Love” due to her unique markings. Not really understanding there is one person and one alone that names all of the horses and she does not take suggestions. So as the group ‘encouraged’ me to make my suggestion, they stood back waiting. Funny how I didn’t really see that coming. So the entire trip I became “Butterfly Love” while in his best Scarlet O’hara voice teasing me… Corey became Scarlet and the rest is history. Another inside joke that only the Ireland group will understand. I am actually glad for that because that name fits a horse much better than a person. You know though- It did not stop me from suggesting a few more names to our wonderful and gracious host Gerry who did such a good job at putting up with our ‘Twenty questions’.
