Conor Wixted has quickly climbed the ranks at Goffs. In three years with the company, he has quickly become a familiar face within the company, and currently holds the role as Senior Bloodstock Executive at just 28 years of age. Outside of Goffs, Conor holds the position as chairman of the ITBA Next Generation and has already proved himself as a shrewd judge of young stock through his successful pinhooks and breeding ventures.
What can you tell us about your role as Senior Bloodstock Executive at Goffs? What would a typical week look like for you?
It is quite a varied role, it really depends on the time of the year. We are always working towards the next sale. From mid-January to March I would be on the road looking at stores for the Arkle Sale. It's then on to viewing yearlings in May and June ahead of the Orby [yesterday, we finished finalising what is an exciting catalogue and it should be online very soon]. Throughout August we will be working towards the November Foal and Breeding Stock Sale. When I went for my first interview at Goffs with Nick Nugent and Mary Kilduff, Nick compared the role to a chef working in a kitchen, in that there is often a lot going on in the background that you don't see. In September during the yearling sales, we will be finalising foal placings and entries while the sale is happening.
Outside of Goffs, you are the driving force behind the ITBA Next Generation, which has made massive strides in recent years. The seminars and events have been a huge success but what other things are in the pipeline for the Young ITBA?
Since its revival two years ago, there has been a huge appetite from young people–not just from those in the industry but also from those solely with an interest in the game. I must say we have huge support from some of the biggest players in the game which has been massively appreciated. It is heartening that they give up their time and recognise the importance of helping and supporting the future of the industry. One of Cathy Grassick's goals as Chair of the ITBA was to relaunch the Next Generation Internship. The internships will be a year-long, fully paid, offering successful candidates invaluable experience working in three different industry areas for four months each. One of the internships will focus on an office placement and working with businesses within the industry. While the second placement will be a practical placement with work on stud farms offering hands-on experience. The interviews have been completed and the successful candidates will be announced in the coming weeks.
And you couldn't work for Goffs and be the chairman of the ITBA Next Generation without having some skin in the game! I gather you have had quite a bit of success at pinhooking in recent times and I know you work closely with Clare Manning of Boherguy Stud.
It would be hard not to be involved in some way or another. It's exciting watching foals and yearlings develop. It's not always simple but that's what makes it all the more interesting and all the better when it works out. I couldn't do it without the help of my parents and sister at home in County Clare and of course Clare Manning who does the foaling and prep. Last year, we took the plunge on a foal in America so that's exciting. She's by Vino Rosso and is based with Adrian Regan and Fergus Galvin at Hunter Valley who have been extremely helpful. That has been a completely different experience for us and let's see how it goes.
What has been your best result/greatest day in the sport?
To date, it has been selling a foal to one of the most successful breeding and pinhooking operations, Ballyphilip Stud [Paul and Marie McCartan]. I have respect for Paul and Marie–they have bred so many brilliant horses and came up with the goods again this year with Royal Ascot winner Fairy Godmother (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). For people like that to have bought a foal off me was quite humbling.
What it is about the trading aspect of the game that appeals to you? If anything, it must be an excellent way of getting out and about and meeting people, which can only be beneficial for your role with Goffs.
You're not always going to get it right but, when you do, it's very satisfying. I think by doing some breeding and trading, you can really understand both the challenges and opportunities involved. Chatting about stock is always a great talking point and can often be a good conversation breaker.
You come from a sport horse background. What principals have you carried over from your sport horse days and how have you refined your eye to working with thoroughbreds?
I did a lot of showing and hunting when I was younger. A lot of the principals are the same, particularly from a management perspective. Attention to detail is everything and a nice horse is a nice horse. The Horse Sport Ireland and Teagasc Young Breeder programme was a great grounding, I learned a huge amount about conformation, movement and showing in hand and in 2019 I was lucky enough to win the National Young Breeder competition.
If Goffs handed you a hypothetical €100,000 sales voucher to be spent at any of the sales–be that yearling, foals or mares–what would you seek out and whose advice would you call upon?
I'd love to buy a stakes-placed filly off the track by a proven broodmare sire with the help of John O'Connor [Ballylinch Stud] because they are excellent breeders.
Best advice you have ever been given?
In this business, hard work and honesty are imperative. Henry is always telling us that auctioneers trade on their integrity and that is our biggest asset as we work for the vendor and the purchaser acting as the honest broker between the two.
Give us one horse to follow for the remainder of the Flat season?
The Lion In Winter (Ire), a two-year-old by Sea The Stars who was a very impressive maiden winner last Saturday at the Curragh. He's actually a TDN Rising Star, has a Goffs Million entry and is the favourite for next year's Derby, so he's probably one of the most exciting colts in training right now. I suppose I'm talking with my Goffs hat on here as well as he was a €375,000 graduate from the Orby Sale, which makes it extra special following his career.
And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on…
Ben Hensey–he's currently doing an internship with us in Goffs and he'll go far!
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