In this series, the TDN catches up with European expatriats working in the Thoroughbred industry around the world. Today's installment features Tom Ryan of S.F. Bloodstock.
Hometown? Ballylusk Ballindaggin, Co. Wexford.
How did you end up where you are now? When I was 19 years old after completing a season for Willie Mullins and graduating from the Irish National Stud, I headed to Australia, where I worked for some great people and organizations including Mike Becker in Victoria and Widden, Wakefield and Coolmore, all in the Hunter Valley. Widden was kind enough to send me to Japan to work at Shadai for a breeding season, and Coolmore gave me the opportunity to go America in 1999 to work with the stallions, which was ultimately life changing. Woodman was having a rare off-day and took it out on my thumb in the spring of 2001, giving way to the nickname Tom Thumb and the quest for a new career. With the help and support of the team at Ashford, Aisling, Dermot and Demi O'Byrne launched me into the world of bloodstock and, after years working with Pete Bradley and Neil Bowden, I launched Cherokee Equine in 2007 and soon after was fortunate enough to develop a relationship that continues today with Gavin Murphy, the founder of S.F. Bloodstock.
What have you found to be the major difference between racing/breeding in America and your home country? The major difference on the racing side is Ireland has a zero-tolerance medication rule and stiffer penalties for those that break that rule. The Irish flat racing season stars in March and ends in October, and most of the major outfits train from private facilities such as Ballydoyle. On the breeding side, Europe is much more focused on turf racing, and as a result has some sensational turf stallions, Galileo and Dubawi being the prime examples. Having said that, the Europeans have also had high-level success with some of our American stallions, and breed to and buy the progeny of Speightstown, War Front and Distorted Humor, to name a few. America, of course, is the home of dirt racing and our stallions reflect that. Tapit is just outstanding, Curlin, Uncle Mo and Pioneerof the Nile are all very exciting and of course Super Saver, who SF is involved with, is off to a terrific start at stud.
Name one home comfort that you miss? Can't really think of anything. We have a great Irish community here in Lexington and I travel home plenty every year. There is no shortage of lads around to set you straight if the accent starts getting too American.
Favourite sport or hobby outside of racing? I like all sports at the highest level. I enjoy finding bits and pieces of art as I travel that we can make a part of our home in Kentucky.
What would you say is your proudest accomplishment? The friends I have made and the working relationships we have in both hemispheres. On top of that finding a wonderful wife in Katie who embraces the industry and living in Lexington as much as I do.
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