2020 Magic Millions Magazine

MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE AND CARNIVAL 3-14 JANUARY 2020

THE RECORD BREAKERS | THE BREED SHAPERS | THE LIFE CHANGERS

MORANS FALLS, THE SCENIC RIM

B E AU T I F U L O N E DAY, PERFECT THE NEXT

FIND YOUR PERFECT NEXT AT QUEENSLAND.COM

Invest in Greatness Australia’s LEADING VENDOR of Stakeswinners since 2013*

54 Stakeswinners 17 Group 1 Winners 21 2YO Stakeswinners Find Your Magic.

Magic Millions 2020 *Major Yearling Sales 2013 - 2018

CA7422_AmPhar_Pg_BBloodMMPrev_Dec19.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 14:48 Page 1

At the Breeders’ Cup his first crop sons, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE and ANOTHER MIRACLE, finished first and third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint-Gr.2 (pictured) while first crop daughter SWEET MELANIA was third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf-Gr.1.

20 first crop juvenile winners, to 7th Nov. (13 won on turf).

All 4 of his Stakes winners were on turf over 1000m, 1100m, 1200m etc.

2019 yearlings sold for US$8,200,000, US$1,300,000, US$975,000, US$950,000 etc.

n crop First Australiarlings are now yea Michael Kirwan, John Kennedy, Colm Santry, Paddy Oman, Tom Moore or Rob Archibald. Tel: 02 6576 4200. New Zealand: Gordon Calder Tel:+64 218 41612. www.coolmore.com

STAR TURN Powerhouse Sprinter

Multiple Group winning sprinter won the MRC Schillaci S. in 1:02.89.

Exciting first crop yearlings sell in 2020.

PETER 0418 276 454 • ADAM 0414 800 918 • HARRY 0401 970 006

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PUBLISHER Andrew Reichard ADVERTISING: Andrew Reichard Mobile: 0415 464 904 andrew@bluebloods.com.au Warren Wruck 0414 385 216 warren@bluebloods.com.au EDITORIAL Susan Archer Brooke Darling Renée Geelen Andrew Hawkins John Hutchinson Glen Latham Jo McKinnon Tara Madgwick Kristen Manning Steve Moran Jessica Owers Katrina Partridge Andrew Reichard Kirra Smith Les Young Warren Wruck PHOTOGRAPHERS Magic Millions Photographers: Dan Abraham Holly Adams Bruno Cannatelli Sharon Chapman Sonia Davis Sarah Ebbett Dave Goudie Lisa Grimm Bronwen Healy Nicky Johnston Amie Karlsson Mark Lee Michael McInally Luke Marsden Simon Merritt

O’Neill Photographics Katrina Partridge Darren Tindale Bluebloods Photographers: Bruno Cannatelli Tanya D’Herville Photography Mark Gatt Steve Hart Katrina Partridge Sportpix Darryl Sherer BLUEBLOODS would like to thank all the participating vendors who provided their own photos.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Val Hayward PRODUCTION MANAGER Margaret Reichard PRODUCTION David Reichard Oliver Jacobsen Alicia Anderson

2020

REGULARS

12

6

MM welcome

Calendar of Events

Katie Page-Harvey, Gerry Harvey and Barry Bowditch welcome you to the Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Raceday.

Your guide to an action packed week of events on the Gold Coast.

7

Government welcome Minister of Tourism The Hon. Kate Jones MP. Mayor, City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate.

Unit 10/3 William Banks Drive, Burleigh Heads Qld 4220 • PO Box 2864, Burleigh BC, Burleigh, Qld 4220 • Phone: (07) 5658 1950 • Email: accounts@bluebloods.com.au Established 1982 by Brian Russell as The Australian Bloodhorse Review website: www.bluebloods.com.au PUBLISHED BY BADRANAD PTY LTD - ABN 98 002 825 069 Printed by Pegasus Print, Blacktown, NSW. Typeset by Bluebloods.

While every care is taken in the compilation of this magazine, neither BlueBloods nor any of its agents will be held liable for any errors or omissions contained herein or their consequences either in original material or in any material (including advertisements) supplied.

MAGIC MILLIONS Head Office 28 Ascot Court, Bundall, QLD 4217 • PO Box 5246, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD 9726 • Phone: +61 (0) 7 5504 1200 . Fax: +61 (0) 7 5531 7082 • Email: info@magicmillions.com.au • Website: www.magicmillions.com.au

PICTURE GALLERIES

54

82

Barrier Draw

Raceday Socials

60

100

Sale Day Faces

Polo Scene

104

134

Launch Party

76

Raceday Winners

Magic Millions festival of British eventing

145

Fashions on the Field

~4~ contents-2020.indd 4

2/12/19 10:03 am

FEATURES

18

The Best of the Best It’s a story of some magic and, as it turns out, multiple millions.

A story of three remarkable first foals.

110

The Greatest Showman

24

Thoroughbreds or stock horses, it’s all the same to Caleb Degen who at just 22 is proving himself one of the Gold Coast’s most popular and valuable young horseman.

That million dollar feeling.

114

Yes Yes Yes

28

What is the World’s Greatest Race It was a debate that was supposed to be solved by the pattern.

38

The Gold Coast - where everyone can play Even on a modest budget you can be in the game to win millions on the Gold Coast.

World Class Gold Coast Golf Courses Magic can be found on these eight world class golf courses.

118

Best of Burleigh Heads eateries It’s a picturesque punctuation mark along the Gold Coast and most definitely somewhere to pause.

126

40

Food for Thought - Gr1 winners flow in the drought

This Italian has been capturing the attention of the racing world for decades.

Drought. It’s a word that strikes dread in farmers’ hearts and wallets and one we’ve all become sadly accustomed to hearing.

Frankie goes to Gold Coast

44

A to Z The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale is about far more than horses and people.

50

Full Circle The Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale has always punched above its weight.

70

Flying Starter We spoke to Christopher Farrell about his travels from rural Ireland to bloodstock auctioneer on the Gold Coast.

86

130

Class of 2020 A look at the sires offering their first crop at the Gold Coast Magic Millions.

138

A Star line-up The Star Gold Coast is THE destination for all off-track entertainmenrt this Magic Millions Carnival.

142

Gold Coast adventures Just some of the great adventures for all the family on the Gold Coast.

Tassie Industry - ripe for the picking The deeds of a number of modern day thoroughbreds as well their trainers are doing much for the Apple Isle.

92

Moone Shine

At just thirty years of age, Kate Harrington has cast her net wide in her professional career, proving she is more than just the daughter of a famous Irish trainer.

~5~ contents-2020.indd 5

2/12/19 10:03 am

WELCOME

It is our great privilege to officially welcome you to the 2020 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.

BARRY BOWDITCH, KATIE PAGE-HARVEY & GERRY HARVEY.

This is our showcase event, where we have the opportunity to welcome you to the glorious Gold Coast to experience a perfect Queensland summer and outstanding thoroughbred action – on the polo field, in the sale ring and on the racetrack.

The love of the horse is what makes this Carnival so special.

Wherever you may be around the world, if you love horses you must be on the Gold Coast this January. We invite you to join us and share in the equine excitement that is the 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.

The central event that shapes our magnificent twelve day Carnival is the Gold Coast Yearling Sale. On behalf of breeders throughout Australia and New Zealand, we are privileged to present to you a catalogue of over 1,100 yearlings of exceptional quality.

Similar to any proud parent, we are honoured that the Gold Coast Yearling Sale catalogued and sold the world’s best racehorse in Winx. 29 consecutive wins, 22 at Group One level and an historic four Cox Plate victories in succession, Winx’s unmatched racetrack record is forever life changing for her breeder, owners, trainer and jockey.

Now we are also proud to boast even further bragging rights about our flagship sale. The Gold Coast Yearling Sale has officially sold the two highest prizemoney earners in Australian racing history in Winx – and in Redzel, a multiple Group One winning sprinter and dual winner of The Everest.

Magic Millions is irrefutably the place to purchase your next breed-shaping stallion. For proof look no further than the catalogue for the 2019 edition of the sale which features the progeny of countless past star Magic Millions yearling sale graduates. Snitzel, Sebring, Written Tycoon, Zoustar, Vancouver, Star Witness, Pierro, Dissident, Not

a Single Doubt, Rubick, Shooting to Win, Sizzling, Spirit of Boom, Savabeel and Unencumbered were all sold on the Gold Coast.

Prior to the sales ring action, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival commences with the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on Sunday 6 January. This will be the third year the polo event has been a feature on the Carnival calendar. We are immensely excited to have world leading polo players including Nacho Figueras as well as the Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women, Zara Tindall MBE and her husband Mike Tindall, as part of the day.

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday to be held on Saturday 11 January features an exhilarating program of nine races and $10 million in prizemoney. Now cemented as one of the top ten annual racemeetings in the world, this Raceday will showcase leading horses, trainers and jockeys highlighted by the running of the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic in conjunction with the $500,000 Racing Women’s Bonus, and the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.

Along with our brilliant new naming rights partner in The Star Gold Coast, Magic Millions could not present this Carnival without the ongoing and valued support of our principal partners. We gratefully acknowledge the support of both Tourism and Events Queensland and Racing Queensland.

Magic Millions also sincerely acknowledges the support of partners Pacific Fair, BetEasy, Harrolds, Woodford Reserve, Moet & Chandon, Singapore Airlines, Seven West Media, and Sky Thoroughbred Central.

On behalf of the Magic Millions team, it is our pleasure to invite you to join us in January for the next life changing edition of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.

6 / WELCOME MMGC 20_ Mayor Welcome - DR.indd 6

2/12/19 10:13 am

Message from the Minister for Tourism Industry Development THE HON KATE JONES MP Welcome to The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. This year with an expanded schedule the carnival offers a range of world-class events both on and off the track that draws visitors from around the globe every year.

The Queensland Government is proud to support the 2020 Magic Millions Carnival because it attracts visitors which creates local jobs in tourism.

Congratulations to Magic Millions and all those involved in organising the carnival. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast for the event, ensure you allow time during your stay to explore why the Gold Coast is renowned for its diverse tourism experiences.

Message from The Mayor TOM TATE - MAYOR GOLD COAST City of Gold Coast has earned an international reputation as an outstanding host of major sporting events and the Magic Millions Carnival is an absolute highlight of our annual calendar.

The popularity of Magic Millions taps into the Australian love of sport in general and horse racing in particular. Our love of the gallopers is known around the world and the professionalism of the industry attracts the cream of owners, breeders and trainers to our shores.

It is no surprise that one-third of the top 100 races in the world are staged in Australia. We do it well!

Remarkably, one-in-244 Aussies across the nation have a stake in ownership of a horse and the industry contributes around $8 billion a year into the economy.

Last January’s Magic Millions Golf Coast Yearling Sale grossed more than $181 million with buyers from across Asia, the Middle East and The Americas joining South Pacific locals in the bidding.

Key events over the 12 days of the carnival will include the Aquis Raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club, the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo at The Spit, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday and, of course, the Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

But you don’t have to have a direct stake in horse racing to love the Magic Millions. It is a feast of entertainment for those who just enjoy a good time. There are golf days and sports luncheons among many other attractions.

Last year’s event created 65,000 bed nights for the city with well over half of visitors to the Sale coming from interstate or overseas. And we love to have you here.

I look forward to seeing some of you at various events during the Carnival so please say Hi if we bump into each other.

2020 / 7 MMGC 20_ Mayor Welcome - DR.indd 7

2/12/19 10:13 am

2020 vision Four G1 winners, by four exceptional sires, from four exquisite families

ASTERN

by Medaglia d’Oro Winner of G1 Golden Rose Stakes From blue hen mare Essaouira

TERRITORIES

by Invincible Spirit Winner of G1 Chantilly Prix Jean Prat Related to Street Cry & Shamardal

FROSTED

by Tapit Winner of G1 Met Mile, G1 Wood Memorial & G1 Whitney Stakes From a rich Group-winning family

HOLLER

by Commands Winner of G1 Canterbury Stakes Closely related to Yell & Microphone

The Darley stallions 2020 first-season yearling sales lineup First yearlings selling at Magic Millions www.darley.com.au

THE PRIDE WE TAKE IN OFFERING YOU AWARD-WINNING COMFORT That’s what makes us the world’s most awarded airline

Best Business Class seat in Asia Skytrax World Airline Awards (UK) 2019 Best Airline Premium class DestinAsian 2019 World’s Best International Airline Travel & Leisure Magazine 2019 (USA)

singaporeair.com

’s ve ic ha ass l s te C e ! ua O ad ad 2Y ec gr M t d n s de E M e la id W RE n t h T H i t hi w

n wo

Valley of CHAMPIONS Champion Australian 3YO filly SUNLIGHT (Zoustar) – the latest Champion bred, born and raised at Widden Widden Stud – offering a high quality draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale | 8–12 January 2020

02 6549 9999 | WWW.WIDDEN.COM

WS19136_SunlightBrand_Ad_Bluebloods_245x330pt_FA.indd 1

13/11/19 9:47 pm

2020 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL

Calendar

of events

JANUARY 2020

3rd - 7th Gold Coast Yearling Sale Inspections About: We welcome you to the Magic Millions Sales Complex to inspect the catalogued lots in the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Inspection days are free to attend and the public is more than welcome to come along to the Bundall complex for a firsthand look into the word of thoroughbred sales and racing.

Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, 28 Ascot Court, Bundall, Gold Coast Time: From 8am daily Tickets: This is a free event, open to the public

3rd BMD Northcliffe Sportsman’s Luncheon About: This fun and entertaining afternoon features a variety of special guests, plus a fresh seafood buffet and beverage package.

4th

Where: BMD Northcliffe SLSC, Surfers Paradise Time: From 11.30am Price: $160pp Tickets: Phone Lee Vrolyks on 07 5539 8091 or email: info@northcliffesurfclub.com.au

Aquis Raceday About: Aquis $1.5 million Raceday showcasing the $250,000 feature race for 3YO & 4YO The TAB Wave, which is also a wildcard race for the $1m Magic Millions Trophy on 11 January, the $125,000 Aquis Gold Nugget (2YO Colts & Geldings), the $125,000 Aquis Gold Pearl (2YO Fillies), plus three exclusive Magic Millions races worth $750,000 and a $200,000 Magic Millions Race Series Bonus.

Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Surfers Paradise Time: 10am Price: Packages start from $110pp, General Admnission: $10pp Tickets: www.gctc.com.au

12 / CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020 calendar of events - DR.indd 12

2/12/19 10:04 am

2020 / 13 2020 calendar of events - DR.indd 13

2/12/19 10:04 am

5th Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo About: Kick off the New Year at the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on the Gold Coast! Enjoy high-action polo and picturesque surrounds as some of the world’s finest polo players take to the field, including world famous polo player Argentinian Nacho Figueras, who will headline the action captaining team Veuve Clicquot against Zara Tindall MBE who is leading The Star Gold Coaast team.

Rugby League legend Billy Slater and two of the world’s very best jockeys, Frankie Dettori and Hugh Bowman will also be getting amongst the on-field action. Mike Tindall will be offering his entertaining commentary from the sideline together with Channel Seven Sports Presenter, Hamish McLachlan.

General Admission: Pack a picnic blanket and rug, and enjoy the live concert and high action Polo game.

Grandad Jack’s Enclosure: The Enclosure offers a cocktail style setting with an ideal viewing position.

Pacific Fair Pavilion: Pacific Fair Pavilion is a stylish cocktail experience, including a premium hospitality package and location.

Premium Marquees (min 50 pax): Premium Marquees are the perfect corporate option to host clients within an exclusive area.

Where: Doug Jennings Park, The Spit, Main Beach Time: From 11:30am Price: General Admission: Adults $35pp, Concession (18 years and under) $15pp, Children (15 years and under) FREE, Family package (2 Adults and 2 children 15 years and under) $50 Grandad Jack’s Enclosure: $100pp Pacific Fair Pavilion: $250pp Tickets: Available via Ticketek or www.magicmillionspolo.com.au

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2020 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL 14 / CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2020 calendar of events - DR.indd 14

2/12/19 10:04 am

10

th Get Social Planning on attending any of our events? Check out the latest info on all the social channels and don’t forget to tag us in your photos and posts.

6

MAGICMILLIONS

th

MAGICMILLIONSPOLO MAGICMILLIONS

Women in Racing Inc Luncheon

MAGICMILLIONSPOLO

About: Women In Racing Inc is pleased to present Magic on the Coast. Enjoy a spectacular 3-course luncheon and beverage package at the Horizons Restaurant, Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa.

@MMSNIPPETS THEMAGICMILLIONS

Where: Horizons Restaurant, Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa, Main Beach

MAGICMILLIONS.COM.AU

Time: 12pm Price: Members $135pp, Non-Members $145pp

MAGICMILLIONSPOLO.COM.AU

Tickets: Phone Baslyn Beel on 0411698484 or Jennifer Bartels on 0438741242

7th The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw About: The sun will rise over the 2020 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival on Tuesday, 7 January when the The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw takes centre stage on the Surfers Paradise foreshore from 6am.

The foreshore will be a hive of activity with food and beverage options available to purchase from the breakfast stalls.

At approximately 8am, all eyes will turn towards the ocean for the spectacle of several thoroughbreds with champion jockeys on board galloping down the pristine sands of Queensland’s most iconic beach, Surfers Paradise.

The connections of every runner in the 2020, $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic field will arrive in style before randomly choose the barrier from which their horse will start on Raceday, Saturday 11 January.

The barrier draw for the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas will be drawn shortly afterwards at approximately 8:45am.

Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore Time: 6am Tickets: This is a free event, open to the public

2020 / 15 2020 calendar of events - DR.indd 15

2/12/19 10:05 am

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2020 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL

7th Carbine Club Luncheon About: The Carbine Club of Queensland will again host Queensland’s biggest Racing Lunch celebrating the 2020 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach Time: From 11:45am Price: $190pp includes a two course meal, afternoon cheese platters and beverages

9th

Tickets: carbineclubqld@gmail.com

Gold Coast Turf Club 2YO Calcutta Dinner About: Join racing enthusiasts for a fun and relaxed night with dinner and drinks. TAB representatives will provide insight into the prestigious 2YO Classic, then the hot Calcutta action begins. A sell-out event not to be missed.

Where: Gold Coast Event Centre, Gold Coast Turf Club Time: From 6pm Price: Tickets from $140pp and beverages Tickets: Available at www.gctc.com.au

10th

8th - 12th th &14 Magic Millions Yearling Sale

The Star Magic Millions Charity Poker Tournament About: The inaugural The Star Magic Millions Charity Poker Tournament will bring together celebrities and racing royalty to raise funds for the Gold Coast Community Fund and Cancer Council Queensland. The event will take place at The Star Gold Coast’s new world class poker facilities Where: The Star Gold Coast Time: From 6pm Price: Tickets $200pp Tickets: Available at www.star.com.au/goldcoast/

About: We invite you to join us for Australia’s most exciting thoroughbred auction, the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Magic Millions is Australia’s number one source of Stakes Winners and high-class performers on the racetrack including the two highest stakes earners ever in Australia – the highest prizemoney earner in global racing history, the mighty Winx, Redzel, two-time winner of the World’s richest race on turf and Yes Yes Yes, the 2019 The Everest Winner.

The flagship Gold Coast Yearling Sale attracts visitors and investment from all over the world for the fun and excitement of the Carnival and the seirous business of selecting a future champion racehorse. With premium yearlings from across Australasia on offer, the ring will come alive when the sales kick off from Wednesday 8th at 10am.

Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, 28 Ascot Court, Bundall, Gold Coast Time: Wednesday 8th – Friday 10th from 10am Saturday 11th from 6pm Sunday 12th from 11am Tuesday 14th from 11am Tickets: This is a free event, open to the public

16 / CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020 calendar of events - DR.indd 16

2/12/19 10:05 am

11th The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday About: The 2020 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday is the showpiece of Queensland’s Summer Racing Carnival, featuring an exciting nine race program and $10.25 million in prizemoney. Highlights include the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic plus the Magic Millions Racing Women’s $500,000 Bonus, and the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas and its new $250,000 Racing Women’s Bonus. This Raceday has cemented its reputation on the global racing scene as a must attend event for racing aficionados and fashionistas alike.

Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Racecourse Drive, Bundall Time: Gates open from 9am, Corporate facilities open from 11am Price: General Admission $50 pp Tickets: Available at www.gctc.com.au

13th Magic Millions Widden Stud Golf Day About: One of the racing industry’s favourite pastimes is a relaxing game of golf and what better way is there to relax after a busy week of fast paced auctions and racing. The Magic Millions Widden Stud Golf Day provides Magic Millions vendors and buyers, trainers, jockeys and industry associates the perfect opportunity to unwind for a day at the RACV Royal Pines Golf Course. The day is open for anyone to join with any singles placed into teams of four to play Ambrose style Where: RACV Royal Pines, Benowa Time: 11am – 6pm Price: 4 ball Ambrose $130pp - includes green fees, electric cart, drink vouchers and a BBQ luncheon Tickets: Phone Laura on 02 6549 9999

2020 / 17 2020 calendar of events - DR.indd 17

2/12/19 10:05 am

BOUNDING’S FIRST FOAL SELLS FOR US$4.1M AT KEENELAND’S SEPTEMBER YEARLING SALE

18 / THE BEST OF THE BEST MMGC 2020_International_Investment - DR.indd 18

2/12/19 10:23 am

THE BEST OF THE BEST STEVE MORAN

It’s a story of some magic and, as it turns out, multiple millions. A story of three remarkable first foals, three females who were anything but shunned and who proved to be anything but risky propositions.

Belief turned to success.

2020 / 19 MMGC 2020_International_Investment - DR.indd 19

2/12/19 10:23 am

“Gary said he wanted to buy yearlings and race fillies rather than be a breeder and said why don’t we put her in the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale, so we had the opportunity to sell her twice.”

It begins with Darley - somewhat unusually - offering an Exceed And Excel filly, Lot 493, at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She’s from the Gone West mare Arctic Drift and knocked down to trainer Mark Kavanagh for $300,000.

JOHN MOYNIHAN AND BARBARA BANKE AT THE MAGIC MILLIONS SALE

Arctic Drift is later to produce a fast colt by Exceed And Excel who’ll be named Kuroshio, win a McEwen Stakes and be considered good enough to go to stud - at Darley.

But nobody then knows that. Kavanagh has paid quite a reasonable sum for this mare’s first foal from Exceed And Excel’s first crop. He goes on to be champion first season sire but nobody then, either, knows that.

She is ambitiously, but again as it turns out, appropriately named Believe’n’succeed.

She wins a Blue Diamond Prelude (for fillies) at Caulfield at just her second start. Kuroshio, five years later, coincidentally wins the male version of the same race.

Believe’n’succeed draws 13 of 13 in the Group 1 Blue Diamond and the rain arrives to dull her speed. She leads and bravely runs fourth, beaten just one length, in a closer’s race where the two other on-pace runners finish well down the track.

Along the way she’s caught the eye of Willow Park Stud’s Glenn Burrows. “She drew the outside gate and worked so hard I couldn’t believe she was still right there at the finish,” Burrows recalled.

“I like to buy fillies first hand off the track. Based on performance and pedigree and, of course, within a budget. I liked her. She was from the first crop of a very likely new stallion. Bred by Darley and sold by them which probably wouldn’t happen anymore but, at the time, Darley was selling quite a few yearlings.

“She lost her way a little bit after her two-year-old season when she developed a throat issue. So, I rang Kav (Kavanagh) and he said ‘make an offer’. We had her checked out and everything was sweet; she wasn’t huge but big enough. We offered around $340,000 which I thought was realistic given that she made $300,000 as a yearling but now didn’t really have a racing future.

“The deal was done which was great, other than thinking well, now I better find a client,” he said. That client was South Australian breeder Michael Birchall.

Bounding began her career in New Zealand, where she won seven races, for trainers Ken and Bev Kelso before a brief stint in Australia with Peter and Paul Snowden - which yielded a Group 3 win at Caulfield.

By the time Birchall opts to sell Believe’n’succeed, in September 2014, Bounding’s deeds - including a Group 1 win - are well known.

She’s presented at the 2014 Magic Millions Patinack Farm Complete Dispersal Sale (after illness had forced her late withdrawal from the earlier National Broodmare Sale) and she is purchased, in foal to Street Cry, by Coolmore’s Tom Magnier for $1.1 million.

So, she’s now gone from Darley to Coolmore and that story hasn’t finished yet which is no slight on Darley, rather just one of those frequent reminders of the serendipitous nature of this industry.

Believe’n’succeed is also, now, about to go from Australia to Ireland which happens in February 2015. It transpires that the foal she carried, when sold, was no star but that is soon to matter not. Her 2016 foal, born on that other side of the world, wins the Derby. By Galileo, of course, his name is Anthony Van Dyck.

Burrows then planned the mating of Believe’n’succeed with Lonhro. “I thought that would work and, at the time, I don’t think any Exceed And Excel mares had gone to Lonhro,” Burrows said.

Believe’n’succeed’s value escalates considerably with that first Lonhro filly foal proving to be outstanding sprinting mare Bounding.

Presented by Willow Park Stud and described by Burrows as “cracker from day one”, Bounding was purchased as a yearling for $425,000 by prominent New Zealand thoroughbred and greyhound enthusiast Gary Harding and his wife Linda. “My memory is that Darley was underbidder on her. Perhaps they thought it was all getting a bit awkward after selling mum,” he said.

20 / THE BEST OF THE BEST MMGC 2020_International_Investment - DR.indd 20

2/12/19 10:23 am

BELIEVE’N’SUCCEED

Meanwhile, back at Magic Millions in 2016, two years after Believe’n’succeed’s sale, Willow Park Stud (on behalf of Harding) offers Bounding at the National Broodmare Sale and she was purchased by Stonestreet Thoroughbreds for $1.9 million and thus is also destined to leave our shores. She was exported to the US in October 2016.

“John Moynihan signed for Stonestreet. He spoke to our stud manager Jade (Rossington) and asked if we knew much about the mare or whether she was just going through on short term consignment. Jade said you better speak to Glenn so, of course, I was able to give him the entire history including photos on the phone,” Burrows said.

Harding and Burrows had developed quite a connection following Bounding’s original sale as a yearling. “Gary said he wanted to buy yearlings and race fillies rather than be a breeder and said why don’t we put her in the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale, so we had the opportunity to sell her twice,” Burrows said.

Moynihan certainly wasn’t unfamiliar with the family having seen Believe’n’succeed at the Patinack Dispersal and, somewhat prophetically, he told Magic Millions after securing Bounding: “It’s an amazing family. She’s the kind of mare, if we’re lucky with her, she can provide a lot of very valuable yearlings to sell and she’s got the kind of pedigree that if she produces the right colts they can be stallions.”

Valuable yearlings indeed! Just three months after Anthony Van Dyck wins the Derby, Bounding makes her own headlines with her first foal selling for US$4.1 million at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale in Lexington, Kentucky.

ANTHONY VAN DYCK WINS THE 2019 EPSOM DERBY

2020 / 21 MMGC 2020_International_Investment - DR.indd 21

2/12/19 10:23 am

And who’s fighting over her son by dual US Horse of the Year Curlin?

Coolmore and Darley (Godolphin) of course. After a spirited bidding duel it was, perhaps fittingly, Goldolphin who came out on top. It is the most expensive horse sold at the Keeneland September Sale since 2010.

“It was just mind-boggling,” Burrows said, “and coming not long after the Derby. That was a really weird feeling, watching the Derby and thinking mum used to live here. Mum who was a speed freak, flat out running 1100 metres and here she’d produced the Derby winner.

Breeder Barbara Banke, of Stonestreet Farm, was understandably delighted. “I expected that he would be one of the sales toppers,” Banke said at the time, “I was confident that he would be well received. He’s a beautiful colt whose mother was a sprint champion in New Zealand.”

“It’s also fantastic that Gary and Linda now now have a relationship with one of the leading farms in Lexington. Linda gets emails all the time with updates on Bounding who now has a filly by War Front.”

Harding and Burrows, separately, watched the sale live online and were similarly delighted. “It must have been a fantastic atmosphere and great for the vendors. To have those powerhouses competing against each other, how exciting does it get? It’s fantastic.”

Wherever you look, it’s been quite a year, abroad, for the family. Shortly after the Derby success, Kurious became Kuroshio’s first stakes-winner when she scored in the Listed Scurry Stakes at Sandown on 15 June. The Henry Candy trained filly then won the Group 3 Coral Charge three weeks later and Kuroshio has done very well, from limited numbers, in the Northern Hemisphere.

And the story also reflects well on Burrows’ Willow Park Stud, established in 2001, and its focus on broodmares.

“Wherever you look it’s been quite a year abroad for the family”.

“We have various clients groups of seven or eight guys buying mares off the track, which we get in foal and sell them on at Magic Millions. There’s 100 mares residing here including a dozen we bought from the States this year and another three from France. Many of them will be sold next year.

“We’re very selective in trying to source what we believe are the right mares for obvious reasons including the expense of getting them here. We don’t buy Danehill line mares or mares by stallions who have failed here.

“Five or six of those new mares are in foal to Rubick so I wasn’t unhappy when Yes Yes Yes won the Everest. Mind you I wouldn’t have minded if Santa Ana Lane had won either,” he said. Burrows bought Fast Fleet, the dam of Santa Ana Lane, for $800,000 on behalf of Bill Pearce earlier in 2019.

“Fast Fleet’s had an outstanding Zoustar filly and is 45 days in foal to I Am Invincible,” Burrows said at the time of writing.

The story certainly isn’t over - despite the tyranny of the drought in the Hunter Valley - for Willow Park Stud which broke the then Magic Millions record when it sold Princess Coup for $3 million at the National Broodmare Sale. Nor is it over for Believe’n’succeed and Bounding who have offspring to come. I’d just recommend getting hold of Bounding’s first filly foal.

BOUNDING AT THE 2016 MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST NATIONAL BROODMARE SALE

22 / THE BEST OF THE BEST MMGC 2020_International_Investment - DR.indd 22

2/12/19 10:23 am

Leading to Success Two-year international management and leadership programme for the global thoroughbred racing and breeding industry Includes the Graduate Certificate in Management (Thoroughbred Industry) accredited by UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School

www.godolphinflyingstart.com

Lexington Kentucky USA

Kildare IRELAND

Craig Rounsefell Godolphin Flying Start graduate 2007

Newmarket UK

Dubai UAE

Hunter Valley New South Wales AUSTRALIA

Applications deadline Monday, February 10th 2020

Yes Yes YES!!!

KATRINA PARTRIDGE

Each of us can dream. We can dream big. But it doesn’t mean a colt we personally selected at the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale two years earlier, who races in our silks, is the youngest horse in the field, and who we fought tooth and nail to a secure a slot for in the 2019 Everest will hand us the world’s richest turf event in track record time and a cheque for $6.6m.

Racing can do that.

Brae Sokolski knows all about it.

“I’ve owned horses for 20 years. Small shares in cheap horses,” he says reflectively. “I only started to do it with any level of seriousness in the past few years and I bought Yes Yes Yes in just the second year. I do all the pedigree work. I then give my shortlist to my trainer and bloodstock consultant to physically check and validate the yearlings at the sale.”

“When we took him to the races Darren kept on saying ‘why am I running this colt he’s telling me he is a 3YO - but he has so much natural ability.’ Everything he gave us was just a bonus,” Sokolski says.

The riches of January’s Magic Millions lured the horse to Queensland, however connections of the young star scratched Yes Yes Yes on the eve of the race after floating him north and he was sent to the spelling paddock with ‘ability in spades’.

Sokolski purchased a 50% share in the yearling with Weir syndicating the remaining 50% to clients.

Intriguingly the Magic Millions sales ring brand has been across this colt’s family from Day 1. The young sprint star is a son of Rubick, himself a Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase. Rubick won the MRC Blue Diamond Prelude (c&g) Gr3 and the MRC Schillaci S., Gr2. Yes Yes Yes is from a Fantastic Light half sister to Hot as Hell.

He is a half brother to the stakes performed mare Dee Nine Elle, yet another Magic Millions sold star (2019 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale; $720,000).

The yearling half brother to Yes Yes Yes by leading sire Sebring [also a Magic Millions graduate] will be one of the pin up lots of the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale with confirmation the youngster will be offered (as was Yes Yes Yes) in the draft of Kitchwin Hills.

The 2YO made his debut race at Moonee Valley on 1 December 2018, winning at his second start a fortnight later.

When Yes Yes Yes returned to training he was transferred to Chris Waller’s stables. After a barrier trial in February he resumed in the ATC Todman Stakes Gr2 in March

“Darren [Weir] and John [Foote] looked at [the colt]. We set a budget of $200,000. I’ve looked at my catalogue from that year and I’d written in big bold capitals ‘ATHLETE. RAW. FLASH 3YO.’” Sokolski said the colt certainly didn’t look like he would go early.

“We didn’t buy him as a Magic Millions type. We were just lucky that the other party stopped bidding when we got to our limit so we were able to secure him. We were fortunate.”

24 / YES YES YES!!! THAT MILLION DOLLAR FEELING MMGC 20_ YesYesYes - DR.indd 24

2/12/19 10:19 am

That million dollar feeling

MMGC 20_ YesYesYes - DR.indd 25

2/12/19 10:19 am

ARMIDALE STUD

which he won by half a length. Suddenly Sokolski and his co-owners had a stallion prospect on their hands - a colt with a beautiful physique, race performance, juvenile speed, and a pedigree.

Coolmore - amongst others - were on the phone.

“It was such a privilege to have a group like Coolmore approach me and come and assess the horse,” says Sokolski. “They recognised that the horse would probably come on more as a 3YO and I had told them to wait til after the Todman to talk. They are a Goliath of the Industry. They have so much integrity and command so much respect. This colt

is a very valuable commodity and Coolmore have been incredible to deal with. It is amazing to think that Yes Yes Yes will stand at their farm one day and be supported by their broodmare band. It’s life changing you know. This is a horse that I selected, that I named and that has raced in my colours. And he will stand at one of the biggest farms in the world.”

Yes Yes Yes went on to the Golden Slipper but struggled on the heavy track and finished seventh.

After a long spell he had two trials in August then raced in the ATC (Rosehill) The Run To The Rose Gr2 and the ATC (Rosehill) Golden Rose Gr1 finishing

26 / YES YES YES!!! THAT MILLION DOLLAR FEELING MMGC 20_ YesYesYes - DR.indd 26

2/12/19 10:19 am

“IT’S LIFE CHANGING YOU KNOW. HE WILL STAND AT ONE OF THE BIGGEST FARMS IN THE WORLD.”

second behind Bivouac in each. On 19 October he stepped out in the $14m ATC (Randwick) The Everest as the youngest horse in the field. Ridden by veteran jockey Glen Boss he won the world’s richest turf race by half a length in track record time.

It was not a fait accompli that the colt would even get a start on 19 October. Sokoloski worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the weeks leading up to the race to convince Waller to allow the star 3YO a right to the slot; Waller in turn convincing Coolmore Australia to run the young horse.

Yes Yes Yes raced in the slot of Chris Waller Racing and the master horseman was thrilled with the track record breaking win.

“You have to go to the owners … ‘This is a horse I think can win The Everest, you can’t go in to run second or third’,” Waller told the Seven Network post-race.

“It was a big decision to make,” Waller said.

“You’ve got a big international stud (Coolmore) in the horse who have backed my judgement and also the owners of the horse backing my judgement and also the slot holders.”

“It was a big risk and a gamble so you’ve got to trust your horse and I trusted my system.”

$50m. Not a bad return from that initial $200,000.

Sokolski says he follows a three-pronged approach to investing in horses.

“One- I do the work. Two- network and relationships. Three - luck. One and two, they are within your control and can be managed. Three, well, not so much …”

For now, Royal Ascot is on the cards with Waller, Magnier and Sokolski to sit down in the coming weeks to map out a plan for the Autumn culminating with a start in the Diamond Jubilee.

“Yes Yes Yes was given a Timeform Rating of 125 following his Everest win and he smashed the track record,” says Sokolski. “He will be the best racehorse since Black Caviar to go across to England so there will be some anticipation from racegoers in the UK I imagine.”

Meanwhile Sokolski is looking forward to January on the Gold Coast.

“I love the sale; the anticipation of it. It’s the dawn of a new season. There is such incredible quality and so much raw excitement. I always come in wide eyed and of course I’m now trying to find my next stallion prospect!”

By the close of Spring Yes Yes Yes had had just 8 starts for 4 wins (3 at 2 - at 1100, 1200m) and 3 seconds for $7,174,450 in career earnings. As a stallion prospect he was conservatively valued at

2020 / 27 MMGC 20_ YesYesYes - DR.indd 27

2/12/19 10:19 am

WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST RACE? ANDREW HAWKINS

28 / WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST RACE MMGC 20_Debate - DR.indd 28

2/12/19 10:21 am

And what makes the great races across the globe so great?

It was a debate that was supposed to be solved by the pattern. Group 1 races would be the elite events, those rich events with a long and storied history, coveted by all. Group 2 races would be the next rung down, followed by Group 3 contests and so forth.

THE MELBOURNE CUP

2020 / 29 MMGC 20_Debate - DR.indd 29

2/12/19 10:21 am

AMERICAN PHAROAH WINS THE KENTUCKY DERBY

30 / WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST RACE MMGC 20_Debate - DR.indd 30

2/12/19 10:21 am

“It’s a polarising debate in which there are many different opinions” However, the pattern has been exposed somewhat by the globalisation of racing, with different standards applying in different jurisdictions about what constitutes a top-level event.

Complicating matters has been the arrival of new bigmoney events onto the international racing scene. Races like the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1984, the Magic Millions Classic in 1987 and the Dubai World Cup in 1996 were forerunners to the current influx of bold new races, like the Pegasus World Cup, The Everest, the Golden Eagle and the Saudi Cup. Where do these rich contests stand alongside those that have been run for the best part of two centuries?

With the world a shrinking place and technology allowing for greater access to the international racing scene, opinions on what stands atop the global racing scene are many and varied.

In years gone by, it would be a simple matter of parochialism. Those in Australia would have said the Melbourne Cup was the pinnacle; in France, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. For the Brits, it would be the Derby, or for those across the Atlantic, their equivalent, the Kentucky Derby.

Now, it’s far from straightforward.

So what makes a great race? Is it prize money? Prestige?

History? World rating? Or is it something more intangible?

And if those factors make a great race, which is the greatest of them all?

It’s a polarising debate in which there are many different opinions. Here are just some of the perspectives from those in the industry.

PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE

2020 / 31 MMGC 20_Debate - DR.indd 31

2/12/19 10:21 am

“Australia has now, in our opinion, the most viable racing and breeding economy anywhere in the world. And this is due, in no small measure, to the wonderful prize money on offer here, which in turn leads to greater sales returns and a thriving breeding industry.”

Indeed, Magnier recognises that the pattern has struggled to adapt to the influx of new big-money races like The Everest, with their quality yet to be fully assessed by the Australian Pattern Committee.

TOM MAGNIER

THE BREEDER Few operations are caught between the allure of history and the importance of relevance like Coolmore Stud, as they aim to shape the next generation of champions.

Their Australian chief Tom Magnier – in racing parlance, a blueblood, as the eldest son of Coolmore supremo John Magnier and grandson of the legendary Irish trainer Vincent O’Brien – admits that some of the northern hemisphere’s great races come immediately to mind when considering the world’s premier events.

“Great prize money incentive races like the Magic Millions Classic and now The Everest have captured the racing public in an extraordinary way,” he says.

“They are races that owners and breeders now target and covet even over and above many traditional Group One contests because, in addition to their prize money, they, like the Golden Slipper, showcase the epitome of the Australian thoroughbred - the attributes of precocity and speed for which the Australian thoroughbred is renowned worldwide.

“This is why winning The Everest with Rubick’s son Yes Yes Yes was so exciting for us - up there with any race we’ve ever won anywhere in the world. It may not - yet - be a Group One race but we consider it, for the number and quality of Group One winners that Yes Yes Yes beat, in a realm of its own, almost ‘Super Group One’ class, if you like.”

However, Magnier – who has called Australia home since the turn of the century – has also been one of the best identifiers of talent as a new wave of breedshaping races have come to the fore down under.

“My family and I value primarily the races that ‘make stallions’ and so I’d have to nominate the leading sire-making races in this country,” Magnier says.

“Races like the Golden Slipper, which not only ‘made’ Danehill’s name here but also gave us Pierro and Vancouver; the Coolmore, which gave us our idea of Fastnet Rock’s true successor in Merchant Navy; and Australia’s traditional weight-for-age championship, the Cox Plate, which immortalised horses like So You Think and, of course, Winx, whom we raised at Coolmore. In this context, though, I’d have to mention The Everest as well.

Raphael notes that the recent addition of big-money races like The Everest and the Golden Eagle is not a new phenomenon, even if prize pools have reached an extraordinary high over the past couple of seasons.

“Restricted big-money events are not new at all, there have been plenty throughout history,” says Raphael. “It is just the level that they have reached in the past two years that is attracting all this attention.

They are a huge and relatively attractive target to aim at when buying horses. And, as we saw with this year’s Everest, when the best horses are in form and they clash, these races are elevated.

“In the end, quite simply, a great race has the best horses taking on one another to determine who is the best. The world’s greatest race is the event that attracts the best horses at the time of running. That can change year on year.”

“The Derby at Epsom has always been the one race that my family has traditionally valued above all others,” says the younger Magnier. “Described

by Tesio as the race on whose winning post the existence and development of the thoroughbred has depended, the Derby, after all, gave us Galileo, the greatest sire in the history of turf racing. The 2000 Guineas, too - both English and Irish - have always been races of the greatest importance to our family and provided the springboard for a stallion like Galileo’s own sire Sadler’s Wells, as well as sire-sons of Galileo like Frankel, Gleneagles and Churchill, the last-named a horse whom we consider an ideal prospect for Australian conditions.

