In The Hot Seat: Caoimhe Doherty

[Wandering Eyes]

Caoimhe Doherty is best known for managing Forenaghts Stud and co-founding the hugely-successful Treo Eile organisation which specialises in rehoming thoroughbred racehorses in Ireland. But did you know that Doherty came dangerously close to becoming an Olympian? There is plenty more that Doherty shares in today's Hot Seat Q&A. Enjoy!

What is your defining memory of 2025?

I don't think I have just one memory. For me, it seems to have been a year where things have just seemed to come together for us professionally. I think the biggest kick I got out of the horse game was seeing Chicago Call win his maiden.That kick-started a great summer of fun and a successful yearling sale season. Away from that, I have also taken huge satisfaction in seeing Treo Eile grow so much and seeing so many horses now in second careers. 

Tell us something people don't know about you?

My family spent five years in the Middle East when I was young and so I spent a lot of time in the swimming pool. I had aimed to be an Olympic swimmer and spent years on high performance and youth development squads before I decided I would rather spend the time on a horse. I still swim a lot….just much slower now!

What keeps you awake at night?

I try not to worry at night because the nighttime worries are never actually a problem during the day. Stay positive! 

What motivates you? 

I love life and I love my job. And if you choose to see the good parts it makes it very easy to get up in the morning.

Give us an underrated sire to follow…

There are quite a few. I complain all the time about the lack of proven horses that are commercially priced. But if the sales ring wasn't so important for so many breeders to make a living, maybe we would look differently at stallions who consistently produce winners and top class horses year on year. Make Believe, for instance, is a good example as he had two Group 1 winners in 2025.

Biggest regret?

Not being an Olympian! Realistically, I wish I made more of my summers when I was younger, travelling and seeing more of the world. Other than that, I don't have many regrets. I like to think most things happen for a reason. You live and you learn.

Your favourite sale?

Tattersalls September Yearlings at Fairyhouse. There is always a great atmosphere there and we are stabled with a great bunch of neighbours. It's a fun sale. 

Go-to karaoke song? 

Hakuna Matata. After my time in Japan I'm a professional at it these days. 

Biggest inspiration?

Professionally, I think Helen Jones and Donna Vowles are geniuses. They manage fabulous farms, produce beautiful sales horses that go on to be racehorses and they're also just great people. But on a larger scale, I think it's similar to the motivation question, I just want to do my best and be happy. 

Guilty Pleasure?

Doing nothing. It's such a treat to actually do nothing but, alas, what's rare is wonderful! 

Horse to look out for …

Hankelow. I know it's probably a bit obvious but he was pinhooked by great friends of mine, Mimi Wadham and Violet Hesketh, and I'm proud of them that they've found another nice horse. I hope he is a proper horse for next year.

 

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