Photo: Supplied
My final chapter at Coolmore Stud in Ireland began with a week in the foaling unit known as Prospect. I was lucky enough to be working alongside a friend I’d met during the Karaka Sales earlier this year, who had just completed a season at Haunui Farm.
The work was intense, but incredibly rewarding. I had the chance to assist in delivering a few new arrivals and saw firsthand just how quickly foals develop their own fiery personalities. There’s something truly humbling about being there for a horse’s very first steps and those moments serve as a reminder that everything we do in this business begins with one wobbly step.
The following three weeks were spent in the stallion yard, which was an absolute privilege. To work alongside some of the world’s most influential stallions is not something I’ll soon forget. Getting hands-on with Auguste Rodin and Paddington—two horses who will shuttle to Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand this season—was surreal. Auguste Rodin, in particular, is a massive acquisition for our breeding industry. As another son of the legendary Deep Impact, he brings a bloodline that has already proven its value in New Zealand through Satono Aladdin and Staphanos. Full credit to Rodney Schick and the Windsor Park team for securing such an exciting young stallion. His presence will no doubt be a major asset for breeders at home.
Life in the stallion yard followed a tight but satisfying routine. Our day started at 6am with morning covers, followed by individual exercise sessions where stallions were lunged, washed, and hand-walked along Coolmore’s stunning walking track. Once they were turned out to their paddocks, the team prepared for midday covers. Afterward, we would parade the stallions for any visitors to the farm—often breeders, owners, or industry professionals. Each part of the day was executed with precision and care, which really underscored just how much attention goes into maintaining the reputation and well-being of these elite stallions.
Overall, my time at Coolmore Stud offered more depth and insight than I could have anticipated. To be immersed in the day-to-day workings of one of the biggest and most respected racing operations in the world was an invaluable experience. The knowledge and hands-on skills I’ve gained will no doubt continue to echo through my future endeavours. More than anything, my time at Coolmore reminded me how important it is to appreciate every level of the breeding and racing process.
After wrapping up at Coolmore, I flew to the UK and headed straight to Doncaster for the Goffs Spring Sale. I was especially interested in the three days of trade dedicated solely to National Hunt horses—something we don’t encounter back home in the Southern Hemisphere. I had the chance to observe the pre-sale vetting process, where horses were assessed by two independent vets. They were trotted up for soundness, and then lunged while their breathing was monitored, it was fascinating to watch. In a funny “small world” moment, one of the vets turned out to be the uncle of a university friend—who has no involvement with horses at all!
I worked as a bid spotter during the sale, which was fast-paced and energising. The adrenaline of live auctioneering combined with the constant movement and communication between bidders, spotters, and auctioneers made for a dynamic few days. After the sale concluded, I travelled north to the Goffs office in Hawick, nestled in the Scottish Borders. From there, I embarked on a two-week road trip across England and France with the Goffs bloodstock team. Our goal was to inspect yearlings for the upcoming Goffs Premier Sale and Orby Sale.
This trip was a highlight in itself. We visited some of the most scenic and untouched corners of rural England—beautiful villages, historic farms, and miles of rolling countryside that most tourists would never stumble upon. It was a side of the UK that I’d never experienced before, and to see it through the lens of yearling inspections made it even more memorable. I learned a great deal from the Goffs team about what to look for in young horses and how they assess potential long before the sales ring comes into play.
Last week, I returned to Ireland to bid spot at another three-day National Hunt sale and it was great to catch up with a few mates I made whilst in Ireland. Most recently, I had the privilege of working at the Goffs London Sale - a boutique and highly anticipated event held in the private grounds of Kensington Palace Gardens, just before Royal Ascot. The concept is brilliant: buyers have the chance to purchase horses who are already entered to run at Ascot that same week. The atmosphere was a blend of elegance and excitement. I even saw some familiar Kiwi faces, including Pat Vinaccia and Albert Bosma from Go Racing.
To cap it all off, I attended Royal Ascot on both Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s hard to put into words the scale and spectacle of the event. The quality of racing was world-class, the fashion and tradition made for an unforgettable setting, and the atmosphere was electric. Being there, amidst the best of the best, was both inspiring and surreal. It truly showcased what our industry can achieve at its highest level.
From foaling barns to yearling inspections, boutique sales to the grandstands of Royal Ascot - my last two months abroad have been nothing short of action packed, and I am looking forward to the rest of my time in the UK.
