Class of 2025 Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course Graduate

The Irish National Stud played host to a momentous occasion on Friday, June 27th, as 24 graduates from the 2025 Thoroughbred Breeding Management course marked the successful completion of the intensive six-month programme with a formal graduation ceremony at the prestigious Co. Kildare stud farm. Joined by proud family members, friends, and respected figures from the thoroughbred industry, the students celebrated the completion of a rigorous and comprehensive programme tailored to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and industry connections essential for launching successful careers in the thoroughbred sector.

The event was hosted by well-known industry figure Leo Powell and featured an opening address from CEO Cathal Beale. Cathal extended his congratulations to the graduates, commending their dedication and accomplishments over the duration of the course and spoke of the continued importance of the Irish National Stud’s role in shaping future leaders in the field.

Class representatives Tara O’Carroll (Ireland) and Luke O’Neill (Ireland) delivered an emotional and heartfelt keynote address, extending their gratitude to the lecturers, staff, and industry hosts who guided and supported them throughout the journey.

A number of students were recognised for their exceptional performance and contribution over the duration of the course:

• Ava Banahan (Co. Kildare, Ireland) – Continuous Assessment Award
• Sam Thompson (Australia) – Best Portfolio of Assignments
• Raph McCall (UK) – Veterinary Exam Award
• Luke O’Neill (Co. Kildare, Ireland) – Equine Business Award

Two prestigious internships were also announced:

• Peter Leavy (Co. Kildare) received the Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship, which will commence in July at the Irish National Stud.
• Josefina Posada Montoya (Colombia) was awarded the Goffs Internship.

Tara Caroll (Co. Meath, Ireland) was honoured with the Irish Field “Blue Hen” Award for her outstanding article, which will be published in The Irish Field. Tara received a trophy and a €250 cheque presented by Leo Powell.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of the highly regarded Gold and Silver Medals, presented annually to the top two performing students:

• Gold Medal: Luke O’Neill (Co. Kildare, Ireland)
• Silver Medal: Chloe De Salvador (France)

Anne Channon, Education Manager at the Irish National Stud, praised the graduating class:

“Our graduates this year have shown an extraordinary commitment to their studies and the thoroughbred breeding industry. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see them contribute to the future of the thoroughbred industry.”

The 2025 graduation ceremony marked not just the end of an educational journey, but the beginning of many promising careers within the global thoroughbred community.

Class of 2025

Ava Banahan (Ireland), Luke Buchanan (Australia), Tara Carroll (Ireland), Chloe De Salvador (France), Claire Dilger (USA), Patrick Doyle (Ireland), Claire Hillebrand (USA), Jordan Kidd (Ireland), Peter Leavy (Ireland), Caroline Madden (USA), Raph McCall (UK), Sarahjane O’Byrne (Ireland), Luke O’Neill (Ireland), Áine O’Rourke (USA) George Palin (UK), Lea Petit (France), Josefina Posada Montoya (Colombia), Eric Resendiz (Mexico), Sarah Rohan (Ireland), Elle Sorensen (Ireland), Madeleine St Ledger (Australia), Moa Sundstrom (Sweeden), Sam Thompson (Australia), Conor Wafer (Ireland)

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