JOE Callan has joined Whitsbury Manor Stud as head of bloodstock and sales.

The Irishman has spent the past 12 months as interim general manager at Market Rasen racecourse and previously spent three years as nominations manager with The National Stud in Newmarket.

Callan joins the Whitsbury Manor team after a standout year for the operation. It stands leading first-season sire Havana Grey alongside Showcasing, who has enjoyed another fine season with his juveniles including Belbek in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

Stud director Ed Harper said: “I have been waiting a long time to identify the right candidate to help us grow our business and feel that Joe is the ideal person for this role. Joe’s industry experience and superb communication skills will be a great asset to our clients, and I cannot wait for him to start. He’s going to be busy!”

A graduate of both the Irish National Stud and Godolphin Flying Start, Callan has gained a vast amount experience within the industry which includes time in Australia working for Gai Waterhouse and Arrowfield Stud, and in Ireland for both David Cox at Baroda Stud and David Myerscough at Colbinstown Stud.

Whitsbury Manor also stands successful sire Due Diligence and Sergei Prokofiev, whose first foals will be offered for sale in the coming weeks.