“The American Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup races have similarly shaped the destiny of the American thoroughbred and are also hugely important to us, sources as those races are of sires like American Pharoah and his Coolmore barnmate Justify.”

CANDICE HARE

This sentiment is echoed by one of the rising stars of the international racing scene, Candice Hare, global racing analyst for American television network TVG.

DAVID RAPHAEL

THE MEDIA The victory of Yes Yes Yes in The Everest was also celebrated by David Raphael, the man who purchased his sire Rubick for $460,000 from the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Now more prolific as a bloodstock agent, Raphael first came to public prominence as a racecaller and television personality and few have covered both the Australian and international racing scenes to the same extent.

“I’m like a swinging voter when it comes to rating the world’s best race as the best clash, or the collection of in-form horses, is the key factor,” he says. “Weightfor-age more often seems to be the common factor that brings the best together, along with a pool of cash. I love to see the internationals clashing and I think this is the best promotion of any racing event.

“Great races are great when they have the ability to bring the very best horses against each other,” she says. “This is not necessarily G1s because to be frank, there are too many of these on the international calendar and, many times, the option to duck other competitors is there. We see that a lot here in the United States, there are so many opportunities for horses that we rarely see depth. When depth is there, the race is elevated. Take a race like The Everest, for example; though it doesn’t have black type, its ability to attract the world’s best sprinters clearly stamps it as a great race in my eyes.”

For Hare, the globalisation of horse racing has allowed for a greater understanding and appreciation of what is on offer across the world.

“Most Americans would, in the past, have leaned towards the Kentucky Derby as the world’s best race, not just because of where it’s located but because it’s the race we are most familiar with and the race for which we see the most coverage,” Hare says.

“However, we live in a time when it’s easier than ever to have access to global form and replays. For that reason, I think general opinion in these parts has swayed in the direction that I personally feel it should have been all along: to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

“Not only is it a race which has history and prestige on its side, but more importantly in my eyes, it has a history of being great, of bringing the world’s best horses together and of being the pinnacle in the careers of many of the best horses of all time.”

32 / WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST RACE MMGC 20_Debate - DR.indd 32

2/12/19 10:21 am

Raphael has also covered many of the world’s top races, especially from his time as the premier announcer for the short-lived Emirates World Series Racing Championship, held between 1999 and 2005.

“The Japan Cup is a favourite of mine, plus the Hong Kong events of course,” says Raphael, whose call of the 2000 Hong Kong Mile stretch drive between ‘the mare of the world’ Sunline and ‘the horse of Hong Kong’ Fairy King Prawn still receives plaudits to this day. “It’s been interesting to watch the development of The Everest and, in my opinion, it deserves no negative comment. It’s achieved the stated aims – the slot-holders essentially fund the race and it has achieved the field and attraction it deserves. Money is the key but the field put up each year has been terrific.

THE EPSOM DERBY

“In the northern hemisphere, the importance of Epsom’s Derby won’t be replaced – with almost 300 years of history behind it, it’s hard to top – but I am not convinced it is as relevant to the public as we inside the industry believe. Look at the Melbourne Cup - I still rate the Cup as the world’s best two-miler, too. It has the history, like the Derby, but in the modern era it continues to be a target race for trainers and owners around the world.”

“There’s no doubt that there are a multitude of factors that go into making a race great,” he says. “For us, being focused on producing stallions, there has to be a great mix of prestige, history and impact on the breed. With that in mind, the obvious choice to tick all of those boxes is the Golden Slipper, which has had an undeniable and longlasting impact upon the Australian thoroughbred.”

While Harron admits that it is the history of the Golden Slipper that stands out, he also argues that the lack of history should not discount a race like The Everest from being included in discussions. Harron was one of the race’s 12 inaugural slot-holders, with the contest’s first winner Redzel running in his slot.

“I am a firm believer that a race’s prestige and impact on the breed is very much driven by the historical standard of the race - simply put, racing the best and coming out on top,” he says. “With that in mind, I am also a great advocate of any new race that can attract a world-class field, as has certainly been the case with The Everest, and consequently, it is very much a race which should not be underestimated in conversations regarding greatness simply because of a less extensive history.

“If there is one thing that is certain it is that racing the best of the best tends to produce the best stallions!”

THE GOLDEN SLIPPER

THE BLOODSTOCK AGENT One of the most prominent faces of the Australian racing scene over the last decade has been James Harron, the Northern Irishman who has purchased and brokered deals for some of the top stallion prospects of the last 10 years.

Harron tasted success in the 2016 Magic Millions Classic with Capitalist, who became just the third horse to complete the Magic Millions-Golden Slipper double. (Capitalist is also set to have his first crop of yearlings head through the ring during the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.)

JAMES HARRON

For Harron, it is the Golden Slipper’s proven ability to shape the Australian breeding industry that earns his tick as the greatest race.

THE TRAINER Although trainer John Moore has made his name in one of the world’s toughest racing jurisdictions, Hong Kong, over a stellar 35-year career, his Australian pedigree continues to shine through to this day.

Son of George Moore, arguably Australia’s greatest ever rider who has a resume both at home and on the world stage that few can top, the younger Moore is the most prolific trainer in Hong Kong history. However, it is a race that still eludes his family which stands out as the world’s best.

“The greatest race for me would have to be the Melbourne Cup,” Moore says. “It’s the race that stops the whole of Australia and much of the world, too. It’s televised worldwide now and it’s become such a big event on the world stage, let alone the history that it has in Australia.

It’s the one race that my father never won and, even though I’ve never had a runner in the race, I hope to be able to source a runner or two in the future.

2020 / 33 MMGC 20_Debate - DR.indd 33

2/12/19 10:21 am

“Beyond that, you look at races like the English Derby, which is seen as the historically prestigious race of them all. The Kentucky Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe would be on the next rung for me, but I’m very much in the corner of the Melbourne Cup.” The one thing that Moore’s top four races have in common is that they all have long histories, with the Derby first run in 1780, the Melbourne Cup in 1861, the Kentucky Derby in 1875 and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1920. They are also all recognised for their social impact beyond the race itself, which the 69-year-old admits is a crucial factor.

“For me, the history and the prestige outweighs the money with the truly great races,” he says. “Races like the Melbourne Cup automatically come to mind when you think about that elite tier. They just hold that prestige that sets them apart from other races; they could be worth very little, but they are the races you want to win.”

JOHN MOORE

THE EVEREST

THE JOCKEY At the other end of the career spectrum is Irish hoop Oisin Murphy, although he is another who has long held dreams of glory.

It seems only yesterday that Murphy spent his northern winter in Australia as a wide-eyed 18-yearold apprentice. That summer, a mere six years ago, Murphy rode 13 winners, including the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington aboard the Nigel Blackiston-trained Outback Joe, a son of the mighty Let’s Elope.

Now, Murphy is Europe’s tour de force, winning his first British champion jockey title in 2019 and adding races like the Japan Cup, the Dubai Turf, the Irish Champion Stakes and the Eclipse Stakes to his haul of 15 Group 1 wins. He has also returned to Australian shores for a runner-up finish to Magic Millions graduate Winx in her fourth and final Cox Plate victory, placing aboard Benbatl in 2018.

For the lad from Killarney, though, all roads lead to Epsom and to Longchamp.

“Personally, I feel that the Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are the most important races in the world,” he says. “I can’t split them either; to me, they hold equal significance. They define the best horses and create stallions, shaping the breed for the future.

Both have captured me since I was a child.

OISIN MURPHY

“What stands out about both races for me is the prestige. There is only one Derby. There is only one Arc. There may be similar races elsewhere, but they are all aiming to replicate the original. For us in the UK and Ireland, all we dream about winning is the Derby and the Arc.”

features essentially define a great race. The lens may be different for each person depending on personal circumstances – like Magnier’s stallion focus or Moore’s family history – but in the end, the focus is the same.

It does seem that the attraction of history and prestige continues to win out over simply a big prize pool. However, prize money as an incentive is merely the first step towards attracting the best horses.

From there, a narrative is built that elevates a race into the prestigious category, from which history naturally follows with the passing of time. These four

So what is the world’s greatest race? Throughout these conversations, many of the same races kept popping up – the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Derby, the Melbourne Cup, the Kentucky Derby, the Golden Slipper and The Everest all received more than one mention. Which comes out on top? That’s a debate that is set to continue in the years to come.

34 / WHAT IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST RACE MMGC 20_Debate - DR.indd 34

2/12/19 10:21 am

SPELLING & AGISTMENT

'

KITCHWIN HILLS CONGRATS 330x245_26/11/19

Introducing QTISx. More x-cellent reasons to breed, own and race in Queensland.

Breeding Queensland, Racing Queensland just got even more rewarding, thanks to NEW QTISx bonuses.

Beginning 1 September 2019, QTIS registered winners of Group 1, Black Type and selected Feature Races will take home an additional QTISx bonus.

But that’s not all!

Owners can decide to take their QTISx bonus as cash OR choose a sales voucher to DOUBLE THE BONUS VALUE, redeemable on the purchase of a QTIS yearling at specified Queensland sales such as the Magic Millions and Capricornia Yearling Sales.

And with more new QTIS features such as: • 3YO QTIS Jewel prizemoney increased to $300K • Introduction of 4YO Bonuses to selected Saturday SEQ Metro Races • New $100K QTIS Northern Jewel More than ever, it pays to own, breed and race in Queensland!

For more information visit racingqueensland.com.au/qtis

NEW QTISx BONUSES QTISx Bonus Races

QTISx Bonus

QTISx Sales Voucher

Breeders Bonus

Group 1 (Winner Only)

$50,000

$100,000

$10,000

Black Type (Winner Only)

$10,000

$20,000

$5,000

Selected Feature Race (Winner Only)

$10,000

$20,000

$5,000

THE GOLD COAST

where everyone can play

BY JO MCKINNON

Prime Thoroughbreds’ Joe O’Neill vividly remembers the first horse he bought at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale back in 1998.

He paid just $20,000 for a colt by Snaadee which went on to race by the quirky name of Doodle Dandy and win seven races for his syndicate of owners.

The success of that horse heralded the beginning of a long and extraordinary run of luck for Prime Thoroughbreds at Magic Millions auctions and feature race meetings around Australia.

“We have had eight Magic Millions winners that collectively cost $424,500.

“They have won 35 races and $3,881,891 stakes money to date,” said Joe. 2017 Magic Millions Guineas winner Flying Jess, Adelaide Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Zizzis and 2010 Magic Millions Stayers Cup winner Hidden Wonder were all purchased from the Gold Coast sale in January.

Flying Jess cost just $65,000, Hidden Wonder $55,000 and Zizzis was the most expensive of them at $120,000.

With results like this to back him up, it’s no surprise that Joe is a genuine advocate of buying at the Gold Coast sale.

“Precocious type horses are sold through that sale and the Magic Millions bloodstock team are at farms looking at them four times through the year.

“So, 3-4,000 horses are nominated for that sale and come down to a final 1065.

They cut a lot out and that gives buyers confidence knowing that Magic Millions has done its homework.”

He also enjoys the unique vibe of the Gold Coast sale.

“They create a great environment for the buyers and vendors. They make people welcome.

“It’s an exciting sale and a lot of improvements have been made to the complex. People feel like they are dealing with a very professional company.

They create a great environment for the buyers and vendors.

They make people welcome

Joe O’Neill & John Moloney

FLYING JESS Cost: $65,000 Earnings: $1,421,680

38 / THE GOLD COAST - WHERE EVERYONE CAN PLAY 2020 - The Gold Coast - DR.indd 38

2/12/19 10:06 am

An ecstatic Bjorn Baker following Unencumbered’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic win

Bjorn Baker

UNENCUMBERED Cost: $70,000 Earnings: $1,908,850

You can buy horses that will not only get to the races but win races,” he said.

On average Joe syndicates up to 15 horses each year and says he sticks to a tried and well tested formula when it comes to buying yearlings for Prime Thoroughbreds clients.

“I am very particular about buying horses that have got good conformation and we have a strong selection process that involves our vets that check the x-rays.

“We dot the i’s and cross the t’s and do due diligence with the bloodstock.”

Joe is hoping to again be well represented by runners at the Magic Millions race days on the Gold Coast in 2020.

And so too is top Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker, who, like Joe, has had a great deal of success with his purchases out of the January sale.

“I bought three horses at my first Magic Millions on the Gold Coast and one of those that I paid $70,000 for was Unencumbered,” said Bjorn.

A bargain-buy, Unencumbered won the 2013 Magic Millions Wyong Classic and the following year went on to also win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast.

He later went on to stand four seasons at Three Bridges in Victoria before a freak accident took his life.

Without doubt, the success of Unencumbered on the racetrack set the ball rolling for Bjorn as far as buying at Magic Millions sales goes and he now returns the sales ring with gusto each January.

“I think it’s the most luck I have had from a sale and it’s a great time of the year and a lot of people take interest because they are on holidays.

“It’s an easy sell for me because I have had luck there. Buying horses there I am able to sell them,” he said.

For good reason, he enjoys targeting his team for the Magic Millions Raceday in January.

“I have had more success there and rather than go to Melbourne I would much rather go there.

“It’s a proven formula of success for me and way of getting horses sold and horses in the stable. I love getting up there, it’s an extremely important part of the year.”

I think it’s the most luck I have had from a sale and it’s a great time of the year and a lot of people take interest because they are on holidays One of the great Carnival performers for Bjorn has been Redouble. The $200,000 buy has earned over $1 million across his career including a win in the 2019 Magic Millions Cup over 1400m.

Another major Magic Millions success story for Bjorn was a horse he picked up from the Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling sale which was the multiple Group winning sprinter Winning Rupert. He paid only $67,500 for the son of Written Tycoon.

And he’s now looking forward to Winning Rupert’s first crop of yearlings hitting the sales ring in January.

“The word is promising on them and a lot are built in his mould and look fast. They look racy and like they are going to get up and run.

“Invariably I will get a few in the stable which will be exciting for me and also my staff and team at home as it’s the next generation coming through.”

2020 / 39 2020 - The Gold Coast - DR.indd 39

2/12/19 10:06 am

40 / FRANKIE STORY TITLE GOES TO GOLD COAST MMGC 20_Frankie Dettori - DR.indd 40

2/12/19 10:22 am

FRANKIE Goes to GOLD COAST JO MCKINNON

Lanfranco “Frankie” Dettori (MBE) is the most famous jockey on the planet.

With his colourful antics and trademark star jump dismount from major race winners, the Italian has been capturing the attention of the racing world for decades.

Though he might be nearing the age of 50 and in the twilight of his career, he is riding in the best form of his life and his remarkable association with champion mare Enable has pushed his profile to even greater heights.

With a total of more than 500 Group race wins to his name, Frankie has ticked off almost everything there is on the to-do list as an elite jockey, except for one thing. He’s never won a major race in Australia, despite many years spent trying.

Since 1993 he’s been venturing down under to compete in the country’s greatest staying race, the Melbourne Cup. “Back then it was like being the first man on the moon but now nobody thinks twice about coming to Australia to ride,” said Frankie.

After 17 attempts, the Cup still eludes the champion rider.

In the most recent edition of the race that stops the nation, he went agonisingly close to finally breaking through on Master of Reality. In a tight finish, the pair was second across the line but later relegated to fourth placing after a protest was upheld.

“Relatives are forever asking me when I am going to win the Melbourne Cup and I say it’s not through a lack of trying,” he laughed.

Now Frankie is trying his luck further north on the East Coast of Australia and will aim to win a race at The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions $10.25 million Raceday on January 11.

In what is a major coup for the event, the riding legend took up an invitation from Magic Millions organisers to ride at the meeting and join in the festivities of one of the greatest sales and race weeks in the world.

Frankie’s no stranger to the Gold Coast having previously travelled there for holidays with his wife Catherine and five children.

“I’m looking forward to it. It will be different this time because I am racing and all my Australian jockey friends are going to be there.

2020 /41 MMGC 20_Frankie Dettori - DR.indd 41

2/12/19 10:22 am

DEFLATED DETTORI: FRANKIE WAS UNABLE TO HIDE HIS FRUSTRATION AFTER GOING AGONISINGLY CLOSE TO WINNING THE 2019 MELBOURNE CUP

“I’M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO MY GAME OF POLO WITH HUGH BOWMAN. I CAN DO THE RIDING BIT BUT I DON’T KNOW ABOUT HITTING THE BALL!”

“I get to kill two birds with one stone and have a nice holiday and ride.”

In January each year, Frankie usually takes a break from his hectic schedule of racing commitments but didn’t hesitate to take up this unique opportunity.

“I think if you love something it’s easy to accept it.

I love travelling and riding in races and that’s what keeps me young.

“I’m always chasing the new experiences and this came at a perfect time for me.”

He’s hot property at the moment and making the most of being in such high demand.

Straight after his Melbourne Cup mission, he travelled to Japan to ride and then on to Hong Kong for the international meeting before heading home for Christmas.

2019 is his best year yet in the saddle with an incredible haul of major races including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Gold Cup at Ascot, Goodwood Cup at Goodwood and Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

“I’m very lucky because I work for a great trainer (John Gosden) and I pick and choose my races.

“I don’t ride as many as I used to and travel the world and ride good horses. What more do you want?” he said.

He’s hoping to bring that top riding form to the Gold Coast, and, should he breakthrough in one of the feature races, has hinted at some bold post-race antics that will be sure to thrill the huge crowd and television viewing audience.

“You never know, I might even do a somersault if I win a race,” he joked.

“It’s a pretty intense few months and it sounds hectic but its lots of fun seeing different places and people a nd facing different challenges.

Away from the racetrack, Frankie will play a big part in the Magic Millions festivities including the famed morning gallops along the beachfront and the polo.

“I decided to carry on through. At the moment everybody wants me so I am going along with it. I know that I’m coming towards the end and I try to enjoy it as much as I can while I can,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to my game of polo with Hugh Bowman. I can do the riding bit but I don’t know about hitting the ball.”

Whilst he very openly acknowledges being at the backend of his career, the thought of hanging the silks up is the furthest thing from his mind.

“I have no intention of retiring at the moment because things are going good. As long as I perform to the best of my ability and win the big races, I’m happy.”

And he also plans to go for a wander around at the Magic Millions yearling sales during what will be a busy week.

“I’m not a buyer I just do the riding but I will pop in. I know most of the people there and there will be a lot of people from Europe who will be there so it will be good to catch up,” he said.

42 / FRANKIE GOES TO GOLD COAST MMGC 20_Frankie Dettori - DR.indd 42

2/12/19 10:22 am

60 races worth $1 million or more.

Australia has

That’s nearly triple the amount from 2013.

The possibilities are endless.

That’s why it

pays to breed, buy, and race in Australia.

THE LAND OF

OPPORTUNITY Aushorse.com.au

A to Z TARA MADGWICK

The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale is about far more than horses and people, it’s about making memories to last a lifetime and magic moments to stand the test of time.

American Pharoah (USA) took the racing world by storm when marching to a memorable Triple Crown victory in 2015 and was subsequently retired to Coolmore Stud amid much fanfare. Champion racehorses don’t always make champion sires, but with over 20 first crop winners, many of them on turf, including four stakes-winners, this racetrack legend is well on his way to stud success with his first Australian yearlings set to be an international drawcard at the Gold Coast this year.

Baramul Stud is usually one of the biggest vendors at the Magic Millions, showcasing horses bred by Magic Millions owner Gerry Harvey. While he has kept the likes of star filly Libertini and sold VRC Oaks winner Miami Bound through his Westbury Stud draft in New Zealand, his Baramul draft at the Gold Coast regularly produces stars including last season’s Group I winning juvenile Prince Fawaz, snapped up by Anthony Cummings for $220,000.

Capitalist was the game changing horse for Irish born Sydney bloodstock agent James Harron, who bought the son of Written Tycoon for $165,000 at the Gold Coast in 2015. Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Capitalist won the Breeders Plate, the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and then the Golden Slipper to be crowned Champion 2YO. Every bloodstock agent wants to buy a Capitalist and in 2020 there will be abundant baby Capitalists to choose from with his first crop of yearlings set to light up the ring.

Darby Racing have a knack for finding a top class filly and have enjoyed Group I success in recent years with She Will Reign and Yankee Rose with their latest pin-up girl sourced from the Magic Millions in 2019. The Mark Newnham trained Every Rose won the Group III Gimcrack Stakes on debut for her big group of all lady owners making her $160,000 purchase price look like money very well spent.

Expect to see the girls trackside at the Gold Coast in January!

44 // ASTORY 44 to Z TITLE 2020 - AtoZ - DR.indd 44

2/12/19 9:57 am

2020 / 45 2020 - AtoZ - DR.indd 45

2/12/19 9:57 am

A to Z

Exhilarates by name and by nature.

Former Magic Millions boss Vin Cox took over as Managing Director of Darley in 2018 and the first thing he did was go shopping at Magic Millions with Godolphin signing for eight yearlings including a $600,000 filly by Snitzel from Samaready. Prepared

by James Cummings, Exhilarates returned to the Gold Coast for the 2019 Magic Millions 2YO Classic and duly saluted as favourite, now that’s a magic moment!

to be thinking two year-old winner right? Wrong, at least not with the Star Thoroughbreds MM purchase Invincibella. She failed to win at two, before improving at three to win two city races, but at four and five hit her straps to win multiple Group races including the G1 Tatts Tiara as well as winning the $1million Magic Millions Fillies and Mares, not once, but twice.

Fired up is what you need to be when you arrive at the Gold Coast to keep up with yearling inspections, social gatherings, a dazzling race day and of course the auction itself, this is not a place for the faint hearted. A good constitution and a good attitude go a long way, much like the horses who excel.

Money is what you will need to buy a horse here, but if it’s the right one you will be getting back a lot more than just money. You will get new friends, stories to tell and memories to make. Even if it’s the wrong one, you will still get new friends, stories to tell and memories to make!

Gelding is something you never want to do to a Snitzel colt, but hasn’t it worked wonders for Redzel! A $120,000 Gold Coast purchase for Triple Crown Syndications, Redzel captured the first two runnings of the world’s richest turf race, The Everest, and he has banked over $16million for his owners, that’s more than double the prizemoney won by Black Caviar!

Newgate Farm will launch four first season sires at the Gold Coast in Capitalist, Extreme Choice, Flying Artie and Winning Rupert… there will be plenty of speculation on which will ultimately be the best sire, so if you have to pick just one, who would you take?

Happy is Highgrove Stud’s Ron Gilbert, who sold a cracking More Than Ready (USA) colt in 2019 that made $340,000 when knocked down to Aquis Farm. Ron decided to retain an interest in Global Quest, who scored a brilliant debut win in the Group III Breeders Plate for champion trainer Chris Waller.

One big race Chris Waller is yet to win is the Golden Slipper….

Could Global Quest be the game changer?

With $2.4million in earnings, Invincibella is the gift that keeps on giving.

Juggling act is what the big bloodstock agents and trainers need to do to keep all of their clients feeling a little bit special.

Kitchwin Hills, that’s a brand – KWH – that you want to keep your eye on, as it’s stamped on the side of Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare, Everest winner Yes Yes Yes and $5.6 million earner Pierata.

Losing is what you need to do a lot of in order to appreciate winning.

Owners are the most important and often the most ignored people involved in racing. You will read plenty about trainers and jockeys, but comparatively little about owners and yet they are the ones paying the bills and taking all the financial risk of purchasing expensive young thoroughbreds that may or may not run. If you see an owner, ask them about their horses, this sport is an addictive passion that can all too easily become a lifestyle.

Pierata has changed the life of his co-owner and trainer Greg Hickman, who bought the son of Pierro

for $160,000 in 2016. A promising two year-old, then a high class three year-old and finally a Group I winning four year-old, Pierata has raced on this season to further success and won $5.6 million, attracting a stud deal with Aquis adding further cash to the kitty. No more mortgage for Mr Hickman!

Question, how many sires are represented at the Gold Coast in 2020? There are yearlings by 97 different stallions catalogued, with a record 29 first season sires among them.

Redoute’s Choice lays claim to being the greatest Australian bred sire in history and his passing earlier this year at Arrowfield Stud means there are very few opportunities left to secure his stock. His current yearling crop numbers just 40 and nine of them are to be offered at the Gold Coast.

Sunlight, all I can say is I’m glad she’s not a colt!

She’s fast, she’s brave and she’s won 11 of 21 starts with seven minor placings earning $6.5 million.

Winx might be the Magic Millions flagbearer, but gee Sunlight’s got something. Drawn wide in the inaugural $7.5million Golden Eagle (1500m), Sunlight led for home in her first attempt at a race longer than 1200m only to be beaten a long neck on the line by Kolding.

A colt with her record would have been serving mares this spring, but we have had the pleasure of seeing more of Sunlight on the track and hopefully this triple Group I winner has a few more racing seasons left in her before the broodmare paddock beckons.

Timing is everything and vendors love to be selling horses by sires in hot form, but from a buyer’s perspective value is often found in the good type by a stallion that has hit a flat spot. All the more reason to come to this sale with an open mind and a willingness to see the horse and not just the pedigree.

Update… a pedigree update is what every vendor likes to see before a yearling sale and Widden Stud got a big one when quality stayer Vow and Declare scored a tenacious victory for the Aussies in the

Invincibella bucks the trend.

When you buy an I Am Invincible you are entitled

46 STORY 46 // A to Z TITLE 2020 - AtoZ - DR.indd 46

2/12/19 9:57 am

Melbourne Cup. They will offer Lot 329 at the 2020 sale, a half-sister by Star Witness to the 2019 cup hero from terrific producer Geblitzt.

$230,000. Winx was not the first champion bought at the Gold Coast and she won’t be the last. The trick is to find the next Winx this January.

It could be coincidence or it might be a good omen, as Winx was offered as Lot 329 at MM 2013!

X- factor is what the sale topper will have, a unique mix of good looks, pedigree and sex appeal.

Vancouver caught the eye of Gai Waterhouse and James Harron back in 2014 and after securing the Medaglia d’Oro (USA) colt for $185,000, he quickly vindicated their judgement by winning the Golden Slipper. Retired to Coolmore, his oldest progeny are two year-olds this season and vendors selling them at the Gold Coast in January will be cheering their progress.

Yes Yes Yes is the first three year-old to win The Everest and in beating the best older sprinters in the country clocked 1:07.32 seconds setting a new track record at Randwick for 1200m. Bought for $200,000 at the Gold Coast, he’s now won over $7million and his best looks likely to be still ahead of him. A fine advertisement for his young Coolmore based sire Rubick!

Winx won 37 of 43 starts earning over $26million in prizemoney and was bought out of this sale ring for

Kitchwin Hills will offer his half-brother by Sebring as Lot 775.

Zoustar is now one of the hottest sires in the country and has his origins at the Magic Millions.

Bought for $140,000 in 2012, he went on to become the Champion 3YO Sprinter of his generation and his first crop of foals born at Widden Stud included glamour filly Sunlight, who came out and won the 2018 Magic Millions 2YO Classic giving him an instant passport to be Champion First Season Sire.

Now shuttling to Tweenhills Stud in the UK, Zoustar is looking to achieve dual hemisphere stud success in the vein of champion Aussie sires such as Exceed and Excel, Fastnet Rock and Choisir.

2019 2020 / 47 2020 - AtoZ - DR.indd 47

2/12/19 9:57 am

Only 3 stallions featured in BOTH the Top 10 Australian Sires for 2yo AND 3yo winners in the 2018-19 season

SPIRIT OF BOOM I AM INVINCIBLE & SNITZEL www.eurekastud.com.au

Equine International Airfreight is a proud and preferred partner of Magic Millions Sales Company. Contact our airfreight division on

Phone: +61 2 8817 0300 or +61 417 293 747 Email: admin@eiaf.com.au • www.eiaf.com.au

CAPITALIST.

50 / FULL CIRCLE MMGC 20_Capitalist - DR.indd 50

2/12/19 10:20 am

FULL CIRCLE JOHN HUTCHINSON

The Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale has always punched above its weight.

Year in, year out the company’s flagship sale has continued to serve up so many firsts, on so many fronts, dating back to the original sale in 1986 and 12 months later when the winner of the first running of the two year old race was the legendary Snippets.

All the way through to a more recent innovation, the Racing Women’s Bonus, an instant success from day one, which was made worldwide famous through the deeds of the brilliant mares Global Glamour and Sunlight. In 2020, that program enters a new era to include the Magic Millions Three Year Old Guineas as well as extending to the company’s races in Tasmania and Western Australia.

Like Topsy, the original Magic Millions concept has grown and grown to the extent that the Carnival is not just about the sale or the horseracing anymore, but instead a not-to-be-missed fortnight-long event. The Polo and the spectacular barrier draw on the beach, for example, simply add to the glitz.

But, back to the horses.

Being the first yearling sale of the year brings with it another significant angle for we die-hards, as the industry as one focusses on the sale-ring performance of the many well-credentialled first season sires taking guard in January. Make no mistake, the young pretenders do not get a head start but rather square off against many of the best progeny of the best stallions in the land and a strong showing in the ring will inevitably lead to support from breeders leading into the stallion’s fourth season at stud. Vendors may be on edge marketing their drafts, but always with one eye ahead to the following breeding season. It is the name of the game.

The list of first season sires to be represented at the Gold Coast in January compares more than favourably with any in recent years. At the helm is the superstar American Pharoah, the first US Triple Crown winner to have stood at stud Down Under. With his initial NH-bred crop showing exceptional promise and with his yearling daughter from the outstanding broodmare Leslie’s Lady selling for an astonishing $8.2m at Keeneland in September, it is fair to say that local and international interest in his initial Gold Coast offering will be sky high. Just seeing American Pharoah in the flesh has been good enough for me. Equine perfection.

But I reckon for many, and the good folk at Magic Millions especially, the progeny of one freshman sire will surely be a highlight. As we know, the young Newgate Farm stallion, Capitalist, holds a special place in the company’s history as the undisputed champion of his two year old year. And while he was not the first horse to win the Magic Millions Two Year Old Classic - Golden Slipper double (the geldings Dance Hero in 2004 and Phelan Ready five years later also won both events) Capitalist is the only colt to have done so to date and with that comes expectations of the highest order ahead of the 2020 sale. Factor in his brilliant three length victory in the Breeders’ Plate, (a race also on the CV of other Magic Millions stars such as Snitzel, Sebring, Pierro and Vancouver) and Capitalist’s treble in those all-important races is unique. Many a Magic Millions legend has won one or two of those events but never all three, bar Capitalist.

2019 / 51 MMGC 20_Capitalist - DR.indd 51

2/12/19 10:20 am

Capitalist was a most fitting triumph for his breeder Jan Clark of Daandine Stud, having also bred his sire Written Tycoon, a $50,000 purchase by Grahame Begg at the 2004 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

When, by chance, Written Tycoon stood his one and only season at stud in Queensland at nearby Eliza Park at a service fee of just $14,000 in 2012, it was a straightforward decision by Jan Clark to send her wellrelated mare Kitalpha to the horse whose successful career on the track and early days at stud she had no doubt followed, enjoyed and, understandably, in which had taken maybe just a little humble pride. As one does in one’s own.

But business is business. Fast forward to the 2015 sale where we see the wisdom of that mating bear its first fruit. When Daandine’s Lot 361 was knocked down to the bid of James Harron for $165,000, the bottom-line financial result for Daandine was about 12 times the service fee and exactly double the $82,500 paid by Clark for Kitalpha on the advice of agent Craig Rounsefell’s Boomer Bloodstock at the 2012 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. It should be noted that the Northern Meteor foal Kitalpha was carrying at the time realised $310,000 at the same venue a year before. As they say, win-win.

They also say that fortune favours the brave and in 2015 James Harron with the backing of a powerful syndicate focussing on potential stallion prospects made the bold decision to outlay over $8m on stock during the sales season, but it was at the Magic Millions where the group struck gold and the chestnut Capitalist was the mother lode. Signing for 17 lots at a total of just under $4.5m, the combination of James Harron Bloodstock and Snowden Racing were the sale’s second leading buyer by aggregate, while it is interesting to note that Capitalist was one of their least expensive buys, selling for $2,000 under the sale average of $167,000 for Book 1.

“A beautiful specimen – mature for his age and looking very precocious” was James Harron’s description of Capitalist as a yearling.

The Written Tycoon colt’s four wins from five starts with a record $3.5m in the bank saw him crowned the Champion Two Year Old of the 2015-16 season.

What stands out from his race record at two is not only the clear-cut margin in each of those victories – the Breeders’ Plate, the Wyong Magic Millions Classic, the Magic Millions Two Year Old Classic at the Gold Coast and of course, the Golden Slipper – but also the quality of opposition he faced in that vintage crop, which included Astern, Extreme Choice, Flying Artie and Star Turn, all of which too will have their exciting first crop on offer in January.

52 / FULL CIRCLE MMGC 20_Capitalist - DR.indd 52

2/12/19 10:20 am

“Capitalist was the best two year old I’ve ever ridden… like driving a Rolls-Royce”.

Any stud would welcome a Golden Slipper winner to its stallion roster, but for the fledgling Newgate Farm, who had been involved in the ownership since his purchase as a yearling, the news that Capitalist would retire to the Aberdeen property was a crowning moment. Never ones to sit back when an opportunity presents itself, the stallion syndicate then set about supporting their young blade to the hilt. Stellar broodmares from their existing bands were complemented by the acquisition of a considerable number of others, both here and overseas, specifically for Capitalist’s first season at stud, the result being that the farm will showcase a select draft of 14 lots by their resident stallion at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Newgate’s General Manager, Bruce Slade, points out:

Capitalist is the only colt to have won the Magic Millions Two Year Old Classic – Golden Slipper double.

What is perhaps not so obvious are his pedigree links to those two great juvenile races.

We start with Written Tycoon, who won the traditional lead-up, the Todman Stakes (ironically the one race Capitalist did not win at two) before contesting the 2007 Golden Slipper, and whose own sire Iglesia ran fourth in the 1998 Golden Slipper before setting a now long-standing course record down the famous Flemington Straight Six. Capitalist’s grand-dam was the stakes-winning Danehill filly, Compulsion, a sister to the 1996 Golden Slipper winner Merlene and a daughter of the brilliant Bold Promise, a dual Magic Millions winner back in 1991.

Three of the greatest Golden Slipper winners, Vain, Luskin Star and Marscay feature in Capitalist’s fourth remove and we can even trace the link back to his sixth dam, Regal Peace who contested the race in 1962 before winning the Thousand Guineas in her classic year.

For the Snowden yard, Capitalist was the dux of the class from the get-go. As Peter Snowden said: “Capitalist was just the perfect two year old, blessed with a huge amount of precocity and ability”, with regular jockey, Blake Shinn, adding, “Capitalist was the best two year old I’ve ever ridden… like driving a Rolls-Royce”.

Quotes which have become banner headlines in the marketing of the horse ever since.

“Twelve of the 14 are either from stakes-winners or are half-relations to stakes-winners. As a group, they are very much in Capitalist’s mould, being medium size, powerfully built and precocious looking”.

Newgate’s faith in the champion colt was matched by breeders across the board. The stallion covered an initial book of 229 mares – the most of any stallion in 2017 - with some 50 of his yearlings having been accepted for the January sale.

James Dawson from Magic Millions has been an unabashed fan of Capitalist since early on-farm inspections of the colt at Daandine five years ago.

Moreover, he and the team have inspected each of the yearlings to be offered by the company in the New Year.

His thoughts on the Capitalist yearlings echo Bruce Slade’s comments: “On type his yearlings have been rated highly by our team in the field. Phrases which kept appearing on our notes are ‘shape’ and ‘athletic’ and ‘strength through the hindquarters and topline’. They move well, have good temperaments and look like turn-key racehorses”.

Class with a Capital(ist) C. Or as David Chester puts it so well, ‘real Magic Millions types’.

By this time next year, Capitalist will have had his first runners, with many aiming at the 2021 Magic Millions Two Year Old Classic and beyond in the hoofprints of their famous sire.

Magically, events have come full circle.

2019 / 53 MMGC 20_Capitalist - DR.indd 53

2/12/19 10:20 am

Barrier Draw 2019

BEACH DAYS Magic Millions style from the spectacular Gold Coast

54 / BARRIER DRAW 2019 MMGC 20_ Barrier Draw - DR.indd 54

2/12/19 10:08 am

2020 / 55 MMGC 20_ Barrier Draw - DR.indd 55

2/12/19 10:08 am

56 / BARRIER DRAW 2019 MMGC 20_ Barrier Draw - DR.indd 56

2/12/19 10:08 am

2020 / 57 MMGC 20_ Barrier Draw - DR.indd 57

2/12/19 10:08 am

Look for the Super VOBIS logo and share in the rewards

Nominated horses can race for up to $13 million worth of Super VOBIS bonuses in over 840 races each season across Victoria.

In addition to this, Super VOBIS nominated horses are eligible to be nominated for VOBIS Gold and race in the exclusive VOBIS Gold Premier Race Series worth $4.65 million.

To find further information visit: racingvictoria.com.au/super-vobis

SELECTED YOUR YEARLING ON PEDIGREE. Now select your insurance on trust.

