Young Guns With Mark Byrne

Young Guns is a series where we endeavour to find out more about some of the young professionals in the industry. Today we speak with Mark Byrne, who works in nominations and marketing at Ballylinch Stud.

TDN: What was your path into the industry?

MB: I wasn't born into the industry but like so many you get hooked from an early age. I worked part time in a local stud during the weekends when I was at school and college but I followed bloodstock and racing fanatically. I made it my business to go racing and to the sales as much as I could. It was not until the Irish National Stud course that I really made my mind up about going into the industry full time. That was a fantastic six months with some great people and you get to see and learn so much. I couldn't recommend the course enough and Sally Carroll does a terrific job for the students. Upon completion of the course I got the chance to travel and this all eventually led to me working in Ballylinch Stud.

TDN: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

MB: Working in Ballylinch for two years has obviously meant that John O'Connor has been a massive influence on my short career. Not only has he given me great exposure but he is great with his time to educate or guide you. It is not just John in Ballylinch though, everyone here is great to help you out if you are stuck with something or under a bit of pressure.

TDN: What does your role involve?

MB: It's very varied and that's what keeps it interesting. We breed, race, buy and sell so we are busy from January with foaling all the way to December with the sales. During the breeding season I am booking mares in to the stallions and trying to generate new clients. We are lucky here to have some young and exciting stallions like Fascinating Rock and New Bay who have their first foals just arriving and from what I have seen so far, I have been really impressed with both stallions' stock. As the season goes on the racing starts and we have a nice portfolio of horses to follow. Finally, the sales season begins and that brings its own excitement. Generally, we sell yearlings and try to buy mares. All in all, it keeps you on your toes.

TDN: What challenges do you face in your role?

MB: Time! It is a hectic job. You can be gone to the sales for almost thre months of the year when it is all added up. Then there are the long hours on the farm during the breeding season so it can be seven days a week but it is great fun and you always meet some interesting people along the way.

TDN: What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

MB: Finish your education, travel and listen to people who give you advice but don't be afraid to form your own opinion on things.

TDN: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the industry and how would you solve it?

MB: Brexit is a major concern but that is outside the control of our industry. However, we can try to be proactive in solving our own problems. Racing is one of the most attended sports in Ireland and we should look to grow that even more and try to translate those numbers into ownership. With growth we can increase revenue with betting, etc., and let that funnel all the way down through prize money to racing yards, their staff, to the sales ring and to the breeders.

TDN: What do you think horse racing's perception is for the general public?

MB: I think the public's perception of horse racing is that it is healthier than we view it to be ourselves. In Ireland we are a world leader for racing and an industry that gives massive employment. That is something to be proud of and we should not be afraid to let people know how important this industry is to the economy.

TDN: How would you attract more young people into the workforce?

MB: Structure and pay. It is hard to develop a conventional career path in this game. You just have to work hard and hope that it pays off. That isn't very appealing for someone who went to college and has the option of joining a multinational. This industry has one massive advantage and that is it consists of people who love the game and the animal. That should be encouraged and fed.

TDN: Who is your favourite racehorse of all time and why?

MB: I loved Kauto Star. He was a class act that turned up at all the dances and rarely missed a beat. I think him winning the fifth King George was one of the loudest shouts I ever gave a race.

TDN: Tell us something about yourself that not many people would know.

MB: Up until 3 1/2 years ago I was working in an Accountancy firm.

TDN: What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

MB: To keep learning and seeing more things. Breed a few hopefully good racehorses myself and be involved in the management of a world-class stud.