Generation Next: Rebecca Fitzpatrick on combining creativity and passion in the thoroughbred world

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Rebecca Fitzpatrick has found the best of both worlds in her career path, and it’s been a long journey from weekends mucking out stables at her local riding school as a child. Her love for the thoroughbred has taken her around the globe, from caring for the mothers of champions in Kentucky to being behind the camera in the Hunter Valley.

“I loved horses from day dot,” is how Fitzpatrick would describe her childhood. Growing up in Dublin, Ireland, horses consumed a lot of Fitzpatrick’s time and energy, and she spent most weekends at local riding schools.

“Even when it was raining and riding lessons were cancelled, I was up there mucking out boxes and grooming,” she recalled. “I loved it.”

The thoroughbred industry wouldn’t be introduced to her until the end of high school, when Fitzpatrick enrolled in University in Dublin. A creative at heart, she considered a marketing degree, but her love for horses drew her to the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, where she chose the Equine specialisation. It was here that she was introduced to the thoroughbred and the sprawling, international industry surrounding the breed.

Among Fitzpatrick’s lecturers were Dr Barbara Murphy, inventor of the Equilume Light Mask, and Dr Emmeline Hill, founder of Equinome. The latter taught her about the speed gene and its relationship to racetrack performance - and her interest was well and truly ignited.

International experience

In the third year of her degree, Fitzpatrick had the opportunity to complete an international externship in the United States, and she knew exactly where she wanted to go.

“I jumped on a plane to Kentucky and completed a season with Ashford Stud,” she said. “I worked at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, which opened my eyes to the world of commercial bloodstock and drove me to continue forging a career in the industry. That was truly an unbelievable experience.”

Her journey stateside coincided with the career highs of Caravaggio (USA), the 2017 Joint Champion 3YO Sprinter in Ireland who began his stud career at Coolmore’s North American base. When the colt was en route for the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, Fitzpatrick found herself up close and personal with his dam.

“At Ashford, I worked at one of the mare and foal barns,” Fitzpatrick recalled. “We had Mekko Hokte (Caravaggio’s dam) in the barn and her colt, he was by American Pharaoh. I remember we all headed over to the office to watch Caravaggio win at Royal Ascot. That really sticks out.”

The dapple-grey son of Scat Daddy (USA) spent his racing career under the guidance of Ballydoyle’s Aidan O’Brien and also impressively won the G2 Coventry S. at Ascot in his 2-year-old season. A one-time shuttler to Coolmore’s Jerry Plains farm, he was crowned leading first season sire in the States in 2021, before being purchased by the Japanese Bloodstock Breeders Association in late 2022 to stand at Shizunai Stallion Station.

The experience left an indelible impression on Fitzpatrick.

“I was convinced I would return to Kentucky when I finished my last year in university,” she said. “I even kept my Kroger grocery card. I think I still have it somewhere!”

Hard graft

At the end of her studies, Fitzpatrick instead took a job with Maurice Burns’ Rathasker Stud. The Kildare-based operation has a fascinating history; Burns’ father Paddy Burns was one of the earliest European breeders to cover mares on southern hemisphere time and then send them south for sale. Rathasker Stud has stood stallions for the past forty years, and Paddy Burns owned and bred Aidan O’Brien’s first Group winner, G3 Royal Whip S. winner Dancing Sunset (GB) (Red Sunset {GB}) whose sire was the first stallion to stud at Rathasker Stud in 1984.

“I learned a lot under Maurice and (daughter) Madeleine, and I have a lot to thank them for,” Fitzpatrick said. The year of hard graft stood her in good stead when she applied for the Irish National Stud Course, the internationally renowned six-month course that combines lectures with practical experience in all aspects of stud care.

“To this day, it's one of the best things I've ever done, and I couldn't recommend it more highly to anyone that's considering applying,” said Fitzpatrick. “The combination of horse husbandry, practical skills, and the lifelong friendships that I've made are invaluable, so it's the best thing I've ever done.”

Several fellow graduates from Fitzpatrick’s 2019 cohort have also ended up in Australia and New Zealand, spread across prominent positions at various studs.

Heading to the Hunter

“Prior to travelling to Australia, I’d had little exposure to the industry here, and was eager to learn more about it,” Fitzpatrick said. A few of her friends were drawn to the Hunter Valley and Fitzpatrick followed, but not without carving her own path. “I wanted to separate myself from my peers on the course, and go out (there) and be independent, so I decided to go work at Arrowfield.”

