Tell me a bit about your background. How did you become interested in working with horses and in the racing industry?

I originally started in the showing ring. From there I was offered a position to ride out for Andrew McNamara in his yard in Croom. I then proceeded to work for his nephew, the late John Thomas McNamara, where I worked in his pre-training yard. I now work for Luke Barry of Manister House Stud, as a member of sales staff.

How many years have you been working in this industry?

I have been working in the thoroughbred industry eight years now and enjoyed every minute of it.

What does your day-to-day job entail?

Between the sales, I ride out in the mornings for Pat Doyle and Mick Murphy. After the thoroughbreds, I go back to my partner’s yard and help with schooling the horses for competitions. I also coach people for dressage and showing competitions.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

I have to say working with horses in any discipline can be most rewarding, especially when things go right. I thoroughly enjoy witnessing horses learn and grow.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

My biggest highlight was at Goffs this week where I had the privilege of leading a Sea The Moon colt through the sales ring who sold for €140,000. I had originally met this yearling when Luke bought him as a foal and I loved him. He’s a real special horse. Winning the karaoke competition in the yard in Newmarket during the breeze-up sales, where my breeze-up boss Katie McGivern was my back-up dancer, was certainly another highlight of my sales career to date!

Who has been your biggest influence in the industry to date and why?

I am extremely fortunate to have had two very influential men in the industry to guide me, the late John Thomas McNamara and Luke Barry. J.T. taught me that if there is a will there is a way and that there is more to horses than just winning. He taught me that you and the horse are a team who must work together in partnership and not in a dictatorship-style relationship. Luke has taught me a great deal about the sales industry and prepping horses.

He has passed on his drive and given me the ambition and belief that someday I will have my own prepping yard and, in the distant future, breeding yard. I am extremely grateful for the knowledge that these two men have shared with me.

In terms of sales venues, where is your favourite venue and why?

I think Tattersalls in Newmarket would have to be my favourite. It is steeped in racing history and has wonderful character. The fact we gather in the famous Race Yard bar in the evenings always adds to the atmosphere, although Luke probably doesn’t want to hear that!

What characteristics are essential to you in a horse?

A good, free walk is essential in a horse and of course a good attitude and a horse who enjoys his work is vital. I love to see a horse who is as fresh in the evening as it was in the morning.

Have you a favourite age of horse to work with? If so why?

I personally love the yearling sales. However, I don’t necessarily have a preference.

In your opinion what is the biggest challenge when preparing an animal for the sales?

The biggest difficulty would be trying to keep the animal right and not peak too early or too late for the sales. I am very fortunate to have the guidance of Luke and my father Sean (who works full time at Manister House Stud) to help with the prepping for the sales.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to work in a stud?

Comfortable shoes and a good liver! On a serious note, listen and you will learn. Nobody knows everything and there is always something to learn when working with horses.

If you learn to take away something knowledgeable from each person that you work for or encounter in the industry it is as an excellent skill.

To be able to adapt this knowledge to your own style is key when working with horses in any aspect of the equine industry.