Paul Moloney has been working in the industry since he was very young. Paul has a small share in two yearlings for whom he is hoping to find good owners.

How did you get involved in breeding/racing?

I grew up on a foaling unit, Prospect Stud, one of the main foaling units in Coolmore. I remember helping Michael O’Rahilly foal mares long before I knew anything about the birds and the bees.

My first job was in Clarecastle Stud working for Barry Mahon. On my first day, my dad Maurice was driving me over and he spotted Tipp FM broadcasting from their mobile studio. Dad rolled down the window and asked for a shout-out, saying it was my first day of work, to which the presenter replied, laughing live on the radio: “Jeez, he’s a bit young to be working!” So, I have been at it for a while and I have enjoyed it all. I have worked in many places and learned so much off so many great people.

Who helped you along the way or gave you advice?

Too many to mention but I’ll give it a go. My parents have been always a good source of advice. I am very thankful to them for everything and for sending me to college. In college, I completed a business and equine degree.

Barry Mahon started me out, educating me on everything from care of young foals to yearling prep to scanning mares with vet Willie Coleman. I did my first sales in Newmarket when I was 16 with Churchtown House. Michael Gaffney looked after me and taught me so much. He gave me my first taste of the ins and out of the industry.

Michael O’Rahilly was my first boss in Coolmore, I started weekend and holiday work there in December 2012 and did that till February 2021 when I went to go to work in BoyleSports HQ. Michael taught me all about foaling, it was a very busy foaling unit, and there was a great team there in Prospect always. I did two summers in Ashtown Stud, with Paul Shanahan and his team there. I got to grasp the preparation of some sale-topping yearlings.

In my placement year from college, I went to Kentucky. Dermot Ryan (Ashford) and Bob Davis were excellent mentors and managers to work under. Also to all the consignors I worked for: Paramount, Hunter Valley, Blandford, Eaton, and Taylor Made, I learned something different from them all. Too many people to thank out there.

I did a year at BoyleSports headquarters in Dundalk. David Burgin, Frank Cruise, Alan Reilly, David Corcoran, Paudie Hassett, Peter Donohue, Damien Lonergan, Damien Brady, Robbie Mackin and many more showed me the ropes and I got valuable experience in the betting industry.

I am currently working in Rathbride Farm. Joe Foley gave me the job and I am very thankful for the opportunity. The team in Rathbride is top class, Joe O’Connor and the rest of the team, Mairead, Peter, and Eileen.

What challenges/problems have you faced so far?

Getting skin in the game. I found that starting out has been fairly difficult and I am sure there are a few more that feel the same. HRI, ITBA, and Goffs do great work helping and supporting the next generation. I hope there is a continued investment of resources for young people in the industry. One thing we do have domestically and internationally is many experienced and successful professionals in all codes willing to help and advise young people with an interest in the sport.

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

To take advice from someone with more experience and success than me would be my first bit of advice.

But if I was to tell my younger self anything it would be to learn as much as you can at every opportunity. Look at who is doing things right and try to put that into practice and learn from them. Be patient and try to continuously improve. Learn from your mistakes and educate yourself. Do not wish your life away. Finally, work hard, apply yourself, and take pride in what you do.

What are your hopes for this year?

I have a small percentage of two-yearlings. One is a very good walking Magna Grecia filly with a nice update Down Under, and the other is a big precocious looking, good-strutting Sergei Prokofiev colt. Hopefully, we will be able to find good owners at the sales for them this year. They are in the best of hands for prep, so hopefully that goes well. I am also looking to progress in everything I do, keep learning from my mistakes and hopefully develop further a few business ideas that I have been working on.