Mark McStay’s Career in Bloodstock

Mark McStay has been described by his Avenue Bloodstock colleague, John Ferguson , as “a walking encyclopaedia on pedigrees” and it is no wonder as McStay’s bloodstock education in the thoroughbred industry started at the earliest opportunity when growing up on his family’s Oaklawn Stud. Privately run by Mark’s parents, John and Clodagh McStay, Oaklawn Stud is to be found in the heart of the premier Irish racing and bloodstock scene, just beside the Curragh.
Mark McStay went on to graduate from University College Dublin and then the Smurfit Business School. With the combination of a top class education and a natural affinity with the bloodstock world behind him, it was no surprise that McStay was quickly taken on by Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley and Godolphin operations.
Mark went on to spend 15 years working for Sheikh Mohammed. Initially involved in nomination sales, Mark worked with breeders assisting with their mating plans, he went on to spend his last three years with Godolphin as Bloodstock Manager. During this time Mark McStay’s bloodstock career was focused on the horses in the training side of the business and was instrumental in both private and public purchases.
As a breeder in his own right, Mark McStay bred and co-owned multiple Group 1 winner and Champion, Covert Love. Mark was also responsible for the acquisition of Grade 1-winning fillies, Dubawi Heights, Miss Keller and the dam of Group 2 winner Endless Time. Whilst at Godolphin McStay was involved with the Stud Careers of top class stallions Cape Cross and Dubawi and later, as Bloodstock Manager, with top class racehorses Barney Roy, Harry Angel, Pleascach and Ribchester.
McStay has described his time at Godolphin as “the best of educations” and it was during this time that he developed his association with former Godolphin Chief Executive John Ferguson. Having worked so closely and successfully together for a number of years, it was a natural next step for the pair to start working together under the Avenue banner and they have made a successful start. As well as taking on the management of Prix de la Foret winner Aclaim’s stallion career, the Avenue team have made their mark at the 2018 breeze up sales both in the UK and France.
Mark McStay’s bloodstock experience and unparalleled knowledge of pedigrees and the global market will surely prove to be invaluable to all future Avenue Bloodstock clients.
Private purchase Porta Fortuna gains Group 1 breakthrough in Cheveley Park Stakes
Porta Fortuna, a private purchase by Avenue Bloodstock in conjunction with Philip Shelton of Medallion Racing back in the spring, broke through at Group 1 level with an authoritative display to win the Group 1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. Carrying the colours of owners Barry Fowler/Medallion Racing/Steve Weston/Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Porta […]
Breeze-up purchase Letsbefrankaboutit lands G3 Round Tower
Breeze-up purchase Letsbefrankaboutit took the jump into Group company in his stride at the Curragh on Saturday to land the G3 The Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes on only his second start. Owned by Eamon Water’s Alymer Stud, the Sioux Nation colt made a bright start to his career for Paddy Twomey two weeks […]
Yearling purchase Sea Theme wins Galtres Stakes
Sheikh Juma al Maktoum’s Sea Theme, a yearling purchase by Avenue Bloodstock, continued her upward curve in fine style on Thursday when successful in the Listed Galtres Stakes at York. Making only her third start for William Haggas following a wide-margin novice win at Doncaster last time out, the daughter of Sea The Stars was […]