DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION IN RACING

The ITBA Next Generation is the junior wing of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association. It is aimed at students and young breeding enthusiasts. We provide a platform to educate young people with an in-depth insight into the breeding and racing industry.

The committee is governed by an independent board of dynamic, young professionals, passionate about the growth and sustainability of Irish racing.

Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow.

Membership with ITBA Next Generation provides access to exclusive events and opportunities, while generating new social and professional connections within a network of young, like-minded breeding and racing enthusiasts. Individuals must be aged 18-30.

• Seminars
• Panel Discussions
• Industry Tours inc trainers yards and stud farms
• Networking and Social Events
• Apprenticeship Scheme

Click here to sign up today

UPCOMING EVENTS

ITBA Next Generation National Hunt Pinhook Panel

Join ITBA Next Generation for an exciting event at Goffs where industry experts will discuss all things National Hunt pinhooking. Our panel of seasoned professionals will share their insights, tips, and tricks for success in this competitive market. Hosted by Mark Boylan (The Irish Field), with Jordan Cummins (Rathturtin Stud), Jerry McGrath (Goffs UK, Bloodstock Agent), Michael Moore (Ballincurrig House Stud) and Peter Nolan (Peter Nolan Bloodstock)

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event is a must-attend for anyone looking to up their game in the world of National Hunt breeding and pinhooking. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn from the best in the business!

Date: Sunday 8th December

Location: Goffs, Co Kildare

Time: Following inspections of the Goffs December NH Sale, approx 5:30pm

Registration is essential: www.eventbrite.ie/e/itba-next-generation-national-hunt-pinhook-panel-tickets

Tickets cost €10 with all proceeds going to the Aaron Fahey fundraiser

Email NextGen@itba.ie for more information of queries

LATEST NEWS

ITBA Next Generation Committee Looks Ahead to 2024/2025

ITBA Next Generation looks toward its 2024/2025 season with an exciting line up of seminars and events. Tattersalls Ireland Bloodstock Executive, Ross O’Mahony replaces Conor Wixted as ITBA Next Generation Chairman following a successful year which included a Pinhook Panel, well-attended Quiz Night and Ballydoyle/Coolmore tour. As previous Vice-Chair, Ross is well placed to take over the reins from Conor and is excited to bring back popular events and new additions for this year.

Irish National Stud graduate, Luke Bleahen will step into the position of Vice Chair and the rest of the committee will comprise of Aoife Boland (Goffs, Piercetown Stud), Luke Coen (Tattersalls Ireland, Q-Cross Stables), Jack Fitzgerald (UCD Vet Student), Sarah Gayer (ALEH), Timmy Love (Coolderry Farm), Paul Moloney (Irish National Stud), Brigitte Murphy (Tally-Ho Stud), Edmond Ryan (Weir View Stud), Niall Scott (Coolmore Stud) and Conor Wixted (Goffs).

ITBA Next Generation is offering a great deal for young members. For just €20, members will have access to a full year of events and networking opportunities, which is a valuable way for individuals to connect with professionals and peers in the industry. An exciting addition to this year’s membership package is the introduction of a lower threshold of €10,000 to Goffs’ and Tattersalls Ireland’s loyalty schemes. This will be exclusive for first time buyers who are members of the ITBA Next Generation. This will mean any horse purchased at Goffs or Tattersalls Ireland for €10,000 or more will avail of no vendor commission if they re-sell the horse with the same sales company.

Ross O’Mahony comments:

"Following on from the accomplishments of the ITBA Next Generation since its resurgence two years ago, I’m delighted to take on the role as Chairman for the coming year with the help of Luke Bleahen as Vice Chair. The committee over the last two years led by Orla Donworth and Conor Wixted was very successful and we are looking forward to continuing and building on this momentum with a mostly new committee."

"One of our goals with the Next Gen is to make the industry as accessible as possible, and our new members benefit will aid in doing that. Tattersalls Ireland and Goffs have kindly agreed to lower the threshold of their respective loyalty schemes* to €10,000 (£8,500 for Goffs UK), exclusively for first time buyers who are members of the ITBA Next Generation, meaning a lot sold for €10,000 (£8,500) or more will not be charged vendor commission if they return to a sale within the same sales company.

*Please note the above benefit is subject to terms and conditions that are in place with Tattersalls Ireland and Goffs.

