Were you always interested in the bloodstock industry or has your interest grown from working in Weatherbys?

I have always had a keen interest and have grown up around horses. I come from an equestrian family. I used to go to the sales with my mum from a very early age and competed with the local pony club, hunting and show jumping. My mum and uncle had a few broodmares from an early age which sort of sparked my passion for the thoroughbred breed, particularly pedigrees. I was hooked on watching racing from a very young age!

I finished school with no idea what career path I wanted to choose. I was originally going to study Finance and Insurance after I had taken a two-year gap, but decided to try and make a career out of what I really loved doing!

I worked in Charlestown Racing for Dot Love and Ciaran Murphy for a couple of years, which gave me a great introduction into the practical side of the racing industry. From there, I studied a BSc Honours Degree in Equine Management at CAFRE Enniskillen, which led to my role in Weatherbys today. 

Do you make time for horses outside of work?

Yes, I have three of my own horses at home. I also bought a filly at the Tattersalls November National Hunt Sale last year that will hopefully go to the store sales as a three-year-old. My mum works in Gigginstown House Stud so I spend a lot of time up there with the mares, foals and racehorses whenever I can. I try to gain as much experience and knowledge as I can. 

Did it take long to settle into an office-based role after working a very physically demanding job?

It was very different at the start, but I adapted quite quickly, I think! It’s a totally different routine. It takes me about an hour to get to work every morning which was a bit of an adjustment from 15 minutes but I won’t complain about being indoors on a cold and wet day!

What challenges do you think that young people in the industry are facing?

Knowing where to start! It can be quite daunting to just jump straight in and not knowing where to begin. I was quite lucky and had a background in horses when I started in a racing yard. However every day is a learning day in this industry.

You can never ask enough questions and people within this business are always happy to help. I think that whilst it is important to know the basics, you can never have enough practical hands-on experience when it comes to horses. 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself starting out in the industry?

Although it can be a very tough game at times, it is a very rewarding career. I always enjoyed handling the young horses and watching them progress through the breaking process to seeing them performing on the track. There are so many opportunities now for people wanting to pursue a career in the bloodstock industry, it’s all about finding the right one for you. 

What goals have you set for yourself going forward?

At the moment my main goal is to continue with Weatherbys. I took over the naming department in February, so I am enjoying the administrative side of things! It is getting very busy too now with foal registrations.

I try to get to the sales and races as much as I can too, it’s a great way of networking and getting to know others within the industry. I am also hoping to buy more foals in the future, but we will see how the first one goes.

In the distant future, I’d like to go abroad and see the global side to the business!

I’ll take each day as it comes and see what happens.