In this week’s edition of the ITBA 30 under 30 Next Gen series, we talk to Amy Marnane. Amy herself was bred into the game by her parents Con and Theresa Marnane of Bansha House Stables. Amy is now running a successful bloodstock operation under her own name.

How you got involved in racing/bloodstock?

I was fortunate enough to have been born into it! My parents Con and Theresa Marnane have built up a farm that consists of mares, breeze-up horses, and everything in between- Bansha House Stables. I’m very lucky in that sense as we are dealing with stud farms for the mares, auction houses with the sale horses, and trainers for the horses that we race. It’s pretty hands-on during the season we could be away galloping horses and at the same time trying to select a stallion for a mare that’s ready for cover! It’s not long before you’re back at the yearling sales trying to find the next Royal Ascot two-year-old which immediately rolls into the breeding stock sales. I enjoy consigning our homebred foals and successful race fillies at the end of the year under my Amy Marnane Bloodstock banner.

Who helped you along the way or gave you advice?

Once I graduated from University I spent a season in America, in Lexington with Lane’s End Farm and Florida with Niall Brennan before completing the Irish National Stud Course. John Osborne and Sally Carroll were fantastic mentors and the people you meet on the course are always at the end of a phone! I’ve met a lot of people along the way and I have taken something from each place I have been, it’s really important to surround yourself with successful people within the industry. My father Con is a constant source of advice along with our head man Mike O’Brien who keeps us all on the straight and narrow! I learned a lot about selecting yearlings at sales from Gerry Dilger and Mike and Mary Ryan. It’s like anything, the more you work at it the easier it gets - although there is a lot of luck needed in this industry.

What challenges/problems have you faced so far?

I try not to see things as problems - if I have one I usually pull myself together and get it sorted!

What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to get involved in the industry professionally?

It’s a fantastic industry, from the people involved to the horses we live and breathe on a daily basis. To anyone who wants to get involved - get stuck in! There are plenty of people ready to give advice and steer you on the right path if you’re willing to put in the work.

What are your hopes for this year?

Same as ever - a Royal Ascot winner! Whether it’s a horse that we have bred, sold, or carries our colours I’m not fussy!