At the age of 18, Anthony embarked on an international journey that would shape his career in the thoroughbred industry. Travelling to Kentucky, USA, he began his professional experience at Circle O Farm, before spending the following four years gaining invaluable insight at some of the world’s most distinguished thoroughbred establishments.

His formative years took him across the globe, with experience at Widden Stud in Australia and Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky. He also had the privilege of working alongside some of the industry’s most respected names, including the renowned horseman Dick Mandella in California, William Inglis in Sydney and James Underwood in London.

These international experiences provided Anthony with a broad and distinguished understanding of the thoroughbred industry, encompassing horsemanship, breeding and the traditions that underpin the world’s leading bloodstock operations.

In 1996, Anthony returned home to Airlie Stud to work alongside his mother, Sonia, contributing to the continued development and management of the family farm. In 2000, he took the helm of Airlie Stud, becoming the fourth generation of the Rogers family to carry the business forward

Under Anthony’s stewardship, the family’s long-standing commitment to excellence continues. Drawing on generations of knowledge, complemented by an international perspective and an unwavering passion for the thoroughbred, he remains dedicated to preserving the heritage of Airlie Stud while shaping its future.

Sonia began her career at the BBA, where she gained invaluable knowledge learning pedigrees from the renowned Kazimierz Bobinski. Following her stint there, she was secretary at Cloghran Stud, one of the most famous stud farms in Europe at the time. 

Married to one of the great figures in Irish bloodstock, Sonia Rogers also came from a distinguished background. The daughter of Elizabeth Burke, she grew up at her mother’s Stackallen Stud in Co. Meath. Mrs Burke was a leading consignor at yearling sales and a regular vendor at Goffs when the company was based in Ballsbridge. She was also the first to sell stock at a yearling sale in Britain or Ireland for more than 100,000 guineas.

Following the death of her husband, Tim Rogers, in 1984, Sonia assumed responsibility for managing the family’s extensive stud farm operations. Sonia was the first woman to be elected a member of the Irish Turf Club and subsequently served on the Racing Board and the Curragh Committee. She has also served as a director of Goffs.

As Sonia approaches her ninth decade, she can still be found in the office every morning, pouring over the catalogues from cover to cover. Her lifelong passion for thoroughbred families and pedigrees remains as strong as ever, a true testament to her dedication and love of the breed.

Alongside her dedication to the stud, Sonia has a lifelong passion for art. Her travels abroad often include visits to local galleries, and she is a regular presence at art sales, where she enjoys acquiring paintings and sculptures.

She is also an avid gardener, with a deep appreciation for the beauty, design and craftsmanship of gardens. Her travels have taken her to private gardens throughout Europe. 

Norman joined Airlie Stud in 1981 and, over the years, has gained extensive experience across all areas of the farm. He was appointed Manager in 2000, taking full responsibility for the day-to-day care and management of the mares and foals. His wealth of knowledge and experience, built over more than four decades at Airlie, has proved invaluable to the continued success of the stud.

is the second generation of the Murtagh family to work at Airlie, following in the footsteps of his father, Eddie. After gaining valuable experience at both Lanwades Stud and Corbally Stud, Ken returned to Airlie in 1995. In 2001, he took on the role of Manager at Kilmacredock Stud, where he has continued to play an important role in the day-to-day running of the farm and development of the yearlings.