Irish National Stud

They were devised by Colonel William Hall-Walker (later Lord Wavertree), a wealthy Scotsman of a famous brewery family, and laid out by Japanese craftsman Tassa Eida and his son Minoru.

When leased to King Edward VII for his racing career, the colt Minoru carried the royal colours to victory in the Derby of 1909 to joyous cheers of "Good Old Teddy!"

Typical ambitions toward education, marriage, or a contemplative or carefree life, achievement, happy old age and a gateway to Eternity are portrayed.

Half way through the winding is an opening leading to steps to the hill of learning crowded by an ancient fir tree.

Often this fir crowned height tempts the student to look too high but there is an unguarded hole to teach him vigilance before he comes down the hill to the level of his fellows.

Descending the pilgrim finds an easy bridge across the roaring falls and treads the stepping stones through the level garden of peace and contentment to the hill of mourning where his soul goes forth through the gate of eternity.

All shares in the stud's holding company are vested in the Minister for Finance of Ireland, aside from nominal shareholdings provided to directors.