VISIT US IN THE SALES DAY OFFICE, TICK ‘YES’ TO INSURANCE ON PURCHASE OR CALL SARA RYMAN ON 0417 277 464. magicmillionsinsurance.com (02) 8913 1650 Magic Millions Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd A Subsidiary Company of HQ Insurance Pty Ltd | ASF Licence 235666 | ABN 12 107 459 290 | AFS Licence 305391

Sale Day Faces JOHN FOOTE

DEAN HAWTHORNE

ROB & GAI WATERHOUSE & JON KELLY

JOHN KELLY

BASIL, JAMES & BASIL NOLAN SNR

HERMIONE FITZGERALD, LOUIS LE METAYER & TONY WILLIAMS

SCOTT MCALPINE

TERESA POON & DAVID KOBRITZ

PATRICK TAN

CHRIS PEARCE & JUSTIN BAHEN

PATRICK, MICHELE & HAMISH ESPLIN

DAN MORTON & SUE OLIVE

HARRY MCALPINE

KEN KEYS

AARON BOTT & BRAD SPICER

TOM MAGNIER, ZARA & MIKE TINDALL, GEORGE HILLS & ELAINE LAWLOR

TOBY FRAZER

BRIAN NUTT, KURT GOLDMAN & BRENT ATWELL

RICKY YIU, STEVE GILLARD & BJORN BAKER

TONY GOLLAN

JASON WARREN

GERALD RYAN & PETER CAMPBELL

SUE STOREY & TREVOR LUKE

LUCA CUMANI

SAM LYONS, RICHARD & DAVID JOLLY

60 / SALE DAY FACES Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 60

2/12/19 9:59 am

Leading Buyers MMGC 2019 JOHN GOSDEN & JAMES CUMMINGS

GED NOLAN

JOHN SARGENT

DANEY XU

COLIN & JANICE MCKENNA

JULIAN BLAXLAND

ANTHONY CUMMINGS & RICHARD KELLY

AQUIS FARMS PTY LTD & PARTNERS BOUGHT 33 AVERAGE: $450,303 GROSS: $14,860,000 ALEXIA FRASER

STEVE & CERI JOSTLEAR

COLM SANTRY & MICHAEL KIRWAN

DAVID SELDON, PETER LISTON & JAMES CLARKE

JAMES KENNEDY & MONTY ROBERTS

FRANK & CHRISTINE COOK

RYAN BALFOUR

VINCENT LI & PATRICK LEE

LUKE MCDONALD, KATELYN MALLYON & ROB ARCHIBALD

JAMIE WALTER & STEVE O’DEA

MICHAEL KENT JR

OLLY TAIT & DUNCAN GRIMLEY

DERMOT FARRINGTON & SHANE MCGRATH

ROBERT CRABTREE

GARY KENNEWELL

2020 / 61 Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 61

2/12/19 9:59 am

Sale Day Faces

ALASTAIR PULFORD, STUART DOUGHTY, ADAM BRAYSHAW

AMY FENG, TOBY LI, ALEX TENG & HUANG QINGCAI

LOUIS MIHALYKA & IAN MATHIESON

JO GRIFFIN

KRIS LEES & PHILLIP POLLICINA

CHRIS MEAGHER & BRIAN DEAN

ROBERT HEATHCOTE

DENISE MARTIN

LLOYD KENNEWELL & MATT BECKER

GARY & JAMES MOORE

BENNO YUNG

CHANTELLE SEWGOOLAM, MATT CUMANI & SHAYNE SEWGOOLAM

PETER MOODY & WYLIE DALZIEL

PETA TILDEN

APOLLO NG

JEFF SIMPSON, ALLAN ENDRESZ & ROBYN SIMPSON

ROGER BLUNT & JOANNE BOURKE

DARREN TREWERN

MIKE FLEMING & HARRY MITCHELL

CLARRY CONNERS

PERRY SAMBOR & LUKE WILKINSON

GEOFF QUINLAN & MARY COLLIER

PETER WATSON, GRAHAM & LINDA HUDDY, AUSTIN MILLER & CHRIS WATSON

JENNIFER & ALAN ACTON

62 / SALE DAY FACES Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 62

2/12/19 9:59 am

Leading Buyers JASON TAM

LIZ DANCE & PETER FORD & DARREN DANCE

LORNA & HARRY SEWGOOLAM

DAVID BAXTER

BARBARA BANKE, BARRY BOWDITCH, JOHN MOYNIHAN & HALINA FEDCHANKA

LAURENCE & LINDA MONDS

RON QUINTON

BRUCE MATHIESON

DAVID LUI & CHI YEUNG

LUKE & DAVID HENDERSON

GAI WATERHOUSE & ADRIAN BOTT RACING BOUGHT: 24 AVERAGE: $276,667 GROSS: $6,640,000

GRAHAM DAWS

ED MCKEON & DEAN HARVEY

ROYSTON & CATRIONA MURPHY

GERRY HARVEY & MIKE TINDALL

JOHN LEAVER & JOHN MESSARA

WALLER RACING/ MULCASTER BLOODSTOCK BOUGHT: 13 AVERAGE: $430,385 GROSS: $5,595,000

WAYNE, JOHN & MICHAEL HAWKES

CHINA HORSE CLUB/NEWGATE BLOODSTOCK BOUGHT: 12 AVERAGE: $443,333 GROSS: $5,320,000 SU ANN KHAW

JARRED ROURKE & ADAM ROURKE

MICK PRICE

MICHAEL SISSIAN

2020 / 63 Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 63

2/12/19 10:00 am

Sale Day Faces

ROHAN HUGHES, GRAHAME BEGG & ANDY DUGUID

MICHAEL MORAN

SUSIE MONTAGUE & MICHELLE PAYNE

DEMI O’BYRNE & MV MAGNIER

SHANE ANDERSON & SIMON O’DONNELL

WALTER, KATHY & ROBERT ALTERI

NEALE BRUCE

WILLIE LEUNG & MICHAEL CHANG

FRANCESCA CUMANI & KELLY PRICE

SAM & ANTHONY FREEDMAN

BRAD SPICER

ZHANG YUESHENG & ANDEW BOWCOCK & SAM FAIRGRAY

WILL ROWSTHORN

ROBBIE GRIFFITHS

MICHAEL MORONEY

JOHN MOLONEY

ANTHONY CAVANAGH

MICHAEL COSTA

ROSS CUTTS & STUART KENDRICK

VIBI & PETER HO

NATALIE YOUNG & TRENT BUSUTTIN

GEORGE MOORE, JOHN MOORE & JOHN JEFFS

TERVOR LOBB, TONY HALL, KERRY GILLESPIE & ROY DAVIS

NEIL IRVINE & BRIAN COLLISON

64 / SALE DAY FACES Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 64

2/12/19 10:00 am

Leading Buyers MICK MALONE

ROD & TAM NOTMAN

SEAN CASEY & WALLY DALY

RON GILBERT

TIM STAKEMIRE, PETER O’BRIEN & MOHAMMED KHALEEL AHMED

BRETT CAVANOUGH

ARCHIE ALEXANDER

MITSU NAKAUCHIDA

GAI WATERHOUSE & BILLY SLATER

SCOTT JENNER & STERLING CINCOTTA

ERIC SOH, MICHAEL FREEDMAN ANDRE LIM

JAMES HARRON BLOODSTOCK BOUGHT: 8 AVERAGE: $650,000 GROSS: $5,200,000

ROBERT DIPIERDOMENICO

CAMERON BOND

SHEAMUS MILLS & MATT ALESCI

TONY SANTIC

FERGAL CONNOLLY

CIARON MAHER BLOODSTOCK PTY LTD BOUGHT: 19 AVERAGE: $240,526 GROSS: $4,570,000

DAWN FRASER

ALISON HARRON, ROB & DONNA LOVE, BELINDA BATEMAN, JAMES HARRON & FERGUS DOYLE

JON KELLY/REG INGLIS/ JAMIE MCCALMONT BOUGHT: 6 AVERAGE: $584,167 GROSS: $3,505,000

DAMON GABBEDY

DR SHALABH SAHU & BRYAN CARLSON

RUSSELL WARWICK

PAUL MESSARA & SHUNSUKE YOSHIDA

2020 / 65 Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 65

2/12/19 10:00 am

Sale Day Faces

ADRIAN BOTT, PETER & JUNE DUNN

GERRY HARVEY

HELDER DA COSTA, ANDY WILLIAMS & PETER ORTON

GLENN BURROWS

JEAN DUBOIS

BRENDAN LINDSAY & HENRY PLUMPTRE

HANNAH WALL, TONY & CALVIN MCEVOY

JAMES O’BRIEN

JEFF KRUGER

GAYLE PSALTIS, MATHEW ELLERTON & NICK PSALTIS

ANDREW DAVISON & LEE CURTIS

GRAHAM & HELEN GAY BAX

JAYVEN SEE

PAUL & CASSANDRA PERRY

DAVID O’CALLAGHAN

JOHN LEDGER

JOHN MCARDLE

HUBIE DE BURGH

DEAN & ADAM WATT

CHRIS FELS, TAYLA & HOSS HEINRICH

JARRAD DOOLEY & TROY CORSTENS

JAMES BESTER & ARTHUR MITCHELL

GARY PORTELLI, RON PUIATTI & RON BURNS

JASON ROBINSON & SAM MATTHEWS

66 / SALE DAY FACES Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 66

2/12/19 10:00 am

Leading Buyers DANNY O’BRIEN & ROBERT ANDERSON

CHLOE & RHYS SMITH

JAMES BESTER

BARRY & JAN MCROSTIE

IAN SMITH

CRAIG & JO TURNER

GRANT MORGAN

GREG EURELL

BRYAN GUY & JOHN HUTCHINS

CAROLINE SEARCY & DUNCAN RAMAGE

GARRY CARVELL, BRIDGET GRAY & STEPHEN GRAY

GODOLPHIN BOUGHT: 5 AVERAGE: $585,000 GROSS: $2,925,000

DAVID RAPHAEL

HENRY DWYER

MCEVOY MITCHELL RACING PTY LTD BOUGHT: 13 AVERAGE: $221,538 GROSS: $2,880,000 CRAIG ROUNSEFELL

ANTHONY MITHEN & NIGEL AUSTIN

DAVID BRIDEOAKE

GERARD JONES

MICK GIBSON, CHRIS LEE & SHANE NICHOLS

SHADWELL STUD AUSTRALASIA LTD BOUGHT 8 ADVERAGE: $351,875 GROSS: $2,815,000

PAUL & PETER SNOWDEN

DAVID THOMAS

DAVID BOURNE & MICHAEL CHRISTIAN

CHRIS MUNCE, STEVE BROWN, MAX WHITBY & ORIELLA DROVANDI

2020 / 67 Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 67

2/12/19 10:01 am

Sale Day Faces

ANDREW WILLIAMS & JUSTIN CASSE

PAUL COOKE, NEVILLE PARNHAM & MURRY TILLETT

PETER MORGAN

SHEILA LAXON & JOHN SYMONS

RAY MONTAGUE

LIU SHUN HONG & PAUL BEAMISH

PHILLIP STOKES

KAYLEY & DAVID JOHNSON

JAMIE LOVETT, DOMINIQUE RAUCH & RONALD RAUSCHER

KANDICE PRITCHARD & LEON PHILLIPS

TONY BOTT

TONY DIMITRIADIS, LENNY RUSSO & DAVID AZZOPARDI

KINGSLEY PEACH & TERRY O’SULLIVAN

LEON CORSTENS

KARL BROWN

KELLY SCHWEIDA & RICHARD FREEDMAN

JUDY & DON KELLY

ROB SLADE

RICKY YIU

JEREMY RUZ & MATTHEW WREN

ANGUS GOLD & DAVID HAYES

NICK WAKIM & MANNY GELAGOTIS

68 / SALE DAY FACES Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 68

2/12/19 10:01 am

SUMAN HEDGE

RIC WYLIE & MARK PLAYER

MICHAEL & CHRIS WARD

MARK CHITTICK

MATTHEW DUNN, DAVID BELLA, KEIRA DUNN & NEIL JENKINSON

JOHN MOYNIHAN

JOE O’NEILL & WALTER POWER

JOE LAU & MARK NEWNHAM

RAY WILLIS

TIM WILSON & PAUL WILLETTS

MARK TAYLOR

MARK HOLLAND & SCOTT DARBY

JIMMY TING, KAI FAI LEUNG & TONY VASIL

JON HASELER

JOHN HOLLOWAY & JOHN MUIR

TERRY & SUSAN HENDERSON

REG INGLIS

SALLY YOU & KYAN YAP

TOBY & TRENT EDMONDS

JOHN CAMILLERI

JOSH HUTCHINS

SIMON MILLER

MARK ALATI

PHIL WELLS, NATHAN BENNETT & RICK WELLS

MARK PILKINGTON & LINDY MAURICE

PAUL MORONEY & CATHERYNE BRUGGEMAN

KIM & MARK WAUGH

2020 / 69 Sale Day Faces 2020 - DR.indd 69

2/12/19 10:01 am

70 / FLYING STARTER MMGC 20_ Chris Farrell - DR.indd 68

2/12/19 10:11 am

flying starter

BY GLEN LATHAM

To date Christopher Farrell’s career in thoroughbreds has ensured he has seen the airport lounges of all the major racing cities across the globe, at least once. However, if Chris has his way he’d like to become a permanent member of the auctioneer team at Magic Millions, a fate that lies in the hands of those who grant visa extensions. We spoke to Chris about his travels from rural Ireland to the Gold Coast.

Many would envy the setting for Chris’ idyllic childhood. “Our family owned a cattle farm, which had its own pub that we lived at the back of, so there probably wasn’t a lot of hope for me with that backdrop. The farm was small by Australian standards, around 100 acres, but it was in County Laois which is about 30 minutes from Kildare and The Curragh, real horse country. There were always a couple of horses on the farm, more so sport horses than thoroughbreds. When I was around twelve I started dabbling in the market with sport horses, finding a few to pinhook, but failed every time.

I then tried my hand in the breeding game and fared just as well there!”

With the thoroughbred bug yet to bite by the time school finished Chris made academic achievement a priority. “I had an idea I wanted to be a vet but in Ireland only the smartest of smart people go straight into the Veterinary courses and that wouldn’t have been me. So, I studied for a degree in Agricultural Science at University College Dublin with an eye on progressing into the veterinary side afterwards. The whole thing is a four year course with a six month placement in year three.”

It would be that six months off campus that would send Chris down a different path than the one which he had planned.

“My placement was with Dr Harry Sweeney of Paca Paca Farm in Japan which I thought would be a great opportunity to learn the veterinary side with Dr Sweeney being a qualified veterinarian, but it actually changed my mind. In a good way he turned me off veterinary work, or more precisely opened my eyes to the opportunities within the thoroughbred industry, for when I was there I got to work with some of the best bloodstock in Japan at sales time which was very exciting. I spent a brilliant six months out there learning a lot from Harry, just not quite the things I had expected.”

That fork in the road traversed Chris’ career and saw him start to head in the direction that will eventually see him as part of the Bloodstock team at Magic Millions. “During my final year of college I picked up a part-time job bid spotting at Goffs sales which I absolutely loved and thought it was the best job ever.” Chris then had a stint at Equinome, now PlusVital, and a three month internship with Horse Racing Ireland before his eyes were further opened to international possibilities.

I ATTENDED THE GOLD COAST SALES AND WAS TAKEN IN

BY THE VIBRANCY OF THE WHOLE THING. RIGHT THEN I THOUGHT IF EVER I HAD THE CHANCE TO COME BACK TO AUSTRALIA, MAGIC MILLIONS WAS DEFINITELY A PLACE I WOULD WANT TO WORK.

2020 / 71 ??

MMGC 20_ Chris Farrell - DR.indd 69

2/12/19 10:11 am

“After HRI I got a job working for Equilume selling their Light Mask’s which enabled me to travel to Kentucky and California when the industry in the United States just blew me away. If I wasn’t properly hooked on thoroughbreds before I was after that.”

And it was that role that saw him land in Australia.

“My first taste of the Australian industry was with Equilume. I was based in Victoria for three months but in June 2016 I attended the Gold Coast sales and was taken in by the vibrancy of the whole thing. Right then I thought if ever I had the chance to come back to Australia, Magic Millions was definitely a place I would want to work.”

But joining the team at Magic Millions would have to wait for a while as Chris was accepted for the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program, a move inspired by the excitement engendered by his time in the USA and Australia. “The two year program starts at Kildangan Stud in Ireland in the European autumn, and then it is over to Dalham Hall in Newmarket and the December Sales at Tattersalls followed by a break for Christmas. The new year starts with a seven month program in Kentucky followed by Australia which includes the Hunter Valley, Sydney and the Melbourne Cup Carnival. As part of that placement I also got to go to Karaka for the Breeze Up Sale in November. The following year starts in Dubai culminating in the Dubai World Cup and then it’s back to Ireland to complete the course.”

From talking to Chris it is apparent that there is much more to Flying Start than just the learning and personal development aspects of the course.

“The countries you get to go to and the industry leaders you get to meet are incredible, but with over 150 graduates dotted across the globe the opportunities to develop are endless. As we’ve all been through the same course and have similar goals, everyone wants to see each other succeed in the industry and help is always close at hand.”

The program is also designed to give the students hands on experience in the various facets of the industry, opportunities to ditch the laptop and get some dirt under those fingernails. “During the program you are required to do various horsemanship placements of a few weeks each in Europe, America and Australia followed by a placement of our choosing. My time in Australia was split between Vinery Stud and Newgate Farm, the latter spent with Henry Field and Bruce Slade, two guys I found incredible to work with. I was on rotation working with mares, foals, weanlings and stallions but I enjoyed it so much I asked if I could do my elective placement there in the office which was also both incredibly educational and immensely interesting.

One thing that struck me about the Australian industry was the ethos of giving opportunities to anyone willing to learn. The people down here are so open and they want to see people doing well, which pretty much mirrors the Flying Start program.”

His commitment to Godolphin over, Chris’ next challenge was to get the gavel in hand. “I think I always had an interest in the auctioneering side of things even in my formative years going to the cattle markets with my Dad for to the horse sales with my Grandad. Becoming an auctioneer has been an ambition of mine since I started bid spotting at Goffs. I just loved the atmosphere and the way the auctioneers can control the auditorium, throwing in one-liners as they try and get the best price possible for the vendor. Then there is going out to the farms to inspect and value the bloodstock and meet the vendors, I just love that side of the industry.”

CHRIS WITH AMERICAN PHAROAH IN KENTUCKY

Auctioneering is one of those jobs that requires plenty of practice but there are precious few opportunities to hone one’s skills. “The auctioneering side of things has taken a while to develop. I’ve been working on the patter now for about five years and I find it goes better after a few beers. One question that always arose throughout the Flying Start program was “What do you want to do?” and my answer would always be ‘auctioneering’ to which the response would often be ‘well, let’s hear you then.’ So it became my party piece and after a few ales someone would always find me something to auction off which was good fun.”

There were times when Chris got in a few practice runs in Europe, even at Tattersalls’ hallowed rostrum, but his first dry run down here came across the ditch. “As part of that placement at Karaka I did some bid spotting and then after the sale had finished Danny Roulston and Steve Davis got me up and I did another mock auction which was great fun. Steve was impressed which was great as it has given me the confidence to go forward and pursue it. Watching the guys at Magic Millions operate is great, Steve Davis, Clint Donovan, David Chester here and Grant Burns in Perth are some of the best auctioneers in the world.”

72 / FLYING STARTER MMGC 20_ Chris Farrell - DR.indd 70

2/12/19 10:11 am

My first proper exposure to it was over in Kentucky when I was asked to be auctioneer for a benefit night for a groom who had had a stroke. Leslie Campion from Paramount Sales had probably heard my party piece and asked if I would do a charity auction at McCarthy’s Pub in Lexington. I’d been to a few there before where 20 or 30 people turn up, so I agreed. Next day my name appeared in the Bloodhorse in an advertisement for the night so I knew it was going to be big stuff. Then I’d been told I’d have an announcer to help things through the way the Americans do things, but instead of it just being one of the lads off a farm it was Terrence Collier the announcer from Fasig Tipton. Some of the stuff that was auctioned was fantastic, everything from halters for American Pharoah and Tepin to holidays to free sales x-rays.

It was unbelievable, the night raised around US$200,000 and it was just another example of how the thoroughbred industry worldwide is brilliant at coming together when somebody is in need.

By his own admission Chris cut to the chase when it came to seeking a job with Magic Millions and his application wasn’t in writing. “I met Barry and Clint on a stallion tour and that night in the Belmore Hotel in Scone I lay the foundations for a job. Fortified with a little ‘Dutch courage’ I went up to Clint and, brazen as you like, said ‘I want to work for you guys, I want to be an auctioneer’. Clint’s response was “who’s your favourite auctioneer?”, to which I made the mistake of saying “Steve Davis” when the correct answer was Clint Donovan. Despite that rocky start Clint thrust a bottle of beer in my hand and said “well if you think you are so good, auction off that”, which I did. I kept in touch thereafter by social media and when the time came they offered me a job. I’m thankful that they took me on.”

CLINT THRUST A BOTTLE OF BEER IN MY HAND AND SAID “WELL IF YOU THINK YOU ARE SO GOOD, AUCTION OFF THAT”, WHICH I DID.

“I started at Magic Millions in the Gold Coast offices in August of last year and did six months before heading to Perth and then Adelaide. Under the terms of my visa I’m required to do a certain period of time in regional areas, so I went back down to the Hunter Valley and worked with the spellers for Godolphin which was fun. Stepping out of the office and back into the paddocks gives you an appreciation for the work those people do especially given the incredibly successful year Godolphin have had. I started the weekend Godolphin had the trifecta in the Golden Slipper and it just kept getting better and better thereafter on the back of their efforts.”

So Magic Millions have their man, at least in the short term. Chris has some time left on his visa, but his fate after that rests with an obliging Department of Immigration. It will certainly be Magic Millions’ loss if he does have to leave our shores, again.

2020 / 73 MMGC 20_ Chris Farrell - DR.indd 71

2/12/19 10:11 am

Insure your equine investments with the best.

Insure with HQ.

(02) 8913 1640 hqinsurance.com.au EXC LU S I V E G UA R A N T E E D R E NE WA L HQ Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 46 091 731 225 AFS Licence Number 235666

Race Day Winners

$250,000 PACIFIC FAIR MAGIC MILLIONS MAIDEN PLATE (1200m) TERMINOLOGY (54kg) Star Witness-Taylors Command 2nd Rock, 3rd Lagarde Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott; Jockey: Tim Clark Margins: 1 length x 1.75 lengths; Time: 1:08.68 (L600m 33.84) $300,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Newhaven Park; Buyer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

$250,000 FRIZELLE SUNSHINE MAGIC MILLIONS COUNTRY CUP (1200m) MR MARKOU (54kg) Stryker-Live in Black 2nd Reckless Choice, 3rd Stanley Park Margins: 0.1 length x 0.75 length; Time: 1:08.82 (L600m: 34:13) Trainer: Ben Currie; Jockey: Daniel Griffin $165,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Three Bridges Thoroughbreds; Buyer: McEvoy Mitchell Racing

76 // RACE RACE DAY DAY WINNERS WINNERS 76 Race Day Winners 2020 - DR.indd 76

2/12/19 10:29 am

$1,000,000 RACING QUEENSLAND MAGIC MILLIONS QTIS OPEN (1300m) CHAPTER AND VERSE (54kg) Rothesay-McFly 2nd Tokoriki Lad, 3rd In His Stride Trainer: Desleigh Forster; Jockey: Mark Du Plessis Margins: 0.75 length x 1 length; Time: 1:14.85 (L600m: 33.96) $28,000 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale Vendor: Raheen Stud; Buyer: Desleigh Forster

$1,000,000 SKY RACING MAGIC MILLIONS TROPHY (2200m) TUMULTUOUS (54kg)

Fastnet Rock–Boisterous Lady 2nd Goodfella, 3rd Black on Gold Trainer: Chris Waller; Jockey: Robbie Fradd Margins: Neck x Long neck; Time: 2:14.37 (L600m: 34.25) $350,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Willow Park Stud; Buyer: Chris Waller Racing

2020 / 77 Race Day Winners 2020 - DR.indd 77

2/12/19 10:29 am

Race Day Winners

$1,000,000 MOËT & CHANDON MAGIC MILLIONS FILLIES & MARES RL (1300m) INVINCIBELLA (55.5kg) I Am Invincible–Abscond 2nd Manicure, 3rd Magic Alibi Trainer: Chris Waller; Jockey: Hugh Bowman Margins: 0.2 length x 1.25 lengths; Time: 1:15.22 (L600m: 33.15) $185,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Sledmere Stud; Buyer: Star Thoroughbreds

$1,000,000 WOODFORD RESERVE MAGIC MILLIONS CUP RL (1400m) REDOUBLE (54kg) Redoute’s Choice-Special Mission 2nd Sambro, 3rd Shogun Sun Trainer: Bjorn Baker; Jockey: Craig Williams Margins: 1.0 length x 0.2 length; Time: 1:21:40 (L600m: 33.76) $200,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Torryburn Stud; Buyer: Spendthrift Farm

78 / RACE DAY WINNERS 78 / RACE DAY WINNERS Race Day Winners 2020 - DR.indd 78

2/12/19 10:30 am

$2,000,000 GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS 3YO GUINEAS RL (1400m) BOOMSARA (57kg) Spirit of Boom-Passara 2nd Bondi, 3rd Outback Barbie Trainer: Chris Munce; Jockey: Tim Clark Margins: 0.1 length x 0.1 length; Time: 1:21.13 (L600m 34.09) $45,000 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale Vendor: Eureka Stud; Buyer: Munce Racing

2020 / 79 2020 / 79 Race Day Winners 2020 - DR.indd 79

2/12/19 10:30 am

Race Day Winners

$2,000,000 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC RL (1200m) EXHILARATES (55kg) Snitzel-Samaready 2nd Dubious, 3rd Hightail Trainer: James Cummings; Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy Margins: 0.75 length x 0.2 length; Time: 1:08.95 (L600m: 34.68) $600,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Vinery Stud: Buyer: Godolphin

80 / RACE DAY WINNERS Race Day Winners 2020 - DR.indd 80

2/12/19 10:30 am

$1,000,000 IT’S LIVE IN QLD MAGIC MILLIONS SNIPPETS (1200m) EGYPTIAN SYMBOL (57kg) Stratum-Our Egyptian Raine 2nd Fiery Heights, 3rd Dothraki Margins: 0.75 length x 0.1 length; Time: 1:08.17 (L600m: 33.93) Trainer: Bjorn Baker; Jockey: Jason Collett P$90,000 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale Vendor: Cressfield; Reserve: $100,000

$500,000 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC RL (1200m) RACING WOMEN’S BONUS DUBIOUS (57kg)

Not a Single Doubt-Suspicieuse 2nd Champagne Boom, 3rd Courseshewill Trainers: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace; Jockey: Michael Walker $350,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Kitchwin Hills Buyer: Aquis Farm/Ciaron Maher Racing

2020 / 81 Race Day Winners 2020 - DR.indd 81

2/12/19 10:30 am

SOCIAL Scene

82 / SOCIAL SCENE 2020 - Raceday Socials - DR.indd 82

2/12/19 10:31 am

2020 / 83 2020 - Raceday Socials - DR.indd 83

2/12/19 10:31 am

SOCIAL Scene

84 / SOCIAL SCENE 84 / SOCIAL SCENE 2020 - Raceday Socials - DR.indd 84

2/12/19 10:31 am

2020 / 85

2020 - Raceday Socials - DR.indd 85

2/12/19 10:31 am

86 / TASSIE INDUSTRY RIPE FOR THE PICKING MMGC 20_ Tasmanian - DR.indd 62

MYSTIC JOURNEY & ADAM TRINDER

2/12/19 10:16 am

TASSIE INDUSTRY

Ripe For The Picking KATRINA PARTRIDGE

History and geography - specifically the Bass Strait and two great oceans - have given the residents of the world’s 26th largest island a unique loyalty to the land mass affectionately referred to as “The Apple Isle”. Ironically these same factors have ensured many Mainlanders oft look puzzled when asked if Tasmania is in fact a State of Australia. The deeds of a number of modern day thoroughbreds as well as their trainers are doing much to change this viewpoint.

Whilst former Champion Sydeston ($3m earner and 4-time Group 1 winner: STC BMW S., Gr1, AJC Queen Elizabeth S., Gr1, VATC Caulfield Cup, Gr1, Caulfield S., Gr1) was always useful to fly the Tassie flag, recent names such as The Cleaner (19 wins, multiple Gr2 winner, Gr1 placegetter, and earnings of $1.3m), Mongolian Khan (ATC Australian Derby Gr1, MRC Caulfield Cup Gr1, New Zealand Derby,

Gr1) and Palentino (VRC Australian Guineas, Gr1, Makybe Diva S., Gr1.) have really stamped the Tasmanian brand because simultaneously it also demonstrated the work that Tassie breeders were doing behind the scenes to improve the quality of their breeding stock. In 2018/19 this lengthy work in progress seemed to reach new heights with the deeds of Tasmanian home-breds such as Mystic Journey, Soul Patch (winner of the MVRC Moonee Valley Vase Gr2; game in defeat finishing 3rd in the 2019 VRC Victoria Derby Gr1), Kemalpasa winner of both the VRC Linlithgow S., Gr2 and SAJC Durbridge S., L - the same breeder as Palentino; not a bad result when Macleay Thoroughbreds own just nine broodmares and can boast an impressive 82% winner to runner average) and don’t forget leading Tasmanian trainer Scott Brunton churning out Spring Carnival results such as MM graduate The Inevitable (VRC CS Hayes S., Gr3, MVRC Bendigo Bank S., L, TRC Tasmanian Guineas, L & victor in the inaugural running of the $500,000 Silver Eagle).

Something’s working. And it’s more than just the climate and the fertile ground, the passion, the drive, and the relentless hours that are being put in.

So what’s the secret? Training, breeding techniques, or both?

It’s a beautiful morning in Devonport. Adam Trinder’s stables abound with activity as horses move to and from the track, between the tie-ups, wash bay and day yards yet the surrounding silence is palpable and it is easy to get lost in the mountain views. Tasmania has a habit of doing that; losing you in the views.

Trinder - a third generation horseman is a former jumps jockey. His grandfather Ray trained Piping Lane before transferring him to George Hanlon who trained him to win the 1972 Melbourne Cup. Adam’s father Michael was also a noted horseman. Adam rides out each morning and as he chats to me he is legged aboard ‘Betty’. The somewhat unassuming black filly with a keen gaze was recently voted

MYSTIC JOURNEY, VRC ALL STAR MILE

/ ??

2020 /87 MMGC 20_ Tasmanian - DR.indd 63

2/12/19 10:16 am

ARMIDALE STUD

“WE WERE HARDLY ON THE MAP, BUT WE ARE ON THE MAP NOW.”

Tasmania’s 2018/19 Racehorse of the Year as well as 3YO of the Year. She was also named runner up to the four-time Cox Plate winner Winx as Victorian Racehorse of the Year. In a coup for Trinder and owner Wayne Roser ‘Betty’ aka Mystic Journey’s three-quarter sister Mystical Pursuit was also named Tasmanian 2YO of the Year.

“Yes, she has been life changing,” Trinder admits of the $11,000 Tasmanian Magic Millions graduate that has won 11 races including the VRC Australian Guineas Gr1 plus the world’s richest mile race the $5m VRC All Star Mile with her career prize money just shy of $4m. Mystic Journey’s victory in the All-Star Mile was one of the most impressive middle-distance performances of the 2018/2019 season.

Despite travelling wide, largely without cover, for the entire 1600m journey, the then-filly was able to power away from Hartnell, Alizee and Happy Clapper among others to score by 1.25L in handy time. She is also only the second Tasmanian horse to gain a top-five finish in the Gr1 Cox Plate - Sydeston finishing second in 1990 and third in 1991.

Her following is industry-wide not just stablewide. She boasts more than 2,000 followers on her dedicated Facebook page. On Cox Plate day Tasmania’s Parliament House had a large screen to broadcast the race to the general public and when she ran in the All Star Mile, Hobart Race Club put on a function even though there wasn’t a race meeting scheduled that day so that people could watch the race. “[She] has given people locally as well as on the Mainland a general understanding of Tasmanian racing so she gave us national exposure as a business. We were hardly on the map, but we are on the map now,” Adam says.

ROBYN & DAVID WHISHAW, ARMIDALE STUD

“She has created a lot of interest primarily from the Mainland syndicators who have sent a lot of horses down here,” he says. “People are starting to realise how simplistic it is to travel. It is an easy trip and a lot of people are now trying. Our stock are proving that they are up to [Mainland] Saturday grade now and some have proven that they are beyond that grade like Mystic Journey and The Inevitable so it has certainly opened the gates for everyone.”

A few hours drive South and not far from Hobart airport is based the training centre of Scott Brunton, trainer

88 / TASSIE INDUSTRY RIPE FOR THE PICKING MMGC 20_ Tasmanian - DR.indd 64

2/12/19 10:16 am

of - amongst others - the diminutive sized but lion hearted galloper The Inevitable. You won’t find stables here. Yards are built onto sand to harden horses hooves and endless trails which were developed by his father before him lead through scenic forest, across dunes and along the sweeping sands of Seven Mile Beach. If you were to sketch a string of riders riding out at daybreak you simply wouldn’t do it justice.

“We are as good as anywhere in Australia. This is great ground for horses,” says Scott. “Our racing isn’t as strong prizemoney wise but in terms of our people and our horses we are right up there. I’ve got a few good horses in my team like Sir Simon.

Mandela Effect (another MM graduate) is another. He was recently beaten in a Listed race. He should have won but didn’t see daylight but there’s a good race in him. His brother Galenus is a really good horse and we’ve got good wraps on him. Some headline acts at the moment but there are 20-25 Saturday Victorian horses and that’s fantastic with small numbers.”

The trainers emanate a positivity and the numbers of horses that they train reflects well on their current success; their strong support of this year’s Tasmanian sale another indicator that they are feeling bullish about the local industry.

So, what of the breeding industry and their role?

Mystic Journey was bred at the picturesque Armidale Stud not far from Launceston. It is run by the Whishaw family. Mystic Journey’s sire Needs Further has been a coup for Tasmania - this year alone he was honoured as Tasbreeders Leading Overall Tasmanian Sire Of The Year and Magic Millions Leading Tasmanian-based Juvenile Sire.

“We have more mares foaling down here this season than we have had in the past 20 years,” says Armidale Stud Managing Director David Whishaw. “We have a lot of new clients including

SEVEN MILE BEACH

2019 / 89 MMGC 20_ Tasmanian - DR.indd 65

2/12/19 10:16 am

GRENVILLE STUD

mainland clients. They’ve come down to utilise Needs Further but also the green grass - and we can give them that in spades - so it’s an exciting period for us.”

Just up the road is Grenville Stud where Mongolian Khan was bred. Run by Graeme McCulloch, three stallions call this farm home. Son Bart is in the process of developing two additional farms and it would not be overstating

it to say that between them Armidale and Grenville are two of the big players in Tasmanian breeding.

“The breeders in this State have come a long way,” says Dave Manshanden, Executive Officer of TasBreeders.

“Probably six or seven years ago the Tasmanian sale was grossing just under a million dollars and no one was making any money. We were pretty lucky that Magic Millions gave us a commitment for another three years and since that time it has continued to grow. But the breeders need to take some credit for that because they stopped breeding with a lot of stock they shouldn’t have been breeding with, improved their stallions and produced a couple of very handy horses who certainly haven’t been bad advertising.”

The Racing Fact Book reports that Tasmania has just 2.3% of the total Australian broodmare population, covers just 2.68% of all mares in Australia each season and produces just 1.83% (just 250 foals) of the total Australian thoroughbred population. Realistically the industry is largely unheralded. A lot of mare owners are hobby breeders and as Graeme explains, a lot of traditional breeders - farmers who owned one or two mares and bred them each year - are no longer in the industry.

Despite this however the State continues to churn out an increasingly impressive tally of black type winners.

GRAEME MCCULLOCH, GRENVILLE STUD

“A number of horses have gone across [to the Mainland] and done well so people are starting to realise we are

90 / TASSIE INDUSTRY RIPE FOR THE PICKING MMGC 20_ Tasmanian - DR.indd 66

2/12/19 10:16 am

breeding good horses down here,” says Graeme. “The only thing we lack is money - someone to invest with big money in the State. I’ve always said we’ve had the best country in which to breed horses. We are very much like New Zealand in that regard and their success rate is proven. Our country is so good horses don’t have to be over force fed and so we they might be a bit more later maturing but they are very tough and very sound and people are starting to realise that and more and more people are starting to come down to the sale. It’s a good value sale for the quality.”

“Don’t ever forget that a single horse can sell at the Gold Coast for what the entire catalogue can sell for down here,” says David. “But equally Magic Millions were willing to support the Tasmanian industry when it was on its knees.

They recognised that there were some passionate young blokes like David Whishaw and Bart McCulloch. Without MM we wouldn’t have had a sale and our breeding industry probably would have fallen over. Then we would have had to send 150 of our best horses to the mainland and they would have got lost in those big catalogues. The interstate trainers love the laid back atmosphere of this sale, it’s very relaxed and an excuse to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a few days. They know we breed tough, sound racehorses. Sometimes these take time but they like them.”

“We race once a week. And we race for $11,000. Country Victoria races for $25,000. And that hasn’t changed for the 45 years that I have been involved. We have always been the poor cousin,” says Robyn Whishaw of Armidale Stud. “What has changed is that we have become more professional in the way we market ourselves particularly the bigger studs and there is no doubt that Magic Millions coming down to run our sales lifted our profile as they work so hard to get interstate buyers in. We had built quite a good relationship with provincial buyers such as Kenny Keys. They knew we were here but Magic Millions lifted the bar even higher and guys were coming in and saying ‘gee that’s a really nice horse and we are getting it for way under the odds. If that was on the Gold Coast we would be paying double that.’ So we are starting to see new interstate faces each year attracted to the good horses that the sale produces. So with what horses are doing on the mainland, with word of mouth, with marketing and with what Magic Millions are doing, together it is all working to raise the profile of the local industry. “ In 2019 the new TasBred bonus scheme was also launched which sees, from 2020, some 72 local races carry a bonus of $20,000 if the winner is registered for TasBred.

In addition, the State will host a two year-old and three year-old race for $50,000 which is restricted to locally bred runners that have been nominated for the scheme.

“We also appreciate how important our interstate buyers are to breeders here, so any horse which is sired by a Tasmanian stallion and registered for TasBred will, if it is taken to Victoria, receive bonuses for winning SuperVOBIS nominated races. With this incentive it now means that nearly all horses in the Tasmanian sale, which will be held on February 15, are eligible for state bonus schemes” says David Whishaw.

TEGAN KEYS, SCOTT BRUNTON & THE INEVITABLE

“THE STATE CONTINUES TO CHURN OUT AN INCREASINGLY IMPRESSIVE TALLY OF BLACK TYPE WINNERS.”

In the David and Goliath battle between the Mainland and the Apple Isle The Inevitable’s trainer Scott Brunton summed it up best. When giving his speech at this year’s Tasmanian Horse of the Year Awards he said it had now been proven that you can breed and train your Group 1 winner out of Tasmania and you can also buy and train your Group 1 winner out of Tasmania. The mentality before was that you had to send your horse to Victoria; Trinder, Brunton, Watson, the Whishaws, McCullochs and a number of others following in their footsteps have turned that theory on its head.

2020 /91 MMGC 20_ Tasmanian - DR.indd 67

2/12/19 10:16 am

MOONE S JESSICA OWERS

At just 30 years of age, Kate Harrington has cast her net wide in her professional career, proving she is more than just the daughter of a famous Irish trainer.

92 / MOONESHINE MMGC 2020_Moone Shine - DR.indd 92

2/12/19 10:23 am

E SHINE It’s pushing midday when Kate Harrington, phone in hand and dogs at foot, follows the fifth lot into the school. She’s bustling, a July morning spent with a slew of American clients and more than a hundred working horses, and this is the last lot for the day. Single file, walking, they snort past Harrington one by one. A long look, a few words and off they go to the gallops.

Harrington is assistant trainer to her mother, Jessica Harrington.

She is young at 30, dusty blonde, high ponytail and broad smile. As horses breeze, she listens for rhythms and foibles, cues she has learned from the ground and the saddle, and when the horses are done, her mind moves quickly on. Phone calls, press agendas. She rarely stops.

The Harringtons train from Commonstown Stud in the pretty hamlet of Moone, County Kildare. In July it is bursting, thick hedgerows of hawthorn and ash that line the gallops and stretch away to the Wicklow Mountains. Sizing John is here, and Supasundae looking big. Alpha Centauri was here, along with Moscow Flyer, Jezki and Our Duke. Their names are dotted around the barns.

Harrington began her training role in 2014, shortly after her father passed away. Before that, in her twenties, she’d gone to university and planned to travel. She recalls a moment when her mother told her it was time to grow up, and she headed into Ballydoyle for three years under Aidan O’Brien. “I loved it there,” she says. “He’s just the loveliest man.” In those years she was also an amateur-licensed jockey, riding with the boys on the Irish national hunt scene. She rode her mother’s horses, but she also rode for Nicky Henderson and remains the last rider to be beaten aboard Altior. She treats it like a badge of honour. That was in April 2015, in a season where she rode into £142,060 in prizemoney. A dislocated shoulder and trapped nerve in her neck spelled the end of competitive racing, but at Commonstown, when she’s not on the ground with her mother, she is riding out with the lads.

“I came into training with Mum around the time my dad died,” Harrington recalls.

“It was a bit of a shaky time for my mum, and I was still working at Ballydoyle at that time. I moved back home at the end of that season, and we all just put our heads down and worked really hard, and that was when things started to get really exciting. We had a great 2015 with the jumpers and we started to get some nicer flat horses. It just started snowballing.”

2020 / 93 MMGC 2020_Moone Shine - DR.indd 93

2/12/19 10:23 am

At Cheltenham in 2017, the Harringtons had three winners, including Sizing John’s Gold Cup victory on St. Patrick’s Day. It was their first attempt at the race, followed a month later by Our Duke’s win in the Irish Grand National. Then came Alpha Centauri, the four-time Gr1-winning filly by Mastercraftsman who won in Ireland, England and France between May and August 2018. For dual-code Commonstown Stud, it was barnstorming.

Harrington is playful about her relationship with her mother, a woman that has led Ireland’s training ranks for 30 years. “I wouldn’t say we always got along well,” she admits. “When I evented during my teenage years I used to think my mum knew absolutely nothing, even though she had evented at the highest level. She used to have to send me off to other trainers. Nowadays we’ll have little arguments, mostly along the lines of this horse running here and that horse running there, but they’re good arguments.

They’re just us knocking off each other.”

Harrington’s training assistance at Commonstown is broader than getting horses fit and winning. She says racing is now a global sport and “you won’t get new owners sitting at home”. While her brother-inlaw, Punchestown racing manager Richie Galway, has wide connections to US racing, in January 2019 Harrington visited Australia with similar ambitions.

WHEN I EVENTED DURING MY TEENAGE YEARS I USED TO THINK MY MUM KNEW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, EVEN THOUGH SHE HAD EVENTED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. “It was an opportunity to go and meet new people because essentially we are selling a product here,” she says.

“We have to back that up by training winners, but by meeting new people I can essentially say, why don’t you come and have the Irish experience with us. We also had a new syndicate called Alpha Racing that we had set up, and I had a couple of shares left that I was trying to sell. And we had those connections to the It’s All About The Girls syndicate. At Magic Millions in January, everyone was going to be in the same place, so it was an opportunity for me to meet everyone involved in that.”

It’s All About The Girls was set up in 2015 to compete for the Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus, a jackpot of $500,000 distributed among all-womenowned horses in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic each January. The syndicate comprised 40 women from seven countries around the world, and included Eimear Mulhern and Elaine ‘Legs’ Lawlor, both from Goffs, Anna Seitz from Fasig-Tipton, Francesca Cumani, Sophie Sangster and Sophie Magnier, along with Susie Montague and Su-Ann Khaw. Their first toe in the water was Global Glamour, a $65,000 ringside purchase by James Bester on behalf of the girls, a filly that won two Gr1s, over $1.5million, and fetched the same figure at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in May.

94 / MOONESHINE MMGC 2020_Moone Shine - DR.indd 94

2/12/19 10:23 am

On the scout in Australia, Kate Harrington’s networking opened her eyes to how differently things can be done.

“I was blown away by the Magic Millions experience,” she says. “The welcome drinks the first night on the beach. Even the way the sales are set up with tables in front of the sale ring. I just think there is so much that can be learned, and it was good to see the way things are done on a different continent. I’ll also head over to the Magic Millions Gatcombe Horse Trials in August.

I’m looking forward to that.”

In 2017, Lawlor brought the syndicate to Ireland with two purchases at Goffs. Both were fillies and both were winners – Chicas Amigas, who ran at Royal Ascot, and Sparkle’n’joy by Sepoy, who won the listed Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown. The girls have since gone back to the well, and from day dot sent all their Irish horses to Commonstown.

Currently, the Harringtons have three fillies in the name of the syndicate.

“Choosing Jessica Harrington to train for us was an easy decision,” says Lawlor. “It’s all about the horse at Commonstown, but Jessie makes having a horse with her so much fun. Members in my syndicate are scattered around the globe, and Jessie’s frequent and detailed communications make my job very easy. She gave us a very exciting day out at Royal Ascot last year with Chicas Amigas.”

Harrington’s connection to Australia isn’t new.

Her father, Johnny, bought and sold horses for the Curragh Bloodstock Agency and spent plenty of time in Australia. Harrington will tell you her father was ‘Major’ Mitchell’s first guest at Yarraman Park, and in his long absences, wife Jessica stepped up at home. “Mum began training the year I was born,” Harrington recalls, “and initially it was to train spare horses that had gone unsold. It’s absolutely amazing what she went on to do.”

Family succession in horse racing is common.

Think Ted and Ruby Walsh, or Bart, Anthony and James Cummings. While Harrington’s involvement in Commonstown came a little earlier than she expected, she continued to blaze her own path.

In early 2019, she began a broadcasting role for RacingTV, presenting mounting-yard analysis alongside Gary O’Brien and Kevin O’Ryan, the channel’s chief anchors in Ireland.

