In The Hot Seat: Lucy Ryan

[Wandering Eyes]

A key member of the Elliott Bloodstock Services and Imperium Sales teams, Lucy Ryan lets us in on her background in the bloodstock business as the first person to be back in the TDN hot seat this winter.

TDN: How did you become involved in bloodstock in the first place?

LR: More by chance than design. I was lucky enough to be introduced to ponies at an early age, joining the local pony club, which led to a bit of eventing, hunting and point-to-pointing (very badly!).  

I met Mathilde Texier at a friend's barbecue and she offered me a job as her assistant so I paused my studies at Leeds University and never returned. I had a wonderful time with Mathilde (hopefully she thought the same); it was an amazing experience and she was a superb teacher. 

This then led to working for one of the top judges Amanda Skiffington; again a great education and I'm very grateful to the both of them who helped kickstart my career. 

TDN: What's your proudest moment to date? 

LR: It has to be the creation of Imperium Sales. It was a real challenge, and something completely different to my day to day. I'm very thankful to Nicola Short who answered all my questions and guided me throughout. 

We're very lucky to have the platform to do it, and I'm very grateful to clients of Elliott Bloodstock Services who entrusted Imperium Sales to present and offer their stock at the sales.

TDN: What was your defining memory of 2025?

LR: Probably selling Pintara at the mares' sale for 1.8 million gns to Resolute Bloodstock. 

Achieving another million-pound lot within only our third year of consigning at the Tattersalls December breeding stock sale was pretty special. I'm very proud of all the team, and more importantly very thankful to the connections of Pintara for allowing Imperium Sales to offer her. 

TDN: Tell us something people don't know about you…

LR: I'm a devoted shopper — whether that's at the sales or during Black Friday.

TDN: What keeps you awake at night?

VAT returns and customs!

TDN: Any regrets?

LR: None worth mentioning. Things have naturally gone wrong, and we're all human. Of course I've made mistakes but it's best to focus on the present and what's ahead. There's no point dwelling in the past. 

TDN: What motivates you?

LR: You Got To Me winning the Irish Oaks was a very proud moment for all of us, so we want to repeat this success by finding another Classic winner. 

TDN: Give us an underrated sire to keep onside next year…

LR: Nathaniel. Perhaps not entirely underrated, but at his fee I think he represents huge value, providing breeders with nice returns within the sales ring and on the racetrack. 

Alex [Elliott] has had great success with him — notably through the 2024 Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me and dual Listed winner and Group-placed filly Understated, who was sourced from BBAG. 

TDN: Your favourite sale/place and why?

LR: The BBAG September Yearling Sale in Baden-Baden. I love the vibe of the sale, it's very relaxed. The sale itself offers excellent quality and it has been a lucky hunting ground for Elliott Bloodstock Services over the years. 

The town itself is a beautiful spa town. You must visit the casino for a night of old-school glamour. Ladies, take a frock, and gentlemen, you'll need a blazer to enter.

TDN: What's your go-to karaoke song?

LR: Valerie by Amy Winehouse — and I can, and have, sung it with or without the music.

TDN: Who is your inspiration?

LR: Gosh, within our industry there are lots of inspiring people and you learn from each other all the time but, if I had to narrow it down, I would say probably my two prior bosses and my present one! 

Both Dr Mathilde Texier and bloodstock agent Amanda Skiffington are incredible women have carved out wonderful careers in a tough industry, and they are still very much at the top of their games. So if that's not inspiring, I'm not sure what is.

Last but not least, my current boss Alex Elliott has achieved a lot of notable success in a relatively short career, so you could say he's only just getting started.

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