Hands on approach for Morrissey

Written by Paul Vettise

Dave Morrissey has taken a little piece of home with him into the establishment of his new thoroughbred operation on the outskirts of Scone.

Morrissey has a lifetime of experience with thoroughbreds, growing up in County Tipperary before moving from Ireland in 2001.

He then started his working life in Australia at Arrowfield Stud where he filled a variety of roles over 17 years in all aspects of the world-renowned nursery’s operation and was stud manager for six years.

“I’ve taken the next step of fulfilling my long-term goal of my own operation.” Morrissey said.

“I live and breathe horses and pedigrees and right down to the day to day running of the farm. I take great pride in my work with a strong commitment to enable Cannon Hayes Stud to achieve its goals.”

Gallery: Cannon Hayes Stud

The vastly-experienced horseman started a new solo venture in the Upper Hunter Valley offering agistment services with a premium on individual care.

“Cannon Hayes Stud was started in March of this year - my mother lived on Cannon Hayes back home in Ireland,” Morrissey said.

“We provide the best quality care to a limited number of mares and their offspring.”

Morrissey is purposefully keeping a lid on the residents on the 120 acre property as he is very much focussed on a hands-on approach.

“I like to do most of the work myself and I’m not going to be over-populated,” he said. “It’s going to very much be a boutique-style operation.

“As most thoroughbred enthusiasts are aware, Scone is the horse capital of Australia and with Cannon Hayes Stud situated just two kilometres from the town centre it is in the proximity of all the major farms and the major vet clinic.”

Morrissey said the location and environment of the farm was ideal.

“It’s prime land and numerous paddocks of various sizes and all irrigated and we’ve got access to a significant supply of river and town water.”

Gallery: Morrissey is focussed on a hands-on approach to the farm