“The TV work has really broadened my horizons because now I try to keep up on the form for almost all horses, whereas before I would have just looked at ours,” she says. “Working for television, the big days of racing are the easiest to cover because you know all about the good horses. It’s the midweek meetings with their 40 to 80 handicaps over six furlongs, and there’s two divisions of them and you’re like, god, what am I going to say here?”

Harrington is rarely stuck for something to say. Her warmth makes her approachable, her pedigree makes her knowledgeable and her enthusiasm does the rest. It’s the reason television came calling, and what made her ‘one of the boys’ among jockeys. Also, the common assumptions don’t bother her, the ones that come with being Jessica Harrington’s daughter.

“I buy young horses at the national hunt sales as unbroken three-year-olds, and go point-topointing with them,” she says. “If you can get a horse to win a point-to-point, there’s a really good market to turn them over. I’ve sold three now, and a lot of people were thinking, oh, Jessie’s daughter, Jessie’s obviously training them. But they’re realising now that my mum has nothing at all to do with them.”

At 30, this youngest Harrington is a cocktail of private ambition and her mother’s ways. She is full of ideas but is also grounded, knowing her true north is here at Commonstown Stud. With the horses all in, and the yards settled down into early afternoon, it’s not a bad spot in an Irish July.

2020 / 95 2019 MMGC 2020_Moone Shine - DR.indd 95

2/12/19 10:23 am

33 SURF PARADE | BROADBEACH 4218

GE OR E

F PA

NU

SUR

E AV

RAD

E

GE

An Affordable Luxury in the Heart of Broadbeach Reward yourself with Infinity: 3 and 4 bedroom luxury residences.

FROM $1,180,000 63 beautifully appointed 3 and 4 bedroom residences, spanning over 39 storeys in the heart of Broadbeach; 3 bedroom half floor, 224m² residences featuring north-facing balconies and superb views of the ocean and hinterland; 4 bedroom whole floor, 451m² residences boast uninterrupted 360 degree views and wraparound balconies; Premium finishes including imported marble and natural stone plus fully integrated appliances; Resident facilities include a 20 metre north-facing pool, generous indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium; Only a 2-minute stroll to the beach, Light Rail Station, Pacific Fair and Broadbeach entertainment and dining precinct.

Experience our Virtual Reality Display Located at Kollosche Offices 12-14 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach 4218

InfinityBroadbeach.com.au Clara Wilson 0459 028 863 clara@kollosche.com.au

Damon Prince 0447 892 999 damon@kollosche.com.au

kollosche.com.au

Inspiring European Estate on Sprawling 1,682m2

*Indicative Only

1 Winchester Street SOUTHPORT

Sale $8,375,000 3+

3

3

22m

496m2*

1,682m2

View by Appointment

A residence of distinction, reminiscent of a timeless European estate, awaits on almost half an acre of coveted

Michael Kollosche 04111 888 15

land with views across Main River to Surfers Paradise skyline. Having undergone a substantial renovation a few years ago by leading architect Bayden Goddard, this sprawling residence boasts 3 spacious bedrooms, including a vast master suite with custom cabinetry, elegant ensuite and dressing room, 3 bathrooms with flawless Carrara marble and travertine finishes, an oversized gourmet kitchen with Miele and fully integrated appliances, multiple open plan living areas plus a dedicated media room and triple car garage. Located moments to private schools, TSS and St. Hilda's. *approximate

kollosche.com.au

Magnificent Millionaire’s Row Beachfront Masterpiece

*Indicative Only

17 Hedges Avenue MERMAID BEACH

For Sale By Negotiation 6

8

6

10m

877m2*

405m2

View by Appointment

Soaring high above iconic Hedges Avenue, this absolute beachfront, multi-level masterpiece is the residence

Michael Kollosche 04111 888 15 Eddie Wardale 0408 881 678

of distinction you’ve been waiting for. Nestled on a corner block in magnificent Mermaid Beach, no expense has been spared in the rejuvenation of this coastline sanctuary. Showcased by flawless travertine marble, Onyx and venetian plaster finishes throughout. Take advantage of the gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, open plan living and dining which flows out to a beachfront deck, a fully equipped media room, C-BUS home automation as well as a gym, temperature controlled wine cellar, 6 car basement garage and a lift to service all four levels. *approximate

kollosche.com.au

Opulent Tropical Resort-Style Masterpiece on Main River

131-135 Monaco Street BROADBEACH WATERS

Sale $9,950,000 5

8

10

23m

1,229m2*

2,303m2

View by Appointment

No expense has been spared and no detail overlooked on this opulent tropical resort-style masterpiece

Michael Kollosche 04111 888 15

which occupies the largest north-facing block in Broadbeach Waters on the magnificent Main River with panoramic views of the Surfers skyline that are breath-taking by day or night. From the towering mature palms lining the immaculate landscaped gardens leading to the property’s magnificent Italian marble entry, to the expansive heated swimming pool and entertainers pavilion showcasing a trio of tasteful pool-side cabanas, this outstanding 1,229m2* family entertainer sprawling across 2,303m2 of land oozes Gold Coast luxe on an unprecedented scale. *approximate

kollosche.com.au

FIC FA I C I A

AG

N O IC MILLI

S

P

M

R

POLO The third year of Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast was a day to remember.

Magnificent weather, competitive Polo, exceptional horsemanship and beautiful fashion made for a fun-filled and entertaining day.

100 / PACIFIC FAIR POLO MMGC 20_ Polo -DR.indd 62

2/12/19 10:15 am

2020 / 101 MMGC 20_ Polo -DR.indd 63

2/12/19 10:15 am

WITH A STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP, GUESTS WERE HIGHLY ENTERTAINED BY THE ACTION BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD.

102 / PACIFIC FAIR POLO MMGC 20_ Polo -DR.indd 64

2/12/19 10:16 am

IFIC FAI C A

AG

N

S

P

M

R

POLO IC MILLIO

2019 / 103 MMGC 20_ Polo -DR.indd 65

2/12/19 10:16 am

Headlined by Darryl Braithwaite the Magic Millions 2019 Launch Party was one to remember.

One Summer

2019 LAUNCH PARTY

104 / LAUNCH PARTY 2020 - Opening night - DR.indd 104

2/12/19 10:30 am

2020 / 105

2020 - Opening night - DR.indd 105

2/12/19 10:30 am

One Summer

2019 LAUNCH PARTY

106 / LAUNCH PARTY 106 / STORY TITLE 2020 - Opening night - DR.indd 106

2/12/19 10:30 am

2020 / 107

2020 - Opening night - DR.indd 107

2/12/19 10:31 am

One Summer

2019 LAUNCH PARTY

108 / STORY TITLE 2020 - Opening night - DR.indd 108

2/12/19 10:31 am

Woodside Park Stud.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/19 8:55 pm Page 1

THE

GREAT SHOWMAN JESSICA OWERS

Thoroughbreds or stock horses, it’s all the same to Caleb Degen who, at just 22, is proving himself one of the Gold Coast’s most popular and valuable young horsemen.

110 / THE STORY GREATEST TITLE SHOWMAN MMGC 20_ Outback Spectacular_FINAL - DR.indd 110

2/12/19 10:14 am

ATEST 2019 / 111 2020 MMGC 20_ Outback Spectacular_FINAL - DR.indd 111

2/12/19 10:14 am

112 / THE STORY GREATEST TITLE SHOWMAN MMGC 20_ Outback Spectacular_FINAL - DR.indd 112

2/12/19 10:14 am

Caleb Degen cuts a familiar figure at Magic Millions, chiseled, deftly dressed and impeccably mannered. He is also tall, a fact that has had mixed results for him at the Gold Coast complex. “I’ve done just about everything with horses,” he says, amused.

“But I don’t always get to lead the yearlings through the ring. I’ve been told I can make them look small.”

For a number of years, Degen has appeared at Magic Millions in various roles. He’s only 22, but he’s been a yearling handler and barn manager, and horseman on the ground during the charged environment of the January barrier draw on Surfers Paradise beach.

He was there among the two-year-olds when the Patinack Farm Dispersal occurred, and he spent a year after school working for Attunga Stud, south of the Queensland border. “My next step from Attunga was supposed to be the Darley Flying Start program,” he says. “My boss, Brian Nutt, thought it would be the perfect fit for me, and it’s my fault it never happened because I was 19 and getting a little homesick, so I came back to the Gold Coast.”

Degen is Gold Coast born and bred, originally from Southport but with an education that came from an equestrian college in Beaudesert. Growing up, he had seven or eight horses at a time, but nothing was handed to him. “I’ve always worked from a very young age,” he says. “I worked mornings, afternoons and weekends to pay for my horses, riding but mucking out seven days a week. In those years I was leaning towards veterinary science, or anything to do with equine husbandry. But I followed opportunities, I suppose.”

Degen walks through the Magic Millions complex with a confidence come from time among the boxes. When Patinack dispersed, he was among the ground staff, and recalls it was an exhilarating and interesting time.

“That was my first experience in a sales environment, and I loved it. It was amazing to see the development of the horses. There’s just a huge amount of money and time and prep that goes into these animals to get them to the sale, and after months you see them sell in the ring for a million dollars. It’s something else.”

“IT’S MY DREAM JOB,” HE SAYS. “IF I COULD HAVE WORKED OUT THE PERFECT JOB FOR ME, THIS WOULD BE IT.

After a year with Attunga, Degen spent time playing polo in Perth, then London. While in London, he learned that the Gold Coast-based Australian Outback Spectacular was recruiting. He sent an application and thought nothing of it, and for a few months wondered what he might do when he returned home. But within days of his arrival, the show called him, interviewed him and hired him.

“Initially, my role at the Australian Outback Spectacular was general stockman,” he says. “They saw that I could sit on a horse and that I could ride, but that evolved. Now most of my riding is based around the liberty horses and trick-riding.”

Degen is modest. He won’t say that he is one of the lead performers in the show because his manners get the better of it. But that’s what he is. On each of the show’s five nights, he sings, acts and rides as the male lead. And outside of show hours, he is in the sand arena with his liberty horses, schooling the carefully selected few that perform without lunge lines or tack before hundreds of cheering people.

“It’s my dream job,” he says. “If I could have worked out the perfect job for me, this would be it. I work with an eagle, I trick-ride, I sing in the show. I’m fulltime there, but I don’t feel like I have a job. I don’t think about hours because it’s where I want to be, and it’s what I want to be doing.”

With this much life under his belt, you’d forgive Caleb Degen for arrogance or ego. He plies his trade under a spotlight, and soaks up cheers and claps almost every night of the week. But there’s no arrogance or ego anywhere, just the pleasantry of a kid raised in the saddle. “I understand the responsibility of having things, and having to work for them,” he says. “I guess horses will do that to you.”

2020 / 113 MMGC 20_ Outback Spectacular_FINAL - DR.indd 113

2/12/19 10:14 am

8 62 / /STORY 114 8 WORLD TITLE CLASS GOLD COAST GOLF MMGC 20_ Golf - DR.indd 62

2/12/19 10:13 am

8

WORLD-CLASS

Gold Coast Golf Courses KIRRA SMITH - INSIDE GOLD COAST

So you’re on the Gold Coast for Magic Millions, lucky you.

Know what else is magic on the Gold Coast? Everything.

But also our world-class golf courses.

Whacking balls into the ether just for the hell of it on some of the worlds most beautiful courses, wearing pants that definitely can’t be worn anywhere else, wandering around for hours on end looking for said whacked balls on said world’s most beautiful courses, what’s not to love?

In honour of that, here’s a list of eight beautiful Gold Coast golf courses from north to south that you should absolutely hit up (get it) while you’re staying on our sparkly shores.

LINKS HOPE ISLAND A course with the most mind blowing of backdrops, Links can be found right on the water up north. Set within a 360-hectare residential resort community, Links is a world-renowned golf course and we would highly recommend getting involved in twilight golf because sunsets over the water are absolutely nextlevel. The entire course boasts five-star facilities and is consistently named one of Australia’s top ten resort courses. Challenging and with some of the most spectacular views on the Coast, this one is a must-putt. www.linkshopeisland.com.au

2019 63 2020 //115 MMGC 20_ Golf - DR.indd 63

2/12/19 10:13 am

RACV ROYAL PINES

SANCTUARY COVE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Right in the heart of it all is RACV Royal Pines, an immaculate, world-renowned course with 27 holes that can be configured into three, 18-hole courses should that be your thing. The recently redesigned championship course hosts the Australian PGA Championship and was nominated Australia’s Best Golf Hotel 2017 by the World Golf Awards. Treat yourself to a frosty beverage once you’re done, 21 floors up at the beautiful Videre with 360-degree views of the Gold Coast.

Simply stunning is the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club.

With 18 perfectly manicured holes, a sleek country club and right on the water, it’s safe to say you’ll absolutely enjoy your time on the course here. The Palms course has undergone an $8.8 million reconstruction in recent years and was redesigned by renowned golf course architect Ross Watson. It is one of Australian Golf Digest’s Top 50 golf courses. Perfection, see.

www.racv.com.au

www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au

116 / 8 WORLD CLASS GOLD COAST GOLF MMGC 20_ Golf - DR.indd 64

2/12/19 10:13 am

THE GLADES GOLF CLUB They say this one is a challenging one (pretty sure they’re all challenging but okay). Surrounded by beautiful waterways, boardwalks and gardens, The Glades is a premiere course designed by champion Australian golfing icon Greg Norman and typical of his trademark aggressive layouts (no idea what that means but no doubt you do) offering a challenging round of golf within absolutely stunning surrounds. Lovely. www.glades.com.au

SOUTHPORT GOLF COURSE Found very close to the Gold Coast Turf Club is the Southport Golf Course; a spacious, easy walk course filled with tree-lined fairways and plenty of ponds (perfect for losing balls in). It’s quite tranquil wandering through the course so if the golfing isn’t going that well, at least you can have a relaxing stroll to make up for it. Designed for all levels, Southport Golf Course starts with a par 5 and most golfers meander through the first nine holes comfortably. www.southportgolfclub.com.au

PALM MEADOWS GOLF COURSE Pretty as a picture is Palm Meadows Golf Course, also in Carrara. It’s the Coast’s original course and it really is a beauty.

The challenging 350 hectare course was designed by leading Australian golfer Graham Marsh. There are water features on 14 holes and 82 sand bunkers PLUS the first hole is recognised as one of the world’s most challenging opening holes.

The more obstacles the better hey. Unsure why to be honest but there you go golfers. www.palmmeadows.com.au

LAKELANDS GOLF CLUB One of the world’s finest golfers, Jack Nicklaus, has designed over 300 golf courses across the world. One of which, is Lakelands, his first in Australia. They say it took him 25 years to find the perfect Aussie site and quite obviously, he found it on the Gold Coast.

Magic you see. The course is tree-lined and the grass is immaculate and you might find yourself getting lost in the sheer beauty of it. www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

2020 /117 MMGC 20_ Golf - DR.indd 65

2/12/19 10:13 am

THE BEST OF

BURLEIGH HEADS

s e i r e t Ea BROOKE DARLING, EDITOR, URBAN LIST GOLD COAST KIRRA SMITH, CONTENT CREATOR, INSIDE GOLD COAST

www.theurbanlist.com/goldcoast www.insidegoldcoast.com.au

Burleigh Heads, or simply Burleigh to locals, sits like a cool comma between Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the south. It’s a picturesque punctuation mark along the Gold Coast and most definitely somewhere to pause.

head scarf, offering views of the ocean on the left and a number of walking trails and wildlife to experience.

Let’s start with the beach, which enjoys dual popularity with those who like to swim in her protected waters and those who love to surf around the headland. On a day when it might be a little choppy everywhere else along the Coast, you can bet your bottom dollar there’s a protected corner at Burleigh in which to dip. Even strict landlubbers will adore this destination for the Burleigh Heads National Park which wraps around the headline like a fashionable

The Burleigh foreshore is home to towering fragrant pine trees characteristic of the coast and in this parkland there are plenty of places in which to picnic or barbecue. This is also an ideal spot for regular art and craft markets, where you haggle and forage along the foreshore with the ocean shouting encouragement in the background. Absolute oceanfront dining exists here where you’ll swear the fish on your plate has jumped straight out of the water, and there’s a burgeoning funky café culture in these parts. New designers are also starting to pepper the shopping areas and an amble along here won’t disappoint.

Perhaps this coastal point’s comma should be an exclamation mark instead.

62 / /STORY 118 BURLEIGH TITLEHEADS EATERIES MMGC 20_ Burleigh Heads Eateries - DR.indd 62

2/12/19 10:09 am

We take a look at some of the dining options on offer on this magnificent slice of the Gold Coast.

THE TROPIC AT BURLEIGH PAVILION Commanding one of the most enviable, absolute beachfront locales in the country—comparable in stature to Bondi’s iconic Bondi Icebergs—Burleigh Pavilion has quickly established itself as THE place to see and be seen. Beachgoers are enticed in directly off the sand for wood-fired pizzas and frosty schooners of local craft beer served with uninterrupted coastal vistas.

Though it’s Burleigh Pavilion’s signature restaurant, The Tropic, fronted by lauded Sydney chef Guillaume Zika, where things get seriously fancy. This 200-seat, full service restaurant has a patio to-die-for and on trend styling awash in blonde timbers, sage and blush pink accents and bathed in natural light. Book yourself a waterfront table at magic hour and watch the sunset over the hinterland as you devour kingfish tartare, grilled tiger prawns, wood-fired pig doughnut and washed down with copious glasses of chilled Savvy B, all while you cheers to life on the beautiful Gold Coast.

Where

43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads www.burleighpavilion.com

2020 / 119 MMGC 20_ Burleigh Heads Eateries - DR.indd 63

2/12/19 10:09 am

RICK SHORES If there’s one dish that’s synonymous with outdoor dining on the Gold Coast, it’s Rick Shores’ famed Rick’s Fried Bug Roll. This restaurant’s busy kitchen has been known to pump out 1,500-plus addictive bug rolls each and every week. Come for a dining experience that’s refined but far from stuffy, reflecting the Coast’s laid-back and unpretentious outlook, and a contemporary Pan-Asian menu smattered with spiced mackerel, king prawn yellow curry and next-level desserts. One lazy long lunch on the outdoor terrace or ocean-side table at Rick Shores, and you’ll appreciate why a team of the country’s top food critics voted this venue as Queensland’s number one restaurant in 2017.

Where

3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads www.rickshores.com.au

BURLEIGH BREWING Long before craft brewing was a scene on the Gold Coast, there was Burleigh Brewing. Quietly, expertly toiling away on the best damn craft beers this side of the border. Sure, they’re established and experienced but they’re never complacent — they’re eternally curious. They’re pioneers. Trailblazers. Beer artisans — bartisans, if you will.

Their ethos is deliberately simple — balance, character and soul — it’s who they are and how they brew and it flows naturally in their craft beers and throughout their business.

The only thing they love more than brewing the golden stuff, is sharing it with the extraordinary people that inspire it — the locals.

They’re not just talking about Gold Coasters, they’re talking about the community of passionate folk all around Australia.

They’re proud that their beers consistently earn Gold Medals at the World Beer Championships — 25 to be exact, that’s more than any other Australian brewer — but who’s counting? (They are, they have a spreadsheet). They’re grateful for a bunch of local recognition for their beers too! Join them at their Burleigh Taphouse in Burleigh Heads to see a full list of their world class beer and try them yourself!

Where

2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads www.burleighbrewing.com.au

120 / BURLEIGH HEADS EATERIES MMGC 20_ Burleigh Heads Eateries - DR.indd 64

2/12/19 10:09 am

RESTAURANT LABART It was Sydney’s loss and Gold Coast’s gain when celebrated young chef, Alex Munzo Labart, chose Burleigh Heads for his first solo venture—Restaurant Labart. With an impressive resume that lists Monopole and Cirrus among his most recent accomplishments, not surprisingly Alex’s dive into the flourishing regional dining setting has piqued the attention of key media and industry professionals across the country. Taking up residence in a quieter side street off the top end of James Street, dining at this intimate 60-seat bistro exceeds expectations.

Anticipate effortlessly seamless service and contemporary share style snacks and dishes from mussel ceviche to veal tartare and local spanner crab with leek and a roasted crab broth. Here everything is on show. With an open kitchen and two Japanese barbecues taking centre stage, you can watch on as Alex and his team make magic with the freshest of locally sourced ingredients—all being seasonally selected to ensure an ever-rotating menu. One visit and you’ll understand why Labart has quickly solidified its place among one of the finest new restaurants in Queensland.

Where

8 West Street, Burleigh Heads www.restaurantlabart.com

BURLEIGH HILL Dining in the great outdoors doesn’t always mean fancy menus and linen napkins, so do as the locals do on a sunshiny weekend and flock to the much-loved grassy knoll known as Burleigh Hill. A natural amphitheatre overlooking the legendary surf of Burleigh Point, bring your picnic blanket and show off your perfectly executed cheeseboard skills.

Not that organised? Grab some takeout fish and chips from Burleigh Fishmongers on James Street, or order one of Justin Lane’s famous wood-fired sourdough pizzas.

Where

Situated next to Burleigh Pavilion in Burleigh Heads

2020 / 121 MMGC 20_ Burleigh Heads Eateries - DR.indd 65

2/12/19 10:09 am

IKU YAKITORI BAR Big love for this Burleigh beauty. Iku Yakitori Bar is a sensory experience unlike any other with both taste sensation-style eats, an interior that dreams are made of and the sweet smell of charcoal wafting through the air. The menu is made up of chicken skewers primarily and no part of the bird escapes uncooked (skin included) but oh wow, is it delicious. Tenderloin, seafood and veggies are also stuck on sticks and delightful things such as edamame dip and raw fish should not be left uneaten. Pull up a seat in a floating railway sleeper booth and watch the chefs work their magic.

Where

1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads. Or head in through the back on Justin Lane. www.ikuyakitoribar.com.au

THE FISH HOUSE The Fish House is famous for its breathtaking views of Burleigh Beach, elegant ambiance, quality service by being committed to quality and by being consistent in delivering a high standard of food, open lunch and dinner services to guide guests through the two-glass award winning wine list.

The fish comes in daily at market price, the team of international chefs from all over the world at The Fish House use the cooking method that each particular whole fish is best suited to for optimal flavor and texture.

For example, our famous Patagonian Toothfish from Heard Island, caramelized in a miso sauce with spring onion and our beautiful tropical Coral Trout from Cairns is stunningly steamed with ginger and shallots, and the popular John Dory from New South Wales is enhanced in a caramelized onion and white wine braise. This gives the guests a unique experience along with the chef’s creative exquisite recipes.

Where

50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads www.thefishhouse.com.au

Originally published @destinationgoldcoast.com/restaurants and #WeAreGoldCoastBlog – the official blog of Destination Gold Coast.

For more on what to see, where to eat and what to do on the Gold Coast visit www.destinationgoldcoast.com/blog 122 / BURLEIGH HEADS EATERIES MMGC 20_ Burleigh Heads Eateries - DR.indd 66

2/12/19 10:09 am

MR HIZOLA’S Dark and bustling with Chinese lanterns strung overhead, Mr Hizola’s is a slice of Hong Kong in Burleigh’s busiest foodie strip. A modern take on Cantonese cuisine, come for the Mongolian clay pot beef or the signature Wagyu steak that sizzles and pops at your table on a hot stone. With a Yum Cha approach to lunchtime dining (small courses like dim sum generally served with hot tea) and dinners fuelled by creative cocktails, start your night here before heading out back to Mr Hizola’s sibling dive bar, Nightjar. Have a reputation for suffering from food envy? We recommend handing the reigns over to the chef when ordering the Emperor’s Feast banquet, where $50 per person will see a steady stream of six or seven options delivered to your table, personally curated to your tastes. Chopsticks at the ready!

Where

www.mrhizolas.com.au 1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

2019 / 123 2020 67 MMGC 20_ Burleigh Heads Eateries - DR.indd 67

2/12/19 10:09 am

There’s magic in Gold Coast property....

Andrew Reichard interviews Michael Kollosche about Gold Coast real estate.

If I wanted to write the recipe for the perfect place to live, the ingredients would be endless beaches with golden sands, fair weather all year round, great shopping centres, entertainment and conference facilities, hosting of festivals, superb parks, friendly locals, incredible choice of homes and apartments, all lying around waterways, canals and an ocean with infinite shades of blue water.

Combine these ingredients, stir well, and hey presto, let me present Queensland’s magnificent Gold Coast. And the beating heart of this area is Broadbeach where the best of everything is within easy walking distance.

Which is why Michael Kollosche decided to establish his thriving real estate Agency in Albert Avenue in the centre of the Broadbeach commercial area.

Michael Kollosche comes from a racing family, his father Bill Kollosche established Monomeith Stud in Victoria, stood stallions, raced horses and didn’t mind a bet. His son, although familiar with the thoroughbred industry has turned his talents in a different direction, establishing Kollosche in Broadbeach, specialising in prestige residential sales, leasing and project marketing.

I caught up with Michael Kollosche recently and was able to get his thoughts on the property market.

What made you choose Broadbeach on the Gold Coast to set up your business?

“I have worked in real estate for over 20 years and soon realised that Broadbeach is one of the best locations imaginable in terms of all round lifestyle and the opportunities it provides in terms of quality real estate. Luxury properties are in high demand, whether to sell or to rent. The entire Gold Coast is a thriving metropolis in its own right, there is consistent business among the local population looking to upgrade or retire. Of course we attract a lot of buyers from interstate and overseas, but the local market is very strong. It’s a great place to do business. We specialise in the prestige end of the market for both home and apartment sales, and also specialise in luxury boutique

development sales. The luxury rental market is also very strong on the Gold Coast.

What advice would you give to anyone considering investing in real estate at the Gold Coast?

“If I had laid out the Gold Coast property scenario for you 20 years ago, the prices being realised now would have seemed an unachievable dream. There has been incredible growth in the market here over that period, admittedly with occasional downturns like everywhere else, but this market is very resilient.

The population growth in south east Queensland has been a real driving force, with the buyers always keen to snap up the best properties. I’m sure it will continue in this vein, so it’s not too late to invest in property here. Whether you are looking for a new lifestyle, downsizing for retirement or buying an investment property to perhaps use during the Magic Millions January and National Sale series and rent out for the rest of the year, the right property can be a great investment here.”

This comment really struck a chord with me as I have first hand experience in this regard. Bluebloods subscribers will be aware that we recently relocated our office to Burleigh Heads and that we now live in Broadbeach. Prior to moving here permanently in September, our apartment was rented out and it was so busy we had trouble getting in ourselves.

Do you have any clients from the thoroughbred industry?

“Yes we do, and we realise what a big part the Magic Millions race and sales series plays in the economic life of this area. We would be delighted to offer advice to anyone interested in purchasing property for the future. I’m looking forward to coming out to the sales in January with some of the team here and seeing the action first hand.”

124 / GOLD COAST PROPERTY - INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL KOLLOSCHE kollosche - advetorial.indd 124

2/12/19 10:06 am

DENMAN – HUNTER VALLEY • NSW

Bylong Park

APPROX – 137.9 HA – 340 ACRES

Proven Brood Mare Farm - Easy Access to all Major Studs A Producer of Quality Race Horses - Such as Mosheen – Driefontein - Luger • Located in the heart of the breeding industry 15 mins Denman, 35 mins Coolmore and 45 mins Segenhoe Valley Studs, 3½ hours Sydney.

• Well-presented improvements and horse facilities.

• 16 box Stable Barn, vet shed and 10 day yards, Ezywalker horse walker, round yard, all steel machinery and hay sheds.

“Bylong Park” is ideally located in the thoroughbred capital of Australia.

The property is equally suited as a broodmare farm, agistment business, equestrian operation and an interstate or overseas satellite base.

• Modern 3 bedroom main residence and 3 bedroom staff cottage.

• Subdivided into 16 larger paddocks.

• Substantial 170ml irrigation licence.

600mm – 24”average annual rainfall.

Detailed Information Memorandum and Video Available

88 Kelly Street SCONE NSW 2337 Ph: (02) 6545 1377 Peter Townsend 0417 445 861 ptownsend@wlt.net.au

Carrington House SYDNEY NSW David Nolan Mob 0447 278 236 david@websternolan.com.au www.websternolan.com.au

We have prepared the above information based on instructions received. Prospective purchasers should rely on their own enquiries to verify the information.

To view properties on the internet: www.websternolan.com.au

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

GR1 WINNERS flow in the drought

BY RENEE GEELEN

Drought. It’s a word that strikes dread in farmers’ hearts and wallets and one we’ve all become sadly accustomed to hearing.

For fifteen of the past 20 years, much of Australia has been in drought. To put that in context, Australia has officially been in drought for 30 years of the past one hundred years, so a disproportionate amount of reduced rainfall years have happened recently.

For racehorse trainers and owners, this raises one particularly interesting question – how does drought affect the quality of the racehorse grown? The simple answer is “not at all”.

126 / GR1 WINNERS FLOW IN THE DROUGHT MMGC 20_ Drought - DR.indd 62

2/12/19 10:39 am

The eight years with average or wetter than average rainfall had 36.75 Gr1 winners per crop, while the drought years achieved 33 Gr1 winners on average.

Most interesting in the data is when you look across the last ninety years, there is a slight uplift for every foal crop born two years after the end of a drought, with these crops producing a slightly higher number of Gr1 winners than the average.

All of these figures make it look like there is a minor disadvantage for horses born in drought years, but this isn’t really true when you step back and look at an entire foal crop. As a percentage of foal crop, the fluctuations of Gr1 winners between crops is so infinitesimally small as to make no real practical difference at all. Given the vast number of factors that go into producing a Gr1 winner, this makes common sense. The other complicating factor when looking at this data is that the number of Gr1 races has risen over time, and the foal crop has fallen, so the chance of breeding a Gr1 winner has also risen (from approximately 30 Gr1 winners in 18,000 foals born per annum in the 1990s to 35 in 13,000 currently). The only conclusion for breeders, owners, and trainers is that a drought has no impact on the quality of horses born in those years.

WE SPOKE TO SEVERAL FARMS ABOUT THE CURRENT DROUGHT. Kitchwin Hills have produced many good horses born since the current drought began in 2013, including Magic Millions Gr1 graduate Pierata (Pierro) who was born in 2014, and has won eight races including the Gr1 All Aged Stakes, and most recently the $1million Redzel Stakes. Sold at the 2018 Magic Millions Sale is Kitchwin Hills graduate Yes Yes Yes (Rubick) who won the Gr2 Todman Stakes last season, recently ran second in the Gr1 Golden Rose, and conquered this year’s edition of the world’s richest race on turf, The Everest. Fellow Magic Millions graduates produced

by Kitchwin Hills during this drought are Gr2 winner Dubious and Listed winner Our Crown Mistress.

Given the time it takes to grow a young horse from foal until racehorse, the twenty foal crops from 1995 to 2014 were looked at, so the youngest horses in the data set have just turned five (spring 2019). Arion Pedigrees provided a list of all Gr1 winners by year of foaling in Australia from 1930, and this was aligned against drought data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. In the twenty years of selected data, the eastern seaboard of Australia was in drought for 12 of those years (1995, 2001-2009, 2013, 2014). The average number of Gr1 winners foaled in Australia during those 20 years was 34.6 per crop.

Mick Malone spoke to us about how Kitchwin Hills are managing in this drought. “It’s as tough as can be. There is a perception that drought only happens to cattle and sheep farmers, because horse studs can’t claim rebates on travel or feed. In the breeding game, the margins are already getting tighter, which is particularly hard for small breeders and farms.

During this drought, our feed bill has doubled but our agistment income has stayed the same, so we are spending more than we are getting in. Staff numbers are up as well, because this much feed takes more staff to handle. Across the Hunter, no one is immune.

Even people who can irrigate are struggling because the cost is ridiculous, and we can only rely on our clients to pay extra to a certain level before that becomes unsustainable. I’ve heard many smaller farms are losing clients over increased agistment charges, but without the increase, people will go broke. It’s an impossible balance.” Malone expanded his point on irrigation based on their location on the edge of the Isis River. “We have river frontage on the Isis River which comes from Crawney Mountain, but there is no water in the river. Even the Hunter River, which used to be reliable, is down to a trickle.”

With regards to the challenges in growing good

horses in a drought, Malone said, “The animal husbandry from all breeders in the Hunter Valley is astounding. Wherever you go, all the stock look amazing. The horses wouldn’t know they are in a drought because of the quality of feed going into them. Managing their feeding is more consistent in a drought, more expensive too, because there isn’t the flush of fresh grass with high sugars. In a good spring with tons of grass, you tend to back off the feed a bit, then end up with a yo-yo style feeding regime depending on the pasture and condition of the individual horses. Drought feeding is more consistent because all their intake is measured.”

Yarraman Stud, located outside Scone in the Hunter Valley has no river frontage, but has managed to sell many top class horses born in the current drought, including Magic Millions graduates Gr2 winner Time to Reign, Gr3 winner and internationally Gr1 placed Houtzen, Gr3 winner Zelady’s Night Out, Gr3 winner Crack the Code, Gr3 winner Invincible Star, and several other Listed winners.

Arthur Mitchell talked to us about how Yarraman was managing in the drought. “Good. We have a good supplier who sends us two types of hay, oaten and lucerne. It’s expensive, but we are handling that alright. And we have a good supply of hard feed. It’s very tough on pasture. Our irrigation has run out, but so far, we are managing okay without it by being selective in how we manage our water supplies.”

When asked what the important factors are for growing strong, healthy young horses in a drought, Mitchell said, “The key is managing feeding, by not over-feeding and with the right supply of quality feed. Our current yearlings look as big and strong as any other year, and we are on target to offer a nice crop of yearlings at the upcoming sales. They’ve all x-rayed well to date, which is a measure that we are getting the right balance of feed into them.

Plenty of good horses are born in drought years, and the theory is that the horses aren’t getting the fluctuating sugars that green grass gives them, so their feed intake is more consistent.”

Eureka Stud in Queensland’s Darling Downs region has been in the news recently thanks to their exciting young stallion Spirit of Boom, and among their many drought graduates are Magic Millions sold Listed winners Outback Barbie and Ef Troop.

Scott McAlpine outlined how planning was the key to how Eureka Stud was coping in the current drought. “In the last eighteen months, we’ve become more dependant on buying fodder from across Australia. I like having the hay sheds at least half full. It makes me feel like I’m two steps ahead, and that means we buy hay when it becomes available. Just recently we bought 500 ton of hay from a property a couple of hours drive away from us, but that creates an issue of cash flow. Now I have to pay for three months’ worth of hay in one go. Around here, horses come first, and family comes second. Buying the correct fodder allows us to get the best results, with regards to growing young horses, or cycling broodmares. The other issue is that feeding is so time consuming – before the drought we had two staff doing the feeding part time, now we have four full time staff who only do feeding. We are also only using our irrigation to grow hay because that’s the best use of the water.

2020 / 127 MMGC 20_ Drought - DR.indd 63

2/12/19 10:39 am

CURRENT DROUGHT (FOALED 2013-2016) GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE SOLD GR1 WINNERS HORSENAME

YOF

SIRE

DAM

STARTS

WINS

SECONDS

THIRDS

CAPITALIST

2013

WRITTEN TYCOON (AUS) 2002

FOXPLAY

2013

GLOBAL GLAMOUR

EARNING $AUD

KITALPHA (NZ ) 2005

7

4

1

1

$3,545,900

FOXWEDGE (AUS) 2008

BUTTERS (USA) 2004

25

5

4

2

$1,429,510

2013

STAR WITNESS (AUS) 2007

SPECTACULA (AUS) 2004

19

5

4

2

$1,561,400

INVINCIBELLA

2013

I AM INVINCIBLE (AUS) 2004

ABSCOND (AUS) 2007

41

11

8

4

$2,488,603

IVICTORY

2013

MOSSMAN (AUS) 1995

INCA LAGOON (AUS) 2009

15

7

1

0

$2,473,281

LASQUETI SPIRIT

2013

BENETEAU (AUS) 2007

SUPRIYM STORY (AUS) 2004

22

1

2

4

$954,745

ACE HIGH

2014

HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) 1999

COME SUNDAY (AUS) 2006

28

5

3

1

$2,269,325

D’ARGENTO

2014

SO YOU THINK (NZ ) 2006

FULLAZZ (AUS) 2002

14

4

2

2

$1,103,525

INVADER

2014

SNITZEL (AUS) 2002

FLAME OF SYDNEY (AUS) 2003

10

2

3

0

$968,375

LEVENDI

2014

PIERRO (AUS) 2009

LIPARI (AUS) 2008

11

5

1

0

$1,657,150

PIERATA

2014

PIERRO (AUS) 2009

NOVEMBER FLIGHT (AUS) 2001

23

9

6

2

$5,640,700

THE MISSION

2014

CHOISIR (AUS) 1999

MY AMELIA (AUS) 2007

19

2

1

1

$513,425

MR QUICKIE

2015

SHAMUS AWARD (AUS) 2010

SPECIAL FAVOUR (AUS) 2009

17

9

3

2

$,1097,200

QAFILA

2015

NOT A SINGLE DOUBT (AUS) 2001

ZIGHY BAY (USA) 2010

22

3

2

0

$731,420

SUNLIGHT

2015

ZOUSTAR (AUS) 2010

SOLAR CHARGED (AUS) 2007

21

11

2

5

$6,555,950

WINNING WAYS

2015

DECLARATION OF WAR (USA) 2009

SKIP ALONG (GB) 2008

16

8

1

2

$571,200

PRINCE FAWAZ

2016

FASTNET ROCK (AUS) 2001

LADY PAGET (AUS) 2008

7

2

0

1

$471,950

TOTAL GR1 WINNERS BORN IN EACH AUSTRALIAN FOAL CROP

Note: The rise over time reflects the rise in the number of Gr1 races available in Australia

128 / GR1 WINNERS FLOW IN THE DROUGHT MMGC 20_ Drought - DR.indd 64

2/12/19 10:39 am

AUD

SALE

S/P/W

PRICE

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$165,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$160,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$65,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$185,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$80,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$150,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$130,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$135,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$475,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$140,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$160,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$32,500

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$115,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$450,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$300,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$110,000

MM GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE

SOLD

$220,000

If the horses are put onto irrigated pasture, we get about a twenty percent loss of nutrients because the horses walk and roll on the grass, whereas if we cut it for hay, we get to use all of that food. It’s about making sure we get maximum value for our irrigation spend. By the same token, we stockpile hay, and plan to have 1,000 ton of hay stored by the end of May each year. This takes away some of the issues around cost because we can buy hay in bulk when its available at a reasonable price, and use our stockpiles when it fluctuates too high, allowing us to stay ahead of the price war on feed. However, there will always be a high cost for this feed because its coming from far away. We were lucky to get hay locally recently, but most of the time we are buying from Victoria or South Australia, and need to include freight costs in the feed as well.”

McAlpine talked about weather patterns at Eureka Stud, saying, “The weather people aren’t very positive that we will see any decent rain any time soon. The last few years, we’ve had what I call block rain, as opposed to the regular rain we usually get. Most years, Eureka Stud gets 28 inches of rain a year, spread out evenly. Last year we got 12 inches, and the year before 11 inches, but it’s not just the rain deficit but the pattern that causes the problem. We’ve been getting 4-5 inches in one month in spring, so we plant seed, but then no more rain appears until autumn, so the crops die, leaving us having spent money on seed and fertiliser for no outcome. Then in autumn we get 5-6 inches in one month, then again nothing until spring. The Darling Downs is a huge grain growing region, but there have been no crops for the last three seasons. Eureka Stud is buying in grain from South Australia, and our ports are importing not exporting grain. The economic ramifications for Queensland are horrendous. The biggest concern we have going forward is water. Horses drink a lot of water every day, and while we have a good supply from an underground system, we need rain to replenish that system. There are towns who are close to running out of water in this drought, and that’s scary. How do you truck enough water for a town of 20,000 people when it dries up?”

100 YEARS – 1920 TO 2019 (37 years drought) DROUGHT YEARS

AREAS AFFECTED

TOTAL YEARS

1918-19

ALL AUSTRALIA

2

1937-1947

EASTERN AUSTRALIA

11

1965-1968

EASTERN AUSTRALIA

4

1982

SHORT SEVERE DROUGHT - APRIL 82 TO JAN 83

1

1991-1995

EASTERN AUSTRALIA

6

2001-2009

EASTERN AUSTRALIA

9

2013-2019

EASTERN AUSTRALIA

6

Eureka Stud has a strong record of producing good racehorses in these tough conditions, and McAlpine said, “We employed a nutritionist to ensure we were feeding a proper balanced diet that compensated for the lack of green feed. Our horses look to be better developed than in previous years (before employing the nutritionist) and in the long term, we are seeing better bone development too. We hope to eradicate x-ray issues caused by a lack of trace elements. Our horses might be costing a lot of money to produce, but they look magnificent, so the money is well spent.”

Stuart Ramsay’s Turangga Farm has a long history of producing top class horses, and their recent drought born group winners sold at Magic Millions is just the tip of the long list of Gr1 horses from the Segenhoe Valley property.

Champagne Cuddles has proven to be a tough competitor, winning at Gr2 level and being Gr1 placed on four occasions. The four year old mare won on debut as an October two year-old, and is still racing with earnings to date of over $1.4million. Farson won the Gr2 Autumn Classic before being exported to Macau where he added to his winning record, while Charge won the 2018 Gr3 Red Anchor Stakes. Several other up and coming group placed types have also gone through Turangga Farm’s Magic Millions drafts.

