Thomas Allen
Bloodstock & Race Planning/Campaigning
Thomas’s journey into racing began with the usual Irish ingredients—ponies, hunting, and helping out on the family farm. While still in school, he enrolled at the Irish Racing Academy (RACE), rode in a few point-to-points, and quickly realised his talents lay beyond the saddle.
Driven by a deep curiosity about how racehorses are sourced, developed, and campaigned, Thomas combined hands-on experience with formal study, earning a degree in International Business with French while riding out for Willie Mullins. There, he worked with Grade 1 horses and learned from some of the most accomplished staff in racing.
Determined to build a global perspective, he went on to gain bloodstock and breeding shed experience at Ballylinch Stud in Ireland, Ecurie des Monceaux in France, and Dromoland Farm in Kentucky—learning from renowned figures like Henri Bozo and the late Gerry Dilger. Each step refined his understanding of yearling prep, conformation, pedigrees, and the international bloodstock market.
Returning to Ireland, he joined Tally-Ho Stud, one of the country’s most successful commercial stud farms. Working for the O’Callaghan family, Thomas was involved in all areas of the operation—from stallion management during the covering season to yearling prep and sales across the full UK and Irish bloodstock sales circuit.
It was a front-row seat to one of the most dynamic and well-run breeding and bloodstock sales operations in the business.
From there, Thomas returned to the racing yard, joining George Boughey—then an emerging force in Newmarket—as assistant. Over three seasons, he became a key part of the team: managing staff, making race entries, liaising with owners, overseeing lots, and helping condition horses for targeted races.
He was part of the operation during the careers of top-class performers like Cachet, Via Sistina, and Believing, gaining firsthand insight into how to prepare flat horses to peak on the day.
In 2024, Thomas was recruited by Wathnan Racing, the multiple Royal Ascot-winning global operation backed by the Emir of Qatar. As assistant to trainer Hamad Al Jehani, he helped establish their Newmarket base— overseeing all operations, recruitment and logistics. The team enjoyed a standout debut season, producing blacktype performers such as Defence Minister, The Striking Viking, Make Me King, and Diego Ventura.
At Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds, Thomas brings all of this experience to bear—guiding our owners and clients with a unique blend of international perspective and hands-on horsemanship.
Having spent years working from the saddle, on the ground, and managing large training operations, he has developed an exceptional eye for evaluating bloodstock.
Whether it’s sourcing prospects in the sales ring, booking the right jockey, or mapping out the ideal campaign for a promising two-year-old, Thomas is the strategic engine behind everything we do.
From Brownbarn to Brownsbarn: Where the Journey Began
Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds was born on our small family farm in Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland—right in the heart of the Nore Valley.
Brownsbarn is a quiet townland with strong ties to both farming and thoroughbred breeding. Some of Ireland’s most respected studs—like Ballylinch, Ballygallon, and Norelands—are in close proximity.
National Hunt breeding runs in our blood, passed down from my grandfather to my mother. He bred Dato Star, winner of both the Cheltenham Bumper and the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
We continue that tradition with the same dedication.
The Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds brand is shaped by our homeplace and heritage, because it’s where our fascination with the thoroughbred began.
A true family affair—driven by the ambition to leave our mark on the sport.
We combine breeding and bloodstock expertise with a personal, inviting approach to racehorse and bloodstock investment. As brothers, we bring complementary strengths to the table—shaped by years spent with leading trainers, world-class studs, international racing operations, media and global agri-businesses.
Whether it’s your first share or your next star, our mission is simple:
”To help our owners, partners, and clients achieve their goals in the world of the thoroughbred.”
