With Johne Murphy
First job in the Thoroughbred industry?
I worked at a local stud farm called Mount Prospect Stud doing general stable staff stuff. A steep learning curve!
Biggest influence on your career?
My father, John. I was always in the front seat when he was going racing! He gave me the bug.
Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?
Galileo. I was 15 and I was there at Leopardstown when he won his maiden. I followed him the whole way through his racing career and beyond.
Who will be champion first-season sire in 2023?
Ten Sovereigns. I have seen a lot of his stock and they are great physicals. Unfortunately I didn't get any knocked down to me!
Greatest race in the world?
The Arc, it's on the bucket list!
If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
Paul Townend getting the leg up on Energumene in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. It's one of if not the best race over jumps, the pace they go and they can't put a hoof wrong for two miles. I'd say it's some buzz!
Emerging talent in the industry (human)?
Dylan Browne McMonagle. He's a future champion jockey.
Name a horse TDN should have made a Rising Star, and didn't?
Blackbeard. Not sure how that one was missed!
Under-the-radar stallion?
Holy Roman Emperor. He offers a lot of value for younger mares in my opinion.
Friday night treat?
Original Food Junkie Pizza and a Diet Coke.
Guilty pleasure outside racing?
A Sunday session having a turbo shandy!
Race I wish I'd been there for…
Hewick's American National win. I'd say the party was good old craic!
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