Rathasker has a heritage of producing top class thoroughbreds. Stallions have been standing in Rathasker since 1984 starting with Red Sunset.

Mick Masterson, Paddy Burns, Micheal Whitingham, Bill O'Neill - Santa Anita 1992

Paddy Burns with Red Sunset 1986

Paddy Burns receiving the Cheveley Park Trophy from Mr. & Mrs. Micheal Watt 1984

Paddy Burns with the Pheonix Stakes Trophy 1992

Mr Micheal Osborne presenting Mrs. Rose Burns with the Royal Whip Trophy 1994

Paddy Burns presenting John Hayden with the Red Sunset Birdcatcher Trophy 1985

The Burns family have been in the thoroughbred business for several generations. Maurice Burns’ father “lucky” Paddy Burns ably assisted by his wife Rose was a legend in his own lifetime. He was associated with numerous group winners including Folle Rousse, Park Express, Park Appeal, Greenland Park, as well as his Royal Ascot Coventry Stakes winner Red Sunset. He was also one of the first breeders in Europe to cover mares in southern hemisphere time and ship them for sale to Australia and New Zealand, as well as sending yearlings for sale to America. During his lifetime he held the record prices for both foals and yearlings in Goffs Ireland and Tattersalls Newmarket. Trainer Aidan O’Brien’s first group winner was Dancing Sunset owned by Paddy Burns and bred at Rathasker Stud.

His sons Seamus (Lodge Park Stud), Patrick (Newlands House Stud) and Maurice (Rathasker Stud) have followed in his footsteps as leaders in the thoroughbred industry. Seamus is the breeder of world champion New Approach and owned Classic winner Classic Park. Patrick sells at all the top sales and has been associated with champion sprinter Lake Coniston and Hong Kong Champion Tiber.

Singapore Lilly winning The Betfred Com Stakes - 2010

Park Express winning the Lancashire Oakes - 1986

Park Appeal winning the Moyglare Stakes in 1984

Maurice has stood stallions at Rathasker for over 30 years and is a leading consignor of foals and yearlings at the major European Auctions. He has raised or sold over 20 individual 2 year old winners per year in each of the last five years.