As part of an ongoing series, TDN caught up with bloodstock agent Ross Doyle to get his views on the 2017 season.
Horse you are most looking forward to seeing this season?
RD: Barney Roy (GB), a 3-year-old colt by Excelebration (Ire) out of a Galileo (Ire) mare. We purchased him at Goffs UK's Premier sale as a yearling from Peter Parkhill. He could be very exciting; Richard Hannon told me last April he was very good, but had a slight setback. He eventually ran late in the season and won going away under a hands-and-heels ride at Haydock.
A stallion who could feature prominently (doesn't have to be first season)?
RD: I believe Zoffany will keep on producing top-class horses and could be as an exciting young stallion as we have seen for a while. We were lucky enough to purchase Ventura Storm (Ire) by him, who won a Group 1 for Richard Hannon last season.
Positive change you would like to see for the industry in 2017?
RD: Close to home obviously prize money needs to keep on improving in Ireland and the UK. Now that the industry is very buoyant again globally, which is great to see, hopefully breeders will not lose the run of themselves and keep breeding from failed mares just to supply the market. Also, we need to keep promoting the industry to the young people like the Champions Weekends in Ireland and the UK to get them involved–they are the future.
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