THROUGH his role at Ballylinch Stud, his own achievements as a breeder and involvement with the European Breeders’ Fund, of which he is currently chairman, John O’Connor has developed a reputation that means when he speaks, people listen. So that’s exactly what I did when I had the chance to pick his brain, while he prepared to jet off to Germany for the BBAG Yearling Sale.

Bayside Boy’s fantastic start at stud must be particularly satisfying given that he’s a Ballylinch homebred and by New Bay?