Trainer Open Morning

The Curragh-based handler has won multiple group and listed races across the globe and is now training his latest crop of talented horses from Blackmiller House just outside of Kildare.

Bunyan, who first took his own licence out in 2011 after previously working with Dermot Weld and Ken Condon, can’t wait to showcase his new facilities to the public for the first time.

“We moved into at the new yard around August last year,” he said. “The facilities here are top class, everything has been done to a seriously high standard.

“They place was completely redeveloped before we came into it and it really is second-to-none at the moment. Everything you want as a trainer is there.

“This has taken the operation to a whole different level. The horses are very settled here, very relaxed and are in good shape and good form the whole time.

“That is no bad reflection on where we were at before, but it’s really made a difference coming here. It’ll be nice to show that off a little and for people to see the work that goes in.

“It is one of those yards I think that people need to come and see in-person to really appreciate.”

As well as giving the racing public the opportunity of seeing first-class training facilities, Bunyan is hoping that people make a day of it and take in some top-level racing in the afternoon.

The second day of Longines Irish Champions Weekend will be held at the Curragh only hours later with the course only a short distance from Bunyan’s yard.

“The Curragh having their Champions Weekend Day on Sunday afternoon sets it up really nicely,” said Bunyan.

“It’ll make it a great day for people, hopefully our open morning is a good added bonus for those heading down for a great day’s racing.

“We just want those who come down to find it interesting and enjoy a great day in the racing calendar.

“It’ll be nice to give people an insight into what goes on behind the scenes and the care the horses receive on a daily basis. Hopefully they’ll want to come back.”

Those in attendance will have a chance to see the retired former stable star Hit The Bid, who was one of Bunyan’s biggest success stories in recent years.

Now eight-years-old, Hit The Bid featured in successive Champions Weekends in 2018 and 2019 and despite the team’s impressive new surroundings, the model of Bunyan’s operation hasn’t changed.

Ensuring their former heroes have a healthy and happy retirement is equally as important as what they achieve on the track. 

“We have our legends paddock for the retired horses who have done really well for us in the past,” he said.

“So those who come down will also be able to see Hit The Bid who had some great success for us over in Dubai.

“The aftercare is very, very important to us here as well. When their career is over, we need to take care of them.

“We need to return the favour because they’ve given us so many great days.

“I always think as people we wouldn’t like a bad retirement ourselves so we’ll always look after them.”

To book your spot at the open morning on September 11, click here