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 James Mockridge, Area Manager, Coolmore Stud.
TDN: Tell us about your career to date.
JM: On finishing school I had planned to study law, however this quickly changed to travelling and working at Haras Vacacion in Argentina and then Lane's End Farm in Kentucky for two years, both of which provided me with invaluable experience. I've been at Coolmore for the past eight years.
TDN: If you could be one person in the industry for a day who would it be and why?
JM: I'd like to go back in time and be Sir Henry Cecil in the early years of his career. In the days of Oh So Sharp (GB) and Commander in Chief (GB); training a Classic winner to propel an interest for what are now two leading breeding empires. A man of great charisma, horsemanship and style.
TDN: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
JM: A lot of people have been very influential in my life but probably the best piece of advice I have been given is, “eyes and ears open, mouth shut.” For young people coming into the industry I feel it is of great importance to soak up as much knowledge and experience from everyone around you.
TDN: What is the best aspect of your current job?
JM: Being hands-on with the blue bloods of the industry, whether it be our own homebreds or clients' stock.
TDN: If you weren't working in the horse racing industry what would you be doing?
JM: I would move to Southern Africa and become a Safari guide.
TDN: If you had 24 hours to get someone interested in the horse racing industry how would you do it?
JM: Show them around Coolmore to see how it all starts and how racehorses are raised and developed from day one, followed by a day's racing as an owner at York's Ebor meeting, the best atmosphere in racing. Finally, ending the day with a nice meal in a Yorkshire country pub with very good wine.
TDN: What was your biggest achievement to date?
JM: Becoming a manager at one of the top stud farms in the world at the age of 22. I was very fortunate that the Magnier Family and Harry King gave me the opportunity and entrusted me with the responsibility to look after a large part of their homebreds and to take on a large boarding farm with top-class stock and clientele at a young age.
TDN: Who is your horse to follow for the coming season?
JM: A Galileo (Ire) filly that holds a special place in my heart is the only foal out of the champion racemare Royal Delta (Empire Maker). She's a beautiful, athletic filly with size, scope and substance in abundance. Named Delta's Royalty (Ire), she won her maiden first time out at Kempton in December for Roger Varian despite being very green. She's a very exciting prospect.
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