Maurice Phelan's Bert House Stud in Kildare put up for sale

Maurice Phelan, who stood several dual-purpose stallions as well as training the likes of 2012 Eider Chase winner Portrait King, has put his Bert House Stud on the market.

The property, which is being offered by Jordan Town & Country Estate Agents, is just outside Athy in County Kildare and stands on 58 acres of predominantly limestone land.

With 58 boxes, automatic walker, sand gallops plus staff accommodation, two foaling boxes and various other facilities, Jordans suggests "it is ideal as a stud farm but would make it ideal for a sport horse enthusiast, sales prep and racing yard".

The stud is on offer at €1.3 million, with viewing strictly by appointment, and Phelan leaves with no regrets.

Maurice Phelan (right) after a winner at Punchestown in 2016Credit: Patrick McCann

"I'm moving on but it's a fantastic place - walk in and ready to go," he said.

Phelan's last winner was Batchelors Walk at Roscommon in 2018 and he would tend to have only one or two successes a year under rules from a handful of horses.

Among the stallions to have resided at Bert House were Paul Cole's Lockinge winner Broken Hearted, sire of the Champion Bumper winner Pizarro and Grand National hero Numbersixvalverde, and the dual Derby runner-up City Honours.

"I gave the training up as it was hard to compete but we had good days including the Eider Chase and I won an Ulster Derby with Alhellal," he said.

Phelan had been involved in livery lately and expects to continue working with horses in future, adding: "I'll be tipping away somewhere - it's just whether I turn left or right out of the gate!"

Read more...

Freddy Tylicki instrumental in success of Italian Derby scorer Tuscan Gaze

Two more stars in the eyes of Anthony Oppenheimer's Hascombe and Valiant Stud

Prix Jean Prat victory for Pinatubo caps smashing day for Shamardal