"For us, this is a massive opportunity offered by Zangersheide," O'Neill explains. "We are incredibly excited to welcome stallions of this caliber to Ireland. This year, we will have six stallions standing at our stud. Over the last ten years, I have won three gold medals at the World Championships, and my riders have won two. These successes allowed us to get to know Judy-Ann Melchior and her team better each year. Those connections have now led to the arrival of these two stallions."

Two Distinct Profiles

O'Neill highlights that the two stallions offer very different, yet complementary, qualities for breeders: Asca Z: A large-framed stallion with a proven track record as a sire. He has already produced numerous 1.60m top-level performers, including Armani SL (Eugenio Garza Perez), Bacara d’Archonfosse (Alberto Michan), and Ascatano Z (Kim Emmen). O’Neill notes that Asca Z has already shown he crosses very well with Irish mares.

Solid Gold Z: Known for his incredible blood and competitiveness. Under Christian Ahlmann, Solid Gold Z secured victories in the Grands Prix of Brussels, Abu Dhabi, and Opglabbeek. "I’ve had a lot of success with Stakkato Gold offspring, so I didn't hesitate when Zangersheide proposed Solid Gold Z," says O’Neill.