IT was less than five years ago that the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Management Course class of 2016 graduated. Yet, in that short space of time, many of the alumni have already shown the type of form to suggest that it was an exceptional group.

Back in February of this year, the opening presentation at the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association National Awards was the ITBA Next Generation accolade. First given 12 months earlier when Joanne Lavery was a most deserving recipient, the second winner was a young woman who already has become a face and voice of our industry.