Our calendar for the next twelve months is sure to be busy with the already established pinhooking seminar and table quiz, additionally we plan to incorporate a breeze-up and national hunt seminar along with new social events, all soon to be announced."

ITBA Announces Next Generation Interns

As the calendar for 2024/2025 gets underway, ITBA Next Generation is delighted to announce the 2024/2025 Interns; Emma Hunter, Ciara Russell, Dana Jones and Emma Dillon. There was a fantastic standard of applicants for this year’s internship and we thank all who applied. The quality of each and every applicant was very evident and it was really hard to make the final selection. We would like to thank the many candidates from home and overseas who applied and would encourage those still interested to consider applying next year. We wish all of the ITBA Next Generation Interns the best during their internships as they get underway. Keep an eye out for our interns blogs and videos as they talk about their internships and experiences.

ITBA would like to take this opportunity to thank the placement hosts, without whose support the scheme would not be possible. Notably for 2024/2025 we would like to thank Ballylinch, The Curragh Racecourse, Goffs, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Leopardstown, Newtown Stud, Rathmore Stud, Rossennara Stud, Tattersalls Ireland, and Weatherbys Ireland. If you are interested in taking an intern for the following year please get in touch with Hannah at ITBA on hmarks@itba.ie.

ITBA Next Gen Committee 2023/2024

• Ross O'Mahony (Chair) – Bloodstock Sales Executive, Tattersalls Ireland

  • Ross is a member of the Tattersalls Ireland Bloodstock team, he holds a degree in Equine Science and a diploma in Digital Marketing both from UCD, and completed the Irish National Stud Course in 2020.

    Ross got started in the industry in 2017, doing weekends with Mick Buckley, before heading to Coolmore America in 2018 for the season as part of his university placement. Since then, he worked for the Castlemartin Division of Ballylinch Stud and worked for a number of sales consignors before starting the Irish National Stud Course. On completion of the course, he gained valuable experience with Mount Coote Stud, BuyANom.com, and Castlehyde Stud before beginning his role with Tattersalls Ireland.

• Luke Bleahen (Vice Chair) – Intern at Goosebump Marketing, Student & Lakefield Farm

  • Luke is a recent graduate of the acclaimed Irish National Stud course and completed a Bachelor of Business studies at the University of Limerick. He held an amateur jockey license and was champion pony racing rider in the '14.2-15hh division' in 2015 having ridden 51 winners in his career.

    With valuable experience gained preparing yearlings for sales in England and America, along with time spent working with leading National Hunt yards, including Gordon Elliott, Henry De Bromhead, and Willie Mullins, Luke has honed his skills in the industry and hopes to build on his early pinhooking endeavours as he returns home to his family farm, Lakefield. His ambition is to help grow the farm and diverse into the flat sector of the game.

• Aoife Boland (Goffs and Piercetown Stud)

  • Aoife is a member of the Bloodstock team at Goffs. She holds a BBS in Equine Business from Maynooth University and is a graduate of the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course, from the class of 2023.

    Aoife has been involved in the industry from a young age, having grown up on her family stud farm, Piercetown Stud. She has worked in the office at Ger Lyon’s Glenburnie Stables conducting racing admin for two Irish Flat seasons, as well as working one season leading up at all the major Irish Flat meetings. She completed the Irish National Stud Course in 2023, before travelling to Australia, where she worked in Segenhoe Studunder the Broodmare and Foal Manager for a season. She also worked premier yearling sales, such as Magic Millions for Segenhoe Stud and Karaka Yearling Sale in New Zealand for Cambridge Stud, before returning home to begin her role working for Goffs

• Luke Coen (Tattersalls Ireland, Q-Cross Stables)

  • Luke is a bloodstock inspector for Tattersalls Ireland while also establishing Q-Cross Stables within the sales industry. Luke holds a Bachelor's degree in Equine Business from Maynooth University.

    Luke has been in the industry from a young age although primarily competing in eventing before following the family's footsteps and persueing a career in the thoroughbred industry. Luke has worked for many of the well-known outfits like Railstown Stud, Mountarmstrong Stud, Clare Castle Stud, Kenilworth House Stud and Ballyvolane Stud before setting up his own Q-Cross Stables which currently focuses on pinhooking but has now branched into establishing a small broodmare band. In 2022, Luke became the youngest member of the Tattersalls Bloodstock team to which he hopes to continue for many years to come.

