Michael O’Leary is a well-known Irish businessman and racehorse owner who currently owns and operates Ryanair, Europe’s leading budget airline. He is also the owner of Gigginstown House Stud, a high-profile horse racing and breeding operation based in County Westmeath, Ireland. O’Leary has been involved in the horse racing industry for many years and is renowned for his success as an owner, breeder, and trainer. So, how many horses does Michael O’Leary own?
The O’Leary Horse Racing Empire
Michael O’Leary has been involved in the horse racing industry since the late 1990s when he purchased a few horses and started to breed, train, and race them. He has since gone on to become one of the most successful owners in the sport, having won multiple Grade 1 races and championships.
O’Leary is the owner of Gigginstown House Stud, which is one of the largest and most successful horse racing and breeding operations in Ireland. The stud is home to over 400 horses and is responsible for breeding some of the most successful racehorses in the country.
O’Leary also owns a number of other horses, including several high-profile winners and champions. Most notably, he is the owner of Vautour, a Grade 1-winning racehorse who won the 2014 Irish Grand National and the 2015 Punchestown Gold Cup.
How Many Horses Does Michael O’Leary Own?
At the last count, Michael O’Leary is believed to own around 400 horses, which are spread across his various operations. This includes the horses at Gigginstown House Stud and those he owns privately.
The Horses of Gigginstown House Stud
Gigginstown House Stud is home to around 300 horses and is responsible for breeding some of the most successful racehorses in Ireland. The stud is owned by Michael O’Leary’s brother Eddie and has produced several Grade 1-winning horses, including Don Cossack, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2016.
Gigginstown House Stud also owns several high-profile stallions, including champion hurdler Hurricane Fly and champion chaser Don Cossack. The stud is managed by leading Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, who is responsible for training many of the horses owned by O’Leary.
O’Leary’s Privately Owned Horses
In addition to the horses owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Michael O’Leary also owns around 100 horses privately. These horses are mostly trained by Gordon Elliott, although O’Leary also employs other trainers, including Willie Mullins, Tony Martin, and Noel Meade.
The most famous horse owned by O’Leary is Vautour, a Grade 1-winning racehorse who won the 2014 Irish Grand National and the 2015 Punchestown Gold Cup. O’Leary also owns a number of other high-profile horses, including Don Cossack, who won the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Hurricane Fly, who won the 2011 Champion Hurdle.
O’Leary’s Record in Horse Racing
Michael O’Leary has enjoyed considerable success as an owner, breeder, and trainer in the horse racing industry. He is the owner of Gigginstown House Stud, which has bred several Grade 1-winning horses, including Don Cossack and Vautour. He also owns a number of other high-profile horses, including Hurricane Fly and Don Cossack.
O’Leary’s record as a racehorse owner is impressive, having won numerous Grade 1 races and championships. He is the owner of Vautour, who won the 2014 Irish Grand National and the 2015 Punchestown Gold Cup, as well as Don Cossack, who won the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
O’Leary’s Love for Horse Racing
Michael O’Leary is an avid fan of horse racing and has been involved in the industry for many years. He is passionate about the sport and is known for his dedication to breeding and training quality racehorses.
O’Leary is also a generous supporter of the Irish horse racing industry, having donated millions of euros to the Irish Horse Racing Authority to help fund the development of new facilities. He is also a regular contributor to the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, which provides support and care for horses in need.
O’Leary’s Plans for the Future
Michael O’Leary is a passionate horse racing enthusiast and is dedicated to breeding and training quality racehorses. He is committed to continuing his involvement in the industry and plans to expand his operations in the future.
O’Leary is currently in the process of constructing a new state-of-the-art facility at Gigginstown House Stud, which will house up to 700 horses. The new facility is expected to open in 2020 and will feature world-class stabling, training, and breeding facilities.
O’Leary’s Legacy
Michael O’Leary has been an influential figure in the Irish horse racing industry for many years. He has made a significant contribution to the sport and has been responsible for breeding and training some of the most successful racehorses in the country.
O’Leary is widely respected by his peers and is known for his dedication to breeding and training quality racehorses. He is also a generous supporter of the industry, having donated millions of euros to the Irish Horse Racing Authority and the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Michael O’Leary is one of the most successful horse racing owners in Ireland and is the owner of around 400 horses, which are spread across his various operations. He owns the horses at Gigginstown House Stud, which has bred several Grade 1-winning horses, as well as a number of other horses which he owns privately. O’Leary has enjoyed considerable success as an owner, breeder, and trainer and is a passionate supporter of the Irish horse racing industry. He is committed to continuing his involvement in the industry and plans to expand his operations in the future.