IF some young people are moody and hard to communicate with, then thankfully they’re not an example of the next generation leading the ITBA forward. Communication, networking, support and sharing of knowledge were the key ingredients on show in the Goffs auditorium on the opening afternoon, highlighted by Joseph O’Brien’s lack of ability to answer the first question, tell us one thing about yourself that no one else knows?

Manning a Liverpool burger van, split pants and one exam short of becoming a singing teacher were the secrets rustled up between an open and honest panel of Ireland’s youngest trainer, O’Brien, CEO of the Irish National Stud, Cathal Beale, agent and consignor Amy Marnane, journalist and broadcaster Kevin Blake, AIRO board member Paddy Roche and amateur jockey Lisa O’Neill.