Ballymoss

Ballymoss (1954–1979) was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. In a racing career that lasted from 1956 until November 1958, he ran seventeen times and won eight races. In 1957, he became the first horse trained in Ireland to win the St Leger. The following season, he was Europe's leading middle-distance horse, winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Background

Ballymoss was a chestnut horse standing just under 16 hands high bred in Ireland by Richard Ball. He was sired by Mossborough, a good but unexceptional racehorse whose best performance was a second place in the Eclipse Stakes. Mossborough was much better as a sire than he was as a racehorse, siring good winners including Belmont Stakes winner Cavan and Epsom Oaks winner Noblesse. Ballymoss's dam, Indian Call, was well bred but almost useless as a racehorse and was sold in 1939 for 15 guineas.

Ballymoss was sold by his breeder at the Doncaster yearling sales. He was bought for 4,500 guineas by Vincent O'Brien, known primarily as a leading trainer of steeplechasers, on behalf of American businessman John McShain, who operated Barclay Stable in New Jersey plus a racing operation in Ireland where he maintained a home at Killarney. Ballymoss was ridden to most of his important victories by the Australian jockey Scobie Breasley.