Record 148 winners in 2005……

Since its foundation nearly 30 years ago Peter J Doyle Bloodstock Ltd has become one of the most successful agencies of its kind in either Ireland or Britain.

Founded by Peter and his wife Anna in 1978, the company has become synonymous with notable successes throughout the world as befits an outfit that was founded on the back of such a strong background in the racing industry. Peter’s late father, Jack, was himself described as ‘the doyen of bloodstock agents’ while his son, Ross, is now the third generation of the family to become involved in the business.

The remit of a bloodstock agency takes in several roles and these can range from the purchase of yearlings for the purpose of racing, to buying horses in training for various markets around the globe, managing syndicates and advising breeders on mating plans for their bloodstock interests.

A hugely important factor in the business are the various thoroughbred auctions held in Europe, North America and South Africa each year. At these sales the agency has a team of five people working to produce a suitable, relevant and attractive shortlist of horses tailored to meet the needs of each individual client, who will also be made aware of the various conditions and procedures of sale.

Throughout the years Peter and the rest of the team have proved particularly adept at procuring racehorses of the future and have purchased in excess of 100 winners per annum since 2000 and 2005 helped the agency to a personal best tally of 148, see www.doyleracing.com.

However, it is also worth noting that these numerically impressive tallies contain more than their fair share of quality. Last year alone saw the Doyle name represented with distinction by leading two-year-olds such as Palace Episode (Group1), Godfrey Street (Group 2) and Cool Creek (Group 2), in addition to the multiple Group 2-winning miler Hurricane Alan and the highly progressive sprinter Presto Shinko.

It is this level of success coupled with a very personal service that has allowed the agency to develop a strong client base not only in Ireland and Britain but in other parts of the world. In France it has enjoyed a successful association with the de Moussac family, while it has also forged a fine partnership with top Scandinavian trainer Wido Neuroth.
Nonetheless the most prolific and high profile partnership has been between Peter and leading English trainer Richard Hannon. Together they have enjoyed countless big race victories over the last 20 years in a relationship that now sees their sons (Ross and Richard Jnr) working closely together.

A remarkably successful sphere of activity for the pair have been the valuable sales races that take place throughout the flat season. These contests are confined to two-year-olds that have been bought at a specific sale the previous autumn and have provided the Doyle-Hannon team with an unprecedented run of victories.
An extensive and informative overview of the agency’s activities is provided by its website, www.doyleracing.com, which features sections on the entire team, its winners on the track as well as a guide for prospective buyers and a section dealing with its insurance wing that was founded in 1983.