Stuart Ramsay was pragmatic about the current drought. “It’s no different to any other year, you have to manage the environment, the available feed, and the horses. Drought is part of life on rural land, of course we are concerned about this one, but you have to keep going. We also have nearly half a million acres in western Queensland to manage, and our cattle keep putting on weight. I haven’t bought a bale of hay yet. It’s all about managing over stocking, and working with nature, not against it.” Regarding horses born in drought years, Ramsay was positive. “There’ll be more good horses reared in drought years than in good years. In a good year, they’ll be over fed.

Fat horses might sell better, but they don’t run better, and most horses get killed through kindness. Feeding a stable diet where they grow at a steady rate on the right land is the key. Green feed looks pretty but it isn’t always the best for the horses. The biggest issue, at any time in any conditions, is the conversion of feed into bone and muscle. Athletes need to move and eat properly to grow. With the value of some horses, it’s tempting to wrap them up and overfeed them, but that’s not good for them in the long run.”

Buyers should inspect the latest crop of Magic Millions yearlings with the confidence that experienced farms have a deep knowledge of how to produce good horses in drought conditions. While the number of Gr1 winners born in every crop fluctuates slightly, on balance the overall chance of breeding or buying a Gr1 winner is unaffected by the amount of rainfall, or not, that any farm receives.

2020 / 129 MMGC 20_ Drought - DR.indd 65

2/12/19 10:39 am

CLASS 2020 OF

LES YOUNG

While some owners and trainers prefer to buy the stock of horses they have seen race in Australia we should always remember that record-breaking, nine times champion sire Danehill (Danzig) was the supreme shuttler and internationally is one of the greatest stallions of the past 50 years.

Remember, too, that a number of other shuttle sires have been responsible for many of the finest racehorses and sires seen here over the past 40 years and as recently as early November former Coolmore shuttler Declaration of War supplied both the 2019 Victoria Derby winner Warning and Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare.Declaration of War is a multiple, Group 1-winning son of War Front, father of another of first crop shuttler, champion European juvenile Air Force Blue.

Another champion European two-year-old, Shalaa (Invincible Spirit), Japanese stars Maurice (Screen Hero) and Mikki Isle (Deep Impact) and top American performer Frosted (Tapit) are among other highly performed shuttlers with first crop yearlings in the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast January catalogue.

It is difficult to single out any one horse amongst an outstanding selection of new Australian-bred first crop stallions but from a Magic Millions viewpoint what better prospect can there be than Magic Millions graduate Capitalist (Written Tycoon), not only winner of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic but also of the coveted Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) and the ATC Breeders’ Plate (1000m) which makes him the ultimate juvenile performer.

Also among the exciting new group of Australasian-bred racing stars are Astern (Medaglia d’Oro), Divine Prophet (Choisir), Extreme Choice (Not a Single Doubt), Flying Artie (Artie Schiller), Palentino (Teofilo), Stratum Star (Stratum) and Xtravagant (Pentire).

Following is a short pen portrait of each of the first crop sires, listed alphabetically, with youngsters in Magic Millions January auction:

130 / CLASS OF 2020 - FIRST SEASON SIRES First Season Sires - DR.indd 130

2/12/19 10:05 am

AMERICAN PHARAOH

2020 / 131

First Season Sires - DR.indd 131

2/12/19 10:05 am

AIR FORCE BLUE (USA) (War FrontChatham, by Maria’s Mon).

Highly rated, champion 2YO colt in Europe in 2015 when winner of three Group 1 events, the Newmarket Dewhurst Stakes (7f), Curragh National Stakes (7f) and Curragh Phoenix Stakes (6f) His stakes placed dam Chatham won three sprint races and is closely related to Flanders and Surfside, both champion fillies in the United States.

AMERICAN PHAROAH (USA). (Pioneer of the Nile – Littleprincessemma, by Yankee Gentleman).

Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year in the USA in 2015, winner of nine of his 11 starts.

Son of the outstanding Mr. Prospector-line sire Pioneer of the Nile and half-brother to Grade 1 winner Chasing Yesterday. His maternal grandsire is a son of the great Storm Cat and his dam is a half-sister to two stakes winners from the stakes winner Exclusive Rosette.

ASTERN (AUS). (Medaglia d’Oro – Essaouira,

by Exceed and Excel).

A striking type, Astern was a leading two-year-old, taking the ATC Silver Slipper Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) and the Kindergarten Stakes (Gr. 3, 1100m) before at three years recording stunning victories in the ATC Golden Rose (Gr. 1, 1400m) and the Run to the Rose (Gr. 2, 1200m) and finishing second in the VRC Coolmore Stud (Ascot Vale) Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m).

By former shuttler Medaglia d’Oro, one of the leading sires in the United States, Astern is a halfbrother to outstanding mare Alizee (Sepoy) and other good winners from the strongest of black type families.

AWESOME ROCK (AUS). (Fastnet Rock – Awesome Planet, by Giant’s Causeway).

This $ 2 million earner won in Melbourne as a twoyear -old when second in the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) and raced consistently well for four seasons, his finest performances being his victory in the VRC Emirates (LKS Mackinnon) Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) and his second in the VRC Australian Cup (Gr. 1, 2000m).

By twice champion Australian sire,international stud success and sire-of-sires Fastnet Rock, Awesome Rock is out of three-time stakes winner and classic placegetter Awesome Planet and comes from the international family of stars Dr Devious, good sire Archway and new Coolmore sire Saxon Warrior.

BELARDO (IRE). (Lope de Vega – Danaskaya,

by Danehill).

New Zealand-based shuttler Belardo was ranked as the champion 2YO colt in Europe in 2014, winning three of his five starts including the Newmarket Dewhurst Stakes (Gr. 1, 7f).

He is a son of champion and leading sire Lope de Vega and is a half-brother to stakes winner Berling (Montjeu) from juvenile winner Danaskaya who placed in the Newmarket Cheveley Park Stakes (Gr. 1, 6f).

BOBBY’S KITTEN (USA).(Kitten’s Joy – Celestial Woods, by Forestry).

Among the best and fastest sons of champion US sire Kitten’s Joy, Bobby’s Kitten won four stakes events in the United States and Ireland, most notably the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (Gr. 1, 6.5f) in which he defeated boom European sire No Nay Never.

Bobby’s Kitten is a brother to stakes winners Camelot Kitten and Major Magic from the strong family of champion Theatrical, an influential stallion.

CABLE BAY (IRE). (Invincible Spirit –Rose de France, by Diktat).

The leading first crop sire in Britain and Ireland in 2019 with 23 winners at last count, Cable Bay won the Newmarket Challenge Stakes (Gr. 2, 6f) and the John of Gaunt Stakes (Gr. 3, 7f) and was seven times stakes placed including when second in the Dewhurst Stakes (Gr. 1, 7f) at two years.

He is by I Am Invincible’s sire Invincible Spirit , a brother to a stakes winner and a half-brother to Australian Group winner Mister Sea Wolf .Their dam Rose de France is a daughter of multiple Group 1 winner and stakes producer Cherokee Rose, by champion Dancing Brave.

CAPITALIST (AUS). (Written Tycoon – Kitalpha, by Fusaichi Pegasus).

Australia’s champion 2YO colt of 2015/16, Capitalist won four races and placed twice in only seven starts, taking the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m), the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, Wyong Magic Millions Classic and the ATC Breeders’ Plate to earn more than $3.45 million.

By leading sire Written Tycoon, Capitalist is out of a winning half-sister to stakes winner Brayroan (Zabeel) from stakes winning two-year-old Compulsion (Danehill), a sister to Golden Slipper winner Merlene, while his third dam is Bold Promise (Luskin Star), best 2YO filly of her generation.

DEFCON (AUS). (Choisir – Nuclear Force, by Encosta de Lago).

In only eight starts Defcon won two stakes events, the Canberra Black Opal Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at two years and the MRC HDF McNeil Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) and twice placed in Group events.

As a son of international stud success Choisir from the incomparable Danehill male line, Defcon appeals as a prospective sire.His dam was a good winner in Melbourne by multiple champion sire and broodmare sire Encosta de Lago and comes from the family of dual classic winner Rom’s Stiletto.

DIVINE PROPHET (AUS). (Choisir –Prophet Jewel, by Encosta de Lago).

FLYING ARTIE (AUS). (Artie Schiller – Flying Ruby, by Rubiton).

Winner at two years of the MRC Blue Diamond Prelude (c.and g.) (Gr. 3, 1100m) before finishing second to Extreme Choice in the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) and third in the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr.1,1200m) Flying Artie had his most important victory as a spring three-year-old in the sire-making VRC Coolmore Stud (Ascot Vale) Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m), beating Astern and Star Turn.He was then rated Australia’s champion of his age in 2016/17.

From the Sadler’s Wells male line, Flying Artie is out of stakes winner Flying Ruby whose dam Parkhill’s Flyer is a half-sister to champion Better Loosen Up (17 wins to 2400m and $3.48 million).

FROSTED (USA). (Tapit – Fast Cookie, by Deputy Minister).

Outstanding performer in the United States and Dubai, winner of six races including three Grade 1 events, the Metropolitan Handicap (1m), the Whitney Stakes (9f) and the Wood Memorial Stakes (9f) while his placings include a third to champion American Pharoah in the classic Belmont Stakes (Gr. 1, 12f).

Frosted is the best son of three times champion US sire Tapit from multiple black type winner Fast Cookie, also dam of stakes winner Indulgent.

His second dam Fleet Lady was a multiple black type winner of 10 races and dam of three stakes winners, among them Midshipman, champion 2YO colt in the USA in 2008.

KISS AND MAKE UP (AUS). (More Than Ready –Fashions Afield, by Redoute’s Choice).

Winner at two years of the ATC Todman Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) beating Capitalist before injury cut short his track career.

Son of great international sire More Than Ready (199 stakes winners) from Fashions Afield, Australia’s champion two-year-old filly of her generation whose second dam Wrap Around (Bletchingly) was a Group 1 winner of nine races.

MAURICE (JPN). (Screen Hero –Meijiro Frances, by Carnegie).

Ultra handsome Divine Prophet won over 1200m as a two-year-old when he showed his class to place third to Prized Icon in the ATC Champagne Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) then at three years he captured the sire-making MRC Caulfield Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and the ATC Up and Coming Stakes (Gr. 3, 1300m).

He is a brother to promising New Zealand-based stallion Proisir (Newcastle Spring Stakes winner) from the outstanding New Zealand family of Group 1 - winning stayers Straight Draw,General Command and Ilumquh.

As we can even better appreciate after both the 2019 Caulfield Cup and W.S. Cox Plate were won by Japanese horses, some of the world’s best racehorses are being bred in Japan.New sire Maurice ranks highly among the finest as a Japanese Horse of the Year, a champion sprinter and champion miler and a six-time Group 1 winner in Japan and Hong Kong, at his best at 1600m so ideally suited in Australia.

From the Roberto/Hail to Reason male line, Maurice is one of six winners from his dam, a daughter of stakes winner Mejiro Monteray from a strong black type family.

EXTREME CHOICE (AUS). (Not a Single Doubt —Extremely, by Hussonet).

MIKKI ISLE (JPN).(Deep Impact –Star Isle,

by Rock of Gibraltar).

One of the best and fastest juveniles of his generation, Extreme Choice won three of his four starts at that age including the MRC Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) in which he defeated Flying Artie.Highlight of his three-year-old season was his victory in the MVRC AJ Moir Stakes (Gr. 1, 1000m) defeating Heatherly.

This grandson of Redoute’s Choice comes from the distinguished American family of Going To Extremes (his second dam) and should get speedy, early two-year-olds.

Champion sprinter and miler in Japan in 2016, Mikki Isle is a dual Group 1 winner at 1600m and a son of global supersire and champion racehorse Deep Impact, by Sunday Silence.

Mikki Isle’s winning dam is a daughter of champion Rock of Gibraltar (Danehill) from Isle de Madrid (Nureyev), a stakes winner in France and the United States and second in a Group 1 in France as a two-year-old.

132 / CLASS OF 2020 - FIRST SEASON SIRES First Season Sires - DR.indd 132

2/12/19 10:05 am

ODYSSEY MOON (AUS). (Snitzel –Run to the Moon, by Arch).

A very talented two-year-old, Odyssey Moon won the ATC Inglis Nursery (RL, 1000m) and was second in both the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) and the ATC Skyline Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m).He later won three more races in Melbourne, notably the VRC Standish Handicap (Gr. 3, 1200m).

By three times champion sire Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice), Odyssey Moon is linebred to Danehill’s sire Danzig and comes from a strong American female line.

RAGEESE (AUS). (Street Cry – Rabsha, by Dehere).

New Zealand-based Rageese was a smart twoyear-old in Australia, placing in both the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) and the Pago Pago Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m).At three years he won the SAJC HC Nitschke Stakes (Listed, 1400m) and registered stakes placings before at four years taking the VRC L’Oreal Paris Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) at Flemington.

By Winx’s sire, Rageese has as his second dam Esubooh (Sunday Silence),dam of UAE Oaks winner Raihana.This is the family of champion Emancipation.

SHALAA (IRE). (Invincible Spirit – Ghurra, by War Chant).

Champion 2YO colt in Britain and France in 2015 when winner of five races, among them the Prix Morny (Gr. 1, 1200m), the Middle Park Stakes (Gr. 1, 6f), the Richmond Stakes (Gr. 2, 6f) and the July Stakes (Gr2, 6f).

By I Am Invincible’s sire Invincible Spirit, Shalaa is linebred to Danzig and comes from a strong black type family.His first yearlings in Europe were much admired and sold well at major auctions in 2019.

SOOBOOG (AUS). (Snitzel –Monte Rosa,

by Fraar).

(1400m) and the WATC Kingston Town Stakes (1800m), won three other stakes events and his placings included four at Group 1 level.

By successful, Golden Slipper-winning sire Stratum, Stratum Star is a half-brother to stakes placed Serenade (Star Witness) from a placed sister to stakes winner Raid and counts champion Emancipation (Bletchingly) as his fourth dam.

TARZINO (NZ). (Tavistock –Zarzino, by Zabeel).

This young New Zealand-based stallion was precocious enough to win as a two-year-old over 1400m before becoming Australia’s champion three-year-old colt of the 2015/16 season, winning the VRC Victoria Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) and beat subsequent Hong Kong superstar Beauty Generation and Jameka in the ATC Rosehill Guineas (Gr. 1, 2000m).

He is one of the best winners by leading New Zealand sire Tavistock (Montjeu) and closely related to stakes winners Kindacross (Cape Cross) and Respect (Zabeel) from the distinguished family of Vice Regal and Sky Chase, both successful sires.

TERRITORIES (IRE).(Invincible Spirit – Taranto, by Machiavellian).

Darley shuttler with an impeccable racing record in Europe up to 1600m, a dual stakes winner of the Prix Jean Prat (Gr. 1, 1600m) and six times stakes placed including three seconds at Group 1 level, one behind Gleneagles in the Two Thousand Guineas (Gr. 1, 1m) at Newmarket.

Territories gains attention as a son of I Am Invincible’s sire Invincible Spirit and rates highly on his female pedigree being out of superbly bred, stakes placed multiple Paris winner Taranto who comes from the family of world-class sires Street Cry and Shamardal.

TIVACI (AUS).(High Chaparral – Breccia, by Fastnet Rock).

Lightly raced due to an early injury, Sooboog scored his most important win in the VRC Aurie’s Star Handicap (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Flemington and also won twice in Sydney over 1100m while his three stakes placings include a second to champion Vancouver in the ATC Breeders’ Plate (Listed, 1000m).

This big, impressive type is a brother to the brilliant filly Snitzerland (8 wins to 1200m and $ 1.97 million) and is closely related to stakes winner Nina Haraka (dam of Extension in Time).

At stud in New Zealand, Tivaci earned a tick under $1 million on the racecourse over two seasons, taking the VRC C.S. Hayes Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) at three years and two more black type events at four, most notably the ATC All Aged Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m).

An impressive individual, Tivaci is a son of dual Derby-winning champion and leading sire High Chaparral (Sadler’s Wells) and is bred on the super successful blend of Sadler’s Wells and Danehill with a dash of Sir Tristram thrown in for good measure.

STAR TURN (AUS). (Star Witness – Golden Delicious, by Made of Gold).

TURN ME LOOSE (NZ).(Iffraaj – Indomitable,

by Danehill).

A Randwick 2YO winner and Group placed at that age, Star Turn at three years won the ATC San Domenico Stakes (Gr. 3, 1100m) and the MRC Schillaci Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m), was second to Astern in the ATC Run to the Rose (Gr. 2, 1200m) and was four times third in Group 1 contests.

He is a typical son of successful Nureyev-line stallion Star Witness from multiple stakes winning sprinter Golden Delicious who carries the blood of famous sires Star Kingdom and Blushing Groom.

STRATUM STAR (AUS). (Stratum – Purely Spectacular, by Pins).

Tough, sound and durable, Stratum Star raced for four seasons, winning eight races and placing in another 15, mostly in Group company, to earn more than $ 2.45 million.He was a dual Group 1 winner of the MRC Sir Rupert Clarke (Invitation) Stakes

New Zealand-based Turn Me Loose fully proved himself on both New Zealand and Australian tracks.A smart two-year-old, he went on at three years to capture the New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m), reaching his peak at four years to win four more feature events, among them the VRC Emirates Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) and the MRC Futurity Stakes (Gr.1, 1400m).

By the very successful shuttle stallion Iffraaj out of a Danehill mare, Turn Me Loose has daughters of Sadler’s Wells and Shirley Heights as his second and third dams so has excellent pedigree credentials.

VANBRUGH (AUS). (Encosta de Lago – Soho Secret, by Lucky Owners).

Vanbrugh won in Sydney over 1200m as a juvenile before coming into his own at three years with

successive victories in the ATC Gloaming Stakes (Gr. 3, 1800m) and the Spring Champion Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).He returned as a four-year-old to beat Tom Melbourne and It’s Somewhat in the MRC Coongy Handicap (Gr. 3, 2000m).

Like the late Northern Meteor, New Zealand-based Vanbrugh is by Encosta de Lago.His dam won in Sydney as a two-year-old and is a half-sister to stakes winners Sportsman, Prisoner of Love, Hoystar and the sire King of Prussia.

WINNING RUPERT (AUS). (Written Tycoon –Winaura, by Show a Heart).

Brilliantly fast horse who won five of his six starts in Brisbane and at the Sunshine Coast, setting two track records, three of his victories coming in Group races up to 1300m with two recorded as a two-year-old.

Winning Rupert’s dam Winaura was also a very smart sprinter in Brisbane from a prolific family of winners.

XTRAVAGANT (NZ).(Pentire – Axiom, by Zabeel).

Newhaven Park Stud’s Xtravagant won over 1400m as a two-year-old in New Zealand and at three years was ranked as that country’s champion with a string of highly impressive wins from 1200m to 1600m, two at Group 1 level including the New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas.

By the versatile, Northern Dancer-line sire Pentire, a dual Group 1 winner in Europe and sire of 16 Group 1 winners, Xtravagant is a brother to stakes winner and classic placegetter He’s Remarkable from an unraced daughter of the great Zabeel while his second dam Arletty (Centaine) won five stakes events, among them the AJC Villiers Stakes (Gr. 2, 1600m) and the STC Queen of the Turf Stakes (Gr. 2, 1500m).

The breeding and racing industry together mourn the passing of legendary bloodstock agent Les Young in late November, found deceased at his home.

Les rose from humble beginnings, by dint of his own hard work and his encyclopaedic knowledge of thoroughbred pedigrees to become an industry leader in many areas.

From running his own sales company, to managing the Sydney premiership winning combination of Bob Lapointe, Robert Sangster and Brian Mayfield-Smith which under the Nebo Lodge banner finally ended Tommy Smith’s 33 year reign as champion trainer, to being an intelligent and influential voice in both owners’ and breeders’ associations, to being a successful owner breeder, Les Young could do it all.

He also made a lasting contribution to thoroughbred breeding literature with his long running “Breeders’ World” column in Sportsman and as a regular contributor to Bluebloods magazine and other leading industry publications. Les also penned the essays on eight stallions for the epic reference Great Thoroughbred Sires Of The World, his knowledge and erudition always shone in his work.

Among Les Young’s many talents was the ability to encourage young people in a new career or a new venture, he made time for the breeder with a single mare just as he did for the high rollers.

He was hugely influential in the careers of some of the greats of the Australian turf such as Emancipation and Snippets, but even more influential in the many friends he made and people he mentored.

Among his many honours, fittingly the most recent was a life membership of NSW Thoroughbred Breeders. No one deserved that honour more than Les Young.

- Andrew Reichard

2020 / 133 First Season Sires - DR.indd 133

2/12/19 10:05 am

ZARA TINDALL MBE & KATIE PAGE-HARVEY

MAGIC MILLIONS FESTIVAL

BEC FRIZELLE AT WELCOME BBQ, ASTON FARM

of

B RITISH EVENTING

CAPTAIN MARK PHILLIPS

CHRIS BURTON RIDING LAWTOWN CHLOE - COMPETING IN THE MAGIC MILLIONS BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP CCI4*-S

JOHN & LUCINDA FERGUSON

SUSIE MCKEEVER & PATRICK COOPER

62 / /STORY 134 MM FESTIVAL TITLE OF BRITISH EVENTING MMGC 20_ Gatcombe - DR.indd 62

2/12/19 10:12 am

HOME OF HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL

ZARA TINDALL, KATIE PAGE-HARVEY, BEC FRIZELLE & JULES COOPER

MAGIC MILLIONS BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZEGIVING – KATIE PAGE-HARVEY, JONELLE PRICE & HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL

HANNAH WALL, JULES COOPER, CLINT DONOVAN & ELAINE LAWLOR

EVENT DIRECTOR, PETER PHILLIPS AT THE WECLOME BBQ AT ASTON FARM

Held in the magnificent grounds of HRH The Princess Royal’s home, Gatcombe Park, Magic Millions was once again the proud sponsor of the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing held from 2-4 August.

2020 / 135 63 MMGC 20_ Gatcombe - DR.indd 63

2/12/19 10:13 am

HERBERT APPLEROTH, BAHAR ETMINAN WITH BEC & BRETT FRIZELLE AT ASTON FARM

MM BRITISH OPEN CHAMPION JONELLE PRICE WITH CLASSIC MOET

JESS & ADRIAN BOTT AT THE WELCOME BBQ AT ASTON FARM

MAGIC MILLIONS FESTIVAL

of

B RITISH EVENTING

PAMELA CORDINA, LILIAN RANDON, LIZ DEEGAN & MATTHEW BENNS AT ASTON FARM

COURSE DRIVE WITH COURSE DESIGNER - CAPTAIN MARK PHILLIPS WITH GUESTS

136 / MM FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING MMGC 20_ Gatcombe - DR.indd 64

2/12/19 10:13 am

JOHN FERGUSON, JOHNNY MCKEEVER, CLINT DONOVAN, BRETT FRIZELLE & BARRY BOWDITCH

JOHNNY MCKEEVER, BARRY BOWDITCH & HUBIE DE BURGH AT THE WELCOME BBQ AT ASTON FARM

Local and international guests hosted by Magic Millions enjoyed a weekend of activity highlighted by a welcome BBQ at Aston Farm and a cross country course drive by course designer, Captain Mark Phillips.

CHRIS BURTON SHOW JUMPING

STUART & ALICE BOMAN

COMPETITOR SAM GRIFFITHS WITH SAM HAYES

FIONA CARRUTHERS AT THE WELCOME BBQ AT ASTON FARM

SUSIE MCKEEVER, DIANA COOPER, FLOSSY DE BURGH & CAROL LAWLOR

2020 / 137 MMGC 20_ Gatcombe - DR.indd 65

2/12/19 10:13 am

A STAR line-up

138 / THE STAR MMGC 20_ The Star (4pg) -DR.indd 138

2/12/19 10:19 am

The for Mil Ga con Fai Mil

The Star Gold Coast is THE destination for all off-track entertainment this Magic Millions Carnival, with The Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar the official venue to continue celebrations following the Pacific Fair Polo and The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday.

Having recently unveiled a fresh new menu and revitalised dining space just in time for Magic Millions 2020 – Garden Kitchen & Bar is the quintessential Queensland dining experience. As part of The Star’s ‘This Summer!

Live’ entertainment program, the venue will be activated all Carnival long, with live entertainment, al fresco dining and summer-inspired cocktails.

But the thrill doesn’t stop there – Having recently transformed nearly every facet of the property, there is so much to see and experience at The Star.

A Gold Coast icon of more than 30 years, The Star Gold Coast’s recent transformation unveiled a refreshed property arrival experience, luxurious poolside amenities and new day spa and fitness centre, along with 12 new or reimagined food and beverage offerings including multi-award-winning restaurants Kiyomi, Cucina Vivo, Imperial at The Star and Harvest Buffet.

2020 / 139 MMGC 20_ The Star (4pg) -DR.indd 139

2/12/19 10:19 am

The existing hotel The Star Grand has undergone a complete refurbishment of all of its 596 hotel rooms to reveal a world-class, 5-star accommodation offering. And of course, the luxury 56-suite hotel The Darling and its famed rooftop dining destination Nineteen at The Star is one of the must-do experiences on the Gold Coast.

As major sponsor of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions, 2020 will see the introduction of a range of new on-property events across the Carnival calendar, including the first charity poker event. To be held on Friday January 10, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Charity Poker Tournament will see Magic Millions ambassadors and special guests, along with The Star’s ambassadors come together to raise funds for local charity The Gold Coast Community Fund. The inaugural event will give players the opportunity to play against a celebrity at each of the Tournament tables, with all funds raised going to a good cause.

It comes as The Star recently unveiled its new state-of-theart poker room in timing with playing host to the first World Poker Tour (WPT) Australia tournament, which saw hundreds of international, interstate and local players flock to The Star across the 11-day event, with the total prize pool reaching more than $3 million. Adding another glamour filled and exciting event to the Carnival calendar, The Star Magic Millions Charity Poker Tournament is sure to be a fantastic spectacle.

Also new in 2020, The Star will partner with Frizelle Sunshine Automotive to host the first ‘Women with Horsepower’ event.

Delivered in partnership with Magic Millions, the ladiesonly VIP event will see a group of prominent women in the horse racing and media industries enjoy a half-day luxury vehicle drive and luncheon experience, starting and finishing at The Darling hotel at The Star Gold Coast.​​Adding an exciting female-focused event to the Magic Millions calendar, Women with Horsepower will see ladies take to the streets of the Gold Coast in style, stopping off at a mystery hinterland location for lunch catered by The Star’s own extraordinarily talented culinary team, and ending the day with cocktails at luxurious rooftop dining destination Nineteen at The Star.

Offering a myriad of entertainment options from fine dining to casual restaurants and bars, world-class gaming, theatre shows and two luxury hotels, The Star is the entertainment centrepiece of the Gold Coast, and the only place to be when not at the track.

140 / THE STAR MMGC 20_ The Star (4pg) -DR.indd 140

2/12/19 10:19 am

What ’s Happening

AT THE STAR THIS DEC/JAN THE MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY SHOW FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER, SATURDAY 28TH AND TUESDAY 31ST DECEMBER: Expect an influx of white gloves and red leather jackets through the doors when world-class stage show The Michael Jackson History Show returns to the theatre this December.

With three performances scheduled during prime holiday period, including a special New Year’s Eve show, and an open dancefloor available to all ticketholders, producers are expecting sell-out crowds and a fun, celebratory atmosphere.

The long-running production, which has been touring the world since 2011, boasts a set list laden with MJ’s biggest hits from his solo career and his days with the Jackson 5, including Billie Jean, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Black or White, Man in the Mirror, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, ABC and more.

Star of the show, South African singer Dantanio, will be accompanied by a handpicked international six-piece band, back-up dancers and a phenomenal lighting and FX team that will make for a night of top-notch entertainment. https://www.star.com.au/ goldcoast/whats-on/entertainment/liveconcerts/michael-jackson-history-show

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS (ACROSS PROPERTY) TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER Arrive early for the start of Magic Millions Carnival 2020 and take part in the Gold Coast’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations. Enjoy a picnic on The Lawn, indulge in a special meal at one of our signature restaurants, watch our amazing fireworks, or take in the live entertainment, our iconic Balloon Drop in the Atrium Foyer at midnight however you choose to celebrate, New Year’s at The Star will get your 2020 off to a dazzling start. For more information, visit www.star.com.au/goldcoast/ whats-on/new-years-eve

THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL JANUARY 3 TO 14

AUSTRALIA DAY ON THE LAWN, GARDEN KITCHEN & BAR SUNDAY 26 JANUARY Sunshine, sport and summer beats and eats.

The Lawn will be the place to enjoy the best of our great country this Australia Day long weekend

2020 / 141 MMGC 20_ The Star (4pg) -DR.indd 141

2/12/19 10:19 am

GOLD COAST

ADVENTURES FOR ALL THE FAMILY

SKYPOINT CLIMB SkyPoint Climb is a must-do Gold Coast adventure, lasting 90 minutes from the beginning to the end it is an awe-inspiring, open-air adventure atop one of Queensland’s most recognised land marks – the iconic Q1 Resort & Spa Building. Rising 270m into the air, SkyPoint Climb is Australia’s highest external building climb and provides unparalleled 360’ views of the Gold Coast and beyond.

Climbs are available from sunrise to night with various different packages incorporating dining options available with pre-booking essential for all climbs. www.skypoint.com.au

KAYAKING AND SNORKELLING AT WAVE BREAK ISLAND Only 20 minutes away from Surfers Paradise, paddle away from the city to Wave Break Island and get ready to have fun.

In just 2 hours, paddle around the spectacular sandbanks of the Broadwater, a place where you might have the chance to spot dolphins, stingrays and hundreds of tropical fish.

Snorkel in the wonderful Wave Break Island’s reef and relax on the calm and crystal waters of this stunning Gold Coast hidden treasure. Enjoy fruits on the beach whilst enjoying the view of the city, and receive free digital photos of the tour to remember this experience forever. Free courtesy transfer service (Conditions apply). www.seawaykayakingtours.com.au

TREETOP CHALLENGE – ZIPLINE & HIGH ROPES ADVENTURES The TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain is Australia’s largest High Ropes Adventure Park with more than 120 TreeTop Activities including 10 ziplines! Courses range from easy to extreme and traverse through 9 acres of amazing bushland and rainforest. To complete the entire Adventure Park will take 3 to 4 hours where you will have an amazing adventure flying through the trees, conquering your fears and having a whole lot of fun!

The Adventure Park is designed for the entire family aged 8 and up, you don’t need any experience and it’s perfect for all fitness levels! Your unforgettable adventure awaits! www.treetopchallenge.com.au/

142 / GOLD COAST ADVENTURES MMGC 20_Gold_Coast-Adventures - DR.indd 142

2/12/19 10:22 am

ON EAGLE WINGS MOUNTAIN RETREAT & SPA At On Eagle Wings, you’ll be welcomed into a relaxing day spa retreat. Nestled in the Gold Coast Hinterland, you’ll feel a million miles away from any stresses or worries.

With breathtaking views and attentive staff, On Eagle Wings Mountain Retreat & Spa is a place to escape, so you can find yourself. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you lounge by the all year round heated 25m infinity Lap Pool. And, enjoy the peaceful sounds of water fountains and pure nature.

S

Qualified staff will treat you to a variety of Spa Treatments including; Organic Facial Treatments, Full Body Massages, Body Treatments &/or Spa Pedicures, using only the best in natural skincare - Eminence Organics & Exotic Pure Fiji products. Spa Packages provide the perfect balance of Spa Treatments, Spa Facilities & complimentary High Tea or Fruit & Chocolate Fondues to enjoy the full spa experience. www.oneaglewings.com.au

NOCTURNAL RAINFOREST & GLOW WORM TOUR This evening Rainforest, Glow Worm and Waterfall Tour is the only tour of its type in Australia – a nocturnal adventure like no other!

Not only will you witness the incredible light display of the glow worms in their natural habitat, you’ll experience night-time 4WDing, venture through subtropical rainforest spotlighting for nocturnal wildlife, visit a pristine waterfall and top it all off with dessert and hot drink at a mountain restaurant. This is more than just a glow worm tour; it’s about seeing the rainforest come to life after the sun goes down! www.sc4wd.com.au/tour/gold-coast-glow-wormnight-tour/

CRAZY CAT CAFÉ The Crazy Cat Café is the epitome of Gold Coast fun; unique, hands on and purrrfect for people of all ages. It’s a concept that has taken off across the world and there are a range of options for visitors to enjoy while sipping an organic coffee and enjoying a tasty treat, milkshake or quiche. Huge glass windows showcase a room filled with furry felines, all of whom are very friendly and very keen to receive your love and adoration as soon as you set foot inside.

If you’re happy to simply watch from afar, sit in the separate café area or on the balcony to observe their antics.

More interested in interacting? Enjoy your coffee and cake on the couch with a cat by your side. Their playroom is a kind of cat wonderland with scratching posts, a running wheel, countless toys and tiny doors through which the cats can escape for privacy. Crazy Cat Café caters to everyone from families to those looking to work their day away in an entirely unique environment.

It’s the Surfers Paradise café you never knew you needed to visit. www.crazycat.cafe

2019 / 143 MMGC 20_Gold_Coast-Adventures - DR.indd 143

2/12/19 10:22 am

‘THE FARM’ AT BYRON BAY A sneaky half hour’s drive south of the border, there’s not much that Byron Bay’s The Farm doesn’t offer. Think: fresh fruit and veggies, livestock, a mind-blowing cafe slash restaurant with ingredients sourced from the farm, pastries and sourdough by Bread Social, tours and hands-on workshops covering things like egg collecting and farm school for the kids.

The strong community spirit of The Farm is found throughout their entire approach to growing and plating up. The Produce Store provides visitors with fresh, sustainable and local produce so, stock up before your beachside or farm field picnic with a Three Blue Ducks hamper or simply dine at the restaurant, open seven days a week. www.thefarm.com.au

BAREFOOT FISH SPA - SURFERS PARADISE During this fish spa session, you’ll place your feet in a tank of warm fresh water containing dozens of toothless fish. These fish will rasp, suck and gently nibble away at your dry and dead skin.

The end result leaves your feet feeling refreshed and healthy! Other benefits of this treatment include stimulating acupuncture points, increasing circulation, balancing your nervous system, controlling psoriasis and eczema, removing bacteria and reducing foot odour.

SWING INTO TOP GOLF If you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast, Topgolf is the spot for you! At Topgolf, you’ll hit microchipped golf balls into giant targets on the outfield from your very own bay, scoring points when you hit them! Prefer to relax? Kick back with a meal from our chef-inspired menu or enjoy your favourite drink on our Rooftop Terrace while listening to live music.

Bookings recommended.

Whether you’re an aspiring pro, a total beginner or an absolute foodie, you’ll have a ball at Topgolf.

www.barefootfish.com.au

www.topgolf.com.au

GOLD COAST GHOST TOURS Discover the epicentre of excess and indulgence on a ghost tour of old Surfers Paradise. Peel away the glitz, glamour and showgirls of the past to reveal a dark, seedy undercurrent of greed, gluttony and betrayal and the ghosts that still linger in Australia’s favourite playground. Southport General Cemetery: Visit the place everyone is dying to get into, the Southport General Cemetery.

Discover why Joab was struck down by lightening, the mysterious “Mr Brown” found dead at the cemetery gates and Australia’s very own mermaid. Move along unmarked graves, body snatchers and murderers.

The ground is bursting with 5,000 stories waiting to be told. Be warned, it is bad luck to visit a cemetery at night...and the coast’s oldest ghost is still on the prowl. www.goldcoastghosttours.com

144 / GOLD COAST ADVENTURES MMGC 20_Gold_Coast-Adventures - DR.indd 144

2/12/19 10:22 am

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

145 / FASHIONS ON THE FIELD 2020 - Fashions - DR.indd 145

2019 / 145 2/12/19 10:30 am

Livamol

THE LIVAMOL COAT

Nothing matches it!

. Stud Animals . Show Animals . Yearling Preparation . Racing Animals Australasia’s leading coat conditioner and the Livamol “perfect partners” grooming range.

2020 148 ........... Aquis Farm 150............ Arrowfield Stud 152 ........... Attunga Stud 154 ........... B2B Thoroughbreds 156............ Baramul Stud 158............ Bhima Thoroughbreds 160............ Bowness Stud 162 ........... Coolmore Stud 164............ Corumbene Stud 166............ Cressfield 168............ Edinburgh Park 170............ Eureka Stud 172............ Fernrigg Farm 174 ........... Highgrove Stud

VENDORS INDEX

176............ Kenmore Lodge 178............ Lime Country Thoroughbreds 180............ Milburn Creek 182............ Murrulla Stud 184............ Newhaven Park 186 ........... Rheinwood Pastoral Co. 188............ Riversdale Farm 190............ Segenhoe Stud 192 ........... Turangga Farm 194............ Tyreel Stud 196............ Vinery Stud 198............ Widden Stud 200 ........... Woodside Park Stud 202 ........... Yulong Investments

2020 / 147 vendors index.indd 147

2/12/19 10:03 am

Aquis Farm

An interview with Tony Williams, new CEO of Aquis Farm.

Divine Prophet (Katrina Partridge Photography)

148 / VENDORS

Tony Williams

W

hat excites you most about being back on home soil and your new role at Aquis?

My entire life has revolved around every aspect of the thoroughbred industry. To have over three years of international sales experience and to return home to this amazing opportunity and role at Aquis is exciting to say the least. Aquis’ 10-year strategic plan, which emphasises quality product and continual growth within the industry establishes the long-term commitment of the organisation, and I’m looking forward to being a major part of that plan.

The world has its eye on Australian racing, the overall health of the industry is undoubtedly revered internationally.

There are continual new racing initiatives being developed that have seen a surge in prizemoney across the board, which is ultimately fantastic for ownership growth which undoubtedly further promotes participation in all areas of the industry.

How would you compare Australian prizemoney to what you have recently experienced overseas?

Prizemoney has grown by over 80% in the last ten years - more than any other racing global jurisdiction - so the opportunities owners have to re-coup their costs offer everyone the chance to be involved.

With prizemoney levels in Australia greater than the UK, Ireland and France combined, you can see why international investment in

Australia continues to grow - just look at the number of international players sending horses to contest this year’s Melbourne Cup, The Everest and Golden Eagle - with over 50 races with $1m or more, why wouldn’t they! We then need to ensure that those recipients of the prizemoney reinvest back into the Australian industry.

to be the best there is in the industry, where we will further develop the most dynamic and skilled team in their respective fields.

We will strive to be the best we can possibly be in the most amazing business in the world – the Thoroughbred industry. As Aquis grows and develops, so will our team grow and develop.

Aquis offers a range of services, what can we expect from Aquis’ development in the future?

What are some of Aquis’ highlights in the Sale this year?

Looking from afar, 2019 has been a busy year for Aquis; establishing a new property in Victoria with foundation sire Lean Mean Machine who has been extremely popular with breeders due to his exceptional fertility, coupled with this, Aquis will be further developing our stallion roster to accommodate our growing client base.

Welfare is always considered and like all responsible farms and breeders we take it very seriously, always looking at better ways to achieve best practice at Aquis.

In 40 years, what will people in the racing industry be nostalgic for?

We are in changing times and must adapt and move with progress and technology.

Perhaps 40 years down the track we will be longing for the horse to be on the grounds at a sale and to be able to physically inspect them – to be able to have the wide range of buyers and industry participants at a sale and experience the atmosphere and intensity of first hand bidding.

How would you compare opportunities for young people the industry in Australia and Europe?

Opportunities are a plenty in Australia, with programs aimed at introducing young people to the industry.

On a world front there appears to be fewer young people with a hunger to be in the industry. My observation is that there are fewer people with actual animal experience or stock sense. It takes time, patience and application for them to develop the skills needed to handle valuable, fragile animals and it’s our responsibility to our clients and stock, to develop the right people suited to the right areas of the Aquis business.

Aquis has given me the opportunity to be a part of the most dynamic and progressive business in all areas of the thoroughbred industry. We will work

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

Lot

111 Ch/C

Dissident

Awesome Planet

139 B.Br/F

Flying Artie

Bleue Pepite

240 Ch/F

Written Tycoon

362 Ch/C

Sire

Dam

595 B/F

I Am Invincible

Omniscient

598 B/C

Snitzel

One Funny Honey

Dhahab

605 B/C

Written Tycoon

Our Girl Raquie

Exceed And Excel

Harbour Fun

691 Br/C

Nicconi

Rock Style

374 Ch/C

Snitzel

Heredera

798 B.Br/C Astern

Speedwagon

379 Ch/C

Not A Single Doubt Highdini

832 B.Br/F

Snitzel

Surf Poet

413 B.Br/C

Medaglia d’Oro

Isstoora

847 B/C

Snitzel

Taqaseem

432 B/F

Divine Prophet

Kalamata

913 B/F

Divine Prophet

Jetting To London

450 Br/C

More Than Ready

Kyria

955 Ch/C

Kiss And Make Up Put The Rope Away

496 Ch/C

Exceed And Excel

Majara

987 B/F

Astern

Siostra

501 B/C

Sebring

Malaahy

1000 Ch/C

Divine Prophet

Thebe

537 B/F

Kiss And Make Up Miss Elvee

1056 B/C

Street Boss

Cuthbert

557 B/C

Snitzel

1064 B.Br/F

Nicconi

Dream Free

More For Me

Col/Sex

The strongest draft we’ve ever taken to sale, the 27 yearlings are by a mix of proven champion sires, up and coming young sires, as well as our own first season sires Divine Prophet and Kiss And Make Up. Champion Sire Snitzel is represented by five in the draft highlighted by Lot 374, the second foal of Heredera, the half-sister to the Gr.2-winning, Gr.1 placed Kabayan from the family of multiple Gr.1 winner Prized Icon, while Lot 598 is a bay colt out of Distorted Humor mare One Funny Honey, the dam of three winners headlined by Gr.2 winner One More Honey and the Listed winner Vega One. Other key lots include Lot 450, the More Than Ready colt out of the Gr.2 placed Encosta de Lago mare Kyria, a half-sister to Gr.2 Sweet Embrace Stakes winner Always Alison from the Gr.1 family of Benicio, Bint Marscay, Bollinger and Filante.

