Sean Quinn, who assists his father John at their Highfield Stables in Malton, is a fan of Ardad and Munster Rugby.
Proudest moment of 2023?
Aside from my daughter's birth, Highfield Princess winning the Prix de l'Abbaye. There was plenty stacked against her but she found a way to win.
What is your biggest ambition for the new year?
To get the best out of every horse in our care. A Royal Ascot winner is always an aim too.
Give us one horse to follow and why?
Stay In The Game (Ire) – a twice-raced son of Too Darn Hot (GB) out of a half-sister to Order Of St George (Ire). I would hope he can only improve as a three-year-old.
And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on…
Hamish Macauley always needs an eye keeping on him!
Who do you think will be champion first-season sire this year?
We tried hard to buy a Pinatubo (Ire) yearling last year but didn't manage to get one. His stock caught the eye on the sales grounds.
And the best value stallion in Europe?
Rajasinghe (Ire) has done very well considering the limited support he has had. Breeders on a budget could do far worse than him. I'm also a big fan of Ardad (Ire).
What's the one horse you wish you'd bought in 2023?
Whichever one wins the Coventry in 2024!
Biggest regret?
None. What's meant for you won't pass you by.
Biggest influence on your career?
My parents.
If you could sit down for dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be and why?
Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell and Keith Wood. I'm a big Munster rugby fan and admire the leadership qualities of all three men. Not talking racing around a dinner table would make a change too.
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