This weeks ITBA 30 under 30 series features Alice Kavanagh. Alice founded the consigning business AK Thoroughbreds

How did you get involved in horses, sales, and breeding?

I was exposed to the industry from an early age as my Mum and Dad own and run a commercial stud farm, Kildaragh Stud. We are breeders, focused on the prepping, breaking, and pre-training of yearlings so it was easy to get involved from the word go.

Who helped you along the way or gave you advice?

I’ve always found that once you are willing to work hard and are passionate about what you are doing, the majority of people within the industry will go out of their way to help you out. Nick King of Brighthill Farm in New Zealand really helped to give me some direction to set me on a path to achieve my goals. Tracy Vigors of Hillwood Stud taught me a lot about the importance of work ethic and horsemanship. And of course, my family has always been a really good sounding board for my plans and has given me some decent advice from time to time.

What challenges/problems have you faced so far?

I could certainly be found guilty of putting my head down and only focusing on the day-to-day work involved in breeding and stud work. I’m currently trying to improve what I prioritise while also keeping up to date on the relevant news in racing and the industry as a whole. You have to be informed if you have any chance of being successful in this game.

What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to get involved in breeding professionally?

Firstly make sure it’s what you want to do, it can be a very unforgiving industry if you’re not giving it everything. Secondly, it’s a demanding industry but if you stick with it and work hard it is super rewarding when you get it right. Whether that be in the sales ring or on the race track.

Hopes for the next 12 months?

I’d really like to improve the quality of stock I consign, as AK Thoroughbreds at the breeding stock sales is trying to maintain the success rate so far and build on quality. On a personal note, I’d like to reach Everest base camp in the next 12-14 months!