Lot 595 is a stunning I Am Invincible filly out of the Listed performed Exceed And Excel mare Omniscient and is bred on a cross that has produced six winners from seven runners led by Gr.3 heroine She’s So High and the Gr.2 performer Garibaldi.

Tell us about Aquis’ first season sires represented this year?

Represented by 12 and two in the catalogue, Aquis’ Divine Prophet and Kiss And Make Up have the right credentials for sale ring success.

With his first crop providing breeders with a significant return on investment at the weanling sales earlier in 2019, we’re really looking forward to seeing the stock of Choisir’s Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas winner Divine Prophet sell in January.

I have inspected Divine Prophet foals in the UK and Ireland and am impressed with the physical attributes he’s putting into them in the Northern hemisphere, a lot of strength, natural muscle shape, bone and importantly temperament.

As the only juvenile to defeat Champion 2YO Capitalist, Kiss And Make Up’s success in the Gr.2 Todman Stakes was phenomenal, with the likes of previous winners Exceed And Excel and Written Tycoon, going on to Champion Sire honours.

www.aquisfarm.com Aaron Bott: 0409 550 112 aaronbott@aquisfarm.com

2020 / 149

Arrowfield Stud

The festive atmosphere and relaxed vibe of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale gives the Australian sales season a perfect start, and everyone enjoys catching up as the yearlings parade or later, over a few beers.

Arrowfield graduate Castelvecchio wins the 2019 ATC Champagne S. G1 for Ottavio & Wendy Galletta.

(PHOTO: Bronwen Healy)

150 / VENDORS

T

he congeniality doesn’t get in the way of business, though, and it doesn’t stop buyers asking vendors that most awkward, yet most relevant of questions: “What have you done lately?”

Arrowfield’s Paul Messara has no trouble answering. He says, “Seventeen of our graduates won 25 stakes races, seven at Group 1 level, between January and early November in 2019, and every one of those horses was offered for sale as a yearling.”

Arrowfield’s latest round of graduate success kicked off on an auspicious date, Australia Day on 26 January, when Sheikh Hamdan’s colt Atyaab became Dundeel’s first Group 1 winner and Ardrossan (Redoute’s Choice) won a Group 3 sprint in New Zealand.

February marked the emergence of one star, 2YO Castelvecchio (Dundeel) and the return of another, The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) who swept through his namesake season to become the first horse to add the Randwick and Rosehill Guineas to his Golden Rose and Caulfield Guineas triumphs.

Snitzkraft (Snitzel) and Everyday Lady (Charge Forward), both members of Arrowfield’s Class of 2016, posted Listed wins in Adelaide during March.

April’s highlights were Castelvecchio’s dominant Champagne S. G1 victory and the Queen of the Turf S. G1 win by Kenedna (Not A Single Doubt) at The Championships.

Support acts included Group 3 successes

by San Fermin (Charge Forward) in South Africa and Irithea (Snitzel) at Hawkesbury.

Kenedna underlined her class with a second Group 1 win in May’s Doomben Cup, while 2YO Stronger (Not A Single Doubt) and 9YO marvel Rock Magic (Redoute’s Choice) added Group wins in Queensland and Western Australia. On 11 May 2YO filly Missile Mantra (Smart Missile) won the Redoute’s Choice S. LR and Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom) took out the $300,000 Scone Inglis Guineas (R) LR. The 10th and final victory of Kenedna’s career came in the P.J. O’Shea S. G2 on 1 June, and that also signed off on the 2018/19 season for Arrowfield’s stakes-winning graduates.

National honours were awarded in October to The Autumn Sun (Champion 3YO Colt) and Snitzel (Champion Sire for the third consecutive year).

The Spring and a new season rolled around, bringing with it a fresh Arrowfield-sold star.

A two-time winning juvenile, Super Seth (Dundeel) won the H.D. F. McNeil S. G3 in August, and then scored a memorable fromthe-clouds victory in the Caulfield Guineas G1 on 12 October. He was joined by three other early-season stakeswinners from Arrowfield’s Class of 2018: Wayupinthesky (Snitzel) at Flemington, Akari (Snitzel) at Randwick and Alabama Express (Redoute’s Choice) at Caulfield.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

13

B/F

Dundeel

Varsity Blues

485 B.Br/F

Dundeel

Love Wings

25

B/C

Shalaa

Vocalise

491 Ch/F

Maurice

Lustrous

34

Br/C

Maurice

Wayward

493 Br/C

Shalaa

Madame Andree

43

Ch/F

Real Impact

Wingstack

502 Br/F

Redoute’s Choice

Malala

73

BrGr/C

Not a Single Doubt Albanilla

503 B/C

Shalaa

Malukar

78

Br/F

Shalaa

Almighty Girl

507 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Mandistana

84

Br/F

Mikki Isle

Anadan

511 B/C

Maurice

Mardi

91

Br/C

Snitzel

Angel of Mercy

521 B/C

Shalaa

Menwa

161 B.Br/C

Maurice

Cat by the Tale

523 Br/C

Shalaa

Methyar

164 B/C

Dundeel

Cavaloce

543 B/C

Snitzel

Miss Match

169 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Champagne Run

546 B/F

Shalaa

Miss Salinger

216 B/C

Mikki Isle

Dame Pattie

566 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Mount Zero

242 B/C

Lord Kanaloa

Dimenticata

579 B.Br/F

Maurice

Networking

260 B/C

Maurice

Eagle Magic

592 B/F

Scissor Kick

Ocean Challenger

280 B/F

Shalaa

Esprit Hi

599 B/F

Dundeel

Opportunity

307 B/C

Redoute’s Choice

Flavoured

601 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Orgueil

317 Gr./C

Smart Missile

Forward Thinking

642 B/F

Snitzel

Politeness

332 B/F

Maurice

Gibraltar Campion

671 B/C

Shalaa

Rationality

341 B/C

Shalaa

Glove

698 B/C

Shalaa

Rosarian

357 B/C

Lord Kanaloa

Guinevere

700 B/C

Snitzel

Rose of Cimmaron

376 Br/F

Real Impact

Hexameter

709 B/C

Mikki Isle

Rumba

381 Br/C

Maurice

Hollow Bullet

722 B/C

Snitzel

Sananda

385 B.Br/C

Deep Impact

Honesty Prevails

747 Ch/F

Scissor Kick

Serenade Lily

402 Ch/F

Snitzel

Indarra

844 B/C

Dundeel

Tang

406 Br/F

Shalaa

Intiba

845 B/C

Redoute’s Choice

Tango

418 Br/C

Shalaa

Jemison

877 Br/C

Redoute’s Choice

Traceability

428 B/F

Shalaa

Joy Ride

899 B/C

Mikki Isle

Gold Mission

442 Br/F

Mikki Isle

Kirovskaya

908 B/F

Scissor Kick

Hussy Miss

446 B/C

Snitzel

Kneeling

910 B/F

Dundeel

Illusionary

458 B/F

Shalaa

Lady Moura

911 Br/C

Mikki Isle

In the Clear

461 Br/C

Maurice

Lahana

916 B/C

Scissor Kick

Khameela

465 B/F

Dundeel

Lanai

974 Br/F

Real Impact

Saltator

467 Ch/F

Zoustar

Le Havre

1012 B/C

Shalaa

Watchme

472 B/F

Snitzel

Let’s Make Adeal

1015 Br/C

Scissor Kick

Zabelka

484 Br/C

Maurice

Love is Fickle

1050 B.Br/F

Scissor Kick

Coffee Hit

The Cox Plate G1 on 26 October didn’t produce an Arrowfield victory, but it felt like it when top-class Japanese mare Lys Gracieux and Castelvecchio led the field home. Arrowfield is a long-time supporter of Japanese stallions and bloodlines, and Castelvecchio’s place on the Stud’s stallion roster is already reserved.

Atyaab returned in South Africa to salute at his season debut in the Turffontein Java H. LR and Akari put her name on the stakeswinners’ list for the second time when she snatched a last-stride win in the Desirable S. LR at Flemington on Cup Day. Arrowfield’s 2020 Magic Millions consignment features 35 first, second or third foals of their dams, 15 stakes-winning dams, 14 stakes producers, 24 lots by Dundeel, Not A Single Doubt, Redoute’s Choice and Snitzel, and nine from the second crops of Real Impact and Scissor Kick.

There’s also plenty to please buyers keen on first-season sires, because Arrowfield launches the first yearlings by three highclass new stallions: Japan’s Horse of the Year Maurice and Champion Sprinter-Miler Mikki Isle, and Shalaa, the Champion 2YO Colt in France and Great Britain.

Bloodstock Manager Jon Freyer picks out seven lots from Arrowfield’s 70-strong draft: Lot 164, Dundeel – Cavaloce colt Big strong and great walking colt. First foal of a smart stakeswinner by the sire of the moment.

Lot 216, Mikki Isle – Dame Pattie colt Very forward colt with a big hip and nice easy walk. Grandson of two champions, Deep Impact and Alinghi.

Lot 385, Deep Impact – Honesty Prevails colt Top-class colt with a big girth from one of the fastest fillies of her generation. A Deep Impact colt from the family of AP Indy, that’s sire potential!

Lot 458, Shalaa – Lady Moura filly Beautiful filly with great strength and balance and a lovely temperament. Bred to be early and looks a Gimcrack filly.

Lot 566, Not A Single Doubt – Mount Zero filly Big strong well-made athletic filly who oozes class and precocity.

Lot 579, Maurice – Networking filly Lovely well-balanced attractive filly with a great shoulder by possibly Japan’s greatest from a half-sister to the brilliant Pakistan Star.

Lot 700, Snitzel – Rose of Cimmaron colt Powerful colt in the mould of the best and most precocious Snitzels and a half-brother to two stallions.

www.arrowfield.com.au Paul Messara: 0438 248 258 Jon Freyer: 0408 583 888 Sally Gordon: 0421 080 021 Alison Brassil: 0439 338 630 Peter Jenkins: 0408 667 876 Adam Brandwood: 0412 332 202 Scone, NSW

2020 / 151

Sun City winning the BRC BJ McLachlan S., Gr.3

Attunga Stud

Nothing says success quite like a Gr1 winner, and Attunga sold Gr1 South Australian Derby winning filly Qafila (Not a Single Doubt) in the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Draft of just thirteen yearlings, and that draft also included stakes placed Princess Pierro (Pierro).

152 / VENDORS

O

ther Attunga Magic Millions graduates include Gr3 winner Sun City (Zoustar), Listed winners Champ Elect (Choisir), Rubira (Lope De Vega), and Ready to Rock (Ready’s Image). Bluebloods spoke to proprietor Brian Nutt about his 2020 draft of fourteen yearlings.

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

The Magic Millions Sale is not just a sale.

It’s an event where all participants are involved in a wide range of activities, from the sale to the raceday and all the social events as well.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Attunga Farm moved to Lincoln Farm last year, and these days, I consign horses for the major sales, whether it be yearlings, broodmares, or weanlings.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

Among our client’s mares, two that come to mind are city winner Xandretta (the

dam of last season’s Gr3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Vinicunca) and Listed winner Roulettes (the dam of group winner Sun City who we sold as a yearling).

ATTUNGA DRAFT On many inspection lists will be Lot 58, the half-sister to Gr1 winner Qafila

by So You Think out of Zighy Bay, an imported American half-sister to two graded winners. Another well related filly is Lot 239, the fourth foal of imported German stakes winner Dessau, and is by Champion Sire Fastnet Rock.

Attunga will present two yearlings by boom young sire American Pharoah who already has a Breeders’ Cup winner in his first northern hemisphere crops. Lot 65 is a filly from Gr2 winner Adaline, who is closely related to Hong Kong Sprint winner All Thrills Too. The other is a colt, Lot 882, who is the first foal of Gr2 Queensland Guineas winner Tsaritsa, herself a half-sister to Gr2 winner Ninth Legion.

Cosmic Force put Deep Field’s first crop on the map, and Attunga has two yearlings by him in their draft. A half-brother to both

Gr.1 SA Derby winner Qafila

Gr3 winner Sun City and stakes placed Spin, Lot 704 is out of Listed two year-old winner Roulettes, while Lot 992 is a half-brother to Listed winner Hooness out of four time winner Spectrum’s Image.

First season sire Awesome Rock has two yearlings in this draft including Lot 609, a half-brother to Gr3 winner Lady Cosmology, while Lot 985 is a half-brother to two stakes horses, out of Sigaro who is a half-sister to Gr1 winner Carry on Cutie.

A colt by first season sire Tivaci, Lot 247, is a half-brother to two year old stakes winner Zigwig. By Winning Rupert, Lot 407 is the first foal of American stakes winner Invading Humor.

Exosphere has begun his stud career well, and Lot 186 is a filly out of Circus Olay (Flying Spur) who is closely related to Fastnet Rock. Dissident enjoyed his first stakes winner recently with his first crop of three year-olds, and his colt, Lot 1061, is a three-quarter brother to stakes placed winner Plutocracy.

Headwater’s first crop have just turned two, and his colt, Lot 923, is out of winning mare Lonyx, who is a half-sister to Sexy Eyes and Tina Melina. A filly, Lot 269,

by Golden Slipper winner Vancouver is bound to attract attention, especially after the first Vancouver horses are already proving to be precocious with two of his first three runners being stakes placed juveniles. This filly is out of winning mare Elucidate from the family of dual Gr1 winning miler Kiwi Hero.

What product would you stockpile if you found out they weren’t going to make anymore?

Twisties!

If you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?

Auto Pilot.

What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it?

When a yearling “ticks all the boxes” or when a foal is described as a “cracker.”

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

Given the shortage of staff that most farms experience, I’d say absolutely yes there are enough opportunities for young people.

I would like to see more Thoroughbred Industry careers advice given in schools, and I take my hat off to programmes such as Fast Track run by TBA Aushorse.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

Lot

247 Br/C

Tivaci

Dolly’s Wig

58

BBr/F

So You Think

Zighy Bay

65

Br/F

Sire

Dam

609 B/C

Awesome Rock

Out Spoken Lady

704 B/C

Deep Field

Roulettes

American Pharoah Adaline

882 B/C

American Pharoah Tsaritsa

186 B/F

Exosphere

Circus Olay

923 B/C Headwater

Lonyx

239 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Dessau

985 BBr/C

Awesome Rock

Sigaro

269 B/F Vancouver

Elucidate

992 Ch/C

Deep Field

Spectrum’s Image

407 Ch/F

Invading Humor

1061 Br/C Dissident

Winning Rupert

Col/Sex

Brian Nutt: 0418 264 012 attungastud@bigpond.com Scone, NSW

Demetria

2020 / 153

Ringerdingding

B2B Thoroughbreds

What an exciting five months it has been for Alex Kingston, widely experienced horsewoman thoroughly enjoying her time as manager of the newly established B2B Thoroughbreds.

by Kristen Manning 154 / VENDORS 2020-B2B.indd 154

2/12/19 10:01 am

S

et up by successful owner Ricky Surace, B2B has its base at Mittagong in New South Wales Southern Highlands. Ideally located just 90 minutes or so from Sydney, it is being built with knowledge and passion.

Benicio, Stella Cadente, Kenny’s Best Pal and Ortensia.

Lot 471 chestnut colt by Starcraft from Leone Chiara (by Lion Hunter): his Group Three winning dam is a proven high class broodmare, her eight winners from nine to race including the Blue Diamond StakesGr.1, 1200m and Ascot Vale Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m winning successful stallion Star Witness (also by Starcraft), the triple Group Three winner Nostradamus and the Group One placed three-year-old Lady Lupino.

An enthusiastic breeder keen to expand his broodmare band, Surace loves visiting his horses and as his equine portfolio increased so did his desire to have his own farm.

And Kingston could not be happier that she was chosen to oversee his operations.

“Ricky is so keen to learn and to be a part of it all and he wants everything done right,” she said. “And you could not meet a nicer man, he has been absolutely fantastic to work with.”

The 2020 Magic Millions will be the first for B2B Thoroughbreds and it is a select draft that they head to the Gold Coast with; four colts by popular stallions hailing from proven high class families.

We had a chat with Alex Kingston in the lead-up to the sale...

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

Every one is a lot more relaxed than at other major yearling sales, every one seems to be in a holiday mood on the back of Christmas and New Year. With the sun and the beach people feel as though they are on holiday though it is not really one for us as we are still working hard! The sales attract those early two-year-old types and every one looks forward to seeing them.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

We are a private farm and always will be. Ricky chose the area due not only to its rainfall and soil quality but also due to its proximity to Sydney so that he can visit and spend time with his horses.

Ricky Surace and Ricky Jr.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

Around 30 including Savanna Amour (a four times Group winning Love Conquers All mare who has been served by champion stallion Fastnet Rock), Elle Lou (Group Three winning Snitzel mare who, after foaling a good-looking I Am Invincible colt has visited Cable Bay) and Maybe I (the stakes placed Red Ransom mare who this spring produced a sister by Sebring to Surace’s two times Group winning colt Ringerdingding, subsequently served

by Written Tycoon).

How would you summarise your draft this year?

It is a neat draft and the pedigrees are certainly there...

Lot 21 bay colt by Star Witness from Vintage Strike (by Smart Strike): Surace was one of the owners of Star Witness and this fellow is a son of an imported daughter of the Coolmore Classic-Gr.1, 1500m winner Bollinger (dam of the Group Two winners Villermont and Friesan Fire) whose dam is the Golden Slipper StakesGr.1, 1200m heroine Bint Marscay. What a prolific family this is, one that has also produced the Group One gallopers Filante,

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

21

B/C

Lot 731 chestnut colt by Capitalist from Scarlet Billows (by Street Boss): first foal for a Maybe Mahal Stakes-Gr.3, 1400m winner whose grandam is the SA Sires’ Produce Stakes-Gr.3, 1600m winner Smytzer’s Rivalry.

What would you choose as your animal sidekick if you were in a movie?

A dog of course!

What is your favourite saying?

I don’t really have one but every one tells me that I say “Rightio” and “Obviously” a lot!

If you could shop for free at one store, which would you choose?

Any saddlery.

Do you think that children born today will have better or worse lives than their parents?

Very different, I think our lives will be better due to things like climatic change and technology; it is harder now for kids just to be kids. I have children and worry about the future for them.

Thoroughbreds

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

471 Ch/C

Lot 516 brown colt by Sebring from Maybe I (by Red Ransom): son of a Group Three placed dual city winner who has already produced the Sandown GuineasGr.2, 1600m and Carbine Club Stakes-Gr.3, 1600m winner Ringerdingding and the stakes placed recent winner Salome.

His third dam is the dual Group One winner Flitter.

Star Witness

Vintage Strike

516 Br/C

Sebring

Maybe I

Starcraft

Leone Chiara

731 Ch/C

Capitalist

Scarlet Billows

Alex Kingston Stud Manager Mobile: 0447 264 718 Email: alex@b2b.horse Phone: (02) 9481 8848 Fax: (02) 9481 8846

2020 / 155 2020-B2B.indd 155

2/12/19 10:01 am

Libertini

Baramul Stud

It has been another fruitful year for Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud with the likes of outstanding filly Libertini keeping the stud’s name in lights.

by Kristen Manning 156 / VENDORS

T

he stud, led by manager Paul Thompson, continues to produce high class gallopers which is why their Magic Millions draft is always keenly anticipated.

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

How progressive the company is with both the sales and races. They have created such a diverse sales series with such an array of horses catering for every market from early coming two-year-olds to stayers.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Baramul is a purely private farm focusing on horse well-being and breeding future champions.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

240. The Group One mare Aloha, whose daughter Libertini is the best three-year-old filly in the country, is at the top of the tree.

Royal Descent (ATC Oaks-Gr.1, 2400m) had always been a favourite and she is back in Australia with a beautiful Savabeel filly, and she has tested in foal to I Am Invincible.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

It is a very exciting draft, a sound bunch of progressive horses who I am sure will keep improving from sales day and beyond.

In one sentence how would you sum up social media?

How can something be so wonderful and so detrimental at the same time?

If you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?

Auto-clean.

If your job gave you a surprise three day paid break to rest and recuperate, what would you do with those three days?

I would spend it with my wife and children.

If animals could talk, which animal would be the most annoying?

Cats!

The Danehill line is heavily featured in the Baramul draft, little wonder considering its ongoing success. Of particular interest will be six by Snitzel including a half-sister to the Group Three winner Mclaren, a grandson of Savannah Success and the progeny of dual Group winners Palacio de Cristal and No Evidence Needed.

There are also two youngsters by Redoute’s Choice including and a son of Oakleigh Plate-Gr.1, 1000m winner Shamal Wind.

Also worth a look are the progeny of Not A Single Doubt including a half-brother to the US stakes winner Broadway Missile.

Four yearlings by another of Danehill’s greats in Fastnet Rock are present including the first foal for city winner Chateau Cheval (half-sister to Casino Prince), a daughter of the stakes placed Samartested (half-sister to Samaready) and a grandson of Bollinger.

Fastnet Rock’s late son Hinchinbrook has two in the draft including half-brother to the multiple stakes winners Rebel King and Rebelson. And there are three

by Hinchinbrook’s son Press Statements including a descendant of UK star Pebbles.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

33

B.Br/F

Medaglia d’Oro

Waterwise

806 B/C

Exceed and Excel

Stacked

47

B/F

Snitzel

World Joy

824 B/C

Medaglia d’Oro

Succeeding

52

B/F

Redoute’s Choice

Zastava

858 B/F

So You Think

Tennessee Midnight

135 Br/C

Medaglia d’Oro

Bit of Cheek

868 B/C

Not a Single Doubt Theatre Fan

172 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Chateau Cheval

914 B/C

Real Impact

Jewel Theft

200 B/C

More Than Ready

Costume

926 B.Br/C

Real Impact

Magic Gold

Courageousness

928 B/C

Shooting to Win

Magically

All Too Hard

Mnemonic

204 B/C Shalaa 279 B/C

Not a Single Doubt Espresso Shot

935 B.Br/C

326 Blk.Gr/F

So You Think

Fullazz

937 B/F Headwater

Moodlighting

333 B/F

Zoustar

Gibraltar Moon

947 B/C

Real Impact

Nubian

352 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Grande Annee

950 B/C

Press Statement

Patio

409 B/C

Vancouver

Ireland’s Teardrop

953 B/F

Press Statement

Precious Metals

420 B/C

I Am Invincible

Jersey Lily

958 B.Br/F

Shalaa

Queen Louise

431 Ch/F Sebring

Kakakakatie

966 Ch/F

Star Turn

Roedean

518 B/F

Exceed and Excel

Medaglia Valore

970 Br.Blk/C

Real Impact

Rose Petals

553 B/F

American Pharoah Moonflute

975 B/C

Mikki Isle

Saskia Rose

558 B.Br/F

American Pharoah More Mischievous

976 Br/F

Mikki Isle

Scottish Tartan

565 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Mother’s Milk

978 B.Br/C

Star Turn

Secretary Bird

583 Ch/F

Snitzel

No Evidence Needed

993 B.Br/C Press Statement

Spice Temple

615 Ch/C

Snitzel

Palacio de Cristal

1010 B/F

Sebring

Viva la Romance

617 Ch/C

Not a Single Doubt Palazzo Cristallo

1013 B.Br/F

Real Impact

Wonderment

673 B/C

Hinchinbrook

Rebel Sister

1017 B/F

Real Impact

Zali

694 B/F

Hinchinbrook

Roll the Bones

1018 Ch/C

Shooting to Win

Zestily

721 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Samartested

1019 Br.Blk/C

Real Impact

Zulu Queen

728 Ch/C

Snitzel

Savannah River

1026 Ch/C

Mikki Isle

Alpine Explorer

729 B.Br/F

Vancouver

Savannah Success

1029 Ch/C

Real Impact

Anna of Austria

746 B/F Snitzel

Serenada

1039 Ch/F

Star Turn

Bewitchment

754 B/C

Shamal Wind

1048 B.Br/F

Real Impact

Christmas Carols

Redoute’s Choice

804 B/C Snitzel

Bound to prove popular are two Exceed And Excels; a half-brother to Group Three winner Veladero and a granddaughter of the Magic Millions-RL, 1200m winner Miliary Rose whilst Exceed And Excel’s son Headwater has a filly from the family of Hong Kong Derby-Listed, 2000m hero Super Satin. Also from the Danehill line is an All Too Hard colt from the family of Group One sprinter Jetball.

The late Northern Meteor also makes his mark via a Zoustar half-sister to the stakes placed Star Genius and American Geninus and two Shooting To Win colts including a son of speedy Group Two winner Magically.

More Than Ready is represented by a 3/4 brother to Todman Stakes-Gr.2, 1200m winner Kiss And Make Up and by two Sebring fillies including a daughter of dual stakes winner Kakakakatie.

The Invincible Spirit line is faring well and bound to prove popular is an In Am Invincible son of dual stakes winner Jersey Lily and two of the progeny of newcomer Shalaa; a colt from the “Tennessee” family and a filly from the Palatious family.

Medaglia d’Oro and his son Vancouver are both represented, the former by a half-sister to Listed winner Centre Pivot, a grandson of Group One mare Cheeky Choice and a half-brother to the dual Group One winner Delago Deluxe and the latter by a daughter of Savannah Success and a grandson of Isolda.

So You Think has been been in great form and has two lovely fillies; a sister to the Rosehill Guineas-Gr.1, 2000m winner D’Argento and a half-sister to the Coolmore Classic-Gr.1, 1500m winner Aloha, dam of Libertini.

Two American Pharaoh fillies; a daughter of the Group Three winner winner Moonflute and a granddaughter of the Group One mare Cheeky Choice, will also be keenly inspected as will three of the progeny of Star Turn including a half-sister to the Group Three placed Hoylonny.

The Sunday Silence line enjoyed spring carnival success and there are eight Real Impacts including a colt out of a half-sister to Polar Success and a half-sister to the Listed winner Zauberin.

Fellow Deep Impact stallion Mikki Isles has three including a descendant of NZ Filly Of The Year Tartan Tights.

Lara Ruttley Widden Valley Road, Widden NSW 2328 Ph: 02 6547 0506 Fax: 02 6547 0510 baramul@baramulstud.com.au www.baramulstud.com.au

Squandered

2020 / 157

Lot 34 - Purely Spectacular-Politeness

Bhima Thoroughbreds There is no better way to kick off the year for Bhima Thoroughbreds than heading to the Gold Coast with an exciting draft of yearlings to offer.

158 / VENDORS

T

he Magic Millions Yearling Sales creates a buzz like no other and is the perfect start to the yearling sales season.

The journey to the Gold Coast begins mid-year when the team from Magic Millions start their selection process, inspecting yearlings across the country. The entire foal crop from 2018 is narrowed down to a 1,000-horse catalogue. The sale also boats an outstanding graduate record, having now sold the only two Everest winners alongside the immortal Winx.

“Magic Millions do a brilliant job pulling together an exceptional catalogue of yearlings for a strong international buying bench,” commented Mike Fleming, owner of Bhima Thoroughbreds.

“The build-up throughout the sale is exciting and it is the perfect lead into an outstanding race series. Buyers are all chasing that horse which can get them in the race the following year.”

The Bhima selling season in 2019 started with a bang when Lot 34, a colt named Prague, was knocked down for $1,600,000 at the Magic Millions sale. Prague is currently in work with Ciaron Maher and David

Eustace, and although yet to hit the trials, early reports are impressive. The clearance rate for Bhima at the end of the sale was 91.6% - an impressive start to the year.

“It was a very successful sale, we took a strong draft that fitted what buyers were looking for and we were rewarded,” said Fleming.

“Magic Millions is a great sale for good types by first season sires and more precocious types. That said, the sale record is pretty good with Oaks and Derby winners in recent times, and there is so much depth to the market you can get away with taking a bigger range of types than in the past.

“It’s early in the year though, so more forward, mature types will be better received.”

The past twelve months has been a year of success for Bhima. In January 2019, we launched the Kick Sales Platform at Magic Millions, which introduced a new era in thoroughbred sales transparency.

The new technology offers buyers transparency when purchasing thoroughbreds and provides details such as the owner and breeder, in depth pedigree

analysis, surgery reports, two individual x-ray and scope reports conducted by two independent vets, and horse history.

The use of the Kick Sales Platform saw the overall clearance rate for Bhima grow to 97.4% when compared to an industry average of 84.2%.

“Bhima is dedicated to growing our brand as an independent consigner and we already have a great track record of selling top racehorses,” commented Fleming.

“The use of the Kick Sales Platform has changed the way the market perceives the selling process and gives buyers the reassurance that they know what they are buying.

“We will continue to use the Kick Sales Platform at every sale at which we offer horses in 2020. Integrity is paramount during the sales process and we strive to not only make the process easier for buyers, but also to disclose as much information as possible in helping them make the best decision.”

With that being said, Bhima is sending another quality draft to the Gold Coast in January. We will be offering yearlings by proven stallions such as Redoute’s Choice, I Am Invincible, Exceed and Excel, Sebring, Written Tycoon, Not A Single Doubt, Deep Field, Pierro, Snitzel, Savabeel, Choisir and Fastnet Rock. Bhima will also consign yearlings from the first crops of American Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Flying Artie.

Amongst the draft are the progeny or siblings of stakes winners Perfect Fit, Kaepernick, Augusta Proud, Vivi Veloce, Ciguaraya, Palentino, First Impressions, and Pachattack.

“The draft has settled into the early stages of their yearling preparation well and so far, things are going smoothly,” explained Fleming.

“We are privileged to have a committed team of yearling staff who take great pride in presenting the yearlings for sale. Their horsemanship is incomparable, and the draft will be a real credit to the staff and the farm.

Mike Fleming congratulates purchaser Shane McGrath from Aquis

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

183 B/F

American Pharoah Ciguaraya

354 B/C

Redoute’s Choice

Gresset

616 B/C

Snitzel

Palatine Hill

436 B/F

Deep Field

Katswiri

779 B/C

I Am Invincible

Sistonic

589 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Notice Received

539 B/C

Snitzel

Miss Iguacu

614 B/F

Sebring

Palace Whispers

129 BBr/F

I Am Invincible

Berimbau

631 B/F

Exceed and Excel

Perfect Fit

264 BBr/C

Snitzel

El Laoob

664 B/F

Scissor Kick

Racing Nadine

265 B/C

Fastnet Rock

El Sagrado

674 B/C

Written Tycoon

Rebound

796 BGr/C

Fastnet Rock

Spectacular Vision

677 Ch/F

Choisir

Regally Blonde

24

B/F

American Pharoah Vivi Veloce

680 Br.Gr/F

Not a Single Doubt Registered Nurse

26

B/C

Fastnet Rock

Volcada

687 B/F

Star Witness

Ritzy

102 B/F

I Am Invincible

Augusta Proud

811 B/C

Vancouver

Stella Grace

217 B/F

Pierro

Dance Card

822 B/C Savabeel

Striker

226 BrGr/C

Exceed and Excel

De Groove

853 B/F

Ten Carat Rock

251 Ch/F Snitzel

Doulmera

Flying Artie

“We have another star-studded draft that has something for everyone from syndicators to the top end colt syndicates. Our draft has grown in size this year, with quality still being of the highest standard.”

Bhima will offer 27 yearlings at the upcoming Magic Millions Yearling Sale in 2020. With a proven track record of selling top racehorses and a commitment to a transparent sales process, trust in the Bhima brand will hit a new mark with buyers and breeders alike.

www.bhima.com.au • 02 6545 1000 Mike Fleming: 0448 254 365 mike@bhima.com.au Kate Fleming: 0409 311 794 kate@bhima.com.au Scone, NSW

2020 / 159

Bowness Stud

Bowness Stud graduates just keep making their way into the winners circle, the likes of recent Group One winners Funstar, Youngstar and Trapeze Artist, proof positive of the great job done by John North and his team who take another strong draft of horses to the 2020 Magic Millions.

160 / VENDORS

by Kristen Manning

W

hat appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

The venue has a pleasant holiday atmosphere that provides a relaxed environment to catch up with old friends and other industry participants. The race series has plenty of prizemoney on offer to a broad spectrum of buyers, giving everyone a chance to win serious money.

In general the most precocious early going types come to the Gold Coast in January.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Wonderful fertile country of large acreage.

We believe the horse is a natural herd animal who should not be confined to a small area and forced fed. The quality pastures and grazing space provided to our horses is one of the key ingredients that allows us to continue to supply top class Group winning racehorses of the highest calibre into the marketplace.

How would you summarize your draft this year?

Collectively, they are the best group of yearlings we have ever presented at this sale. We have some beauties by the new boys Capitalist, Extreme Choice and Flying Artie, some by the proven sires Zoustar and Deep Field and other top shelf running types by Divine Prophet, Air Force Blue and Myboycharlie. There is definitely no tail in the whole draft.

What product would you stockpile if you found out they weren’t going to make anymore?

Peanut Butter! You could live forever on it.

What would you choose as your animal sidekick if you were in a movie?

A working Kelpie dog.

In 40 years what will people be nostalgic for?

Old fashioned homemade cooking.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

We bred over 120 mares this year. Purple Blood (in foal to Snitzel) is a favourite, her Group Three winning daughter Sookie has produced the recent Group One winner Shadow Hero. We also have Sookie’s 3/4 sister in foal to Pierro and Purple Blood’s other daughter Kaitlin Cove has a lovely Capitalist colt in the sale.

Yes. There are plenty of opportunities for people with a genuine love for the animal and who have a desire to learn coupled with a good work ethic.

Beautiful Gem (also in foal to Snitzel) was a wonderful race mare and her dual Group Three winning son Gem Song has done a good job on the track this year.

The Bowness Magic Millions draft...

Lot 51 bay colt by Zoustar from You’re Dreamin (by Commands): dam, a city winning half-sister to the stakes winners Johnny Reb and Power Of Pegasus, has produced five winners from as many to race.

Lot 395 bay colt by Deep Field from Idriess (by Anabaa): half-brother to four winners out

of a daughter of a Blue Diamond PreludeGr.3, 1100m winner Card Queen, also dam of Magic Millions Classic-RL, 1200m heroine Karuta Queen.

Lot 426 chestnut colt by Capitalist from Journey (by Jeune): son of a Belmont OaksListed, 2000m winning granddaughter of the WA Oaks-Gr.1, 2400m winner Hasty Departure.

Lot 430 chestnut colt by Capitalist from Kaitlin Cove (by Snitzel): his dam is a winning half-sister to the Group Three winner Sookie, in turn dam of this year’s Spring Champion Stakes-Gr.1, 2000m winner Shadow Hero.

Third dam is the terrific filly Victory Vein.

Lot 657 bay colt by Divine Prophet from Pure Intentions (by Cape Cross): half-brother to multiple city winner Arizona Wildcat out of a daughter of the Group Two mare Prefer An Angel, also dam of Group Three winner Cute Emily.

Lot 699 chestnut colt by Extreme Choice from Rosarino (by Perugino): his speedy stakes winning dam has produced five winners including the stakes placed Heavy and the metropolitan winner Anna’s Joy. Lot 952 bay colt by Flying Artie from Permaiscuous (by Danzero): half-brother to four winners including the city winners Cleansing Ale and Dancing Fighter out of a Group Three winning daughter of the Listed winner Permai.

Lot 1045 bay colt by Air Force Blue from Charlotte’s Star (by Stratum): out of a winning half-sister to the South African Group Three winner Flying Tristram from the family of Dance Hero.

Lot 1054 bay colt by Myboycharlie from Cover Charge (by General Nediym): half-brother to the Group One placed Californiatreasure out of a city winning halfsister to the Group Three winner Classy Dane and the Listed winner Zester.

Lot 1062 bay colt by Deep Field from Diame (by Fastnet Rock): dam is a daughter of the Epona Stakes-Listed, 1900m winner Great Anna whose dam is the Herbert Power Handicap-Gr.2, 2400m winner Great Vintage.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

51

B/C

Zoustar

You’re Dreamin

699 Ch/C

Extreme Choice

Rosarino

Deep Field

Idriess

952 B/C

Flying Artie

Permaiscuous

426 Ch/C Capitalist

Journey

1045 B/C

Air Force Blue

Charlotte’s Star

430 Ch/C

Capitalist

Kaitlin Cove

1054 B/C

Myboycharlie

Cover Charge

657 B/C

Divine Prophet

Pure Intentions

1062 B/C

Deep Field

Diame

395 B/C

www.bownessstud.com.au John North: 0428 846 270 john@bownessstud.com.au Murringo via Young, NSW

2020 / 161

Coolmore Stud An interview with John Kennedy

John Kennedy - Stud Manager

American Pharoah winning the Kentucky Derby 2015

162 / VENDORS

How would you describe your 2020 MMGC draft?

The yearlings are currently in the early stages of their preparation for the sale in January and we are very excited about presenting them to the public. Through Fastnet Rock, Pierro, So You Think, Rubick, Pride Of Dubai, Vancouver, No Nay Never, Air Force Blue and American Pharoah we are represented by a very well balanced group of sires. Fastnet Rock, Pierro and So You Think have firmly established themselves as leading proven sires in Australasia and have all enjoyed a fine start to the 2019/20 season. In Rubick, Pride Of Dubai and Vancouver we have three of the most popular young colonial stallions in Australia. While in American Pharoah and No Nay Never we have two of the hottest young sires in the US and Europe, who we have great faith will be hugely successful in Australian conditions. Buyers will be presented with a very well prepared draft of quality yearlings where there will be a horse to fit most budgets and personal preferences.

Coolmore have enjoyed great results with their graduates of the MMGC sale. What are some recent highlights for horses reared at Coolmore?

Success at the highest level for graduates of the farm is what we strive for in everything that we do at Coolmore Australia. The pastures and staff at Coolmore are second-tonone and this has shown in the results on the track in recent years, with 22 individual Group 1-winning graduates since 2015. Obviously Winx was raised and grazed in Jerry’s Plains and went through our 2013 Magic Millions yearling draft, however she is one of 4 Group 1-winning and 21 Stakes winning graduates of the farm to date in 2019. Outside of Winx, some highlights from our recent Magic Millions offerings include Group 1 winners Vancouver and Winning Ways and Group 3 winners Rock and Sherwood Forest etc. The success

of Coolmore graduates doesn’t look like slowing down either, with the likes of Pretty Brazen, Tuscan Queen, Rock, Gamay, Just Thinkin’ and Quick Thinker all aiming for big races for the remainder of the season.

Your draft features the highly anticipated first crop yearlings by American Pharoah, who has had a very impressive start with his first two-year-olds in the Northern Hemisphere. They were very well received at the weanling sales, how have they progressed?

Never before has Coolmore Australia offered yearlings by a horse with the talent that American Pharoah possessed. As an 8-time Group 1-winning Champion two-year-old and Triple Crown hero, he is quite clearly the best racehorse at stud in Australia. That aside, he has already made an incredible start with his first two-year-olds in the Northern Hemisphere with 9 Stakes horses, 4 Stakes winners, 3 Group winners and 3 Group 1 performers to date. What is so encouraging for us is that his progeny have shown a liking - perhaps even a preference - for turf surfaces. We have always had great belief that he would complement the Australian broodmare population and his success on the track this year has only served to enhance our confidence in him. It is a very exciting time for Coolmore Australia to offer the first crop of American Pharoah yearlings.

Air Force Blue is a sire with great credentials for success in Australia. Why do you think his progeny will be successful in Australia?

Air Force Blue is one of the greatest European two-year-olds of the modern era. He won three Group 1 races as a juvenile and finished the season with a Timeform rating of 128p.

To put that into an Australia context, that is higher than the likes of Pierro, Vancouver, Capitalist, Pride Of Dubai, Sebring, Sepoy and The Autumn Sun amongst others. He was an incredibly precocious horse with great

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

1 B/C Choisir

Ume

440 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Kinetic Design

4

B.Br/F Hinchinbrook

Unsaintly

445 Br/F

No Nay Never

Kiwi Colleen

27

B/C

Vormista

447 B/F

Uncle Mo

Kononkop

57 B/C Rubick

Zermatt

451 B/C

Air Force Blue

La Bella Luisa

82

Br/C

No Nay Never

Amish

462 B/F

American Pharoah Lake Geneva

96

B/C

Pride of Dubai

Archangel

499 B/F

No Nay Never

Majesty

Zoustar

Blue Sky Baby

551 B/C

Vancouver

Money Tree

143 Br.Gr/F Vancouver

Bond

569 B/F

Pride of Dubai

Mrs Kipling

151 B/F

Vancouver

Bulle de Champagne

570 B/F

I Am Invincible

Mumbai Rock

153 B/C

Rubick

Bush Honey

577 B/F

Vancouver

Native Legend

158 Ch/C Capitalist

Cancel

604 Br/F

No Nay Never

Orontes

162 B/F

So You Think

Cat’s Wish

619 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Paprika

222 B/F

Pride of Dubai

Danehill Smile

629 B/C

American Pharoah Peaceful Sea

235 B/C

No Nay Never

Delta Girl

636 B/F

American Pharoah Piccadillies

241 B/F

No Nay Never

Diamond Ring

667 B/F

Pride of Dubai

319 B/C

American Pharoah Freckle Face

676 B/F Pierro

325 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Frustrating

683 Ch/C

American Pharoah Replique

327 Ch/F

Air Force Blue

Gabbidon

697 B/F

Vancouver

Ronan’s Bay

330 B/C

Road to Rock

Georgia Blues

707 B/F

No Nay Never

Royal Dance

358 B/F

Pierro

Gypsy Chimes

717 B/F

No Nay Never

Sailboat

384 B.Br/C

Vancouver

Holy Moly

783 B/C

Vancouver

Smart Company

417 Ch/C

American Pharoah Jazz Song

808 B/F

American Pharoah Starfish

425 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Jolie’s Shinju

835 B/F

I Am Invincible

Sweet Sanette

433 B/C

I Am Invincible

Kangarilla Joy

837 Gr/F

Maurice

Swift Lady

438 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Keep on Singing

846 B/F Pierro

Taqaareed

439 B/F

So You Think

Kimblewick

881 Ch/F

Truly a Beauty

140 B/F

Pride of Dubai

No Nay Never

Raise Redouteski

speed and was described by Aidan O’Brien as the best two-year-old he has ever trained, which is no mean feat. He is the best twoyear-old by War Front, who is also the sire of Declaration Of War, responsible for producing the winners of the Melbourne Cup, the VRC Derby and the Queensland Oaks from his only two Southern Hemisphere crops.

