'People's ears prick up when you retire a Guineas and Futurity winner'

Kitty Trice speaks to the Irish National Stud's Gary Swift about new recruit Mac Swiney

Mac Swiney and Rory Cleary winners of the Irish 2,000 Guineas.The Curragh RacecoursePhoto: Patrick McCann/Racing Post22.05.2021

Mac Swiney after victory in the Irish 2,000 GuineasCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The arrival of Mac Swiney – one of a number of Classic winners embarking on a stallion career in 2024 – at the Irish National Stud was several years in the making.

Jim Bolger's Irish 2,000 Guineas and Futurity Trophy winner had long been scouted out by the County Kildare stud and a twist of fate has seen the son of New Approach finally arrive to begin an exciting new chapter.

After retiring having won four of his 17 starts for his renowned owner-breeder, plans had been made for Mac Swiney to stand at stud significantly further away. That it ultimately didn't happen was very much to the Irish National Stud's gain.

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Kitty TriceBloodstock journalist

Published on 16 December 2023inNews

Last updated 17:43, 16 December 2023

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