“They were, and are, a renowned stud, and they were standing Snitzel and Not A Single Doubt at the time, so it was truly exciting.”

Fitzpatrick spent a season in the Arrowfield Stud foaling unit, in the year when dual Group 1 winner Giga Kick (Scissor Kick), regally bred dual Listed winner Waltz On By (I Am Invincible), and Jennilala (Shalaa {Ire}), Group 3-winning best friend of Pride of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai), were born. She then headed to the yearling barns, working hands-on with future stallions Hitotsu and Profondo. The former has come full circle to his birthplace, where his first foals were born this spring.

Gallery: Foals born during the season Rebecca Fitzpatrick spent in the Arrowfield Stud foaling unit

“That's why it's so special,” Fitzpatrick said. “You play a part in something amazing like that.”

What was meant to be “a season” in Australia quickly became a year, and now she has been in the country over five and a half years.

“I think I extended my return flight to Ireland about four or five times,” she said. Fitzpatrick crossed the valley to Newgate Farm and spent another two Southern Hemisphere breeding seasons in the foaling unit, in the years that gave us G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon), G3 Gimcrack S. victress Platinum Jubilee (Zoustar), and freshman sire returning to his birthplace, King’s Gambit, among others. At the foaling unit, Fitzpatrick received invaluable guidance from assistant stud manager Rachel Safir.

“She is a great mentor, and she's packed full of knowledge,” said Fitzpatrick, “and I urge anyone that wants to learn about foaling down to do a season with her.”

“She's one of the best in the business and cares so much about the horse.”

New directions

After two breeding seasons, Fitzpatrick felt like she had decided on a direction she wanted to work towards. An avid art student in school, she wanted to combine her passions for the industry and the creative world. The Newgate team offered her an opportunity and what started as an administration assistant role in the office quickly flourished into more.

“After making the move into the office, Newgate’s marketing manager, Leanna Packard, took me under her wing, and gave me an opportunity in that area of the business,” said Fitzpatrick. “She has played a significant role (in my career), and her expertise in the area has certainly enhanced my professional development.”

“My role has developed significantly since then, and I now coordinate Newgate’s digital marketing. I am responsible for creating and curating Newgate’s social media presence and all the digital platforms to go with it.”

Her role has been the perfect marrying of Fitzpatrick’s interests and keeps her in touch with the industry she loves.

“I love it,” she said. “It's a space where you can be so creative and I think that's where my true passion lies, and when I can combine both, it's great.”

“I spend my evenings after work going out on the farm, getting as much footage as possible. It’s the best of both worlds, really.”

One of her favourite projects so far has been the development of Newgate’s foal showcases. Three stallions - Artorius, In The Congo and State Of Rest (Ire) - on Newgate’s roster have seen their first foals born this spring, and Fitzpatrick has been busy capturing the finest specimens. The challenge of doing it solo has been a rewarding one.

“I visited farms and breeders across the state, and captured content of their foals. I enjoyed being able to bring the best stock by our stallions to the public. It’s always an exciting time of year and I enjoy being able to share that with others.”

Career shapers

Newgate’s director Henry Field has been fundamental to Fitzpatrick’s development in the role.

“I work closely with him (Field) and I try to learn as much as I can from him,” Fitzpatrick said. “It's invaluable. He's an innovative thinker, and that's what sets him apart from the rest. He's always thinking about how to get bigger and better, so it's great to be around.”

Stud manager Jim Carey has been another important influence on Fitzpatrick’s career; “Jim oversaw my transition into the office and has been a great supporter of mine. It’s such a vibrant, dynamic young team here, and Jim leads the troops alongside Jackson (Beirs) and Rachel.

Gallery: Career shapers of Rebecca Fitzpatrick

“He’s been a major mentor and I always go to him with any questions or guidance. He always has the answer.”

Fitzpatrick believes there is more room for growth in her current role and is determined to keep upping her game. Yearling sale season approaches, and she is ready to rise to the challenge.

“Technology and digital marketing are becoming ever evolving and increasingly important. I am driven to be a leader one day in this space. I aspire to be able to produce marketing materials at the top level,” Fitzpatrick said. “Maybe (eventually) own my own marketing business and breed a few good horses along the way.”