WinR Mentoring Programme

2026 Programme Launching Soon

WINR’s upcoming Mentoring Programme will connect women with experienced mentors across the Irish racing industry to support their career growth. Over four months, participants will benefit from one-to-one meetings and a practical experience day, gaining guidance, insights, and hands-on knowledge to help them thrive in every aspect of the industry.

THE 2026 MENTORING PROGRAMME DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED EARLY NOVEMBER

Sign up here

Sign up now to become a mentor or mentee for the 2026 Women in Racing Ireland (WINR) mentoring programme. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and grow within the Irish horse racing industry. Whether you want to guide others through your experience or gain valuable insights and support, joining the programme will empower you to develop your skills and expand your network.

Take the next step in your career by signing up today, or email winrmentoring@gmail.com

 

 

Testimonials

  • "OPEN TO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES"

    “The main challenge for me during the Job Shadowing Day was to be able to talk to people that I had not met before as I would consider myself to be quite shy. However, I quickly learned that by meeting new people I was getting the opportunity to gain new knowledge. Furthermore, I was practicing my communication and social skills by talking to new people all the time. This also helped me to be open to different perspectives.”

    - MENTEE

  • "POSITIVE EXPERIENCE"

    “I had a very positive experience throughout the mentorship programme ,I felt supported and that I could speak to my mentor, at any stage, she was so generous with her time and expertise.”

    - MENTEE

  • "PROGRAMME HAS EXPANDED MY NETWORK"

    “Having someone who is non biased and completely in your corner is a powerful thing when trying to progress in this industry. This programme has expanded my network and I have made contacts that I wouldn't have made otherwise.”

    - MENTEE

  • "INSPIRING"

    “I really enjoyed the zoom call with the other mentees. I thought it was really inspiring hearing about everyone’s progress & plans.”

    - MENTEE

  • "ENRICHED BY THE EXPERIENCE"

    “I truly enjoyed being part of the WINR Pilot Mentoring Programme and feel I probably got as much out of it, if not more, than my mentee! It was a mutual journey of discovery, understanding and development that was beneficial to us both, resulting in us both being enriched by the experience.”

    - MENTOR

  • "GREAT INITIATIVE"

    “I really found the whole experience of being a mentor on the WINR pilot programme personally very rewarding. It’s been a great opportunity to assist someone that is now in a similar position to where I was 15 years ago and provide any suggestions or guidance that I felt could help my mentee along. We all need someone that we can chat to about our careers every now and again and meeting with someone impartial that works in the same industry is a bonus. I think the programme is a great initiative and I look forward to seeing it grow in the future.”

    - MENTOR

F.A.Q.s

    • a wise and trusted advisor

    • a brain to pick, an ear to listen, a push in the right direction

    • the offering of advice, information or guidance by a person with useful skills, expertise or experience for another’s personal or professional development

    • Focus can be on learning, personal or career development

    • Person being mentored is in charge of their own learning

    • Both participants are volunteers

    • It is about listening, learning and providing feedback

    • Develops a trusted relationship between mentor and mentee

    • Motivation and encouragement towards agreed aims

    • Transfers knowledge and experience from one person to another

    • Confidence building

  • A person who wants to:

    • Develop in their current role

    • Learn more about their career options

    • Increase self-awareness

    • Learn about the industry they work in

    • Develop their network

    • Set goals and play your part in organising meetings with your mentor as well as completing any agreed tasks or actions for your development

  • A person who is:

    • Available

    • Willing to invest time and effort

    • Experienced and reputable

    • Knowledgeable about the industry

    • A good listener and confidential

    • Sign up when the programme opens early November.

