By Gary King
Success in the Thoroughbred industry is rarely achieved alone. Behind many of the industry's most accomplished figures is a mentor who helped shape their career, along with a piece of advice that has stayed with them along the way.
In this new TDN series, which will appear in these pages over the coming days and weeks, we ask people from across the bloodstock and racing worlds to identify the biggest influence on their career (excluding family members), the best advice they have ever received, and the words of wisdom they would pass on to the next generation.
In the first installment of Words to Live By, we hear from Irish National Stud CEO Cathal Beale.
1). Outside of your family, who has been the most important mentor in your career, and why?
I've been incredibly lucky to have worked with and for brilliant people who really helped me along the way, but I spent seven great years with Dermot Cantillon, and I would still apply a lot of what he taught me.
2). What is the best piece of advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?
“Integrity is everything.” – Joe Osborne
“The horse business is a people business.” – John Ferguson
“Black type in the first dam.” – Dermot Cantillon
3). What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the Thoroughbred industry today?
Do what other people are unwilling to do, and do it to the best of your ability. Make life easier for the people you work for and the people you work with. Find what you love doing and do it every day.
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