'One of our goals is to make the industry as accessible as possible' - ITBA Next Generation Committee looks ahead to 2024-25

Tattersalls Ireland bloodstock executive Ross O’Mahony is to replace Conor Wixted as ITBA Next Generation chairman following a successful year which included a pinhook panel, well-attended quiz night and Ballydoyle/Coolmore tour. 

As previous vice-chair, O’Mahony is well placed to take over the reins and is excited to bring back popular events and new additions for this year.

Irish National Stud graduate Luke Bleahen will step into the position of vice chair, while the rest of the committee will comprise Aoife Boland (Goffs, Piercetown Stud), Luke Coen (Tattersalls Ireland, Q-Cross Stables), Jack Fitzgerald (UCD Vet Student), Sarah Gayer (ALEH), Timmy Love (Coolderry Farm), Paul Moloney (Irish National Stud), Brigitte Murphy (Tally-Ho Stud), Edmond Ryan (Weir View Stud), Niall Scott (Coolmore Stud) and Conor Wixted (Goffs).

For €20, ITBA Next Generation members will have access to a full year of events and networking opportunities. 

An addition to this year’s membership package is the introduction of a lower threshold of €10,000 to Goffs’ and Tattersalls Ireland’s loyalty schemes. This will be exclusive for first-time buyers who are members of the ITBA Next Generation. This will mean any horse purchased at Goffs or Tattersalls Ireland for €10,000 or more will avail of no vendor commission if they re-sell the horse with the same sales company. The conditions of this will fall in line with those in place with both companies.

O’Mahony said: “Following on from the accomplishments of the ITBA Next Generation since its resurgence two years ago, I’m delighted to take on the role as chairman for the coming year with the help of Luke Bleahen as vice chair. 

“The committee over the last two years led by Orla Donworth and Conor Wixted was very successful and we are looking forward to continuing and building on this momentum with a mostly new committee.

“One of our goals with the Next Gen is to make the industry as accessible as possible, and our new members’ benefit will aid in doing that. Tattersalls Ireland and Goffs have kindly agreed to lower the threshold of their respective loyalty schemes to €10,000 (£8,500 for Goffs UK), exclusively for first-time buyers who are members of the ITBA Next Generation, meaning a lot sold for €10,000 (£8,500) or more will not be charged vendor commission if they return to a sale within the same sales company.”

ITBA Next Generation members on the Ballydoyle/Coolmore visitCredit: ITBA

He added: “Our calendar for the next 12 months is sure to be busy, with the already established pinhooking seminar and table quiz; additionally, we plan to incorporate a breeze-up and National Hunt seminar along with new social events, all soon to be announced.”

ITBA Next Generation has also announced the 2024-25 interns, namely Emma Hunter, Ciara Russell, Dana Jones and Emma Dillon. 

They reported a “fantastic standard of applicants for this year’s internship” and added: “We would like to thank the many candidates from home and overseas who applied and would encourage those still interested to consider applying next year. 

“We wish all of the ITBA Next Generation Interns the best during their internships as they get under way. Keep an eye out for our interns’ blogs and videos as they talk about their internships and experiences.

“ITBA would like to take this opportunity to thank the placement hosts, without whose support the scheme would not be possible. Notably for 2024-25 we would like to thank Ballylinch, the Curragh racecourse, Goffs, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Leopardstown, Newtown Stud, Rathmore Stud, Rossenarra Stud, Tattersalls Ireland, and Weatherbys Ireland. 

“If you are interested in taking an intern for the following year, please get in touch with Hannah at ITBA on hmarks@itba.ie.”

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