    • Attend a zoom workshop briefing

    • Mentors and mentees are matched and introduced by e mail

    • A mentoring agreement with the process, ethics and template is signed by both parties

    • Mentoring meetings are recommended to be in-person, but can be done by zoom/phone

    • A zoom check in meeting will be held with all participants during the programme

    • Mentors and mentees can agree to cease the relationship at any stage

    • The success of the programme will be reviewed after the completion date

Mentors

ANNA HEALY
Mentor Coach & Advisor

Anna Healy is a business coach and mentor. Her group mentoring programmes focus on mindset which is key to achieving business success. A qualified and experienced Life, Business and Leadership Coach, Anna has over 20 years’ experience in coaching people on how to lead a successful and fulfilling life and business. She works with leaders on building their mentoring programmes and provides training to teams on mentoring and coaching skills. Anna has been the Mentorship Officer for Network Ireland since 2021.

Click here for Anna’s website.

FIONA DOWLING
WINR Mentoring Programme Lead

Fiona is from Co. Kerry and has previous experience of mentoring from the UK Women in Racing programme and the WINR mentoring pilot programme in 2022. She has worked in the thoroughbred industry for 20 years and is a committee member of WINR. Fiona is a graduate of the Irish National Stud course and the University of Liverpool Horseracing MBA, her experience includes working for trainers in Ireland, the UK, America, New Zealand, and Australia. She works as Programme Development and Quality Manager at RACE Academy in Kildare.

SUE PHELAN

For over 19 years I worked as General Manager of Waterford & Tramore Racecourse. Along with an enthusiastic and committed Board of Directors and ground staff,  It was my aim to improve the racecourse experience for all, by adopting modern and innovative ideas that benefited both the business and facilitated good engagement with racegoers and the business community. During this time I was also a Director of the Association of Irish Racecourses, a member of Tote Ireland and HRI Fixtures committees, and a part-time Point-Point steward for IHRB.

In 2018 I transferred my skills in the agriculture & equine education and advisory industries. Sharing my business experience is one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring. I am also a big advocate for lifelong learning & since leaving racing I have completed a UCD Pg Dip in Creativity & Innovation and in 2021 I completed an MSc in Organic Farming.

NESSA JOYCE

My career in the horse industry started like many, with a love for horses and I am lucky to have converted that love into rewarding jobs in the US and Ireland. I was fortunate to have unofficial mentors along the way, who guided and helped me achieve my goals. Their assistance was instrumental in my career and I am keen to do the same for another young person by joining the WINR mentoring programme.

My career began as an Equine Studies Co-ordinator and lecturer in Dublin, then six years in Lexington, Kentucky with Fasig-Tipton Bloodstock Auctioneers as Selected Sales Co-ordinator. Back in Ireland I worked with Horse Racing Ireland (Racecourse Division) for eight years in the following roles, hospitality, operations, management to Racing and Operations Manager at Leopardstown Racecourse. In 2015, I took up a new role as Manager of the Irish European Breeders’ Fund who provide additional prize-money to Irish racing though generous contributions from Irish Stallion farms.

LAURA MAGEE

I am extremely lucky and grateful to work in an industry that excites me. The Thoroughbred industry in Ireland is something to be very proud of, which I am. I began in more practical, hands-on roles and then moved into the Sales and Marketing elements of the Industry whilst still keeping some time to pinhook yearlings with a great friend. 

I have worked for some of the leading Stud Farms and racecourses in the country including the wonderful Punchestown Racecourse. For the past two years I have been employed as CEO of Thoroughbred Country.  A wonderful project and Destination Development Plan in association with Failte Ireland, The Thoroughbred Industry, Kildare County Council, Horse Racing Ireland and Tipperary County Council.  I am also about to undertake a course in Leadership and Management with UCD Professional Academy. I was honoured to be part of the WINR Mentoring panel last year and it really pushed me to take on this course.  Being able to listen and guide younger people within this industry, or any industry for that matter is something that I am very passionate about and where I feel most comfortable.

MARTINA DEMPSEY

Martina grew up near the Curragh in Co. Kildare and was involved with horses from a young age. She has worked for racehorse trainers on the Curragh and in Australia. Martina has previously worked as an Equine Lecturer at the College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Kildalton College. She has pursued her career in education within the Irish Thoroughbred industry. Martina has a Master’s Degree in Applied Equine Science (UCD) and a Degree in Equine Management (CAFRE).

