

Conall Meegan - Freelance Sales Leader
TDN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started in the industry?
CM: Being asthmatic as a child, close proximity to most animals exacerbated my condition. This condition, however, did not deter my love of animals and from my earliest recollections, all I have wanted to do was work with them in some capacity. Since both of my grandfathers were farriers, it is perhaps not surprising that my love of horses, in particular, developed into ambitions of working within the thoroughbred industry.
I started out my career 2011 where I made the transition from riding sport-horses for Irish Olympic Rider James Kernan to pursuing a career in racing. In the summer of 2011, I travelled to Australia along with my parents to visit my older siblings who were living in Perth, WA. It was from there I got the opportunity to work for some of the best trainers on the West Coast Fred Kursley and Daniel Morton. I started out as a stable hand and strapped at weekly race meetings at Belmont Racecourse. Both trainers provided me with a firm foundation of Australian racing and their knowledge and expertise were invaluable.
In 2015, I got the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premier thoroughbred operations as part of an 8 month cooperative education programme through the University of Limerick at Lane’s End Farm, Lexington Kentucky. I started out in the Foaling Unit and finished my rotation preparing yearlings for thoroughbred sales such as Saratoga, Fasig-Tipton that convinced me to travel the globe and pursue the sales circuit in both hemisphere’s once I completed University.
TDN: You’re originally from Ireland, how many times have you been to Australia to work the sales?
CM: Born in the UK, raised in Ireland and currently grazing in Australia. It wasn’t until 2016 that I considered following the Australasian sales circuit. I have spent the last 3 years travelling the globe following the sales programme, gaining experience with some of the leading consignments in Australia including Bhima, Aquis Farm and Yarraman Park Stud while meeting as many industry leaders possible and learning as much as I can along the way.
TDN: Do you find the way things are done here very different to overseas?
CM: For sure, back in Ireland we are unfortunate in the sense that we don’t have a hot climate where good weather is constant. I think that having a good climate on a horse's back plays a vital role in the preparation process and naturally, they will thrive quicker. One thing I do think is beneficial to us is that we have exceptional limestone rich grassland for young stock to thrive on, we have natural irrigation and prepping yearlings is more of an intense process than those in the Southern Hemisphere. That said, both ways of preparing yearlings work very well.
TDN: What kind of opportunities has freelancing the sales opened up for you?
CM: l think for me, freelancing the sales circuit has given me the opportunity to travel the world and work in an industry that I am truly passionate about, working with like minded people who possess similar long term goals as you. It gives you the chance to meet some of our industry leaders while learning from their experiences also.
At some stage in my career, I would like to have my own farm with a small broodmare band while producing stock to sell and race in my own colours. One thing is for sure, completing the sales circuit exposes you to all the right people who have walked in the shoes you want to walk in someday.
TDN: You recently got to take through the top Lot at Magic Millions, how did it feel to lead a horse that went for so much money?
CM: It was an amazing experience, I won’t lie. To be affiliated with the Mitchell brothers of Yarraman Park Stud was a very rewarding experience and it’s very fair to say that the team I worked with on the Gold Coast was arguably one the best teams I have ever worked with.
Each team member was very competent and highly skilled in their own way. Yarraman Park Stud presented a beautifully prepared draft of yearlings at Magic Millions. The quality of horses that were presented combined with the strength of our sales team was a genuine reflection of the results; leading vendors on average, leading vendors on aggregate and a sale topper of $1.7 million. They say that “teamwork makes the dream work” and I feel this was very much the case.
TDN: Did you feel any added pressure taking him through the ring?
CM: I guess there were always moments of pressure and indeed nervousness but in truth, the same case is made to whatever horse you present in the sales ring. As a leader, your main goal is to realise as much profit as you can for the farm you are affiliated with and for their clients while presenting the horse to the best of your ability.
TDN: Who’s your favourite horse you’ve ever taken through the ring?
CM: AtTattersalls Book 1 I led through a chestnut colt named Star Shield who was by the Darley Stallion Helmet out of Perfect Star. He had a beautiful temperament, a great mind who loved his work and wasn’t phased by the stress or anxiety the sales bring. He was trained by Roger Varian in Newmarket and won a number of races at stakes level. Similarly, the I Am Invincible x Oakleigh Girl colt was definitely up there with one of my favourites also.
TDN: What’s your favourite Australian sale?
CM: It would have to be the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale. It is the opening sale of the Australian sales series and it sets the scene for the remainder of the circuit. It brings about the “magic” of the millions raceday where buyers from all over the world come together for a great days racing followed by the commencement of the MM Yearling Sale.
TDN: What about internationally?
CM: Tattersalls Book 1 is definitely the highlight for me. It is recognised as the world’s elite Thoroughbred Yearling Sale and I can understand why. I think every vendor's dream is to prepare and present their product at Tattersalls Book 1, where some of the most regally bred yearlings go under the hammer every year. Newmarket is a wonderful place to be when the sales are on; watching horses work up the Rowley mile in the mornings before work is something that should be expect.
