WINR Connects in Coolmore Country
Over 30 women from across the horse racing and bloodstock industries gathered in Fethard on Friday for a day of connection, and insight, hosted by Women in Racing Ireland (WINR). The event began at the Fethard Horse Country Experience, where attendees were welcomed by Laura Magee, CEO of Horse Country and former WINR committee member. “Horse Country were delighted to arrange this event for WINR,” said Magee. “As a previous committee member, I know the effort that goes into these events – but more importantly, I know the value they bring. The women you meet through this network can open doors, boost confidence, and ultimately support the growth and positivity of our industry.”
After light refreshments and a self-guided tour of the interactive museum, the group travelled to the world-renowned Coolmore Stud. There, attendees experienced the exceptional Legacy Museum and enjoyed a guided tour of the stud’s immaculate grounds and famous stallion yards. The visit offered a behind-the-scenes look at Coolmore’s racing legacy and dedication to excellence, with attendees gaining insight into the daily operations and care behind some of the world’s most celebrated horses.
The group returned to Fethard for a relaxed lunch at Sadlers, where connections grew over shared stories and industry experiences. As the afternoon progressed, the spirit of camaraderie strengthened, with plenty of classic Irish networking moments – “I knew your sister” and “I used to work there too” – echoing around the tables. A highlight of the day came when one attendee, Liz Bergin shared that her daughter Siobhan was leading up Minnie Hauk in the Epsom Oaks, news that had the full group cheering and celebrating together.
Speaking during the afternoon, Wendy Normile, Client Relations Manager at Coolmore, emphasised the importance of building connections in the industry: “There’s no such thing as a bad contact. It’s hard to define a job in bloodstock – it’s a mix of everything, and people move around. That’s why events like this are so important, they help us stay connected and strengthen the relationships that sustain our industry.”
Nessa Joyce, Chairperson of WINR, concluded: “On behalf of the Committee, I’d like to sincerely thank Laura and the Horse Country team for organising such a memorable day. We were thrilled to see the event sell out and even more delighted to witness so many new connections formed throughout the day. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the generous welcome from Coolmore and support from Equuip, we’re very grateful for their continued backing. We will be back with another event towards the end of the summer so keep an eye on our social channels for further details.”
