The Irish National Stud welcomed graduates, families, industry representatives, and supporters to a special ceremony on Friday, June 26th, marking the completion of the 2026 Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course.
Twenty-five students from Ireland and overseas were honoured for successfully completing the renowned six-month programme, which combines academic study with practical industry experience and is designed to prepare participants for careers across the global thoroughbred sector.
Proceedings were led by respected industry commentator Leo Powell, while Irish National Stud CEO Cathal Beale addressed attendees, congratulating the graduates on reaching this significant milestone. He highlighted the importance of education and professional development in maintaining Ireland’s position as a world leader in thoroughbred breeding and wished the students every success in their future careers.
Representing the graduating class, Katie Willis and Xavier Pegum reflected on the experiences, friendships, and opportunities gained during their time at the Irish National Stud.
A number of graduates received individual honours in recognition of their academic achievements and outstanding contributions:
Continuous Assessment Award: Jackson Gwynne (Australia)
Best Portfolio of Assignments: Harvey Williams (UK)
Veterinary Examination Award: Niamh Carr (Co. Kildare, Ireland)
Equine Business Award: Ophélie Stroumza (France)
Two graduates were also selected for highly sought-after internship opportunities that will further develop their industry experience:
Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship: Jack Sherwin (UK) commencing at the Irish National Stud in August.
Goffs Internship: Katie Willis (Northern Ireland).
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Irish Field “Blue Hen” Award, which Caithlin Kenneally (Co. Waterford, Ireland) received for her outstanding article, which will be published in The Irish Field. The award included a commemorative trophy and a €250 prize presented by Leo Powell.
The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of the programme’s highest honours. Awarded annually to the top-performing students, the 2025 medals were presented to:
Gold Medal: Jo Moore (New Zealand)
Silver Medal: Ophélie Stroumza (France)
Anne Channon, Education Manager at the Irish National Stud, praised the graduates for their dedication and achievements.
"This year’s graduates have embraced every aspect of the programme with enthusiasm and determination. Their commitment to learning and their passion for the thoroughbred industry have been evident throughout the course, and we look forward to following their future successes."
Adding to the occasion, the Irish National Stud also welcomed back members of the Thoroughbred Breeding Management class of 2001 to celebrate 25 years since completing the course, a significant milestones in the programme’s history. The reunion provided a unique opportunity for former students to reconnect, reflect on their careers within the thoroughbred industry, and share their experiences with the newest generation of graduates. Their presence highlighted the enduring impact of the Irish National Stud’s education programme and the global network of industry professionals it has helped develop over the decades.
Class of 2026
Martin Bozo (France), Niamh Carr (Ireland), Dylan Cassidy (Ireland), Libby Coster (New Zealand) Maxime de Chambord (France), Catherine Donworth (Ireland), Jackson Gwynne (Australia), Hannah Kelley (Australia), Caithlin Kenneally (Ireland), Senan MacRedmond (Ireland), Millie Malbon (UK), Abhinav Mitra (India), Chance McKeever (USA), Joe Moore (New Zealand), Xavier Pegum (Australia), Mackenzie Porter (Australia), Bobby Ryan (Ireland), Tom Rokuroda (Japan), Joey Ryan (Ireland), Mark Schrenger (USA), Jack Sherwin (UK), Zania Slabber (New Zealand), Ophelie Stroumza (France), Harvey Williams (UK) and Katie Willis (N.Ireland)
