JULY is a particularly busy period of the year for all of us at Weatherbys Ireland as we approach the deadline for foal registrations. We have over 6,500 active breeders in Ireland and the foal crop has been increasing in recent years. As operations manager, I oversee the day to day running of the business as well as being a regional reviewer for six international stud books.

I grew up in rural County Offaly; an area which could hardly be considered as a thoroughbred stronghold! Most of our neighbours had cattle or cut turf for a living but my dad did keep a few half-bred horses. I learned to ride when I was eight or nine and got my own pony a few years later. I tipped away at shows and hunts throughout my teens but I was no magnificent rider. I knew I was never going to make a living out of doing it. Dad was into racing, so brought us to our local Kilbeggan meeting, as well as the Galway Festival every year.