I FEEL incredibly grateful to have been selected for the ITBA Next Generation Internship.

It’s a brilliant opportunity and I’m fortunate to be gaining such valuable experience in the thoroughbred industry.

I started the internship in August at the Curragh Racecourse during a busy time as preparations for the Pat Smullen Race Day and the Irish Champions Festival were in full swing.

There is an enormous amount of work that goes into a successful raceday, achieved through the tireless efforts of a hugely dedicated team.

I had the opportunity to sit in on and get involved in many meetings ahead of the race days. From learning logistics to coordinating hospitality, organising trophies, and handling promotions, I gained a comprehensive understanding of what goes into making each raceday a success.

During racedays, I worked in the Winning Connections Suite, where I was responsible for looking after the winning owners. I also coordinated with the race sponsors, ensuring they were well taken care of throughout the day.

I made sure they were escorted to the parade ring to select the best turned out horse for each race and were in position to present the trophy following the race. It was an exciting, fast-paced experience that allowed me to be directly involved in the industry.

ITM placement

My second placement started immediately after the Irish Champions Festival at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing [ITM], where I assisted with the very well-coordinated and experienced team.

ITM plays a crucial role in promoting Irish sales and breeding, working closely with breeders, owners, and auction houses to attract international buyers.

I began during a particularly busy week, with just one week to go before the first Irish yearling sale. I worked with ITM’s marketing manager Alex Cairns analysing international yearling sales and preparing social media content to promote upcoming sales and Irish-bred horses.

Before starting at ITM, my marketing skills were quite limited. However, with Alex’s guidance as an exceptional mentor, I’ve learned so much. From preparing social media content for various Irish sales and posting property listings to highlighting Irish-bred stakes winners and sharing key bloodstock news, I’ve gained invaluable experience that has significantly developed my skills.

My first sale with ITM was the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale and safe to say it was very different to my experience of showing at the sales.

The social media side was intense and fast-paced requiring me to keep an eye out for notable lots and produce a range of content for ITM’s social media platforms.

Along with social media I had the opportunity to get experience at the ITM desk. The desk was incredibly busy with a host of international clients in attendance. I was involved in assisting clients with their Inward Buyer Payment forms, coordinating taxis, and ensuring clients from all over were looked after. With over 70 clients joining us from Italy, I think I also picked up a bit of Italian!

The following week we were at Goffs Orby sale which was all-go again. My step count was even the same as when I was showing horses at the sale. Between walking around barns to get pictures and videos of notable lots, international clients, and supporting the international clients, it was a busy week.

After Orby Books One and Two, I was back in the office assisting in preparations for the upcoming sales at Goffs, Tattersalls Ireland, and Goresbridge in November.

There was a lot of market research to be done in preparation for the November sales and for next year’s yearling sales. I also had the opportunity to further analyse international sales and identify key potential buyers.

Another exciting event in the pipeline, with preparations already in full swing, is the ITM Irish Stallion Trail set to take place next January. I’ve assisted Alex with social media, press releases, and communicating with the stallion farms.

The entire team at ITM have been incredibly welcoming, making me feel like a valued part of the team. Everyone has been encouraging and taken the time out of their busy schedules to answer all of my questions.

I’m excited for the remainder of my internship at ITM and look forward to building on the skills I’ve gained and further expanding my experience in the industry.