Having grown up on a stud farm, horses have always been a passion for Charlie and his reputation as a fine horseman has helped him establish one of Europe’s most successful bloodstock agencies.

For over 35 years Charlie has been purchasing top-class bloodstock which continue to compete at the top level across the globe.

Among many career highlights Charlie has purchased 10 Classic winners, including Epsom Derby hero Kris Kin and 2000 Guineas winner King’s Best, and the winners of 63 Group 1 races.

In addition to an impressive yearling purchase record, Charlie has an exceptional mare purchase record, having bought the dams of world-class horses such as Dar Re Mi, Alexandrova, Magical Romance and War Command. He has also made many shrewd horses-in training buys, which include the winner of the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby (Brave Music) and Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (Cape of Good Hope).

John Francome MBE (13 December 1952) is a former National Hunt Champion Jockey, television pundit and author.

At sixteen years old he became apprentice to Lambourn trainer Fred Winter  and so began his career as a jockey. He rode a total of 1,138 winners,  his last being in April 1985. He was  Champion Jockey seven times, between 1976 and 1985 and is dubbed the best jockey never to have won the Grand National.

After retiring, Francome was awarded the MBE in 1986 for services  to racing. He was a trainer for 18 months before becoming a TV  presenter for Channel 4’s horse racing broadcasts. Like another former jockey, Dick Francis, Francome has taken to writing works of fiction. His books have featured on the bestseller lists. Francome ceased appearing on Channel 4 Racing at the close of 2012 when the Highflyer Production term ended. He stated in a Racing Post interview that he had only continued to work on TV for so long out of loyalty to producer Andrew Franklin.

"Breeze-up horses are tougher, more durable, see the racecourse more often and last longer" 

Hear from Jamie Railton and John Cullinan, Joint Head Of The Breeze-up Consignors Association on all things Breeze-up Sales, how John got into the industry, some funny stories and global industry chat! 

Angus Gold has been Racing Manager at Shadwell for over 30 years! He is a well-known figure at racecourses and sales complexes all around the globe! 

On this second episode of On The Coalface you will enjoy hearing Jamie Railton and Angus discuss the following topics: 
- Shadwell going forward following the restructure after the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 
- The global racing industry over the past 10 years and the future of racing
- Stable Staff crisis 
- As well as some personal questions with Angus. 

Joe Foley wears many hats in the bloodstock world. First and foremost he is the owner and manager of Ballyhane Stud in County Carlow, while in recent years he has overseen his friend Steve Parkin’s growing Clipper Logistics racing and breeding operation.

Hear from Jamie Railton and Joe Foley as they discuss new stallions with first runners and yearlings as well as other relevant bloodstock topics.