Martina joined the Godolphin Flying Start team in October 2021 as Ireland Coordinator. As well as this role Martina also lectures at Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) and The Irish Farriery school along with riding a few lots at Rangers Lodge Pretraining. Martina is actively involved in the Irish Thoroughbred Industry, she was a mentor in last years  WINR programme and along with that is taking part in this year’s Corithian Challenge to raise vital funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys Club.

KITTY FITZPATRICK

Kitty is a proud Limerick lady and set up home at Loughmore Stables, 10 minutes from the Curragh in 2012, along with her husband Daragh Fitzpatrick. Kitty worked for Peter and Sarah Molony of Rathmore Stud for almost 10 years from 2002-2011.

A couple of trips to the USA and Australia helped broaden Kitty’s knowledge of the industry and allowed her build up relationships which have proved invaluable to the consignor. Kitty and the small team at Loughmore have enjoyed some excellent results at the sales over the years including topping the 2nd day of the Derby Sale in 2017.

ORLA McKENNA

Orla McKenna is Head of Bloodstock at Tattersalls Ireland where she has worked since 2006. She is married to Donal and they have 2 sons Ben (23) Oisin (21). They live in Collon, Co Louth. Racing has always been part of Orla’s life and she rides out occasionally with trainer Gavin Cromwell. She took part in the 2018 Corinthian Jockeys challenge which she describes as “a fantastic experience”.

Orla likes to cycle and play golf in her spare time. As a member of the WINR committee she aims to help create and grow the initiative for women within the racing and bloodstock industry.

JENNIFER CORLEY BVMS MRCVS

My background is as an equine surgeon. I graduated from Glasgow University and went on to study at WCVM and the University of Pennsylvania. I am passionate about horse health and welfare.  I love working with horse owners and veterinarians  to maximise horse health and performance.

I am the founder of two start-up companies, Veterinary Advances and EquiTrace. I started as a mentor for Irish Women in Racing in 2022 and found it a really positive experience. I also volunteer as one of the leads for Enterprise Ireland Inspiring Women program encouraging and supporting women. I love working with and encouraging fellow female entrepreneurs. EquiTrace was winner of Best overall start-up company in the Enterprise Ireland Innovation arena. Winner of Best Veterinary Technology in Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena. Finalist in KPMG Global Tech Innovator 2022. I also co-ordinate and teach on the Irish National Stud managers course.

KATIE McMANMON

Katie served her time as an apprentice jockey and rode in most of Ireland’s prestigious tracks across the country. Upon her retirement, Katie worked as a head girl for Sean Tracey before taking the leap and moving to Australia where she was assistant trainer to premiership-winning trainer Phillip Stokes.

On her return, Katie worked for Horse Racing Ireland as part of their education and training department. Katie now works as an instructor, recruitment officer, tutor, and development officer at the Racing Academy and also works part-time for the Irish Jockeys Trust as a career coach.

JACKIE DONOHOE 

Jackie is from County Kilkenny but currently a Kildare resident. Jackie has had a keen interest from a young age, between owning ponies to helping with the Family Business at the Sport & Bloodstock Sales in Goresbridge. After completing a business degree with a major in marketing, Jackie went straight into working for Leopardstown Racecourse. For the past 9 years Jackie has worked between Leopardstown Racecourse, Sales and Marketing Manager at Naas Racecourse and more recently back to work with Leopardstown / Horse Racing Ireland on the sponsorship / commercial side of the organisation.

Become a Member

Connect with other Women in Racing Ireland by joining the network dedicated to women working across the thoroughbred industry. Avail of free or discounted events, sign up to the successful mentoring programme, hear about offers and events first and most importantly seize the opportunity to meet other like minded people.

Join WinR Today