‘It’s the stuff of dreams’ - 15-year-old in clover as first-time pinhooker turns €7,000 foal into 70,000gns sales star

Ruairí Kilmartin got his bloodstock career off to a flying start at the Tattersalls Somerville Sale on Monday when his very first pinhook, a well-related Dark Angel filly, went from €7,000 foal to 70,000gns yearling. 

Kilmartin, who turns 16 next month, presented the filly through the draft of his family’s Kildallan Farm. Paul Corrigan struck the winning bid online. 

“I can’t believe it,” said Kilmartin. “When we bought her as a foal I thought I might be able to double my money, but I never thought she’d make that today. I’m over the moon.” 

Kilmartin unearthed the filly at last year’s Goffs November Foal Sale, where she was offered by The Castlebridge Consignment. 

Expanding on what caught his eye about the April-born youngster, Kilmartin said: “She’s by Dark Angel and her dam is a half-sister to Mehmas, so that’s all speed, and she’s a strong, bulky filly who looked like she’d be able to run fast. 

“Heritage House, her full-sister, was in training with the Fanshawes and I saw she’d been placed in a Listed race. I thought if she could get some more black type then the filly would be worth a bit more, and luckily she did.” 

He added: “It’s the stuff of dreams really. Expectations were high but low at the same time because you never know what’ll happen in this game. I’m absolutely delighted and it was pretty emotional. 

The Dark Angel filly out of Global Light was a pinhooking triumph for Ruairí KilmartinCredit: Alisha Meeder

"I couldn’t believe it, I’m just so happy. I want to thank the purchaser, Paul Corrigan, and Roger O’Callaghan, who underbid her, as without Roger this wouldn’t have happened, so I’m grateful to both of them.” 

Monday’s transaction is unlikely to be the last time Kilmartin links up with O’Callaghan, as he is due to spend time with the Tally-Ho Stud man during his transition year after completing his formal education. 

“My dad always tells me to stick to the books but we’ll see how it goes – I don’t know how it’ll go after today!” he said.

Asked what he intended to do with the dividends of his pinhooking triumph, Kilmartin replied: “See you back at the foal sales at Goffs and Tatts!” 

This pinhooking success may not be the only time Kildallan Farm hits the headlines at this year’s Somerville Sale either, as the Mullingar-based operation is also offering one of the standouts of Tuesday’s session. 

Lot 279 is by the in-form Inns Of Court and is a half-brother to crack sprinter Believing, who has won the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes and finished second in the Nunthorpe since the Somerville catalogue was released. 

“He’s a very nice horse who’s going down very well,” said Ruairí’s father, Dermot Kilmartin. “Believing wears her heart on her sleeve every time she runs. She goes to the Flying Five and then on to the Breeders’ Cup. She’s very consistent. 

"Tomorrow’s another day but hopefully the ball bounces in our favour again.”

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