A love of racing which began in a minibus to Punchestown

Christopher Farrell was recently recruited for a newly created role at Tattersalls Ireland as its Flat sales executive. The well-travelled County Laois native tells us about himself and his new job.

What made you want to pursue a career in racing and bloodstock? Do you have a background in the sport?

I grew up on a cattle farm and pub but always had an interest in the equine industry. Every year my father organised a minibus full of patrons from the pub to the Punchestown festival and it ignited my love for racing.

I studied agricultural science at University College Dublin, with the aim of applying for veterinary as a graduate. I majored in equine science and had a six-month placement in my third year, so I was lucky enough to travel to Japan and work at Paca Paca Farm. This opened my eyes in a big way and upon leaving I was less interested in veterinary and more interested in the bloodstock side of the industry!

After graduating I worked for [lighting solutions company] Equilume for a year, travelling the globe, and was then lucky enough to get a place on the Godolphin Flying Start programme. After this I worked for Magic Millions as a bloodstock consultant for just over three years.

What did you learn from working for the great Harry Sweeney at Paca Paca Farm?

“What an experience!” - as the great man would say himself! I loved my time in Japan and working for someone who was the first foreigner to own land in Japan and get a JRA licence can only inspire you to succeed in the thoroughbred industry. It’s a beautiful country and the Select Sale for foals is something everyone should experience.

Harry Sweeney: a trailblazer for Ireland in JapanCredit: Darley Japan

Has anyone else been a notable influence on your career?

The team at Magic Millions were brilliant in welcoming me to Australia and getting me started on the rostrum. Being part of the Godolphin Flying Start alumni has also been a huge help as graduates are based all around the world and only a phone call away to answer any questions.

What will your new role involve?

My main role will be promoting and developing the Tattersalls Ireland Flat sales. I’m looking forward to getting on the road and meeting vendors in the coming months. It’s an exciting time to join Tattersalls Ireland following their record-breaking sessions in the past year and hopefully we can set some new records this year.

You’ve travelled extensively in your working life. Where has been your favourite place to go racing?

Moonee Valley for the Cox Plate. I was there when Winx won her third Cox Plate and have yet to experience a raceday like it since.

And who’s your favourite ever horse?

Winx. As well as being a great racehorse, the support and fans she brought to racing was unbelievable. It was very similar to the support and recognition Honeysuckle is receiving now, which is brilliant to see.

You’ve had shifts as an auctioneer at Magic Millions. Can we expect a return to the rostrum some time?

Hopefully!

Is there anything you have learned from your time in bloodstock overseas that might be applicable in Ireland?

Australia and New Zealand are brilliant at retaining and attracting new fans to racing.

Winx: a firm Farrell favouriteCredit: Vince Caligiuri (Getty Images)

From incentivised bonuses by sales companies to increased female ownership and syndicate ownership, to racing clubs like Boys Get Paid attracting new fans and punters, there seems to be a common goal to get more people interested in horseracing. It would be great to see prize-money increase in Ireland and the UK but also more innovative ideas to attract more people into the sport.

Is there a horse that you’ve been particularly proud to have sourced?

Captivant, a Group 1-winning two-year-old colt in Australia. I can’t claim I sourced him but I loved him when I inspected him as a yearling on the farm and a great judge bought him in Henry Field. I also had a very small share in a pinhook in the USA, Weston, who went on to win a Grade 2 as a two-year-old at Del Mar.

Read more

Sale-topper Weeveallbeenaught set for rules debut at Newbury

Q&A with Bloodstock South Africa's and star photographer Romi Bettison

(£) The point-to-point and sale ring graduates set to take Cheltenham by storm

The extraordinary trick for 'dummy foals' that might blow your mind

Supremacy has first mares scanned in foal

Exciting plans for sires and mares as Tweenhills reveal 2022 direction of travel