No Nay Never has continued to excel in the Northern Hemisphere. You are heavily represented with his second Australian crop, can you discuss why you think they will be successful in Australia?

No Nay Never is a sire of incredibly rare ability who now stands for €150,000 in Ireland.

From relatively small numbers he has already notched 20 Stakes winners, including 13 Stakes winning two-year-olds, highlighted by dual Group 1 winning sprinter Ten Sovereigns. His first two crops have yielded over 12.5% Stakes winners to runners which puts him in the very elite category. From an Australian perspective, it is important to note that 6 of his Stakes winners are out of Danehill-line mares. So, with a combination of his own powerful physique, the speed and precocity shown by his progeny in Europe, his effectiveness with Danehill-line mares and the reports we have received about his first Southern Hemisphere crop of two-year-olds, we are hugely excited about the future of No Nay Never in Australia.

As a relative newcomer to Australia, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Growing up on a small farm in County Limerick in Ireland I was surrounded and fascinated by horses from a very young age. Upon finishing school I completed a Bachelor of Economics at UCD in Dublin. However, I always had ambitions of returning to horses.

From there I worked at Yeomanstown Stud with the O’Callaghan family for four years, at a time when Dark Angel was becoming one of the leading sires in Europe. Following a stint in America, I returned home to manage Castlehyde Stud in County Cork for two years, before getting the opportunity to come and manage Coolmore Australia in July. It has been a brilliant time to begin my journey at Coolmore Australia as we have such a dynamic young roster of stallions, an outstanding team of staff and an incredible farm that consistently produces racehorses of the highest order.

02 6576 4200, Jerrys Plains, NSW • Michael Kirwan: 0411 171 069 michael@coolmore.com.au • John Kennedy: 0432 559 828 jkennedy@coolmore.com.au • Colm Santry: 0412 344 566 colm@coolmore.com.au • Paddy Oman: 0408 456 964 paddy@coolmore.com.au • Tom Moore: 0432 050 940 tmoore@coolmore.com.au • Rob Archibald: 0438 458 137 rarchibald@coolmore.com.au • Emma Pugsley: 0421 410 457 epugsley@coolmore.com.au

2020 / 163

Corumbene Stud George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud has a relatively small but very well chosen broodmare band which consistently offers the market the opportunity to buy a good horse.

by Glen Latham 164 / VENDORS 2020-Corrumbene Stud.indd 164

29/11/19 10:28 am

T

here has been a Golden Slipper winner in Sebring, a Blue Diamond winner in True Jewels and the flying Southern Legend, a Stakes winner in Sydney before carving out a successful career in Hong Kong, to name but a few.

The reputation Corumbene has forged for offering the highest quality stock for sale has at its foundation a willingness to provide that bit extra to ensure the proper development of their horses in their formative years.

One imagines a farm that relies heavily on its home grown crops to feed its stock would be at a disadvantage, but Stud Manager Toby Frazer is adamant the draft Corumbene send to the Gold Coast won’t have missed a trick. “It’s a terrible drought that’s for sure, but we’ve still been able to feed our horses their normal rations and a bit more. Buyers won’t notice a difference to our normal routine, in fact history shows some of our best horses have been born in drought so maybe this crop will have that extra bit of toughness about them.”

Leading off the Corumbene draft will be Lot 12, a smart colt by Your Song out of the So You Think mare Varese, a half-sister to Sebring (More Than Ready) and also to the Gr.2 Ajax Stakes winner Pureness (Tale Of The Cat). Toby believes this fellow will be “an early goer” and that is borne out in the pedigree as his grandam Purespeed (Flying Spur), besides being the dam of Sebring, is a half-sister to the very good juvenile from Western Australia Surtee (Memento) who won the old Gr.3 Brambles Classic at two and then the Gr.2 San Domenico Stakes when that race was over 1000 metres. The stud will also offer a Your Song filly as Lot 696, a granddaughter of the

Champion 2YO filly Hasna through Romincka, a young More Than Ready mare who is already the dam of a two-year-old winner.

Toby was full of praise for this filly. “She’s one of those fillies that turns heads.

If she walked past you would want to know ‘who’s that by?’”

Amongst Corumbene’s offerings is a son of Zoustar, this one the first foal of the Mossman mare Warringal Moss who hails from the family of Gr.1 W S Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker. “He’s a big, strong colt, not typical of a first foal,” said Toby. And, of course, George and Toby recognised early the quality More Than Ready brought to the table when they bred Purespeed to him and this sale they will offer another of his colts, this one out of the twice winning Redoute’s Choice mare Celestial Choice. “More Than Ready is a great sire, it doesn’t matter how old he gets he keeps stepping up and getting good horses”, said Toby. The colt traces back to New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas winner Foxwood (Centaine).

The now Widden based stallion Outreach, the brother to the Altomonte raced Overreach, had his only start in George’s orange, brown and white colours silks and the stud continues to support the son of Exceed And Excel with his first runners hitting the tracks about now. Buyers will have the choice of four by Outreach in the Corumbene draft headed by Lot 75, a filly out of the Charge Forward mare Alessia and a filly that Toby rates highly. “This is a very good filly. She has the strength of a colt which I like as some of the better mares we have seen have that trait. I like this filly a lot.”

Of course, Charge Forward mares delivered back to back Golden Slipper winners

in She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain) and Estijaab (Snitzel) and with Alessia a halfsister to the Gr.2 winner Bennetta (General Nediym) this filly is sure to be popular.

The stud will also offer an Outreach filly out of Daytime, a Choisir half sister to the dam of Gr.1 Golden Rose winner Exosphere (Lonhro). “We race Daytime’s first foal which is unbeaten in three barrier trials to date for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott so by the time the sale arrives we are hopeful she will be a winner.” This girl might have some upside for buyers.

George Altomonte raced Wager (Flying Spur) who was an outstanding filly winning twice at Gr.2 level and being placed in the Blue Diamond, AJC Sires’ Produce and Champagne Stakes all Gr.1’s. She is also proving to be an excellent source of black-type, her granddaughter Betcha Flying (Uncle Mo) the most recent to enhance her reputation over the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

Corumbene will offer a smart Dissident colt out of Wager’s unraced daughter Gamble (Encosta De Lago) as Lot 328 and a filly by promising young sire Brazen Beau out of the More Than Ready mare Posta as Lot 645. This is a family that has grazed the Corumbene paddocks for several generations now, Wager being a granddaughter of George’s Black Opal Stakes winner Marks Gain (Biscay).

We mentioned earlier the success of mares

by Charge Forward and Lot 106, Choisir’s attractive daughter out of Avanzar, has him as her maternal grandsire. She counts the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint winner Inspiration (Flying Spur) and Gr.1 Australian Guineas winner Wandjina (Snitzel) as relations while Avanzar’s first foal Avno Doubt (Not A Single Doubt) won a recent two-year-old barrier trial by five lengths hard held.

The first crop of Pride Of Dubai have come out running with a Stakes winner to his credit already and Corumbene have a daughter of his for sale as Lot 764. “Another big, strong filly with a lovely attitude. She has everything you could want in a racehorse and her dam was very good on the track.”

The mare Toby refers to is Snitzel’s daughter Sheer Style, winner of the Clockwise Classic at Ballarat and third in the Magic Millions Wyong Classic at Restricted Listed level.

There is always an air of expectation about a Corumbene draft and that is no different with their 2020 Magic Millions offerings.

Buyers know they’ll be purchasing something with a touch of class, and who knows, maybe even a bit of drought enforced added toughness.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

12

Br/C

Your Song

Varese

478 B/C

Rubick

Little Miss Bourke

29

Ch/C

Zoustar

Warringal Moss

645 Br/F

Brazen Beau

Posta

30 Br/F Choisir

Watabout

696 B/F

Your Song

Romincka

75 B/F Outreach

Alessia

764 Ch/F

Pride of Dubai

Sheer Style

106 B/F Choisir

Avanzar

918 B/C

Outreach

La Marama

165 Br/C

Celestial Choice

1030 B/F Epaulette

Annalee

328 Br/C Dissident

Gamble

1060 B/F Outreach

Daytime

473 B/F Outreach

Liamena

More Than Ready

Corumbene Stud

www.corumbenestud.com.au Toby Frazer (stud manager): 0428 115 528 Dunedoo, NSW

2020 / 165 2020-Corrumbene Stud.indd 165

29/11/19 10:28 am

Egyptian Symbol Returns To Scale

Cressfield

Renowned producers of top quality yearlings who go on to success on the track, Cressfield once again have an outstanding draft of nine yearlings for the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

166 / VENDORS

C

ressfield’s last two select drafts at this sale have already contained stakes placed two year-old Euphoric Summer and city winner and Gr.2 placed three year-old Villami. Other quality graduates recently include Missrock and Granny Red Shoes. Bluebloods spoke to Cressfield’s Operations Manager Liesl Baumann.

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

As this sale is the first yearling sale for the year, energy levels are high, and expectations are buoyant. There is a lot of general positivity surrounding the two events.

The race series is great because there are races that suit a range of horses across different ages and distances. It means horses can come back year after year to compete for very good prizemoney. Our own Egyptian Symbol ran third in the MM Guineas in 2016, returned in 2018 to run third in the MM Snippets Plate over 1200m, before winning the race in 2019. In those three races she earned in excess of $800,000 prizemoney.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

I would sum up Cressfield as boutique in numbers yet vast in size. It gives us the opportunity to allow our stock to grow out in large paddocks without the health implications that overstocking can often bring. We carry only a small number of client

mares during the breeding season to help rationalise staff. We don’t so much offer a service as we do a product which are our yearlings that we are very proud to present at Magic Millions.

Dashing dual Gr.1 winning sprinter Platelet’s second foal, a colt by Exceed and Excel, has the pedigree for speed. “A masculine colt with a good shoulder and nice sprinty short rein.”

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

Out of Gr.1 winner Regimental Gal, this Snitzel filly is the ¾ sister to group winner Lilliburlero, and to the stakes placed dam of Souchez. “A precocious looking filly, not overly big but moves with great purpose.

She has a deep girth and good length from hip to hock.” Also by Champion Sire Snitzel is the colt from Adelie, a young winning half-sister to Gr.1 winner Snowland.

“An attractive colt, he is a very strong, forward, balanced individual.”

We breed approximately thirty of our own mares every year. We have several well credentialled mares but the best known is probably Listen Here. She is the dam of two new sires making their presence felt in Deep Field and Shooting To Win. She was a $3.4 million buy in partnership with China Horse Club at the Magic Millions National Broodmare sale in 2016 and has since called Cressfield home.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

A bit like our staff. An abundance of quality females with a couple of strong colts for good measure.

Three yearlings in this draft are out of Gr.1 winning mares, and one of the most exciting has to be the filly from Gr.1 Stradbroke winner Mid Summer Music, whose two yearold filly Euphoric Summer was stakes placed on debut recently. “This filly is by champion sire Fastnet Rock, wonderful sire of race fillies and eventual broodmares. She has a broad nostril, moves fluidly and stands over a bit of ground.”

Cressfield sold young sire Headwater as a yearling, and three yearlings in their 2020 Magic Millions draft have a connection to him. A filly by Headwater out of the super tough stakes winner of eleven races, Isibaeva, is “An attractive filly with a good head and nostril, strong colour, correct and neat.” Cressfield will also offer two fillies

by Gr.1 winner and sire Pierro each of out half-sisters to Headwater. Water Rising’s filly is “A very well developed forward filly with a strong hindquarter and broad chest.” while two year-old winner Dove Lake’s yearling is a “Good boned, scopey filly.”

Fans of So You Think will want to inspect the filly from Personification who is “A strong well-developed filly that has good depth across her shoulder and hindquarter, but maintains enough scope to stand over a bit of ground.” Rounding out the Cressfield draft is a Deep Field filly out of Egyptian Cross, a winning daughter of Gr1 Our Egyptian Raine. “Looks a running type of filly, big, strong, powerful and athletic.”

Which country would you most like to visit next and why?

Somewhere in the Pacific Islands In 40 years what will people be nostalgic for?

Idle time. The idea of waiting, for anything, will be gone.

If you could shop for free at one store, which would you choose?

A homewares store. There is something about those stores that whips me into a frenzy, making me think I need another cushion for the bed, an ornate vase, a mirror and several scented candles. Most of the time I get paralysed by choice and leave empty handed.

Would you rather be an Eagle or a Labrador?

Labrador. At the end of November, tummy rubs and long snoozes are sounding pretty good. The Eagles can keep their squawking young and bristly beds.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

31

Water Rising

526 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Mid Summer Music

67 B/C Snitzel

B/F

Pierro

Adelie

634 B/F

So You Think

Personification

252 Br/F

Pierro

Dove Lake

640 B/C

Exceed and Excel

Platelet

263 BBr/F

Deep Field

Egyptian Cross

679 Br/F

Snitzel

Regimental Gal

412 BrBlk/F

Headwater

Isibaeva

www.cressfield.com.au 02 6545 0500 Parkville, NSW

2020 / 167

Tanker

Edinburgh Park

Long recognised as a fertile nursery for good horses, Edinburgh Park showed itself to be an industry leader on another front in October, with its proactive stance on animal welfare.

168 / VENDORS

by Nathan Exelby

I

n a swift response to the 7.30 Report into the fate of retired racehorses, Ian Smith and the Edinburgh team announced the “Guarantee for Life” policy whereby any horse carrying its IKS brand would be welcome back to the farm at any time.

Smith put in place a $1000 purchase guarantee to buy back a horse either privately or at public auction, to ensure it has a great home for life.

Smith was widely applauded for the response and has been proactive in the time since following through on the promise.

“The vision we saw from the 7.30 Report was horrifying,” Smith said.

“If people who have horses they own that carry our brand are in a position where they can’t look after them properly, we will offer them $1000, which is higher than any abattoir or knackery.

“We will follow that through, plus we are working on a few other things which will guarantee the welfare of the horses we breed.”

He said he understands the industry as a whole has taken longer to respond because “big wheels take longer to turn” but he has urged authorities to find a swift solution.

“Hopefully over time, sooner rather than later, we can get to a better position than what we are now,” he said.

“We have to realise in terms of the world and how the world sees things now … internet, social media. People’s knowledge and acceptance of all things in life have changed dramatically.

track record breaker who is now making a huge impact at stud, setting a modern record for first crop two-year-old winners last season.

Off the back of the 2019 Magic Millions yearlings, the Pride Of Dubai colt Tanker (a $170,000 MM graduate) gave his new owners a quick return when he won the Debutant Stakes in October.

Choisir filly Lady Naturaliste won the Listed Cinderella Stakes earlier in the year and there’s been a host of other city winners.

This year’s Magic Millions draft is similar in numbers to 2019 and likewise, high on quality.

One of the highlights is the Exceed And ExcelSmokin’ Alice colt, a three-quarter-brother to Eleven Eleven, who won three on end before a break and is being readied for a summer carnival tilt by Greg Hickman, who launched Pierata’s road to stardom at the Queensland summer carnival.

“He’s a lovely well put together colt, typical of what the mare throws,” Smith said.

“The mare also produced the China Horse Club/Newgate horse War Memorial, which made $680,000 at Magic Millions last year.

He won an early season barrier trial and is being aimed at the Magic Millions.

“There’s a lot of exciting two-year-old prospects coming through that we sold at Magic Millions last year and that horse is one of them,” Smith said.

Edinburgh will also present two classy Written Tycoon colts in January, both from stakes winning mares.

“We as a stud, profit from breeding, rearing and selling the progeny, so we have made a socially conscious decision that will protect the horses we bring into the world.

“The Written Tycoon-Miss Marx is a quality colt and the best foal the mare has produced.

He looks like a real runner and I think the market will receive him well,” Smith said.

“We are selective breeders, we spend a lot of money rearing the horse and most of them are well sought after. The fillies are well bred, so end up breeding on other farms. A big percentage of our horses find good homes.”

“The Written Tycoon-Becerra is closely related to Teleplay, who won the Group race on Melbourne Cup day at Flemington, from the family of First Seal. He’s a very nice colt as well.”

The last two years have seen a seismic shift in the horses Edinburgh are breeding and they are selling a lot more horses on the Gold Coast.

Another highlight is a close relation to multiple Group 1 winner Criterion.

He’s a colt by Sebring from Sticky Fingers, a mare whose second dam is a sister to Criterion’s dam Mica’s Pride.

“He’s a very good looking Sebring colt,” Smith said.

The Vancouver-Euro Chic colt is also expected to have plenty of admirers. Vancouver has come out of the blocks quickly with his first crop and this colt is from the wonderful family of Bint Marscay, with Euro Chic having already produced the stakes placed Alburq (Rubick).

“We also have a really racy Brazen Beau filly, typical of the sire,” Smith said. “She’s the first foal of her dam Military Operation, who’s dam is a sister to Not A Single Doubt.

“It’s a family that runs early and this filly looks no exception.”

Smith also suggested buyers pay close attention to the two Edinburgh lots in Book 2 of the sale.

“The Sizzling-Senro Kisaki colt is a half to Ziziz and also the stakes placed Rubisaki,” he said.

“And the Scissor Kick (ex Total Discretion) is a very racy filly. She’s a ripper too.”

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

It’s a fantastic location, it’s at a really good time of year for people, in terms of incorporating horses and holidays, which everyone enjoys. The race series and the Brisbane Summer Carnival and the sales, it blends in so well for people to bring other horses in and even the wildcard races all bubbles and promotes the whole package.

It’s very well run.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

We’re a small to medium sized broodmare farm. We pride ourselves on our individual attention and care for each animal and our ability to individualise feeding programs to suit each horse to maximise their chances of developing into the best possible athletes of the future.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

Edinburgh sold all 16 yearlings it had catalogued last January (compared to a draft of just four the year before) up to $800,000 and at an average of $250,000.

We bred 48 mares, which include the stakes winners Our Crown Mistress, Miss Marx, Dublin Lass and well related mares like Quicksilver Lass (half to D’Argento), Temolie (half to Invincibella), Waikato River (half to Oceanex and three other stakes winners) and some good American families.

Smith expressed at the time it was the farm’s strongest ever Magic Millions draft and had come as a result of the replenishment of the broodmare band with a host of younger mares.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

The flag bearer for Edinburgh has long been the former World Champion Sprinter Silent Witness, but there’s an ever growing list of stakes horses on the same honour roll.

It’s full of quality colts and fillies. They are a nice, good even bunch of yearlings which I think the market will appreciate.

Another Edinburgh graduate kicking big goals is Better Than Ready, the former Randwick

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

93

Air Force Blue

Angora

530 B/F

Brazen Beau

Military Operation

123 Ch/C

B/F

Written Tycoon

Becerra

542 Br/C

Written Tycoon

Miss Marx

181 Ch/F

Winning Rupert

Choix de Maia

663 Br/C

American Pharoah Quicksilver Lass

208 B/C

Hinchinbrook

Cristalina Lago

784 Gr/C

Exceed and Excel

Smokin’ Alice

283 B/C

Vancouver

Euro Chic

814 Ch/C

Sebring

Sticky Fingers

393 Ch/Gr F

Capitalist

Icy Mist

980 B/C

Sizzling

Senro Kisaki

486 Ch/C

Star Witness

Loveitt

1005 B/F

Scissor Kick

Total Discretion

www.edinburghpark.com.au Ian Smith: 0419 637 892 Wingham, NSW

2020 / 169

Eureka Stud

Iconic Queensland farm Eureka Stud always has a great Magic Millions presence and 2020 looks to be another big year for the McAlpine family. We had a chat with the stud’s Harry McAlpine...

Eureka Graduates Boomsara and Outback Barbie finishing first and third in the MM 3YO Guineas 2019

170 / VENDORS

W

hat appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

It is an exciting start to the calendar year where people are fresh and excited about buying or selling their yearlings. And for many of the farms it is a great opportunity to enjoy a holiday location after the long breeding season has wound up!

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Eureka is situated in tremendous horse country being located on the rich black soils of the Darling Downs, with our service definitely being horsemanship and experience. Some of our practices are very traditional such as educating all yearlings off a lead pony and we are sure that these practices have been a great contributor of the farm’s racetrack success.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

The Eureka broodmare band would be around sixty mares. The best known

of them would probably be Mum’s high class mare Tinto, winner of seven races including the Queensland Oaks-Gr.1, 2400m, the Bernborough Handicap-Listed, 1625m and the Gold Coast Bracelet-Listed, 1800m.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

The draft is large but has great variety.

We have the first yearlings to be sold by resident sire Defcon (a well related dual Group Three winning son of Choisir) including half relations to last year’s Magic Millions Guineas winner Boomsara and this spring’s Cockram Stakes-Gr.3, 1200m winner Pippie.

We have eight Spirit Of Booms and the rest of the draft is made up of a solid representation including such proven sires as Zoustar, Written Tycoon, Rubick, Brazen Beau, Choisir, Sebring, Vancouver, Better Than Ready and Epaulette. We are excited to see where they end up with our January draft from last year already producing four two-year-old runners this season including the city winner Strike (by Spirit Of Boom), the Defcon

stakes placed winner Boom Daddy (Spirit Of Boom) and the Randwick placed Endorse (Brazen Beau).

Amongst Eureka’s yearlings by star resident stallion Spirit Of Boom (sire of eight stakes winners and counting) is a half-sister to the Group One galloper Southern Lord, a brother to the Listed winner Perudo, a sister to the Inglis Premier winner Kinky Boom, a son of the durable stakes winner Little Brown Horse (winner of 14 races) and a son of the Listed winning Flying Spur mare Sparks Fly. A couple of yearlings by Yes Yes Yes’s hot young sire Rubick, including a filly out of stakes winner City Of Song, will also be of interest as will be two by the reliably classy Written Tycoon including a daughter of the Group placed Diva Dee. Another proven stallion represented is the evergreen Choisir, sire of a colt from the prolific Klairessa family.

The New Zealand based Group Three winning Street Cry stallion Rageese has three in the draft including a colt out of a half-sister to the classy race and broodmare Galroof and a filly out of the imported stakes winner D J Lighting, dam of the stakes placed Coachella. Also represented from New Zealand is Encosta de Lago’s Spring Champion Stakes-Gr.1, 2000m winner Vanbrugh whose colt is out of a half-sister to the South African Group One winner Gold Onyx.

Other highlights of the exciting draft include a Vancouver filly out of the Listed winning More Than Ready mare Defiant Dame, a Your Song half-sister to the Hong Kong based dual Group One winner Beat The Clock, an Exosphere half-brother to the Listed winner Peacock, a Hinchinbrook half-sister to the dual Listed winner Outback Barbie, a Zoustar brother to the Group Three winner Charge, Tinto’s filly by the late Sebring, a Better Than Ready 3/4 sister to the dual city winner Aghamore out of a daughter of the four times Group One winner Mannerism, an Extreme Choice filly out of the multiple city winner Rubinacci and a Brazen Beau colt out of the speedy dual city winner Epsilon.

What product would you stockpile if you found out they weren’t going to make anymore?

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

14 B/C Epaulette

Veesarme

658 B/F

Hinchinbrook

Pure Purrfection

90

Spirit of Boom

Angel Girl

661 Ch/C

Zoustar

Queen of the Falls

187 B/F

Rubick

City of Song

795 B/C

Spirit of Boom

Sparks Fly

192 B/C

Choisir

Come Fly With Me

826 Ch/C

Defcon

Suite Lioness

203 Ch/F

Defcon

Coupe Express

873 Ch/F Sebring

Tinto

225 Br/C

Written Tycoon

Darook Park

915 Ch/C

Manhattan Rain

Katie Belle

230 B/F

Vancouver

Defiant Dame

922 B/F

Spirit of Boom

Little Layla

244 Ch/F

Written Tycoon

Diva Dee

936 Br/C

Rageese

Monte Karlo

277 Br/C

Brazen Beau

Epsilon

943 B.Br/F

Better Than Ready Nakedindaspa

309 B/F

Your Song

Flion Fenena

951 B/F

Spirit of Boom

Pearls for Me

348 B/C

Spirit of Boom

Goodlookin Gambler

962 Br/F

Mikki Isle

Real Pink

378 B/C

Rubick

High Ace

971 B/F

Extreme Choice

Rubinacci

410 Br/C Exosphere

Iridescente

972 B/C

Vanbrugh

Ruby Lass

441 B/F

Spirit of Boom

Kinka Rhode

1002 Br/F

Rageese

Tickled Pink

477 B/C

Spirit of Boom

Little Brown Horse

1003 Ch/C

No Nay Never

Tied Up

494 B/C

Spirit of Boom

Madame Fly

1057 Br/F

Rageese

D J Lightning

B/F

625 B/C Defcon

Passara

Moccona.

What is your favourite saying?

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

If you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?

A dust catcher at the moment!

If your job gave you a surprise three day paid break to rest and recuperate, what would you do with those three days?

I would head straight to Noosa.

www.eurekastud.com.au Scott McAlpine 0408 700 724 Cambooya, QLD

2020 / 171

Fernrigg Farm Fernrigg Farm’s Rae-Louise Kelly is as excited as anyone about the Magic Millions and was happy to chat with us about 2020...

172 / VENDORS

by Kristen Manning

W

hat appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

The electric atmosphere, the excitement around the first season sires and the dream of potentially selling next year’s Magic Millions winner.

Farms are presenting stronger drafts each year, packed with quality and great bloodlines which generates such a buzz.

It doesn’t matter if it’s 8am or 5pm everybody maintains that same enthusiasm when they come to inspect our yearlings.

We have only just started to dip our feet into the racing side but being part of a women’s syndicate is on the agenda. The Global Glamour success story is so inspiring, a fine example of how our industry can bring many people together and that owning even a small percentage of a racehorse can give you such a thrill.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

A boutique farm providing the highest quality care. We pride ourselves on growing out young horses and developing future athletes.

All our yearlings get individual feed and exercise programs tailored to their needs.

We are privileged, as a small farm, to have two highly qualified and experienced stud veterinarians on site 24-7 during the breeding season. Padraig also assesses the conformation of our foals each week and has established a new state of the art hospital facility on site to perform any corrective surgery, a great asset to the farm.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

25 of our own which is very exciting.

We really enjoy researching pedigrees and matching physicals in the hope of producing future champions. A favourite is Marcia Proba, a half sister to Sweet Idea and Showtime. She has a beautiful filly by Snitzel who I am proud to be presenting at the Magic Millions. We are so impressed with her that we sent the mare back to Snitzel this year.

The same applies for Crimson Lady (served

by Fastnet Rock) and Metza (Pierro).

Each year we try and upgrade our broodmare band and keep improving our stock.

One such mare who we adore is the multiple stakes placed Unequivocal who has produced a stunning I Am Invincible filly.

She is a beautiful scopey mare with charming good looks and plenty of quality.

We also added Mella Maria to our band earlier this year. During my time at Widden I cared for her as a weanling and prepared her for sale. She went on to win a Group Two race in South Africa and has produced a beautiful filly by Redoute’s Choice. She was never the most pleasant yearling to have around but she has certainly redeemed herself now, in my eyes anyway.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

The most exciting yet! Over half were born and raised on the farm, carrying the Fernrigg brand. In the past we have had stronger drafts of colts who were primarily pinhooks.

This year the fillies hold their own and are all home-bred with the exception of a beautifully balanced, well developed half-sister to Cosmic Force. A couple of my favourites are the Not A Single Doubt filly from Ziptomylou and the Fastnet Rock filly from Crimson Lady; both precocious types with good bone, deep girths and fantastic hindquarters. They have shown great demeanours from the day they were born and are a credit to the team on the farm.

If you could shop for free at one store, which would you choose?

It would have to be to be Paradise Jewellers, Pacific Fair. Padraig chose my engagement ring from there during the 2018 National Sale, with a little guidance from the jewellery consultant at Highgrove Stud. We returned there a year later to choose our wedding bands. Luckily, we had just spent up on weanlings because there are some stunning pieces of jewellery in there and everyone knows diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

Would you rather be an Eagle or a Labrador?

A Labrador. I am a complete dog lover and most people in the Hunter would be familiar with my wolves who go everywhere with me.

My husband probably wishes he was a wolf sometimes! I love food and treats, going for adventures, sleeping on the couch and doing the opposite to what I have been told to do, just like them.

What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it?

“Is that a pinhook; how much did you pay for it?”

When we established Fernrigg Farm two years ago we had to back ourselves and purchase weanlings to be in a position to consign a draft at the following year’s sale.

We have been fortunate to pinhook some successful racehorses like the Group Two placed dual stakes winner Krone and Brazen Beau’s first stakes performer First Dawn.

This year we have a draft of quality fillies who were born and raised at Fernrigg and we have only two purchased at the Magic Millions weanling sale; the Written Tycoon colt from La Llorona (now a resident broodmare) and the Shalaa colt from Not A Happy Camper.

If animals could talk, which animal would be the most annoying?

Definitely the yearlings! It would be like having a barn full of rowdy teenagers all hyped up on lollies. There would be colts whistling across to the fillies, fillies throwing sass at humans and horses alike. Because they want for nothing they would act very spoiled and hurl demands at the yearling team to be groomed again, for more food or to go back into their play yards.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

11 B/F Zoustar

510 Br/F

60

B/F

Valuta

Snitzel

Marcia Proba

Not a Single Doubt Ziptomylu

524 Br/F Pierro

Metza

Fastnet Rock

Crimson Lady

587 B.Br/C

Shalaa

Not a Happy Camper

303 Br/C Shalaa

Fimatino

864 Ch.Gr/C

Capitalist

The Grey Flash

454 Ch/C

Written Tycoon

La Llorona

948 B.Br/C

Teofilo

O’Reilly’s Angel

479 B/F

Your Song

Little Zeta

1027 B/C Magnus

207 B/F

Amaudru

www.fernriggfarm.com Rae-Louise Kelly: 0452 531 561 rae-louise@fernriggfarm.com Denman, NSW

2020 / 173

Ron Gilbert with the stylish Exceed And Excel - Simply Spiteful filly being offered by Highgrove as LOT 774.

Highgrove Stud

Over the past two decades, Ron Gilbert’s Highgrove at Westbrook has added its own exciting chapter to the glorious history of the Darling Downs. Highgrove’s outstanding draft of five is set to continue the story at the 2020 Magic Millions in January.

by Andrew Reichard

174 / VENDORS

L

ocated at altitude, with its mineral rich volcanic soils, endless sunshine and wide open spaces, the Darling Downs has produced some of the great champions of the Australian turf, from Bernborough, Tails and Eye Liner to more recent stars such as Highgrove’s own Gr.1 winning 2YO Summer Passage, Gr.1 placed Thronum (now an exciting stallion prospect) through to the current season’s nominal champion 2YO Global Quest, brilliant winner of the stallion making Breeders’ Plate at his only start and early equal favourite for the Golden Slipper in TAB markets. Global Quest was a $340K purchase by Aquis at the 2019 Magic Millions, with Ron and Debbie Gilbert later being offered a share in their graduate, which they decided to accept with happy results.

I recently visited Highgrove, which is situated on the edge of the Darling Downs as you leave Toowoomba. The 2020 draft was in the early stages of sales preparations under the watchful eye of farm manager Gordon Eadie and his team. The draft could best be described as a fabulous five, all well grown, with the great bone that is a byword in horses raised at Highgrove.

I spoke with Ron Gilbert about the individual lots to get his thoughts, but before we started the parade I asked him about his general approach to the sales season.

He explained “I love raising and selling a quality yearling, that’s the clear business plan at Highgrove. We put a lot of thought into our matings, using successful sires and the best young new prospects. Then we give them a carefully supervised preparation, with lots of handling and hand walking so that they will be at their peak on sale day and ready to go on to win races for their new owners. We have been very fortunate to get good prices for our yearlings but I’ve always been mindful that we are trying to breed winners, not just winners, but elite winners, Group winning horses.”

Ron’s comment: “Not A Single Doubt is a proven sire of Gr.1 fillies, and this filly is well grown, has a big girth and she’s a lovely mover with a huge overstep.

We sold her full sister last year and named Minjee she recently scored an easy win in a Doomben barrier trial, so we might have good news to come here, and this mare has already left a winner of two races in the USA.” Second yearling to be offered is Lot 339 a chestnut filly from the first crop of Golden Slipper and Magic Millions winner Capitalist from the outstanding young Fastnet Rock mare Global Dream.

Ron’s comment: “This filly is a half-sister to Breeder’s Plate winner Global Quest and to another smart winner Invincible Dash.

Mum was a Gr.2 placegetter and her first two foals indicate she could be one of Highgrove’s best mares. This filly is very much like her sire Capitalist, who was a very forward 2YO himself, also a Breeder’s Plate winner. She’s a well muscled filly with powerful forearms and gaskins, a real 2YO prospect.”

Third to be offered will be Lot 383 also

by Capitalist, but this time a colt out of the winning All American mare Hollywood Mistress from the prolific stakes producing Highgrove family of Summer Passage, Excitable Boy etc.

Ron’s comment: “I love this colt, he’s a good size with a big girth, great pelvic length and a lot of substance. He is a lovely mover with a very smooth action as he walks. A really nice colt from a great family, by a MM and Golden Slipper winner, I think he’ll have plenty of admirers.”

The fourth Highgrove baby into the Magic Millions ring will be Lot 387 a cracking bay colt by the very exciting first season sire Astern from the multiple winner producing Dubai Destination mare How Discreet.

“We’ve had a great few years with winners such as Thronum, Summer Passage and Global Quest flying the flag. Just recently we had an excellent weekend where Miss Spiteful won at Canterbuty at her second start, and Dusty Tycoon won at the Sunshine Coast at her first start as a 2YO for a big syndicate of owners for Steve Brown’s miRunners. I’m particularly excited because Highgrove will be offering siblings to both Global Quest and Miss Spiteful at the 2020 Magic Millions.”

Ron’s comment: “Astern has to be one of the best stallion prospects around, winning the stallion making Golden Rose Gr1 after competing at the highest level and being out of arguably Godolphin’s best mare.

What a CV! This colt is out of the prolific stakes winning “Discreet” family and he’s just a superb individual, scopey, athletic, with a great action and a very purposeful walk. Our stud manager Gordon says he has a wonderful temperament, this colt enjoys every piece of work we give him and is very obliging. I can strongly recommend him to prospective buyers, come and take a look at a great colt.”

First into the ring for Highgrove will be Lot 62 a bay filly by one of Australia’s best sires Not A Single Doubt out of the winner producing mare A Brilliant Idea (by Afleet Alex).

Fifth of the famous five from Highgrove is the glamour puss of the quintet, Lot 774 a stunning grey filly (although she looks a delicious chocolate colour at present)

by Exceed And Excel out of the multiple

winner producing Speightstown mare Simply Spiteful.

Ron’s comment: “This is a beautiful filly, very stylish with powerful hindquarters and gaskins, wither set well back and she has the look a lot of buyers like, short on top with length underneath. She’s by Exceed And Excel who is clearly the strongest influence for early 2YO speed at stud, his fillies include Slipper winner Overeach, Guelph and Earthquake. This mare has thrown some very smart multiple winners including the recent Canterbury night winner Miss Spiteful who after a game second at her first start went on with the job winning at her second and looks to have a bright future. Another of her earlier foals Legerity overcame a horrific injury to win three races and nearly 150K, he is very courageous. I’m delighted with this filly, she is almost too nice to sell, but we breed to sell, so she should do us proud.”

After discussing the yearlings Ron answered a few questions for Bluebloods.

What appeals to you most about the Magic Millions Sales and race series?

There’s a lot to like, because it’s the first sale of the year there is always a lot of excitement about the initial offering of yearlings, which includes many by first season sires as well as the old favourites. And now with the extra Magic Millions races for 3YOs you can take a horse to the sale which is not necessarily an early 2YO specialist with the expectation that it will still be commercially appealing. Magic Millions have done a great job in this regard.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

These five yearlings are a forward, well developed group. They are definitely 2YO prospects and across the board they are quite consistent, attractive, well muscled individuals. Well worth inspection.

What product would you stockpile if you found out they weren’t going to make any more?

Wine. Because it gets better with age, like horses and people. And where would we be without it.

Would you rather be an eagle or a labrador?

Definitely an eagle. It would be great to be able to look down and see the big picture from above.

If you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?

A self-driving feature, or a chauffeur! Some progress is being made with autonomous vehicles. Imagine, after a night out, drinking some of the stockpiled wine, I could just hop in the back and relax, no breathalyser to worry about.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

62

Not a Single Doubt A Brilliant Idea

387 B/C

Astern

How Discreet

339 Ch/F

B/F

Capitalist

Global Dream

774 Gr/F

Exceed and Excel

Simply Spiteful

383 B/C

Capitalist

Hollywood Mistress

www.highgrovestud.com.au Ron Gilbert: 0418 700 007 Westbrook, Darling Downs, Queensland

2020 / 175

Tyzone

Kenmore Lodge

What a great success story the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale was for Cameron and Kellie Bond’s Kenmore Lodge and with an even stronger draft being prepared for 2020 the couple are understandably excited.

by Kristen Manning 176 / VENDORS

I

n 2019 Kenmore sold four yearlings at the sale and two of those fetched triple figures; an imposing Exosphere filly (named Passistas trained by Matthew Smith) sold to Mystery Downs for $230,000 whilst an eye-catching Sebring colt (named Navalha in the Snowden stable) was knocked down to James Harron for $475,000.

It was a similar story in 2018 with another two six figure horses from a small draft and there is bound to be further success this time around.

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

An atmosphere that cannot be matched anywhere. Sun, surf and the success of the sale which is unrivalled. Top class trainers and owners from all over the world are there.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

We are a family owned and operated boutique farm selling at all the major sales throughout the year. We have three properties consisting of an accumulative 600 acres or so.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019?

We bred with approximately 25 mares including the dams of five stakes winners as well as some lovely young mares.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

We think it is easily our best offering. Two are out of half-sisters to Golden Slipper Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m winners, another is a close relation to the super race mare Gypsy Diamond. Also included in our draft is a 3/4 sister to the stakes winner Japhils, a Capitalist half-sister to the stakes winner Sircconi, two lovely horses by the wonderful stallion Pierro, one by the superstar stallion Written Tycoon and a couple by the exciting young stallions Rubick and American Pharoah.

Which country would you most like to visit next and why?

Hong Kong; the racing and the people are first class If you could shop for free at one store, which would you choose?

A produce store, I know how much it is costing us every time another truck load of feed arrives in this drought.

If your job gave you a surprise three day paid break to rest and recuperate, what would you do with those three days?

Probably a campdraft with our family, our nieces and nephews.

Do you think that children born today will have better or worse lives than their parents?

It is definitely a more challenging era to grow up in. Social media and mobile phones have the ability to be of real detriment.

Kenmore’s 2020 draft...

Lot 9 bay filly by More Than Ready from Valid Contract (by Magnus): dam is a dual city winning daughter of the stakes winner Prenuptial from the family of Marscay, Subzero and Alacrity.

Lot 16 bay colt by Not A Single Doubt from Veloce Forte (by High Chaparral): first foal for a winning half-sister to triple Group winner Gypsy Diamond from the prolific Fanfreluche family.

Lot 233 brown colt by Medaglia d’Oro from Delphi Lodge (by Fusaichi Pegasus): 3/4 brother to Vancouver out of a daughter of the terrific broodmare Skates whose dam is the Group One mare Skating.

Lot 480 bay/brown filly by Divine Prophet from Livonia (by Polish Precedent): 3/4 sister to the stakes winner Japhils out of a sister to the Irish stakes winner Millstreet.

Lot 585 bay colt by Pierro from Noble Quality (by Snitzel): dam is a half-sister to the Group Three winner Our Joan Of Arc. Lot 596 bay filly by Capitalist from On Credit (by Viking Ruler): half-sister to two times Group winner Sircconi from the prolific “The” family whose most recent high class performer is the dual Group winner The Chosen One. Lot 618 bay colt by American Pharoah from Papillon (by Rock Of Gibraltar): out of a stakes placed mare whose dam is a stakes placed sister to Alinghi.

Lot 635 brown filly by Pierro from Phoenix Park (by Thorn Park): first foal for a metropolitan winning half-sister to the Group Two placed She’s A Thief from the family of Angst.

Lot 666 bay/brown colt by Written Tycoon from Rainbeam (by Fastnet Rock): from the prolific black-type family of Shania Dane, Scintillation, Risk Aversion, Northwest Passage, Order Of The Sun, Summer Passage, Excitable Boy and Man From Uncle.

Lot 744 bay filly by Not A Single Doubt from Send A Memo (by Uncle Mo): first foal for a half-sister to the Golden Slipper winner Stratum and the Group Three sprinter Dystopia.

