Young Guns: Cassie Tully

Cassie Tully is head of research and pedigrees at Coolmore. Previously a bloodstock columnist for Sporting Life, she is currently halfway through studying for an Executive MBA degree.

How did you first become involved/interested in racing and bloodstock?

I used to event when I was much younger but my Dad loved racing so it actually began through being a huge Barry Geraghty fan. A fascination with pedigrees dictated the way forward from there.  

What does your role at Coolmore entail?

I'm over research and pedigrees but without wanting it to sounding clichéd, no two days are actually ever the same. The role adapts with the racing and breeding seasons and encompasses everything from mating plans to nominations to preparing for sales. Items on the agenda can vary greatly day to day. We all know that Coolmore is a world-class operation and wherever you can or want to add value, there is an opportunity to do so. 

Are you personally involved in breeding and/or pinhooking?

Yes, my mum and I have a farm at home in Galway and have a small, growing breeding operation of three broodmares. They are back in foal and our first homebred yearlings are heading to auction this autumn so there's a lot to look forward to.

If you were handed a hypothetical €100,000 sales voucher to be spent at any of the sales – be that yearlings, foals or mares – what would you look for?

I'm all about the middle-distance pedigrees and the long game. There's just so many more opportunities for success in the Pattern for the middle-distance horses – both black-type and prize money-wise. It's where the most value can be found, their pedigrees hold the most residual worth, and they are the most coveted product for resale and export. 

And if you could own any broodmare in history, who would that be?

Hate to be boring here but it's impossible not to say Urban Sea or Hasili, isn't it?

How do you feel the bloodstock industry could encourage more of the younger generation to get involved in breeding?

I actually think that is a natural desire for most young people who are already interested in the sport. The real issue is encouraging people, from any generation, to engage with horse racing full stop. 

Engagement is consistently declining and I find it beyond infuriating listening to the blame get put on the cost-of-living crisis, the fixture disruption, the weather, the domination of big owners and trainers, and so on. The country had circa 3% increase in consumer spending earlier this year which was apparently largely driven by entertainment. It's close to impossible to get GAA or large concert tickets; Meanwhile, racing's attendances, field sizes and betting turnovers were all down. 

I think the popularity of the major jumps festivals is papering over the cracks in Irish racing and the overall figures, creating an illusion of prosperity while Flat racing is in a state of decay. Why is there such an acceptance of mediocrity and excuses rather than proactive growth strategies and clearly communicated targets? 

The nature of our structure means that if any of the trio of owners, engagement, and entertainment decline, so will the other two, and along with them goes our funding streams. It's already happening. Look at the bookmakers in Britain pulling back from certain tracks in dissatisfaction with how the sport is not being grown with their levy inputs; and they are right to question. Where is the communication here and, really, where is the urgency?

It is frustrating and I think the longer we bury our heads in the sand, the further it is going to decline. If we lose this generation, racing's future sounds like fiction and its history will be relegated to folklore, so I think we need to start there.

Is there enough being done in regard to gender equality in the industry?

That is a big topic and not one that I would succinctly capture in one thought, but I would doubt that there is a woman who wants succeed in any profession that hasn't experienced gender bias or disparity in some form. 

The industry is significantly male-dominated and probably lags behind on broader societal awareness on topics like these. That saying 'A woman has to work twice as hard to be considered half as good' probably reflects a reality for many. 

The decades of research all shows that more balanced, diverse workplaces lead to better decision-making and increases in innovation and financial performance – all the things we want. And oftentimes it's an unconscious bias in the way.

The governing bodies' strategic plans are emphasising the need for gender balance at senior levels and while that is so important, I do think it's also crucial that every position remains based on merit and aptitude. Those targets and discussions should enhance, never compromise, the standards of professionalism. 

I suppose it's creating awareness and recognition on both individual and organisational levels within our bubble. We are such a niche, focused industry with so many facets that we can become guilty of only looking inwards. Slow, evolutionary change in a fast-changing world is, as it was for the dinosaurs, a path to the bone yard. They can be uncomfortable topics and it's easy to be dismissive, but fostering inclusive practices that elevate the best talent regardless of anything else isn't something there is an option about any more.  

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

To welcome criticism. I think it's just a mindset re-frame to embrace other perspectives and see all feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Give us one horse to follow for the remainder of the Flat season…

Rock Of Cashel (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).