Where are you working at the moment?

I am currently on the Godolphin Flying Start management programme and I have just completed the first year. I have returned to Ireland for a few weeks before moving to Australia in August to begin my second year.

How did you get involved in the bloodstock/breeding industry?

I was fortunate enough to have been born into the industry as my parents Eddie and Wendy O’Leary operate Lynn Lodge Stud – a commercial stud farm based in Westmeath offering yearlings and breeze-ups for auction at all major European sales.

Growing up I competed in tetrathlon for Ireland as well as trying my hand at eventing before my interest for the thoroughbred industry took over. Most summers consisted of prepping yearlings for sales at home and my interest really grew from there, I love seeing the yearlings progress from when they are born or from the when we buy them as foals.

Who helped you along the way or gave you advice?

One thing about this industry is that there are so many people that are willing to help the younger generation and I have been lucky enough to get help from some great people.

I have completed two stints in the US, firstly with Peter O’Callaghan of Woods Edge Farm and secondly - most recently - with Eddie Woods in Ocala, Florida. I have really enjoyed learning about and working in the US industry and both Peter and Eddie have been a great help to me and my career to date.

One of my main mentors in the industry and life has been Mags O’Toole, an outstanding bloodstock agent and a great person who has always supported me and has given me endless advice through the years. My parents and grandparents have also been a great help and source of advice over the years and I am very grateful to them for that.

Since beginning the Godolphin Flying Start programme last August, my fellow trainees and I have met and had the opportunity to network with so many people within the international industry and the advice we have received from them has been great.

What challenges/problems have you faced so far?

I guess I am still in the fledgling years of my career so the challenges I have had to face thus far are minor but I will say that trying to pinhook at value for younger people in the industry is becoming tough, given the current market.

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

It is an amazing industry. To anyone who would like to get involved in the industry all I can say is that if you are willing to put in the work there are so many people out there that are more than happy to help and steer you in the right direction.

One piece of advice that has stuck with me is that as important as it is to network with the established people in the industry it is so important to get to know the people of your own age in the industry as it is the younger generation that is going to be the future of the industry.

What are your hopes for the next 12 months?

I would like to see the few pinhooks that I have go on and do well, both in the sales ring and on the track. As already mentioned, I will be heading to Australia in August which I am really looking forward to and getting to experience the industry there.