A LARGE number of students from various third level colleges throughout the capital and further afield converged on the Agricultural Science building in University College Dublin to attend an informative careers talk hosted by the UCD Racing Society and the UCD Vet Society on October 28th. The theme of the talk centred on the diverse opportunities that are open to young, enthusiastic people in the bloodstock industry.

Meta Osborne, veterinary surgeon and Turf Club steward, delivered a very interesting talk presenting a global overview of opportunity in the bloodstock industry and assessing the key issues for the industry’s future.

INTERNSHIPS IN JAPAN

Dr Harry Sweeney, The Irish Field’s Japanese correspondent, veterinary surgeon, breeder and owner of Paca Paca Stud Farm in Japan spoke about his experience of and the challenges associated with operating a bloodstock business abroad. Dr Sweeney, a successful figure in the highly competitive global bloodstock industry and breeder of Deep Brilliante, winner of the 2012 Japanese Derby, is offering a number of internships to Irish university graduates interested in sampling the bloodstock industry in Asia.

Gerry Duffy, general manager of Kildangan Stud, advised students on the opportunities available for entrepreneurs within the bloodstock industry. He pointed out that qualities of leadership, initiative and innovation serve one well in the industry. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering but eventually fulfilled his passion and followed a career in the bloodstock industry.

Pinhooking and Sales Seminar

The Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge saw a full house of young people, including a huge number of third level students, attend the ITBA Next Generation Pinhooking and Sales Seminar on November 5th. Speakers at the seminar included Michael Sadlier,veterinary surgeon, John Lynam, bloodstock economist and David Myerscough of Baroda and Colbinstown Studs. Michael Sadlier gave a comprehensive rundown of the sales vetting procedure describing the role of radiographs and endoscopes in assessing potential racing performance and the various grading systems involved in sales vetting.

John Lynam gave a fascinating account of yearling throughput prices in Irish and British premier sales of 2015. Lynam referred to market movements and trends in the upper, middle and lower end of the bloodstock commodity. The focus on the value of entrepreneurial skills highlighted by Gerry Duffy at the UCD talk the previous week was reiterated by Lynam. He alluded to the investment possibilities within the bloodstock industry and gave pointers towards which sales one could most successfully target a certain type of animal.

David Myerscough of Baroda and Colbinstown Studs in Co Kildare spoke on how to start out, expand and service a sales consignment package for the client. He outlined his experience from his first successful pinhook to his current thriving partnership. Recent successful consignments from the Baroda and Colbinstown operation include the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy winner Marcel.

To round off a very successful evening, Goff’s Bloodstock Auctioneers donated a €500 voucher which was raffled off among attendees to be spent at the upcoming November Foal Sale. The lucky winner was Darren Flynn and the cheque was presented to him by Sean Flannery of Goff’s Bloodstock.

FAIRYHOUSE STUDENT RACEDAY

Fairyhouse Racecourse staged a very successful student raceday on November 4th. The venue was blessed by some beautiful early winter sunshine making for perfect conditions for racing and affording opportunity for student participation in a best dressed lady and gentleman competition.

Congratulations to students Sophie Edghill and Evan Morahan, who won first prize in their respective competitions. They received a very generous prize, a voucher of €500 each to be spent at Blanchardstown shopping centre.