TDN: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to freelance the sales and work all over the world?
CM: The best advice I could give would be to associate yourself with a reputable stud farm, who are quite active at the sales. From there it will give you the confidence to work with yearlings, and get the relative hands on experience needed to present a horse well. It is from there that you will be provided with the right network to travel around the sales circuit and seek employment.
I was always told from a very good judge that “you cannot make a first impression twice”; meaning when showing horses to perspective buyers, you have essentially one chance to make a good impression. That window of 2-3 minutes is very important in making it onto a buyer's shortlist. In reality, each parade is not a perfect one, things happen and horses will sometimes let you down. The most important thing is you have to enjoy it, work is tough, hours are long but all up it is a very rewarding experience.
-
Lindsay Park Provided Perfect Atmosphere for Learn...
I never truly understood the phrase “Choose a job you love and you’ll never work a da... more
-
Essaouira: The Power Behind the Glory - Jack Cripp
For avid racing fans, horses such as Makybe Diva, Winx, Black Caviar and So You Think are names t... more
-
Kate Bell Relishing Time Foaling Mares at Evergree...
My placement at Evergreen Stud has been amazing and such an eye-opener, with so many different op... more
-
Industry Mentors: Craig Rounsefell
Craig Rounsefell has worked with a number of widely-respected Australian horsemen and internation... more
-
Thoroughbred Industry Careers Partner with Pony Cl...
Pony Club was an important stage on Hugh Bowman’s pathway to a championship career as a joc... more
-
Industry Mentors: James Bester
James Bester enjoys the richest of racing lives that has been shaped by a host of high-profile bl... more
-
Olivia Rauber Discovering Importance of Pony Ridin...
Working at Lindsay Park for my racing stable placement has easily been one of the best experience... more
-
Industry Mentors: Bonnie Connellan
The racing flame was kindled early on for Bonnie Connellan and it has burned brightly ever since,... more
-
Ethan Pincott Blog: Life as a Lindsay Park Racing ...
Working for Lindsay Park Racing (LPR) at their Flemington Stables has been such a rewarding exper... more
-
Industry Mentors: Bruce Slade
Family came first in the race to ignite Bruce Slade’s passion for the thoroughbred and lit ... more
-
Working At GWR An Eye-Opening Experience For Lucy ...
Working for Gai Waterhouse Racing for my work placement has been such an eye-opening experience t... more
-
Fairy Tale Finish For Holly Turnbull at Coona
Only a few months after driving nearly seven hours to watch Winx’s fairy tale ending in her... more
-
Securing the Future at Coonabarabran
Hundreds of High School students have a much greater awareness of career opportunities in the Tho... more
-
Industry Mentors: Damon Gabbedy
Damon Gabbedy’s thoroughbred world has expanded to a truly global business and he’s f... more
-
Industry Mentors: Mike Fleming
Mike Fleming honed his skills with an acknowledged master of the thoroughbred trade and mentor to... more
-
April Cooper Living Her Dream at Chris Waller Raci...
Horse racing has been one of my biggest passions ever since I was a little kid. But being born in... more
-
Industry mentors: Ron Quinton
Ron Quinton served a successful apprenticeship with a master tutor, but it was so much more than ... more
-
Experience of A Lifetime: Week 3 Blog - Britnee At...
Wow, what an experience I am having.
From meeting the amazing big trainer Tony McEvoy t... more
-
Cadet Blog: Phase Two - Week 3 - Becki Barlow
When Despacito crossed the line first as a longshot at Sandown Park last Wednesday, it was a big ... more
-
Cadet Blog: Phase Two - Week 2 - Courtney Foale
Week two of my racing stable placement for the Explorer Cadetship program has been a very excitin... more
-
Cadet Blog: Phase Two - Week 1 - Sophia Flight
And so, it has begun.
When I first arrived at the powerhouse known as Godolphin on a Su... more
-
Cadet Blog: Phase one wrap up - Lauren Newman
With the first phase of the Cadetship behind them, Lauren Newman reflects on her experiences whil... more
-
Cadet Blog: Week 8 - Ellie Morrison
As the Cadets get closer to taking on their first work placement, Ellie Morrison learned some val... more
-
Cadet Blog: Week 8 - Courtney Foale
As the Cadets enter their final few weeks of the Boot Camp portion of the Cadetship, they are put... more
-
Profile of an Equine Physio - Tom Simpson
Tom Simpson began his career as a human physiotherapist who decided he liked horses more than hum... more
-
Profile of a Bloodstock Manager - Clint Donovan
The Bloodstock Manager and auctioneer at Magic Millions, Clint Donovan has spent years honing his... more
-
Paige Belsham - Communications/ Client Relations
TDN: Can you tell us a bit about your career in the Thoroughbred industry so far, how did yo... more
-
Profile of a Yearling Manager - Zoe Baylis
TDN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get your start in the industry?
... more -
Profile of Thoroughbred Photographers - Bronwen He...