• Jack Fitzgerald (UCD Vet Student)

  • Jack is currently a Second Year Veterinary Medicine Student at UCD.

    After completing placement in Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Jack has had a growing interest in Equine Husbandry & Medicine. His interest in the Thoroughbred Industry came after a trip hosted by the ITBA for 1st Year Vet Students, visiting a range of premises, such as The Irish Equine Centre, The Irish National Stud, & Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital. This summer, Jack worked part time at Ballyphillip Stud, helping with Yearling Prep. He hopes to return to Ballyphilip full-time next summer.

    Jack is also Class Rep for the 2nd Year Vet Students, a unique position which allows him to be an excellent point of contact for the ITBA Next Gen Committee to market their membership campaigns.

• Sarah Gayer (ALEH)

  • Sarah is a veterinary surgeon at Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital. Following graduation from UCD in 2012 she completed an equine veterinary internship in the UK. After a stint of locum work in various practices around the world she moved back to Ireland and began working for Lisadell Equine Hospital. This immersed her in the Irish thoroughbred industry and cemented her keen interest in racing. A move to Ballybrown equine practice in Limerick placed her into the thick of breeding with great exposure to many flat and national hunt yards before the opportunity in ALEH arose.

• Timmy Love (Coolderry Farm)

  • Timmy is a graduate of UCD Commerce. He has spent the last 18 months working for France Galop and has recently started working for the UK Tote Group, based in London.

    Timmy is an ex-amateur jockey, having ridden a few winners on the track and in point-to-points. He also trades under the Coolderry Farm banner and in recent years has sold blacktype fillies Shecouldbeanything and Ballybawn Belter.

• Paul Moloney (Irish National Stud)

  • Paul is now working for the Irish National Stud. On his completion of Equine Business in Maynooth University, he later completed his Qualified Financial Advisor Designation. As part of his Equine Business Bachelors Degree in Maynooth he travelled to Kentucky for his placement year to work in Ashford stud. He gained experience doing different sales out there for Paramount, Huntervalley, Eaton, Taylormade and Blandford.

    In Ireland he started in Coolmore doing weekends and holidays all the way through secondary school and college. Gaining valuable experience foaling, yearling prep, breaking and stallions. He spent time as bid spotter for Goff’s. He also completed sales for Churchtown House, Oghil, Ballyvolane, Ballinafad, Churchland, Camas and Barronstown. After finishing college he went to work for Boylesports where he spent one year as a Horse trader compiling odds. Paul has engaged in several pinhooks which have all gone to good homes and he looks forward to seeing on the track.

• Brigitte Murphy (Tally-Ho Stud)

  • Brigitte started her current role at Tally-Ho Stud in July of 2022 after graduating from the Godolphin Flying Start.She holds a degree in Equine Science and a masters in Business Management both from the University of Limerick.

    Brigitte got started in the industry in 2016 at Rathmore Stud under the tutelage of Peter Molony, before heading to Tally-Ho Stud in 2017 for the breeding and yearling season as part of her university placement. Since then, she worked for Baroda Stud and a number of sales consignors before starting the Godolphin Flying Start in 2020. During this time, she spent time with Stroud Coleman Bloodstock, Andrew Balding and Gai Waterhouse before beginning her role with Tally-Ho Stud. Along with her day to day role, Brigitte has begun breeding, consigning and pinhooking with her partner under the Mullinam House Stud banner.

• Edmond Ryan (Weir View Stud)

  • Edmond grew up on his family farm and also worked part time for numerous years in Camas Park while completing his Food &Agri-business degree at the University College Dublin. Since then, Edmond has gained valuable experience working both in Ireland and overseas, as well as being a graduate of both the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Course, and more recently Godolphin Flying Start. He is currently working full time on his family farm where they are hoping to continue to build their consignment business.

• Niall Scott (Coolmore Stud)

  • Niall works at Coolmore Stud as part of the Sales & Nominations team. Since joining Coolmore in 2020, progressed in a variety of roles, from Stud Hand to Barn Manager to his current position. He has also shuttled with the Coolmore stallions during the Southern Hemisphere breeding seasons in 2022 and 2023.

