It’s the final evening of the Goffs Arkle Sale and Frank Motherway is trying to unwind upstairs in the Goffs lounge. But with one more lot from Drumlin and Yellowford still to sell, relaxation will have to wait. It’s a long way from 1972, when Frank first dipped a toe into the bloodstock world at the old Goffs Ballsbridge complex, buying a Raise You Ten filly for 680 guineas.

Having grown up on a farm, hunting and showing horses, Frank had planned to send the filly pointing. Injury changed that, and so began a breeding journey that would span over five decades. He fondly recalls a brief flirtation with training – a filly on the old supplementary register, whose preparation was somewhat unconventional: three days ridden work followed by a long rest to ensure freshness at the races. It didn’t end in glory, and the bloodstock world can thank fate that Frank chose breeding over training.

Selecting a stallion for his injured mare wasn’t easy, with options from John Magnier’s Grange Stud and satellite farms – Prince Hansel, Lorenzo, and the soon-to be-famous Deep Run, all standing for £120. Lorenzo, the biggest and best-looking, was Frank’s pick, though it was with Menelek, standing with Vincent Hartigan, that the mare produced a fine colt foal. That foal was brought to the newly-established sales ring at Simmonscourt, a venue created through the tireless work of Willie O’Rourke and supportive breeders.

Frank loved those early sales and soon developed a strategy: buying foals and re-selling them as yearlings, a trade he balanced with a busy farming life. Yellowford today milks 130 cows and keeps
over 160 cattle.

Showing also became a strength, with Frank winning the championship class at the yearling sales three years’ running. The first Menelek colt was followed by a Giolla Mear filly, both fetching impressive sums and helping establish Frank’s reputation. The colt, Ashbourne House, went on to be a prolific winner for the Hussey family.

Flush with new funds, Frank purchased Saucy Society, a six-time winner owned by Capt. Luke Mullins of the famous Mullins racing family. Her first colt foal sold for £12,000, and Saucy Society would go on to become one of the foundation mares of Drumlin & Yellowford. Her daughter Queenie Kelly, gifted to Frank’s daughter Deirdre, became a prolific producer of black-type performers and helped inspire the Motherway childrens’ deep interest in the bloodstock world.

Today, Frank’s children – Deirdre, Paul, Colin and Marie – are key players in the operation, along with his wife Liz and son in-law Conor, whose farm makes up the Drumlin part of the  partnership.

Further down the line are grandsons who also share Frank’s passion for hurling – all were thrilled to see Cork back in the big time this year. Frank never ventured into Flat breeding – “fear of the unknown!” he says – but sticking to the National Hunt game has brought continued success. Asked about the key factors in their achievements, Frank stresses conformation and breeding from young mares, saying: “Young mares foal easier and their progeny reach the track sooner.” His showing background gave him an excellent eye for conformation, invaluable when selecting foals to pinhook.

Over time, breeding became the primary focus, and there’s great satisfaction in watching homebred stars like Bellshill emerge from the Yellowford nursery. One of the few jumpers to win Grade 1s in bumpers, hurdles and chases, Bellshill shares the honour roll with Scandisk, dam of 22-time Grade 1 winner Hurricane Fly. Deirdre and Conor purchased Scandisk just as Hurricane Fly began his legendary career – an inspired move.

Frank Motherway on…

NH foal sales

There was some overproduction – last year’s sub-70% clearance rates were concerning – and with ownership numbers falling, a backlog built up. There is no point producing foals and getting very little for them.

The biggest issue

Definitely prize-money. Costs – namely feed and transport – have soared, but prize-money remains low. That can’t continue or there will be no industry.

French-bred precocity

We have plenty of good stallions here; Irish sires have served me well for 40 years. But who’s going to be the better soccer player – the kid starting in an academy at six or at 12?

Breeders’ prizes

They’re part of the fabric in France and Britain. Irish breeders deserve tangible rewards, not something gathering dust on the mantlepiece. The UK has the Levy Board to help fund breeders’ prizes – something Ireland should aim for.

Most admired in the industry

John Kiely – an amazing man and a great educator for young people entering the industry.

Advice to newcomers

Travel to successful studs and yards, surround yourself with good people, and keep learning. Programmes like the ITBA Next Generation Internship are great opportunities.