The ARQANA team is delighted to announce a new addition to their 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 gaining a wide range of experience on studs in New Zealand, France, the USA and South Africa (Summerhill Stud), Mick joined the prestigious Darley Flying Start programme giving him the opportunity to work on some of the best studs ans training centres in Europe, Japan, the USA, Dubai, as well as Australia. After completing the programme, Mick 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, Mick joined Dermot Farrington Bloodstock and in March of this year set up his own agency named Townley Hall Bloodstock Ltd.

Eric Hoyeau, President of ARQANA, commented on Mick's appointment: "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 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 through knowledge of the domestic market. 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."