An Irish businessman has paid in excess of £1.4 million for the 85-acre Kildare Stud, at Pollardstown, Co Kildare. There were four parties chasing the property at auction when it was withdrawn by Coonan auctioneers at £1,375,000. Willie Coonan said the strong level of interest in the stud from both the bloodstock industry and the Dublin business sector underlined the continuing demand for similar properties within commuting distance of the city.