Michael O'Leary continues racing withdrawal by putting 22 horses up for sale

The Ryanair boss shocked the racing world last year when announcing his aim to wind down his operation in five years

Michael O'Leary will continue to wind down his horse racing empire by putting up some 22 thoroughbreds for sale tomorrow.

The Ryanair boss shocked the racing world last year when announcing his aim to wind down his operation in five years.

Despite comparing his giving up buying racehorses to an alcoholic giving up booze, O'Leary has stuck to his word. 

And he will continue to phase out of racing by selling some of his famous stars at the Goffs UK September Sale in Doncaster.

Among them will be Grade 1 winning hurdler Petit Mouchoir, who finished fifth in this year's Champion Hurdle and was last seen coming third in the Galway Hurdle.

Others include classy chaser Sub Lieutenant and the enigmatic Mengli Khan, who won at Ballinrobe by 26 lengths this month.

O'Leary and his Gigginstown House Stud are regulars at the sales and have sold some 184 horses for a total of £2,683,300 since 2010.  

Trainer Gordon Elliott is also selling many horses at the sale, while Grand National-winning owner Trevor Hemmings is looking to sell 56 horses.

Ahead of the sale, Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said: "We have been privileged to offer some outstanding dispersals in the past, with Gigginstown being an annual highlight, and the Gleadhill House Stud Dispersal is another big drawcard.

"We are very grateful to Mr Hemmings for choosing Goffs UK to offer his horses and we look forward to this exciting sale. 

"We also have strong drafts from major owners and trainers such as Gordon Elliott and Godolphin, the latter whose regular Doncaster drafts unearthed further stakes winners this season in Glen Shiel and Make A Challenge.

"The store session is a new addition to the sale this year and it has attracted some very nice types so we have plenty to look forward to and we are confident the catalogue will hold appeal with a wide range of buyers."