In this series, the TDN catches up with European expatriats working in the Thoroughbred industry around the world. Today's installment features Darren Fox of Darley America.
Hometown? Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon (Up the Ros!) In the west of Ireland.
How did you end up where you are now? Growing up on a cattle farm, horses were always a fascination and breeding a few mares was a welcome hobby in addition to the normal routine. Early friendships with the Cullen family in the same village (the eldest being Joey Cullen of Goffs) nurtured the interest even further and I followed his career path to Equine Science at the University of Limerick.
Early hands on jobs away from home involved breeding and yearling prep seasons at Ballyhane Stud with Joe Foley and Rathbarry Stud with Liam Cashman. They gave me a great foundation and I have fond memories and am proud to have worked at each operation. It was Pat Connell who managed Rathbarry at the time who organized for me to go and work for Jim FitzGerald's KnockGriffin Farm in Kentucky in 2000 for an eight-month work placement during college. Jim gave me a lot of responsibility and the learning curve was steep. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and friendship since.
Early jobs out of college were with GE Capital and Tote Ireland until I was lucky enough to be selected for Darley Flying Start. I will be forever indebted to H. H. Sheikh Mohammed for that opportunity which unequivocally led me to where I am today. That ultimately led to a position on the Darley U.S. Nominations team at Jonabell for a fantastic four years. From there I spent two great years at WinStar where I learned an enormous amount in a short space of time and can't thank Kenny Troutt and Elliott Walden enough for giving me the opportunity. Last year saw me move back to where I started at Jonabell with lots to look forward to this fall.
What have you found to be the major difference between racing/breeding in America and your home country? I think there is more of a progression distance wise in Ireland/Europe with a Classic horse from two to three years whereas a horse in the U.S. could tackle a distance close to its upper limits as a 2-year-old.
It highlights how tough the American dirt horse is. On the breeding side I think a top performing colt with an obscure pedigree is more accepted as a stallion in the U.S. versus Ireland/Europe.
Name one home comfort that you miss? Homemade Shepherd's pie.
Favourite sport or hobby outside of racing? Playing football (soccer) in a league with a bunch of local lads over here.
What would you say is your proudest accomplishment? Convincing my wife to say yes and becoming a dad.
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