What spiked your interest in bloodstock and sales?

I was brought up around ponies at home, which is likely where my interest began. My grandparents on both sides owned stud farms, and I would often spend time on the farms during my childhood. Becoming a jockey was the dream as I had the physique for it, but sadly the ability didn’t match! After college, I completed a year-long placement at Dundalk Stadium before moving on to the Irish National Stud course and that’s where my interest really spiked.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My parents, along with my sisters Ali and Caroline, and my partner Brigitte, have been incredibly supportive and helpful. They have been a solid sounding board, and a great help taking a shift watching mares or walking foals. My neighbour Grace has also been a great help with walking the foals. After completing the Irish National Stud course, I travelled to Australia and did time in Segenhoe Stud with Peter O’Brien who really took me under his wing and gave me some direction and a great education. The time I spent at Yeomanstown Stud has really stood to me, with the O’Callaghan family serving as a significant influence due to their exceptional work ethic and attention to detail. While in America, Peter gave me a huge amount of responsibility, and it was during this time I really saw the finesse that is required for selling at that top level.

Are there any challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Fortunately, I haven’t encountered any significant obstacles so far, but I anticipate they will arise eventually. Currently, I am focusing on expanding, and one of the challenges is finding the appropriate farm or leasing suitable land. Selling an unpopular or unfashionable foal is always tough, so I guess I need to be more selective in the mares I breed from and purchase, as well as the stallions I use.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself starting out in the industry?

It’s a rewarding field where, with the right attitude and a strong work ethic, people are usually open to offering help and guidance. Try to learn from experienced individuals. Seek employment with someone you admire and respect and absorb as much knowledge as possible from them. I’ve tried to keep notes from everywhere I’ve been on various treatments or scenarios which can serve as a valuable point of reference. At the end of the day you have to trust your own gut feeling and back your judgment. Travel is a big one too, working with horses can provide an excellent opportunity to travel and discover new places.

What goals have you set for yourself going forward?

I am committed to enhancing and expanding the quality of the mares I own. Additionally, I have a couple of foals that I purchased to pinhook this year, and I am eager to see how they progress. I ventured into consigning for others this year, it’s something I’d like to continue and to eventually take in stock for other people whilst building a loyal client base.

I got a great kick out of attending Royal Ascot in 2022, watching one of the first horses I bred with a good friend of mine John Kennedy.

That certainly lit a fire to continue! The aim is certainly to continue and try to get back there and hopefully go a few places better. That is the dream anyway!