The TDN picks the brain of bloodstock agent Sean Grassick on his highs and lows of 2023 and what he's looking forward to this year.
Proudest moment of 2023?
Catherine Of Siena (Ire) (U S Navy Flag), who we bought for £13,000 as a yearling, earning black-type.
What is your biggest ambition for the New Year?
More winners and happy clients.
Give us one horse to follow and why?
Bladon (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). He ran eye-catchingly for Atomic Racing and Kevin Coleman in a Killarney over a mile and was sold to Joseph O'Brien and OTI Racing after that. He looks like a nice prospect for connections this year.
And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on…
Liam Cunningham.
Who do you think will be champion first-season sire this year?
Earthlight (Ire).
And the best value stallion in Europe?
Golden Horn (GB).
What's the one horse you wish you'd bought in 2023?
I mostly buy yearlings so I'll tell you this time next year! I was underbidder to Anthony Bromley on a Tasleet (GB) filly out of Rapid Recruit (Ire) at Doncaster and she is one I may wish I had bought come Royal Ascot.
Biggest regret?
There are always horses where you will be underbidder which go on to do well but I'm not one to have regrets–hindsight is a great thing!
Biggest influence on your career?
Demi O'Byrne. I wouldn't be doing what I am today if it wasn't for his guidance and the knowledge I have gained from him and continue to do so.
If you could sit down for dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be and why?
John Magnier, Vincent O'Brien and Robert Sangster. Their knowledge and business acumen on every facet of the industry would make for fascinating listening.
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