By Brian Sheerin
Jim Bolger says that his Classic-winning stallion prospect Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) will appeal to just about any stud in the world when he is offered for sale online by Goffs on January 20 but expressed a wish for Irish 2000 Guineas winner to stay in Ireland.
The reason being, according to Bolger, is that he'd like to support Mac Swiney with a dozen mares in his debut season at stud.
Bolger also revealed that, despite the fact the horse who led home stablemate Poetic Flare (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) in that memorable Curragh Classic had been subject to a number of “nibbles,” the legendary trainer and breeder was keen to offer the horse at public auction with Goffs.
He said, “It's interesting, isn't it? Mac Swiney would have appeal everywhere in the world but obviously I would prefer if he stayed in Ireland where I could use him.
“I've a dozen mares that I would like to send him and the only reason why I am selling him is because I wouldn't do him justice in promoting him.”
Bolger added, “Due to the unique nature of my business, I have to keep moving them on. We had several nibbles over the past six months or so for Mac Swiney but we decided to sell him at public auction. He's the first stallion prospect I have sold at public auction.”
Mac Swiney's sale will take place just a few months after Bolger's Gan Teorainn (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), owned by Ennistown Stud, was sold for 1 million gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale.
On that, he commented, “It was a good achievement. She can only improve because she was quite backward as a 2-year-old.”
Mac Swiney won four times all told. Three of those wins were recorded as a 2-year-old, including in the G1 Vertem Futurity S. at Doncaster back in 2020.
Reflecting on Mac Swiney's career highlight at the Curragh, Bolger added, “It was a special day. It was very comfortable on the day because we knew a furlong out that the race was ours. He has top-class form. He's an Irish 2000 Guineas winner and he showed precocity at two as well.”
Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby described it as “a rare opportunity” to be afforded the opportunity to sell the Classic winner on behalf of Bolger.
He said, “Goffs is delighted to be entrusted with the sale of Classic winner Mac Swiney on behalf of Mr. Bolger. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a multiple Group 1-winning stallion prospect and we anticipate plenty of international interest through the excellent Goffs Online platform that makes such sales so easily accessible for bidders regardless of location.”
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