Racing Staff Q&A: National Stud's Joe Callan on his career in bloodstock

The invaluable role played by stable, stud and racecourse staff has been recognised by Racing Staff Week, which began on Saturday. Sponsored by Betfair, it is designed to inform and engage racegoers and backers of the sport, while rewarding those who dedicate their working lives to the racing and bloodstock industries. This week we speak to those who spend their lives supporting the sport, day in, day out.

Name Joe Callan
Age 26
Job Marketing and nominations manager at the National Stud

How did you first get involved in racing?
I grew up in County Kildare which is the home of horse racing in Ireland. My father has always worked in the stud side while a lot of my mam's brothers, the Faheys, train and are involved in a lot of aspects of racing in Ireland so I was immersed into it from an early age and had a massive love for it. The Curragh and Punchestown were round the corner so I was always going racing and Goffs too with my Dad, that's how I fell in love with the bloodstock side of it.

What experience did you build up in racing?
I was around the yards at home at a young age and got initial hands on experience there, then I spent some time with Gai Waterhouse in Australia, working with the two-year-olds. I spent time at Arrowfield Stud and then at Baroda working with the sales consignors and that was great exposure. I did the Irish National Stud course which was a brilliant experience with great people.

You were on the Godolphin Flying Start course, is that an experience you would recommend to anyone looking to get into the industry?
Yes it was amazing, it was the best two years of my life. You spend time in lots of different countries and you get so much exposure to so many sides of the industry and learn from a lot of people. It was the most incredible opportunity.

National Stud: based in NewmarketCredit: Edward Whitaker

You've been at the National Stud for almost eight months now, how are you enjoying the role and what does your job involve?
It has been really good and I enjoy it, there is a great team here at the National Stud. We are currently working with a lot of young stallions so we are building the roster. My job entails selling the nominations to people, looking after whoever comes to see the stallions and communicating with them too. It's a big team effort though and you get stuck in wherever you need to.

At this time of year we are planning for the 2020 season, I am taking a look at our foals and trying to build relationships with our stallions and stud. It's good to see the stock to see how breeders are feeling and thankfully the stallions have produced very good foals so we are happy.

How important is teamwork in a big operation like the National Stud?
It's crucial. We have a brilliant team with Tim Lane [director], everyone in the office and all of those who work in the stud in general. Having a solid team in place is the most important thing. The stud is evolving the whole time and that's where everyone has to work together and keep pushing forward.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have a huge passion for racing and breeding and my job combines both as you follow them closely. It's hard to differentiate whether it is racing or breeding I prefer and in this job you get to follow both. The people as well, you get to learn so much from them.

What is the most challenging aspect of the role?
You get ups and downs and last year was a difficult year, although luckily it has all come out okay. The middle market is in a tricky position and that was evident this year, people weren't breeding a lot of mares and people in other studs are in the same position. It will be interesting to see how it all follows through in the sales but that's the toughest part of it.

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