Sarah has started her own pinhooking business after gaining experience consigning and preparing horses for sales. Her father Richard has sold the likes of Paisley Park and Flooring Porter

How did you get interested and involved in bloodstock and pinhooking?

I am lucky enough to have been born into a family that is steeped in all aspects of the equine industry. I got my first pony when I was three years of age. I progressed up through pony clubbing, showing and show jumping ranks.

I started going to the sales with my late mum Josie and my dad at a young age as it was easier to bring me than listen to me complaining at home. The sales have always been a fascination of mine, the importance of turnout and presentation of the horses is something I really enjoy.

Who helped you along the way or gave you advice?

The greatest influence in my career has been my dad Richard, he has pinhooked many top-class racehorses including Paisley Park and Flooring Porter. From a young age I have learnt so much in seeing his stock develop from foals to three-year-olds. He is an exceptional judge of a horse and has taught me what I should be looking for in a foal. My uncle Michael Moore of Ballincurrig House Stud is someone I have learnt a lot from. His ability to organise big drafts of horses, dealing and liaising with clients along with organising a big team of staff is an experience which I have found very beneficial. Another person who has been a major help in my career is Fiona Magee, a woman of immense knowledge and a great judge of a foal. Fiona has entrusted me to prepare and consign her National Hunt store horses in the last three years. It is a great privilege and thrill to be dealing with such beautiful and high-class horses. Fiona’s advice is always worth listening to.

Ciaran ‘Flash’ Conroy of Glenvale Stud is another person who has been very good to me. I have been very lucky to work for him at the flat sales for the last year and I find his attention to detail is remarkable.

What challenges/problems have you faced so far?

The main problem I have faced is trying to build up a stock of horses. The National Hunt game is very slow, it takes three years for a foal to reach the marketplace. Going forward, my main concerns are the lack of young people and staff entering the business.

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

Being still very young it is hard for me to give advice but developing a good work ethic and availing of every opportunity to learn from other people is important. This industry is full of people with different opinions which makes it so interesting so therefore take as many viewpoints on board as possible.

What are your hopes for the next 12 months?

For the next 12 months I hope to do as many sales as I can, along with gaining more contacts. I have a couple of NH yearlings and two-year-olds which I hope to sell as stores, hopefully they will do well. I also hope to further my education in the industry and if the opportunity arises to travel. Long term, I would like to return home and set up a livery business and expand my pinhooking business.