    A graduate of the RACE Trainee Jockey course, Niall gained valuable experience working for several racehorse trainers before his time at Coolmore. Passionate about both the racing and bloodstock sides of the industry, he is actively involved in both breeding and pinhooking.

• Conor Wixted (Goffs)

  • Conor Wixted is a member of the Goffs Bloodstock Team. He supports and assists vendors and clients with any queries, and helps with all sales related matters. Conor is also part of the inspection team and loves meeting breeders on their farms. Other responsibilities of his role include processing entries and nominations as well as grading pedigrees.

    Conor has experience as a breeder and a national hunt vendor. He hails from a showing background in Co. Clare and in 2019 he won the Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland National Young Breeder Competition. Conor holds a BBS in Agribusiness and has just recently completed an MSc in Supply Chain Management.

PAST EVENTS

Fantastic attendance at ITBA Next Generation Panel

Following a highly successful rejuvenation of the ITBA Next Gen in 2022-2023, the committee hosted a fantastic Pinhook Panel as the opening event of the 2023-2024 season. The well-attended event was held at Goffs, where attendees had the chance to network ahead of the event and then got plenty of inside tips and laughs from the expert panel.

Jane Mangan led the discussion with Alice Kavanagh(AK Thoroughbreds), Paul McCartan (Ballyphilip Stud), Tom O'Brien(Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital) and Philip Stauffenberg (Stauffenberg Bloodstock) and gained an insight in to how their careers developed and how they became highly successful pinhookers. The panel touched on the cycle of preparing to purchase at a sale, considerations when buying, care and management of young horses, sales preparation and re-offering stock at sales.

ITBA would like to thank the amazing panel as well as all those who attended the informative evening. Watch back the recording of the panel discussion here: https://youtu.be/FjwR6OOBaHo.

Quiz Night

The ITBA Next Generation Quiz Night was welcomed back for 2024 and took place on Thursday 15th February, 2024 at the Silken Thomas in Kildare.

The event, held in collaboration with WINR, the Irish National Stud and Godolphin Flying Start, held a charity raffle on the night with proceeds going to Festina Lente.

Pinhooking Panel Discussion

Following a highly successful rejuvenation of the ITBA Next Gen in 2022-2023, We invite you to join us for our opening event of the 2023-2024 season at Goffs as Jane Mangan chats to our fantastic panel and gains an insight in to how their careers developed and they became highly successful pinhookers.

Our panel on the evening includes;

• Alice Kavanagh, AK Thoroughbreds
• Paul McCartan, Ballyphilip Stud
• Tom O'Brien, MVB DACVS Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital
• Philip Stauffenberg, Stauffenberg Bloodstock

Conor Wixted (Senior Bloodstock Executive with Goffs) takes over the role of ITBA Next Generation Chairman for 2023-24, with Ross O'Mahony (Bloodstock Sales Executive with Tattersalls Ireland) stepping up as Vice Chair.

ITBA Next Gen would also like to welcome Fiona McEnery of Rossenara Stud as a new committee member. Fiona has worked for Woods Edge Farm Kentucky for a yearling sales prep and then at Ed Dunlop’s in Newmarket as secretary and pupil assistant. She plays a significant role at Rossenarra Stud, where they breed and sell horses for both Flat and National Hunt racing, board mares, sales preparation, breaking and breeze-ups.

Keep an eye on ITBA Next Gen Socials for the upcoming schedule of events and join for just €20 for an exciting year of events and networking opportunities!

Successful year sees ITBA Next Gen reach new heights

Following the re-launch of ITBA’s Next Generation, Chairperson Orla Donworth steps down from her role this month having re-established the hugely successful platform for young breeding and racing enthusiasts around the country. Originally formed in 2008 and known as Young ITBA, the Association’s ‘Junior Wing’ was hampered by inactivity over the past number of years, primarily due to Covid. A key priority of ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick was to reestablish the presence it once had.

Orla, together with her Committee have firmly reignited activity, hosting a number of well-attended social and educational events. Most recently a successful National Hunt Panel Discussion took place at Tattersalls Ireland, preceding the May Store Sale with a stellar panel hosted by Richard Pugh. Other activities held under Orla’s chairmanship included a Pinhooking Panel Debate held at Goffs, a Stallion Tour to Coolmore and Castlehyde Studs and a Table Quiz in conjunction with the Irish National Stud at which all monies raised were donated to Treo Eile.

