He replaces John Clarke, who has just retired.

The former De La Salle Academy, Kildare, pupil is a prominent figure on the international bloodstock sales circuit and has had many notable racehorses through his hands.

Mr. Osborne said last week: "It is just like going home, since our family lived there when I was a teenager and I went to school in Kildare Town."

His late father, Michael Osborne, was manager of the Irish National Stud from 1970 to 1982.

Asked of his ambitions for the stud, Osborne remarked: "It is 100 years since Minoru won the Epsom Derby having been raised at Tully and last year the successes of Sea The Stars again confirmed the INS as one of the greatest thoroughbred farms in the world. These successes bring huge rewards to the Irish economy.

The INS has a long history of bringing stallions to prominence, sometimes from humble beginnings."

He also credited Mr. Clarke for overseeing the rise of Ahonoora, Indian Ridge and Invincible Spirit to world renown. Invincible Spirit had a Breeders Cup winner in 2009.

The INS has a huge role to play in introducing people to the world of bloodstock breeding, an industry for which Ireland is rightly famous.

Mr. Osborne said the Japanese Gardens is a much loved highlight of so many people's visit to Ireland. The gardens were completed 100 years ago and this fact will be celebrated later this year.

The Chairman of the Irish National Stud, Lady Chryss O'Reilly welcomed Mr. Osborne as CEO. Following the contribution of his late father, John brings a unique sense of personal involvement and history to the INS.

"His wide experience in many aspects of the Bloodstock Industry and his ideas for the future will take the stud forward and build on its successes during this challenging period," she predicted.

Mr. Osborne is married to Valerie Hyde and they have four children. He is an INS board member since 1998.