Mick Flanagan – Arqana rep for South Africa
ARQANA has announced a new addition to its team of foreign representatives with the appointment of Mick Flanagan as South African representative.
Having completed a four-year degree in agriculture at University College Dublin and gained a wide range of experience on studs in New Zealand, France (Haras de la Louvière), the US (Coolmore) and South Africa (Summerhill Stud), Flanagan joined the Darley Flying Start programme.
After completing the programme, he spent a sales season working with Peter and Ross Doyle before heading to South Africa where he was pupil assistant to Mike De Kock in Johannesburg and Durban.
Returning to Ireland in October 2010, Flanagan joined Dermot Farrington Bloodstock and in March of this year set up his own agency named Townley Hall Bloodstock Ltd.
Arqana president Eric Hoyeau said: “This appointment is part of an international strategy which Arqana has strived to carry out since its creation in 2006.
“Indeed, South Africa represents an attractive market and stands out thanks to its huge potential in various segments of the market such as fillies and mares, yearlings and horses in training. Arqana’s commercial presence in this country, which has a huge racing tradition, has now been strengthened by the presence of Mick Flanagan who has spent a lot of time there, has worked there for several months and has developed a strong network of contacts as well as a thorough knowledge of the domestic market.”
He added: “Based in Ireland, Mick travels several times a year to South Africa and can therefore ensure a real presence alongside major market players. This dual Europe/South Africa hat will make him a valuable spokesperson for any South African wishing to invest at the Arqana sales.”
Mick’s role as Arqana’s South African representative will be to further develop its professional network in various segments of the market by offering information and assistance to any interested owner or breeder.