Commenting on her time as Chairperson, Orla said: ‘’I was delighted to take on the role of Chairperson of ITBA’s Next Gen and am grateful for all the hard work of the Committee which made the last 12 months a huge success. As a Committee we set out a number of targets for the year and are really pleased with the feedback received and what we have achieved to date. Our 30 Under 30 campaign in collaboration with The Irish Field, has been well received and highlights the many young enthusiastic professional people within our industry. A huge thanks to Chairman Cathy Grassick and the ITBA for the opportunity to re-launch it’s junior wing.’’

ITBA CEO Una Tormey commented: ‘’The ITBA’s Next Generation has always been an integral part of ITBA activity and I am very grateful to Orla and the Committee for the drive and commitment they have shown over the past 12 months to reignite activity. From informative panel discussions to networking events the Committee put together a comprehensive plan which catered for young breeding and racing enthusiasts. Plans are also in motion to relaunch the successful Apprenticeship Scheme next year. Former graduates of the scheme have gone on to successful careers in stud farms, sales companies and racecourses both at home and internationally. I look forward to seeing the ITBA Next Gen continue to grow under the Chairmanship of Conor Wixted and the Committee for the next year and would encourage those who have not yet got involved to do so.’’

NH Panel Discussion

ITBA Next Generation held its recent National Hunt Panel Discussion at Tattersalls Ireland following the inspection day of the May Store Sale. The committee welcomed MC Richard Pugh, who introduced the expert panel of Tessa Greatrex, agent with Highflyer Bloodstock, Sluggara Farm consignor and vet Walter Connors, Aidan Fitzgerald of Cobajay Stables and bloodstock agent Tom Malone.

The evening kicked off with each panelist’s experience of how they got involved in the industry and continued with plenty of laughs and words of wisdom throughout the evening. Topics discussed included selection at sales, what to forgive in a pedigree and conformation, the recent prevalence of French bred stores and final advice on how to progress in the industry.

Student Raceday

ITBA Next Generation was proud to sponsor the ITBA Next Gen Handicap on the Leopardstown Student Raceday, Wednesday 5th April. Congratulations to the winner, ASISAID, trained by Pat Murphy and owned by Tylery Road Syndicate. Michael Kavanagh, breeder and part of the syndicate accepted the award from ITBA CEO Una Tormey, ITBA Next Generation Chairman Orla Donworth and members of the ITBA Next Generation committee, including Vice Chair Conor Wixted, Taragh Brady, and Ross O'Mahony

ITBA Next Generation Quiz Night

Over 110 were in attendance to test their knowledge on all things racing and bloodstock. The winning team collected the €500 prize that was kindly sponsored by a Leading Irish Stud Farm.

A charity raffle was held on the night with funds raised going to Treo Eile. A massive €765 was collected and ITBA Next Generation would like to thank all the generous supporters for their raffle prize contributions.

Breeding Season Preparation Workshop

• Assisting mares during foaling: Olive O’Connor, respected breeder and consignor
• Foaling Preparation & postnatal care: Andrea Ryan, Veterinary Surgeon, Kilcash Equine Clinic
• Nutritional plans for pregnant mares during & post foaling and nutritional plan for foals: Lorraine Fradl, Nutritionist with Connolly’s RED MILLS
• Mating Plans: Getting mares back in foal & selecting the most suitable stallions: Micheál Orlandi, Compas Equine

Coolmore & Castlehyde Stud visit

On Friday January 6th, Coolmore and Castlehyde opened their doors to 30 ITBA Next Generation members.

Orla Donworth, Chairman of the ITBA Next Generation thanked the Coolmore and Castlehyde teams, commenting “We are extremely grateful to Coolmore & Castlehyde for providing our members with unparalleled access to their elite stallions and senior management today.” Conor Wixted, Vice Chairman shared Donworth’s sentiment, adding “the generosity and backing of Coolmore & Castlehyde left its mark on us today, throughout 2023 we want to keep building the momentum of the Next Generation”.

Click here to read the full story.

Pinhooking Panel

The ITBA Next Generation kicked off their series of events with an exciting Pinhooking Panel. The panel featured a great evening of insights from Bernard Condren (MC), Vikki Hancock, John Hanly, Timmy Hillman, Guy O'Callaghan.