Dolmen Bloodstock
Putting the odds in your favour
Dolmen Bloodstock Ltd was formed on the back of a vision which Justin shared for a while, in September 2014 Justin launched this new endeavor with the goal of taking youngstock under his care and hopefully someday see them go onto achieve high success. After working for high profile racehorse trainers along with leading farms he has built up experience in various aspects of the thoroughbred industry. Right from the beginning after he started in the Racing Academy in 2005, Justin has continuously educated and placed himself in positions where he could expand and deepen his understanding of the horse, having completed courses like Racehorse Care and Exercise, Horsemanship and Equine Anatomy & Physiology. Having the certificates to demonstrate his commitment and passion to the thoroughbred Justin is quick to highlight the importance of practical hands-on experience which he gained from working for the likes of Dermot Weld, Jessica Harrington and Willie McCreery. Justin felt if he was to be a good horseman and versatile within the industry he felt he needed to make the switch from racing to breeding. He made the move to HH The Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud where he worked with an exceptional broodmare band along with assisting in the covering shed with Sea the Stars, Dalakhani and Azamour coverings. Justin was then selected for the YITBA apprentice scheme, one of only two selected countrywide, he completed placements with Europe's leading sales vendors the The Castlebridge Consignment, he was lucky to be there during the time of the Paulyn Dispersal where Castlebridge broke the record for selling Chicquita as the most expensive thoroughbred ever sold in Ireland. He then went onto Con Marnanes Bansha House Stables,one of Ireland's leading breeze-up consignor, continuing on from here he joined Con Marnanes horses which he has in training with French trainer Mathieu Palussiere, giving him a valuable experience into French racing system . His final placement saw him with Emerald Bloodstock.
Favourite racing moment ? : Probably watching Harbinger bolt up at Ascot... Another one that's up there was Zenyatta just failing to get there in the Breeders Cup! Everyone wanted her to win but it wasn't to be, but what a race.
Favourite racehorse ? : Sea the Stars
Industry change? : An Irish equivalent to the French Breeders Premium, although this wouldn't be possible unless Horse Racing Ireland took full control over the betting, so It would have to be the increase in the betting tax. Any additional revenues generated for the industry can only be good.
Racecourse: "The home of the classic's"- The Curragh
Sale?: Wherever there's value buying! Wherever the money is selling!
Sire?: Although i'm going back a while it's Danzig
Current Sire: Zoffany
Personal Ambition? : I have a few of those..... To breed a group winner!.To visit Machu Picu in Peru!
Goals?: I guess to grow at a sustainable rate over the next few years, to further diversify our business model and maybe one day trade in marketplaces further afield .
Inspiration ? : Tough one... Anyone who has stood the test of time in this game warrants respect . I suppose in the "horsey" world probably Jim Bolger or John Magnier. Non racing I would say Richard Branson