IT'S a critical time of the year for anyone involved in the bloodstock industry. The foal sales are in full swing. Where is the market going? Are the pinhookers re-investing and how will prices impact on breeders next season?

In The Irish Field this week we bring you extensive bloodstock coverage including:

Leading bloodstock agent Mick Flanagan talks to chief features writer Daragh Ó Conchúir

Mick Flanagan recalls where his career began and how his business is developing. The ups and downs of the bloodstock agent business makes for an interesting read. Daragh Ó Conchúir writes, "That sums up the business and the game, the hobby and the sport. You have to be passionate about it but it’s mostly business."

All the news from this week’s Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale

Ryan Mc Elligott reports from Tattersalls, "Wednesday as expected was easily the strongest day’s trade of the week and produced a record aggregate and median for a National Hunt foal session."

Fascinating report from the recent ITBA Next Generation seminar on pinhooking

Lissa Oliver of The Irish Field expertly highlights the main points from the evening and commented that "The healthy state of the industry was reflected not only by the analysis of the speakers but by the presence of so many enthusiastic Next Generation members".

Leo Powell reviews the latest stallion cover numbers for Britain and Ireland

Leo has compiled a list of the busiest 100 stallions in Britain and Ireland this year. You will be surprised by some of the new names in the top 20.

Heart of Racing: John O'Riordan talks to Olive O'Connor as she prepares foals for the sales

"Next week I will consign foals both for the stud and those of my own and clients of my business."

Michael Ross picks out the juiciest lots in the upcoming Tattersalls December Foal Sale

Michael Ross states that the "quality is as high as ever in the two catalogues issued by Tattersalls for the first week of the December sales at Newmarket. Among the foals are some of the first crops sired by Camelot, Dawn Approach, Havana Gold and Lethal Force."

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