In The Hot Seat: Fabienne Parkin

[Wandering Eyes]

One of the younger faces on the sales circuit, Fabienne Parkin has certainly made a big impact in a short space of time. Best known as the face of Branton Court Stud, Parkin has enjoyed a colourful year on and off the track. She is next up in the Hot Seat, where she shares everything from her biggest ambitions in the game to funniest moments of 2025. 

What was your defining moment of 2025? Was there a highlight?

Watching Fallen Angel emphatically win her fifth Group 1 in the Sun Chariot Stakes has got to be up there – what a filly to have been involved with, winning Group 1s at two, three, and four. On a personal level, I was also really pleased that we had a great result at the Fairyhouse September Yearling Sale. It was my first experience running a sales consignment, so that meant a lot.

Tell us something people don't know about Fabienne Parkin?

Perhaps that I graduated with an honours degree from Durham University. Oh, and I've been known to rearrange a seating plan or two… but you can ask Anita Wigan for more details on that one!

What motivates you?

All the usual things… fame, fortune, rock & roll! But truly, surrounding myself with people I respect and constantly learn from is what drives me. The saying goes, you are never going to be the cleverest person in the room, but I believe there is no harm in trying. And without a doubt the motivation of watching foals you deliver mature into yearlings you present at a sale gives you an undeniable sense of accomplishment. Then seeing them succeed on the track – that is addictive.

Funniest moment of the year?

Ooh that is a tough one; I'll go for an unbelievable experience at the Dubai World Cup… a food fight may or may not have broken out, but I won't name and shame!

Nominate four dinner guests from the sales circuit that would guarantee entertainment in the Red Room…

I've had some memorable meals in the Red Room of late. I'd start with Barry Lynch – he'd definitely provide the laughs and is the king of a good impression. Adam Potts would almost certainly be there; he and I could turn Red Room lunches into a competitive sport. Henry Hannon would add impeccable comedic timing and taste. And of course, my partner in crime, Eliza McCalmont – she would take charge of ordering the Aperols. If we could squeeze in one more chair, James Yallop would be a clever addition to curate the menu.

Your favourite sale/place and why?

Any sale in Arqana or raceday in Deauville is hard to beat. With a name like Fabienne, it's no surprise I think the French do it right – fast horses, good wine, great food, and plenty of hilarious sightings in 'Le Club' at the end of the night!

What's your go-to karaoke song?

The Fear, by Lily Allen. You know the line, “Now, I'm not a saint, but I'm not a sinner!”

Who is your inspiration?

It's hard to list everyone, but among the strong, successful women I look up to are Violet Hesketh and Mimi Wadham of WH Bloodstock. They are both great friends whom I hugely respect and who do a fantastic job. Katie Walsh is another I really admire. I'm lucky to have some incredible people I count as mentors. Karl Burke would have to be top of that list – he, his wife Elaine, and daughters Lucy and Kelly are like family to me. I aspire to their resilience and dedication. Jamie McCalmont has also been very good to me. I definitely hope to have as many great stories to tell one day and to be as good a judge of a horse.

Your guilty pleasure?

This is one of my favourite questions! Anyone who knows me would say it would be anything Irish… I'm a big fan of Guinness.

Give us one horse to look out for in 2026…

Maybe an obvious one, but I'm excited to see what heights Hankelow can reach in 2026. I was shadowing Karl when he bought the horse at the October Sales last year. He was impossible not to like – a big, strong son of Night of Thunder. Arguably, he's unlucky not to be unbeaten and looks to possess all the attributes to make into a lovely three-year-old.

And finally, any goals or ambitions for the new year?

I'd like to travel more – although, anyone following me on social media would argue that's physically impossible. I would love more experience across the racing and bloodstock industries in the US and Australia. And of course, maintaining my Red Room lunch invitations remains an ongoing professional priority.

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