By Brian Sheerin
Almost exactly six years after a high-profile split that sent shockwaves through National Hunt racing, Gigginstown House Stud have returned to the champion trainer Willie Mullins, with expensive bumper recruit Shanbally Kid (Ire) (Presenting {GB}) set to represent the once-dominant owners this season.
Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown ownership vehicle was operating at the peak of its powers when the falling out with Mullins over training fees happened in September 2016.
High-profile horses like Gold Cup third Don Poli (Ire), multiple Grade 1-winning hurdler Apple's Jade (Fr) and the then promising youngster Blow By Blow (Ire) were switched to Gordon Elliott while Valseur Lido (Fr) and others were sent to Henry de Bromhead.
It was in May 2019 that O'Leary announced that Gigginstown would be winding down their racing operation “over an extended four or five-year period” and that they would not be purchasing any more stores or young horses.
However, Eddie O'Leary, who manages Gigginstown on behalf of his brother Michael, revealed exclusively to TDN Europe on Monday that the purchasing of Shanbally Kid represents a new “select approach” by the owners.
“All I will say is that it is a long road that doesn't turn,” O'Leary said. “We've had some great days with Willie and we are looking forward to having a couple with him this season again. Shanbally Kid will be the first of them. We bought him after he won his bumper at Clonmel.”
Shanbally Kid was knocked down to Harold Kirk and Mullins for £190,000 at the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale shortly after bolting up at Clonmel for Richard O'Brien.
He is not the only classy bumper recruit that will sport the maroon and white of Gigginstown this season with O'Leary also sharing that Land Rover Bumper runner-up Miss Agusta (Ire) (Well Chosen {GB}) has been bought to join Gordon Elliott.
O'Leary said, “We bought a few bumper horses and got a couple at the store sales so it will be a small and select approach going forward. Miss Agusta is ours and she's for Gordon.”
Miss Agusta was sold for €235,000 to Gordon Elliott Racing at the Goffs Punchestown Sale after her debut second in the Land Rover for Mags Mullins.
Gigginstown may have spent just five years on the roster at Closutton but enjoyed a golden period, kick-started by Sir Des Champs (Fr) landing the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham in 2011. He followed up in the Jewson Novices' Chase in 2012 and would go on to run a gallant second to Bobs Worth in the 2013 Gold Cup. The powerful owner-trainer combination netted 17 Grade 1s all told.
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