Latest twist in Sands Of Mali saga as court orders owner-breeder Steve Parkin to release covering certificates

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Steve Parkin has been compelled by the High Court to release covering certificates for mares in foal to Sands Of Mali after the owner-breeder had blocked the process as part of his dispute with his former racing and bloodstock adviser Joe Foley.

Parkin, a one-time prominent figure in racing through his Clipper Logistics operation, had prevented breeders receiving the certificates that confirm a stallion has covered a mare and the service has been paid for, leading to disruption and anxiety for a number of small breeders.

Five mares had been sold in-foal to Sands Of Mali at last year’s Goffs November Sale on the understanding the covering certificates would be subsequently issued. However, the delay resulted in one of the sales being cancelled and the vendor losing out on a €32,000 payday.

However, after a hearing in the Irish High Court on Thursday, Parkin must release the covering certificates provided there is proof of payment for the coverings.

Payments by breeders using Sands Of Mali have been made to an escrow account while the dispute between the two parties continues.

The court decision provides clarity at a vital time for breeders, with the Goffs February Sale taking place next week in which six mares in-foal to Sands Of Mali are due to be sold.

The dispute between Parkin and Foley dates back to March 2024 when their successful 20-year relationship suddenly fractured and broke irrevocably leading to a bitter legal battle.

Since then, Parkin’s Clipper enterprise has scaled back with the sale of horses-in-training, broodmares, stallions and Dullingham Park Stud near Newmarket.

In addition, Sands Of Mali, the stallion at the centre of the legal tussle, was sold in a sealed-bid auction to Yeomanstown Stud for a multi-million-euro sum.

The final stages of the legal case, including the distribution of the funds from the sale of Sands Of Mali, will be heard later this year.

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Owner-breeder accuses 'stallion master' of withholding hundreds of thousands of euros as Sands Of Mali court dispute erupts again 

Breeders in limbo as Sands Of Mali certificate dispute puts recent sales at risk 

'Sands Of Mali is an exceptional stallion' - €100,000 filly headlines final session of a lively November Foal Sale 

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