Eyrefield Lodge Stud, Curragh, Co. Kildare

EYREFIELD LODGE STUD, THE CURRAGH

FEATURES

LOCATION

Eyrefield Lodge Stud, Curragh, Co. Kildare

DESCRIPTION

Eyrefield is one of the most famous Lodges on the Curragh. The main residence was built in 1760 and nearly destroyed during the Troubles. It was re-built in 1798 then renovated and enlarged by Major Eustace Loder when he bought it in 1897. In 1879 the legendary trainer Henry Eyre Linde inherited it. He bred and trained a stream of famous winners over fences (2 Grand National Winners) and on the flat. These included Ambush 11, Gamebird, Empress Woodbrook and Nutwith. He was also the first trainer to create his own private steepchase course at Eyrefield.

Originally built as a Hunting Lodge, it is believed that Empress Sisi of Austria hunted from here.

In 1897 Major Eustace Loder bought the stud and set about re-building and enlarging it. Known as “Lucky” Loder he won the Irish Derby and the Oaks in 1900 and then the next year bred the peerless Pretty Polly whose descendants still live here.

As a racehorse Pretty Polly set standards for the century that will not now be surpassed. She was the best 2 year old filly of hers or any generation since. She was sent to Newmarket to be trained by Peter Purcell Gilpin at his newly built Clarehaven Stables, currently occupied by John Gosden. In her first race over 5 furlongs, most assumed there had been a false start, when she was seen romping clear after 2 furlongs. The judge estimated her winning distance at 10 lengths but contemporary pictures show it was more like 20. She won the 1000 Guineas in record time at a canter, strolled home in the Oaks (100/8 on, the shortest price ever in a classic), then trashed the 2000 Guineas and Derby winner St. Amant in the St. Leger. She retired to stud as the winner of 22 of her 24 starts. At 4 her victories included Coronation Cup, Champion Stakes and Jockey Club Cup. At 5 she won another Coronation Cup.

Edmund Loder inherited Eyrefield in 1967 and has continued to breed champions there.

Some winners bred at Eyrefield Lodge include:

• Pretty Polly.

• Spion Kop – UK Derby.

• Spike Island – Irish Derby.

• Gallinaria – Derby.

• Hammerkop – 2nd in the Oaks

• Marwell – Champion Sprintere in Europe

• Marling – Champion Filly in Europe

• Caerwent – Gr. 1, Sire

• Unite – Irish Oaks

• Vintage Tipple – Irish Oaks

• Overbury – Gr. 1

• Lady Seymour – Gr. 2

• Lord Seymour – Gr. 2, Gr 1 pl, Sire

• Perfect Plum – Gr. 3

• Sarab – Gr 1

• Littlefeather – Gr 1 placed

• Limini – Gr placed over hurdles and on the flat.

MAIN RESIDENCE

The house now is mostly as Eustace Loder re-built it in 1897 but with some additions and modernisation. It compromises a detached, mainly single storey, period residence which is approached through a tree-lined avenue and lies in a mature elevated setting overlooking the post and railed paddocks.

Overall, the entire is in very good condition throughout and with generous accommodation of c. 5,048 sq.ft. (c. 469 sq.m.) with a drawingroom, sittingroom, diningroom and library, all with very attractive fireplaces and vaulted ceilings. These look out on to the veranda and overlook the lawn paddocks.

There is also an office, a library and a fully fitted kitchen/breakfastroom. The master bedroom suite includes: a dressingroom and bathroom and there are a further 5 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms. Upstairs there is also a separate bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. A total of 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. There is a small cellar with store rooms and boiler house.

OUTSIDE

A wonderful elevated setting with magnificent old trees. The gardens and grounds are a feature of the property with beautiful herbaceous borders, box hedges, topiary, rose garden, vegetable garden and greenhouse. The graveyard at the end of the fern walk contains the graves of Pretty Polly, Spearmint, Spion Kop, Marwell and Marling. In addition, there is a conservatory, croquet lawn, tennis court (needs renovation), swimming pool and sauna.

THE YARD

Stud Groom’s House

Comprises c. 1,377 sq.ft. (128 sq.m.) with sittingroom, breakfastroom, office, kitchen with Stanley cooker and toilet on ground floor. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms and bathroom with shower. Oil fired central heating.

Oat Loft Flat

Comprises c. 753 sq.ft. (c. 70 sq.m) with sittingroom, kitchen/breakfastroom, bathroom with shower, separate w.c., and 2 bedrooms. Oil fired central heating.

Eyre Cottage

Comprises c. 608 sq.ft. (c. 56.5 sq.m.) with kitchen/breakfastroom, sittingroom, bedroom and bathroom. Oil fired central heating.

Gate Lodge

This comprises c. 914 sq.ft. (c. 85 sq.m.) with sittingroom, breakfast/dining room, kitchen and laundry room/shower on the ground floor and 2 bedrooms with bathroom upstairs.

Inner Yard

• Comprises 10 loose boxes with lofts, dairy, kennels, coal, timber and general storage. Also 1 “studio” room.

Outer Yard

• 4 hunters boxes.

• 2 foaling boxes with “sitting up” room.

• 11 boxes.

• Feedroom with crusher and roller.

• Staff canteen and toilets.

Main Yard

• Includes 17 boxes all cobbled, stocks, hay/straw store.

• 6 unit automatic walker.

• Indoor arena 30 m x 20 m

• 2 machinery sheds

• Various stores and hay barns

Top Yard (includes cattle sheds)

• 11 boxes, stocks, feed room

• 4 span cattle shed 60 x 30 with concrete base enclosed.

ACCOMMODATION