TDN: Tell us a bit about yourselves, how long have you been photographers?
more -
Cadet Blog: Week 7 - Kate Bell
From learning about broodmare care to having to clock herself while galloping, Week 7 was a week ... more
-
Cadet Blog: Week 7 - Samantha Melouney
It was a busy week for Cadet Samantha Melouney but included a day she’ll never forget thank... more
-
Claudia Miller - Sales & Communications
TDN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started in the industry?
<... more -
Cadet Blog: Week 6 - April Cooper
Wet weather didn’t put a damper on the Cadets’ sixth week of the program with riders ... more
-
Cadet Blog: Week 5 - Analiese Langer
Rider Analiese Langer talks about what she learned during Week Five of the Cadetship and how one ... more
-
Cadet Blog: Week 4 - Sophia Flight
Rider Sophia Flight isn’t just learning about the racing industry during the Explorer Cadet... more
-
Cadet Blog: Week 3 - Lucy Jarjoura
The riders are finding a few challenges as they learn how trackwork is a different style of ridin... more
-
Cadet Blog: Week 3 - Ethan Pincott
The Cadets had an exciting week last week when getting to do everything from taking horses to the... more
-
How to Become a Trainer
After watching the races, you’ve decided you have a keen interest in helping horses live up... more
-
Emily Murphy - TV Presenter
Today we talk to Trackside TV presenter Emily Murphy about how she got into racing and what a day... more
-
I want to work with foals, what is the best career...
You’ve seen the photos of Winx or Black Caviar with their handlers as foals and now you&rsq... more
-
A Day in the Life - Edwina Palmer
A veterinarian, Edwina Palmer spent time as a racing manager before taking the plunge to go back ... more
-
Lachlan Donnelly - Farm Manager
Today we talk to Lachlan Donnelly, farm manager of Misty Valley's Greenfields Lodge farm in Capel... more
-
Dane Robinson - Highclere Racing Manager
TDN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started in the industry?
<... more -
Conall Meegan - Freelance Sales Leader
TDN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started in the industry?
<... more -
A Day in the Life - Dale Jeffs
The starter for the Australian Turf Club, Dale Jeffs plays an important role in making sure races... more
-
Jock Harris - Yearling Manager
TDN: Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started in the industry?... more
-
Jasmine Robertson - Marketing Manager
TDN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started in the industry?
... more -
Josh Rix - Nominations Manager
This week we had a chance to sit down with Josh Rix, Nominations Manager at Spendthrift Australia... more
-
Profile of a Horse Transport Driver - Chris Mahone
In 2011, Chris and his wife co-founded A1 Horse Transport, after more than 20 years of transporti... more
-
Profile of a Strapper - Sarah Rütten
Sarah is Tony McEvoy’s travelling foreman, and is on the road with the horses whenever... more
-
Profile of a Strapper - Bronte Page
Bronte has been riding since the age of three, and has followed her love of horses into a success... more
-
Profile of a Strapper - Umut Odemislioglu
Umut's passion for horses led him from Turkey to Ireland and then Australia, where he is now... more
-
Profile of a Race Caller - Matt Hill
Matt's grandfather instilled in him a love for racing, and from a young age he has honed his... more
-
Profile of a Trainer – Adrian Bott
Gai Waterhouse Racing co-trainer Adrian Bott sits down with us to talk about life as a trainer in... more
-
What roles allow for me to travel?
The great thing about racing is that all careers allow you to travel the world. For example, you ... more
-
What qualifications do I require to work in this i...
The best thing about getting started in horse racing is that you don’t need any qualificati... more
-
How do I get my first job?
There are many different ways to get your first job in the Thoroughbred industry.
One w... more
-
What hours and days will I be required to be at wo
If you like watching sunrises and getting up early, racing is for you. No matter if you choose a ... more
-
Will I be part of a team or work individually?
While there are some everyday tasks in racing that you will do individually, overall horse racing... more
-
Becoming a Steward
If you like enforcing rules and conducting investigations, being a steward is for you.
... more -
How do I work with a Melbourne Cup winner?
While caring for racehorses may not get you the most attention of any job in the industry, it is ... more
-
Becoming a Farrier
The saying “no foot, no horse” is one of the truest sayings you’ll hear in hors... more
-
Becoming a Vet
Ever since you took your first pet to the vet as a child and saw how she healed him, you’ve... more
-
Working as a Racing Manager
Champion Thoroughbreds’ Racing Manager Emma Guymer sits down with us to talk about life as ... more
-
Where are the main jobs located?
You can find jobs in the racing industry around the country – and the world – but lik... more
-
How to become a jockey
You’ve watched Hugh Bowman pilot Winx to win after win and have decided you want to follow ... more
-
How do I learn the skills needed to work with hors
You’ve never been around horses before and have no idea how to handle them, YouTube videos ... more
-
How far looking after horses can take you
While caring for racehorses may not get you the most attention of any job in the industry, it is ... more