Lot 810 brown colt by Rubick from Starzel (by Snitzel): out of a half-sister to the Group Three placed Flemington carnival winner Star Missile and the multiple city winner Urban Ruler.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

9

B/F

More Than Ready

Valid Contract

618 B/C

American Pharoah Papillon

16

B/C

Not a Single Doubt Veloce Forte

635 Br/F

Pierro

Phoenix Park

233 Br/C

Medaglia d’Oro

Delphi Lodge

666 B.Br/C

Written Tycoon

Rainbeam

480 B.Br/F

Divine Prophet

Livonia

744 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Send a Memo

585 B/C

Pierro

Noble Quality

810 Br/C Rubick

596 B/F

Capitalist

On Credit

Starzel

WYREEMA QLD 4352 Cameron & Kellie Bond: 0407 657 538 cameronbond@bigpond.com

2020 / 177

Lime Country Thoroughbreds Lime Country Thoroughbreds is now firmly established at its beautiful property at Burradoo in the NSW Southern Highlands.

178 / VENDORS

by RenĂŠe Geelen

I

t has taken no time for Lime Country to demonstrate it was business as usual in Australia, with their small debut Magic Millions Gold Coast draft of three yearlings producing dual winner and Gr.2 placed three year-old Nudge (Fastnet Rock). In their final New Zealand draft, prior to shifting here, Lime Country sold the 2018 Gr.1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas winner Media Sensation (I Am Invincible) and the now four year-old mare recently won the Listed Waikato RC Sprint Handicap.

Bluebloods spoke to Jo Griffin about their 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft.

Our property is 300 beautifully set up, well irrigated, acres in the Southern Highlands only an hour and a half from Sydney airport. We are a specialist broodmare and consignment farm focused on breeding and consigning top end yearlings, weanlings and breeding stock, largely for outside clients. The Lime Country owned stock are mostly mares and foals which are re-traded normally in a 12 to 18 month period and our yearling drafts are normally made up of client stock rather than our own. We consigned 43 yearlings, 40 mares and five weanlings at public auction in 2019 and will do slightly more yearlings this season.

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

You always take some serious stock to this sale so that’s always exciting. On top of that it’s a bit edgy seeing how the market will perceive different first season sires, this is often your first snapshot of how the rest of your yearlings at home by those same sires are going to sell at your other sales.

It’s also a bit of a pressure release sale, the breeding season is finished, one of your biggest drafts of the year are now at the sale and unless you’re missing a pulse the Gold Coast is always a ton of fun.

This season we foaled down around 90 mares and walked out approximately 85. We are blessed with clients who have some fantastic breeding stock so there’s a number of top end mares at the farm but probably the best known would be stakes placed blue hen mare Gold Anthem who foaled a Snitzel filly this year. She is the dam of International Champion Sprinter and sire in Starspangledbanner as well as stakes placed Barood and Gold Chant, she is also the grandam of stakes winners Amicus and Cheer Leader. Gold Anthem is booked to The Autumn Sun this season.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Greg & Georgia

How would you summarise your draft this year?

We’re a bit heavier on colts than fillies this year with a 10/7 ratio. Like everyone, it’s a mix of up and coming along with the proven sires. Last year we had a very even line of horses, this year I think we have a wider variety of types but possibly it’s a draft that will have something for everyone’s tastes and budgets.

Champion Sire Snitzel’s colt, Lot 475, is out of winning Fastnet Rock mare Life in a Metro whose first three foals to race are all winners, and this colt is a threequarter-brother to Gr.1 winner Abbey Marie and Absolutely. A half-sister to Gr.3 winner Brugal Reward by Exceed and Excel is Lot 871, and her dam is a half-sister to Champion Sprinter Apache Cat. Champion Sire of 2YOs in 2015/16 Written Tycoon has two yearlings in the Lime Country draft, including Lot 500, a filly out of dual Australian Horse of the Year Makybe Diva (dam of five winners including stakes placed Divanation). Lot 815 is a colt who is closely related to Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes winner La Luna Rossa (Written Tycoon).

Zoustar has emerged as the next big sire, and his filly, Lot 337 is a half-sister to Gr.3 placed winner Home Made, out of stakes winner Gliding from the family of Eremein. The other Zoustar yearling in this draft is Lot 45, a colt from Redoute’s Choice’s stallion making family.

American Pharoah already has a Breeders Cup winner, and Lot 237 is a half-brother to Gr.3 winner Man From Uncle. Brazen Beau has started his career with a bang and has two yearlings in this draft, a filly (Lot 630) and a colt, Lot 121, who is a half-brother to stakes winner Concealer.

Other sires represented are Cable Bay (Lot 606), Capitalist (Lot 452), Extreme Choice (Lot 276), More Than Ready (Lot 453), Nicconi (Lot 576), Not a Single Doubt (Lot 662), Shalaa (Lot 294), and Starspangledbanner (Lot 416).

What is your favourite saying?

“Can we do better?” And “Just champagne thanks.”

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

There are so many pathways into the industry. I think people with talent, ambition and a good work ethic are able to stand out and go ahead quickly if they decide to to give it a go.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

45

Zoustar

Without Saying

475 B

C

Snitzel

Life in a Metro

121 B/Br C

Ch

C

Brazen Beau

Beauty Kit

500 B

F

Written Tycoon

Makybe Diva

237 B

C

American Pharoah Derelique

576 Br

F

Nicconi

National Velvet

276 B

F

Extreme Choice

Encosta Jewel

606 Br/Blk C

Cable Bay

Our Miss Jones

294 B

C

Shalaa

Fancy Feet

630 B

F

Brazen Beau

Peltier

Gliding

337 B

F Zoustar

662 B

F

Not a Single Doubt Queen’s Crown

416 B

C

Starspangledbanner Japanese

815 Ch

C

Written Tycoon

Stolen Angel

452 Ch

F

Capitalist

La Dolce Diva

871 Ch

C

Exceed and Excel

Tiger Tess

453 Ch

C

More Than Ready

La Fluorescent

Pinnaroo Homestead, 43 Railway Road, Burradoo, Nsw 2576 Jo Griffin m: 0428 960 669 Greg Griffin m: 0429 002 964 e: jo@limecountry.com.au www.limecountry.com.au

2020 / 179

Milburn Creek

There’s magic in Milburn Creek’s 2020 draft of 11 colts and 3 fillies.

John Muir has been breeding quality thoroughbreds over a long period, but the excitement and challenges this endeavour presents still inspires him to rise to greater heights each year with Milburn Creek. He had the following thoughts on the upcoming 2020 Magic Millions.

by Andrew Reichard 180 / VENDORS

“

T

he investment and level of competition provided by a wide range of participants over the past two decades means we can’t rest on our laurels. The best stallions in the world are all here for our breeding season, the sensational prizemoney available in Australia attracts serious investors and horseplayers from around the globe, so to be competitive we have to offer a quality product.

“I’m confident that from our magnificent property here at Wildes Meadow in the NSW Southern Highlands, with outstanding horseman Scott Holcombe and his team preparing the yearlings and with the constant upgrading of our broodmare band, that we an offer buyers the top quality yearlings they are seeking.”

“This Magic Millions draft is a shining example of what we can produce at Milburn Creek. The 14 youngsters we are taking to the Gold Coast are by leading commercial sires, out of young mares and with early foaling dates, they are ideal Magic Millions types.”

“Scott and I look forward to parading them for inspection and catching up with both our regular clients and hopefully some new ones too in January.”

The Milburn Creek yearlings are all registered for their relevant bonus schemes and will enter the ring in the following order.

LOT 95 bay colt by ASTERN out of ARABIAN NIGHT by Oasis Dream foaled 2nd August.

This colt is from the first crop of sensational Golden Rose Gr1 and Silver Slipper Gr2 winner Astern, a son of leading sire Medaglia d’Oro. His first two dams are by the leading international pedigree greats Oasis Dream and Miswaki.

LOT 234 chestnut colt by CAPITALIST out of DELPHIC by Street Cry foaled 7th September.

This colt is from the eagerly awaited first crop of Golden Slipper and Magic Millions winner Capitalist one of the best 2YOs in recent memory.

He is the second foal of a mare by the great Street Cry who is a ¾ sister to Gr3 winner of 286K Circular. His grandma is a sister to champion LONHRO and Gr1 winner NIELLO, this is a family replete with Gr1 winners.

LOT 255 bay colt by EXCEED AND EXCEL out of DREAM IN COLOUR by Frankel foaled 7th September.

This colt is by Australia’s greatest influence for early 2YO speed out of a mare by unbeaten champion Frankel who is emerging as one of the world’s super elite sires. He is the first foal of a mare from one of Australia’s top 2YO and sprinting families which includes Magic Millions winner and leading sire Snippets and Magic Millions runnerup and leading sire Not A Single Doubt.

LOT 297 bay colt by NOT A SINGLE DOUBT out of FASCINATION STREET by Elusive City foaled 7th September.

This colt is by one of Australia’s best, most consistent and versatile sires out of a stakes winning and multiple Group placed mare.

He is the first foal of his talented dam who is a sister to another SW in Lamington Vegas. With a second dam by Magic Millions winner Snippets this colt is inbred to Easy Date, which is a winning

pedigree formula, already having produced Gr1 winner Miracles O Life, multiple Gr1 performer Champagne Cuddles, Gr2 winner of 788K Derryn, Hard Landing etc.

LOT 444 chestnut colt by NOT A SINGLE DOUBT out of KISSED BY THE SUN by Encosta de Lago foaled 28th September.

This colt is another by the great sire Not A Single Doubt whose recent Gr1 winners include Samadoubt, Kenedna and Scales Of Justice among his 11 Gr1 winners of over $105 million over all distances and at all ages, his 2YOs spearheading the way. This colt is the second foal of a multiple winning mare, by champion broodmare sire Encosta de Lago and to complete the package his dam is a half-sister to champion Eremein, 12 wins $4.2 million, 5 Gr1s including the Queen Elizabeth S, Rosehill Guineas and Gold Coast Guineas.

LOT 469 chestnut filly by AMERICAN PHAROAH out of LEAMINGTON by Pleasant Tap foaled 23rd August.

This filly is by undefeated American triple crown winner and sensational young turf sire American Pharoah who is now an emerging champion sire.

She is out of a multiple winning stakes winning and multiple winner producing mare whose previous foals include the talented performers Leami Astray 6 wins 198K in Sydney and Le Dejeuner 3 wins. Significantly this filly is inbred to the champion sire Storm Cat, a cross responsible for 14 Gr1 winners including the flying international 2YO filly Lady Aurelia.

LOT 594 chestnut filly by WRITTEN TYCOON out of OKAYLAH by Flying Spur foaled 24th September.

This filly is by one one of Australia’s top sires and leading sires of juveniles whose flying 2YOs include Magic Millions winner Capitalist, Blue Diamond winner Written By and the crack fillies Luna Rossa, Tycoon Tara and Booker. This filly’s dam is a Group placed multiple winner producer and most significantly the Written Tycoon/Flying Spur cross is responsible for Gr1 Oakleigh Plate winning filly Booker and current star Banquo.

LOT 639 by colt by SNITZEL out of PIPING HOT

by More Than Ready foaled 23rd September.

This colt is by triple champion Australian sire Snitzel whose 2YOs include 2019 Magic Millions winner Exhilarates a filly bred on this identical Snitzel/More Than Ready cross. Snitzel’s other crack sprinters and 2YOs include Trapeze Artist, Redzel, Estijaab, Russian Revolution, Summer Passage and Invader. This colt is the first foal of a Sydney metro winner (by the top broodmare sire More Than Ready) who is a half-sister to Gr1 Blue Diamond winner Reaan. This is the epitome of a Gr1 2YO and Magic Millions winning pedigree if ever there was one.

LOT 690 by MEDAGLIA d’ORO out of ROCK CANDY

by Fastnet Rock foaled 19th August.

This colt is by the leading international sire Medaglia d’Oro whose 2YOs include Golden Slipper winner Vancouver and Silver Slipper winner Astern. He is the second foal of a winning daughter of Gr1 winning 2YO Apercu (T J Smith Gr1) from the family of Hong Kong’s international champion Able Friend winner of 13 races, 6 in succession, 3 Gr1s.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

95

Arabian Night

639 B/C

Snitzel

Piping Hot

234 Ch/C Capitalist

B/C

Astern

Delphic

690 Br/C

Medaglia d’Oro

Rock Candy

255 B/C

Exceed and Excel

Dream in Colour

740 Br/C

American Pharoah Sebring Sally

297 B/C

Not a Single Doubt Fascination Street

763 B/C

Written Tycoon

She’s Got Power

444 Ch/C

Not a Single Doubt Kissed by the Sun

919 B.Br/F

Astern

Lady Bligh

469 Ch/F

American Pharoah Leamington

1020 B/C Rubick

Zvezdy

594 Ch/F

Written Tycoon

1041 B/C

Bold Beginning

Okaylah

Divine Prophet

LOT 740 brown colt by AMERICAN PHAROAH out of SEBRING SALLY by Sebring foaled 21st September.

This is Milburn Creeks’ second yearling by the unbeaten USA triple crown winner and young sire sensation American Pharoah whose stock show a real liking for turf tracks. This colt’s dam i s a listed winner and Gr2 placegetter by the outstanding sire Sebring and is the mare’s first foal. He is from a crack 2YO family which includes Golden Slipper winner and successful sire Catbird, Silver Slipper and successful sire Maizcay and ATC Gimcrack S winner Fitting. This is a real early running 2YO family.

LOT 763 by WRITTEN TYCOON out of SHE’S GOT POWER by Redoute’s Choice foaled 9th October.

This colt is by the crack sire of 2YOs Written Tycoon whose brilliant juveniles include Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner Capitalist and Blue Diamond S winner Written By. He is the second foal of a half sister to Gr1 2YO Invader (ATC Sires produce Gr1) and Hong Kong star Not Listenin’tome 8 wins, $3.2 million.

It is important to note that this colt is inbred to Best In Show via Written Tycoon/Redoute’s Choice which has already produced Teleplay, Dusty Tycoon, Masthead, Stoker etc.

LOT 919 bay or brown filly by ASTERN out of LADY BLIGH by Redoute’s Choice foaled 10th August.

This filly is by one of the world’s great sires of champion fillies whose daughters include Gr1 winners Songbird (9 Gr1s), Rachel Alexandra (5 Gr1s) and this year’s MRC Thousand Guineas winner Flit. She is the third foal of her winning dam whose first two to race are both multiple winners.

This filly’s dam is by champion broodmare sire Redoute’s Choice and is a half-sister to Doomben Slipper LR winner Run For Levi from the family of multiple Gr1 winning champion sprinter Spark Of Life, 11 wins, $1.5 million including the ATC Galaxy Gr1 and MVRC Manikato S Gr1.

A sensational Gr1 speed family.

LOT 1020 bay colt by RUBICK out of ZVEZDY

by Starcraft foaled 6th October.

This colt is by the sire of the moment Rubick whose 3YO colt Yes Yes Yes scored a scintillating win in The Everest against older horses virtually securing the second season sire title for Rubick, whose 2YOs continue to impress. This colt is the second foal of his dam who traces to the Aga Khan’s internationally successful “D” family of Gr1 winners DARSI, DARYABA and Australian stars Gentle Genius and Ironstein.

LOT 1091 by DIVINE PROPHET out of BOLD BEGINNING by Lookin at Lucky foaled 7th September.

This colt is from the first crop of Choisir’s Caulfield Guineas winning son Divine Prophet out of a multiple winner. He is the first foal of his dam who comes from the sensation 2YO family of Bold Promise, 4th dam of this yearling and winner of the 2YO Magic Millions herself before producing Golden Slipper winner and outstanding producer Merlene. Bold Promise is also the grandam of Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner Capitalist, so this colt comes from a family that has produced two Magic Millions 2YO winners and two Golden Slipper winners. What a way to round out the Milburn Creek draft this coming January.

www.milburncreek.com.au John Muir: 0418 232546 Scott Holcombe 0452 213 762 Scott.H@Milburncreek.com.au Wildes Meadow, NSW

2020 / 181

Murrulla Stud

Ideally situated at Wingen, just 18km north of Scone in prime Hunter Valley breeding territory, Tim and Celie Nolan’s Murrulla Stud is a nursery well respected for growing out classy racehorses.

We had a chat to Tim as he gets ready for the 2020 Magic Millions...

182 / VENDORS

W

hat appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

It is a great race series and the good buying bench is of great appeal for vendors, plus it is a terrific atmosphere.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

We are a small family run farm in operation since June 2008, offering broodmare care, yearling sale preparation and spelling.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

25 of our own and 60 for clients, it has been a busy season. We have the Strategic mare Mignard, dam of the triple Group One winner Le Romain as well as the lovely dams of our Magic Millions draft.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

It is a good, even draft and we are particularly pleased with Streama’s Medaglia d’Oro colt who looks a real ready to run type whilst our

Deep Field colt is a lovely, forward type. The Stratum Star is another to catch the eye and we are happy to be offering for the first time a filly out of Catseye Surprise who we raced to a Doomben victory.

Lot 429 chestnut colt by Deep Field from Juste Si (by Exceed And Excel): his eight times winning dam is a half-sister to the dam of Singapore stakes winner Constant Justice from the family of big race winners Mentality, Mr McCartney, Fara’s Team and Concern.

Deep Field, who has made such a great start to his stud career, has already sired three winners out of Exceed And Excel mares.

Lot 819 bay colt by Medaglia d’Oro from Streama (by Stratum): bred on the same Medaglia d’Oro/Danehill cross as the Group One winners Vancouver, Flit, Crown Prosecutor and Astern, he is a son of an outstanding race mare who won ten races including the ATC Oaks-Gr.1,2400m, the Flight Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m, the George Main Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m and the Doomben Cup-Gr.1, 2000m.

Lot 892 chestnut filly by Winning Rupert from First Blossom (by Giant’s Causeway): hailing from the debut crop of a super fast son of Written Tycoon, she is a half-sister to the stakes winner Spring Choice from the wonderful Korveya family that has produced the Group One gallopers Hector Protector, Bosra Sham, Cira, Shanghai and Internallyflawless.

Lot 897 bay colt by Stratum Star from Glorious Lady (by King’s Theatre): from the first crop of a dual Group One winner, he is out of a city winning mare whose four to race are all winners, between them winning 20 races. His grandam is the stakes winner Boisterous Lady, dam of Group One filly Rena’s Lady and the Group winners Vatuvei and Raise.

Lot 940 brown filly by Your Song from Muy Bien (by Encosta de Lago): first foal for a metropolitan winning daughter of the Tesio Stakes-Gr.3, 1600m winner Matras from the family of dual Group One winner Prized Icon.

Lot 991 bay filly by Your Song from Space Odyssey (by Stratum): half-sister to two winners out of a half-sister to the speedy Group winners Sanziro and Flying Object.

Grandam is the five times Group winner Will Fly. Lot 1011 bay colt by Pierro from Volante (by Snitzel): bred on the same Pierro/ Redoute’s Choice cross (one which boasts a 75% strike rate; 15.9% stakes winners) as the Group One gallopers Levendi and Arcadia Queen, he is the first foal for a city placed three times winning daughter of the US stakes winner Louis Leggs.

Lot 1044 bay filly by Flying Artie from Catseye Surprise (by Testa Rossa): the first crop of her Coolmore Stud Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m winning sire are bound to prove popular and this filly is out of a multiple city winner from the same branch of the prolific Eight Carat family as Group winners Quilate, Fair Trade, Fiscal Fantasy and Impaler and the speedy Listed winner Jonker.

What product would you stockpile if you found out they weren’t going to make anymore?

At the moment I would say hay and grain!

In 40 years what will people be nostalgic for?

I don’t know but I hope I will be around to find out.

If your job gave you a surprise three day paid break to rest and recuperate, what would you do with those three days?

I would take the family to the beach and throw my phone away.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

429 Ch/C

Deep Field

Juste Si

940 Br/F

Your Song

Muy Bien

819 B/C

Medaglia d’Oro

Streama

991 B/F

Your Song

Space Odyssey

892 Ch/F

Winning Rupert

First Blossom

1011 B/C

Pierro

Volante

897 B/C

Stratum Star

Glorious Lady

1044 B/F

Flying Artie

Catseye Surprise

www.murrullastud.com.au Tim Nolan: 0417 140 712 Celie Nolan: 0400 301 797 Wingen, NSW

2020 / 183

Newhaven Park Newhaven Park, one of Australia’s leading thoroughbred stud farms, prepares to return to the Gold Coast in 2020 with an “exceptionally good” draft according to stud master, John Kelly.

Xtravagant

184 / VENDORS 2020-NewhavenPark.indd 184

29/11/19 10:29 am

A

mongst them is an array of exciting juveniles by Australia’s top sires as well as the highly anticipated first crop of yearlings by multiple Group One winning stallion and Champion ThreeYear-Old, Xtravagant.

What appeals to you most about the MM Sales and the Race Series?

The Magic Millions has grown over the years into a world class event. Everyone looks forward to arriving on the Gold Coast in January. It’s holiday time. Most people bring their families, there is something for everyone. From the Magic Millions Polo, the opening night Cocktail Party, the Ladies Lunch, to a world class race day and, most importantly, a premier horse sale that opens the Southern Hemisphere yearling selling season.

Australia’s premier thoroughbred farms present a sensational catalogue of precious, sound horses and history tells us that many of them will go on to become champions of the future, all having the opportunity to compete in a $10 million race day every year, for the rest of their racing lives.

Newhaven Park have been fortunate enough to have had great success with our graduates both in the sales ring and on the track, with many going on to triumphant victories on the Magic Millions Race Day over the years.

Barry Bowditch and his team bring together a great buying bench, from both locally and from around the world. The whole Magic Millions team make us all feel welcome.

Where else would you want to be?

How would you summarise your draft this year?

This year we have an attractive draft of yearlings headlined by the first crop of our multiple Group One winning Champion 3-Year-Old, Xtravagant. We are very excited to present them to the market. We have colts by leading stallions Exceed & Excel, Snitzel, Not A Single Doubt, Zoustar, Written Tycoon, I Am Invincible & Champion US stallion Into Mischief. We also have fillies by I Am Invincible and Written Tycoon. Highlights of the draft include…

Lot 110 I Am Invincible x Aware Filly The I Am Invincible filly out of Tale Of The Cat mare, Aware is a lovely filly. Her second dam is the five-time Group 1 placed mare Media who won the Group 2 San Domenico Stakes beating the likes of Snitzel, Written Tycoon and Stratum. From a Stakes winning family, this filly has a great attitude and moves beautifully.

Lot 274 Xtravagant x Emphatically Colt The Xtravagant colt out of Emphatically is the first foal from this Not A Single Doubt

mare. He is a lovely chestnut colt by resident stallion Xtravagant and his dam was a consistent top-level performer running 2nd in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview and the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes. This colt has a great presence about him and lovely action.

Lot 552 Not A Single Doubt x Moone’s My Name Colt The Moone’s My Name colt is a beautiful, grey colt. He has plenty of scope to him and being by Not A Single Doubt, he is sure to appeal to buyers. He is the second foal of the dam, who was a Listed winner and multiple Group placed in both the U.K. and in America.

Lot 568 I Am Invincible x Movie Colt This bay colt is sure to attract interest of buyers with his impressive physique and equally matched temperament.

He is by proven sire I Am Invincible out of Red Ransom (USA) mare Movie, who is the dam of Goodfella. Purchased at this sale by Bjorn Baker in 2016, Goodfella has since won over $1.15 million.

Lot 715 Zoustar x Saga Of The Storm Colt This colt is by hot young sire Zoustar who has had great success with Magic Millions graduates in recent years. Saga Of The Storm was a winner herself as a 2-year-old and he looks to possess the traits to be one to get up and run early. He is a very nice colt.

Lot 859 Exceed And Excel x Testa Secret Colt This precocious bay colt is by Champion Sire Exceed And Excel out of the listed winning, multiple Group placed mare Testa Secret.

He is an athletic type and should be one to attract a lot of interest.

Which country would you most like to visit next and why?

One where it rains a lot! It would be great to see some green grass…

If you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?

A jet engine and wings!

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

Promising 3-year-old Yao Dash (Smart Missile x Rahy Storm (USA))

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

Lot

92

B/C

Sire

Dam

Angel’s Choice

568 B/C

I Am Invincible

Movie

105 B.Br/F Xtravagant

Avail

715 B/C

Zoustar

Saga of the Storm

110 B.Br/F

I Am Invincible

Aware

765 Ch/C Snitzel

Shibboleth

166 Br.Blk/C

Divine Prophet

Centafaith

769 B/C

Into Mischief

Shy Girl

197 B/C

Xtravagant

Cool Snitzel

792 B/C

Xtravagant

Sovereign Jewel

253 B/F

Xtravagant

Down the Hatch

793 B/C

Xtravagant

Spangled Impact

274 Ch/C Xtravagant

Emphatically

794 Br.Blk/F

Written Tycoon

Sparkle

288 B/C Xtravagant

Exotic

820 Ch/F Xtravagant

Stregheria

859 B/C

Testa Secret

324 B/F

Written Tycoon

Col/Sex

American Pharoah Frontalis

Exceed and Excel

373 Ch/F Xtravagant

Hello

870 Ch/C Xtravagant

Tiffin

375 Br/F Xtravagant

Herstory

895 B/F Xtravagant

Gentle

394 Br/C Xtravagant

Idol

901 Ch/C

Xtravagant

Gracefully Chic

404 Ch/C

Xtravagant

Infra Dig

964 B/C

Maurice

Red Roses Too

415 B/F

Xtravagant

It’s Fun

984 Br/C Xtravagant

Shinji

552 Gr/C

Not a Single Doubt Moone’s My Name

1024 Ch/C

Alex

559 B/C

Not a Single Doubt More Than Faith

Star Witness

In the last 2 years we have seen the launch of initiatives such as the TBA Aushorse Fast Track apprentice program & Thoroughbred Industry Careers Explorer Cadetship run by Lindy Maurice. Both programs are heavily supported by all members of the breeding & racing industry and present people from all walks of life with a clear pathway into the industry. The opportunities are boundless and both of these programs are vital to the future of our industry.

www.newhavenpark.com.au Office: 02 6385 8335 John Kelly: 0412 654 620 email: newhavenpark@bigpond.com Boorowa, SW

2020 / 185 2020-NewhavenPark.indd 185

29/11/19 10:29 am

Rheinwood Pastoral Co. Boutique means small and sophisticated, and Rheinwood Pastoral Company is the very definition of boutique.

186 / VENDORS

by RenĂŠe Geelen

T

heir select drafts for the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale never number in double digits, yet they continually produce horses like Gr.2 Karrakatta Plate winner Luke’s Luck, Gr.1 winner Albert the Fat, stakes winners Unchain My Heart and So Anyway. Bluebloods spoke to Kirsty Willis about their 2020 Magic Millions draft of six yearlings.

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

There is nothing better than the electric atmosphere of the Magic Millions, the excitement of the Gold Coast in January and the buzz of the Magic Millions carnival as it continues to grow and build every year.

As the first sale of the year, it holds great appeal to take a draft to the Magic Millions’ sales, the bloodstock team always work hard to assemble a large and diverse buying bench for the vendors and if you have a horse which is nice type, you are well rewarded in the sales ring.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Rheinwood Pastoral Co is a boutique thoroughbred stud located in the Southern

Highlands of NSW. We have now been operating in Mittagong for over 26 years and pride ourselves on providing top class individualised care for broodmares and their progeny.

to the Hunter when needed to get a mare in time for her date! We are so lucky to have the support of our exceptional team of vets from Southern Highlands Equine Centre and this makes the process so much easier.

Our farm is located only one and a half hours drive from Sydney which means owners can visit their horses on a regular basis to watch them grow and develop from new-born foals all the way through to yearlings at the sales.

We have several young well-bred mares on the farm, all at the start of their breeding careers and we are very excited to see their first foals hitting the tracks, it has been our goal to consistently upgrade our mares each year and we hope to continue to do this every year.

Our farm is fully irrigated with ample access to water, ensuring pasture access for the horses to graze year-round. We limit our resident broodmare numbers on the farm so we can tailor specialised care for each horses’ needs. We feel this is a valuable advantage.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

At Rheinwood we walked on 45 broodmares this season across most major farms in the Hunter and Victoria. This is a huge logistical undertaking for farms not located in the Hunter and it’s a whole team effort to ensure that the mares get to the stallions when they are ready to be covered. Even Ray jumps behind the wheel for a last-minute dash

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Six quality individuals! We have six outstanding horses to showcase in January 2020. We have selected these horses for this draft as we feel they perfectly fit the criteria to appeal to Magic Millions’ buyers. The draft, under the excellent watchful eye of our new manager Dee Foster, who joined the team this season, is already looking amazing.

We have two cracking colts by Deep Field, whilst different, they are both outstanding.

Both are first foals, with one being out of Rites of Spring who is a daughter of dual Gr1 winner Sacred Choice, while the other is out of Orchid Beach who is a half-sister to stakes winner Insistence from the family of Outback Barbie.

We also have four fillies that we are very proud to present. The I Am Invincible filly from Electric Charge will turn heads, and she is the third foal of a winning half-sister to group winner Miss Darcey. We have a striking grey filly by Star Witness, who is the first foal out of an American Listed Winner in Lakotadreamcatcher, as well as a Shalaa filly who is the first foal of Talented Miss, a winning half-sister to the stakes placed dam of recent Gr.3 Ming Stakes winner Quick Thinker, from the family of successful sire Blackfriars. Rounding out the draft is a Dissident filly from Majestic Faith, who is a winning half-sister to stakes winner Black Minx, the dam of group winner So Si Bon. We are sure there will be something that appeals to all buyers!

In one sentence how would you sum up social media?

A valuable marketing tool for small businesses like ours, allowing us to have our content reach a wide range of audience.

What would you choose as your animal sidekick if you were in a movie?

I have a very adorable Golden Retriever called Archie, so if I were in a movie, he would be my No1 sidekick but I am sure he would definitely end up being the star!

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

266 B.Br/F

I Am Invincible

Electric Charge

600 B/C

Deep Field

Orchid Beach

463 Gr/F

Star Witness

Lakotadreamcatcher

686 Ch/C

Deep Field

Rites of Spring

497 Br/F

Dissident

Majestic Faith

842 B/F

Shalaa

Talented Miss

www.rheinwood.com.au Kirsty Willis 0411 866 009 Mittagong NSW

2020 / 187

Riversdale

Off a successful 2019 Magic Millions which saw them sell five six figure yearlings, the Riversdale family has much to look forward to with what looks to be an even classier draft in 2020.

188 / VENDORS

N

ick Hodges took time out of his busy schedule to have a chat with us...

What appeals to you most about the Magic Millions sales and race series?

The carnival atmosphere and the fact that it is the first time we enjoy getting off the farm after having our heads down and bums up throughout the breeding season!

It is a great opportunity to catch up with everyone in the industry.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

We are a medium sized broodmare farm offering expert broodmare and foal care.

Being independent from the stallion farms we can offer our clients impartial advice whilst having great access to all the major studs around the Hunter Valley. We are proud to have sold such well known topliners as dual WFA winner Samadoubt, the crack mare Nettfoyer and Gr1 placed Behemoth, also 4th in the Golden Eagle and now winner of over $700K. How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

I joined around 15 of my own mares and about a hundred in total for clients.

We do a bit of work for the likes of Makybe and Waratah Thoroughbreds so we always have some very nice mares here. Two of our better ones are Maybe Discreet (Gr1 SAJC Schweppes Oaks who foaled a filly

by Frosted) and the brilliant Avoid Lightning, multiple Group winner of 11 races just under one million dollars, a real superstar.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Our draft of six yearlings is one of a lot of quality, they are all very nice types; athletic, strong and forward horses...

Lot 246 - bay filly by Hinchinbrook from Doagain (by Falbrav): hailing from the final crop of her much missed Skyline Stakes-Gr.3, 1200m winning sire, she is out of a winning half-sister to the Group placed highly successful broodmare Marrego, dam of the five times Group One winner Eremein, the Group Three galloper Peace Force and the Listed winner Gliding.

Lot 323 - chestnut colt by Snitzel from Frontal (by Charge Forward): by the country’s reigning Champion Sire, he is a half-brother to the city winner League Of Nations out of a half-sister to the Group Three winners L’Esperance and Martree from a prolific international family.

Lot 422 - bay colt by Epaulette from Jewel Of Johar (by Johar): having bred Epaulette’s first stakes winner Meryl, Hodges is not surprisingly a fan of the dual Group One winner who has made such a good start to his stud career. This fellow is a half-brother to the promising recent city winner Jacobite Prince out of a three times winner from the family of Group One winners Choice Bro and Recast and the Group winners Happy Giggle, Chantski, Seaside, Living Spirit, Schubert and Downhill Racer.

Lot 655 - chestnut colt by Written Tycoon from Prostar (by Starcraft): half-brother by a proven high class stallion to the triple Listed winning sprinter Caipirinha out of a half-sister to the dual Group Three winner Collate.

Lot 999 - bay filly by Belardo from The Fire Inside (by Sir Percy): by a highly regarded New Zealand based dual Group One winning son of Lope de Vega out of a Group Two placed three times winner whose dam is a half-sister to the Listed winner Pentacity.

Lot 35 - chestnut colt by Shooting To Win from We Can Dance (by Shinzig): this son of an Caulfield Guineas-Gr.1, 1600m winning emerging stallion is out of a winning halfsister to the dual city winning high class broodmare Disguise, dam of the four times Group One winner Apperance and the Listed winner Mascareri. This is the famiy of the Group One winners Victory Vein and The Jolly Roger.

How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza?

It has its place at times.

What is your favourite saying?

One my dad used to say to us kids as he was giving us jobs to do - “there is no point having a dog if you have to do the barking yourself.”

If animals could talk, which animal would be the most annoying?

Guinea fowl as they are already annoying!

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

The industry has made great headway into making it easy for young people to make a start with thoroughbreds, such as Thoroughbred Breeders Australia’s Fast Track programme which we are proud to support. It is a fantastic industry for young people, there are endless opportunities, plenty of ways to widen the horizons and great scope for travel; you can work in any country, see the world and get paid for it.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

35

We Can Dance

422 B/C

Epaulette

Jewel of Johar

246 B/F Hinchinbrook

Doagain

655 Ch/C

Written Tycoon

Prostar

323 Ch/C Snitzel

Frontal

999 B/F

Belardo

The Fire Inside

Ch/C

Shooting to Win

www.riversdalefarm.com.au Nick and Jas Hodges Office: 02 6545 2498 Scone, NSW

2020 / 189

Segenhoe Stud

Segenhoe Stud was the pacesetter among sellers of juvenile success in Australia last season and General Manager Peter O’Brien expects the trend to continue based on January’s precocious Magic Millions draft.

by Nathan Exelby

190 / VENDORS

A

nother 12 months of great racetrack success was spearheaded by the two-year-olds sold by Segenhoe at yearling sales in 2019.

“Over the last year, the biggest kick for me and everyone on the farm was that we were the leading vendor of stakes performing two-year-olds,” O’Brien said.

“Separate to that, the biggest highlight from a Segenhoe perspective this year and the biggest lowlight, was Voodoo Lad. “Yarraman bred him, but we raced him and he got his Group 1 in the Winterbottom, then he tragically broke his leg. It was the highs and lows of racing.”

While Voodoo Lad was bought to race for Segenhoe, classy gallopers like Oohood, Anaheed, Catch Me, Bella Rossa and Manuel shone the torch on farm graduates, while Winter Bride and Pretty In Pink carried the Segenhoe colours to Group race success in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

“It’s a unique farm, I honestly think it’s the best farm in Australia. It’s got a variety of undulating hills, nice river flats with a lovely combination of dry and irrigated paddocks.

We are blessed to have ample water from the Hunter river” O’Brien says.

“Five years ago we developed a state of the art new yearling farm on recently puchased adjacent land. We specifically wanted large undulating paddocks and are conscious of keeping the stocking numbers low.

“So far, I think we are seeing the benefits of that on the racetrack.

“Our ethos is that we want to breed athletes, everything from when we plan matings … our view is that performance on the racetrack is more important than performance in the sales ring.”

Segenhoe is set to offer another stellar Magic Millions draft in 2020, off the back of 19 selling at the 2019 sale for a top price of $1.4million and gross of $7.45million.

It placed the farm second by average for vendors with 10 or more sold.

Segenhoe has 22 yearlings in the catalogue for the 2020 sale.

“As ever with our draft, we generally try and breed to proven sires, so we have I Am Invincible, Exceed, Not A Single Doubt, Fastnet, Zoustar, Pierro … but we do have some young stallions Maurice, American Pharoah and Capitalist,” O’Brien said.

“With the Magic Millions, they are all precocious, early two-year-old types and they have been chosen specifically for the sale.

Stakes winner Oohood and also the super talented sprinter Pure Elation, who went to Zoustar.

“From the colts, point of view, the standout is probably the I Am Invincible out of Adrift, she’s a Zabeel mare who beat Winx in the Light Fingers.

Pride Of Dubai’s dam Al Anood was scheduled for a date with Lonhro.

“He’s a stunning colt, faultless, beautiful balance, great action.

“Adrift has been a difficult breeder, so this is her first live foal and I think he will be highly sought after.

“We have a beautiful Medaglia d’Oro colt out of Precautions, who is a Lonhro mare out of the Group 1 winner Regal Cheer. This fellow has really thrown to the female side of the family. He has a massive hip and extraordinary action.

“People will look at the sire and think he will need time. This fellow won’t. He’s a deadset two-year-old.

“Another good colt is by Zoustar out of Savsenga. He’s a real Magic Millions horse physically. A great action and he’s just a stunning animal.”

O’Brien nominated a So You Think filly from Spurs And Sashes as one of the best fillies in the draft.

“Spurs And Sashes is a half-sister to Sabatini.

Normally you wouldn’t be aiming a So You Think at the Magic Millions, but this filly has extraordinary strength. She’s a big girl and another one with a terrific action,” he said.

“She looks precocious, an early coming So You Think.

“The I Am Invincible–Stellar Vinia filly is a halfsister to a Group 2 winner in South Africa from the family of Kosi Bay and Calveen. She’s a big girl, very imposing and a very mature filly.

“Another standout filly is the Pride Of DubaiJezzabba, who is a daughter of Piavonic.” Her 2YO full- sister called Dubai Star recently ran second in the Listed Merson Cooper S at her first start.

Meanwhile, the paddocks of Segenhoe have a close link to Winx at the present time.

The farm is of course home to Winx’s mum Vegas Showgirl, who went to I Am Invincible this year, but also to the aforementioned Adrift and also Gust Of Wind, who boasts a win over Winx in the 2015 ATC Oaks.

Other notable mares roaming Segenhoe at the moment include the recently retired Flight

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

39

Ch/C

Exceed and Excel

Whistling Dixie

487 B/F

Fastnet Rock

Lovetorn

66

B/F

Exceed and Excel

Addie Lane

528 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Mileyva

68 B/C Pierro

Adorabubble

536 B.Br/C

Capitalist

Miss Cover Girl

69

I Am Invincible

Adrift

572 Ch/C

Exceed and Excel

My Chicharita

107 B/C

Exceed and Excel

Avenue

575 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Mywayorthehighway

112 B/C

American Pharoah Azumi Breannon

626 B/C Sebring

Pattini

647 B.Br/C

Medaglia d’Oro

Precautions

Capitalist

Rough Ride

229 B.Br/F

American Pharoah Deer Valley

703 B/C

270 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Elusive Wonder

730 Ch/C Zoustar

Savsenga

423 B/F

Pride of Dubai

Jezzabba

802 B/F

So You Think

Spurs and Sashes

Koonoomoo

812 B/F

I Am Invincible

Stellar Vinia

448 B/F Maurice

I love the timing of it, it’s perfect after a long hard season. It’s brilliantly managed in a beautiful location, attracts all the leading buyers and it’s going from strength to strength.

Adding the new races to the race series has been extraordinary and it gives everyone a chance to win. We are especially fond of the staying race, as we’ve won it the last two years with Tumultuous!

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

We are boutique, keep our numbers limited, try and keep everything as natural as possible.

With the Hunter River dissecting the farm, we are fortunate to have a great water allocation. The farm to me is designed to rear great racehorses and that’s what it’s doing.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

We bred about 168 mares, of which about 50 are Segenhoe’s. The best known mares on the farm include Vegas Showgirl, Girl Hussler, Gust Of Wind and Oohood.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Consistent two-year-old types, well balanced, mature, horses.

In 40 years what will people be nostalgic for?

Polar Bears.

Would you rather be an Eagle or a Labrador?

You know the way you crossbreed now?

I’d like to be a Labradeagle so I could eat and sleep all day and then go for a soar in the evening.

If your job gave you a surprise three day paid break to rest and recuperate, what would you do with those three days?

I would go to Blueys Beach, sit by the water, drink a beer and read a book.

When a trainer says a horse needs more ground.

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

149 Br/C Pierro

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it?

2020 draft

B.Br/C

“We have a very loyal and strong group of clients supporting the farm. The main owners on our farm outside of Segenhoe are Sheikh Khalifa, John Camilleri, Chris and Jane Barham and Sir Owen Glen,” O’Brien noted.

www.segenhoegroup.com.au 02 6543 9777 Peter O’Brien: 0411 852 149 Aberdeen, NSW

2020 / 191

Turangga Farm

With Turangga principal Stuart Ramsey away at his beef grazing operation in western Queensland, Bluebloods spoke to Stu’s son John Ramsey about the Magic Millions draft and caught up with him at the well-appointed Segenhoe Valley farm just outside Scone.

by Warren Wruck and Kristen Manning

192 / VENDORS

W

hat appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

“It’s about 2YO’s and 3YO’s and speed horses generally.

The prizemoney is second to none.”

How would you sum up your farm?

“Turangga is known as one of the best farms in the Segenhoe Valley. Our neighbours are Arrowfield, Vinery, Kia Ora, and Segenhoe.

The results speak for themselves.”

How would you summarise your draft this year?

“We are taking only a select small draft this year, but one with plenty of quality. Our approach is always quality over quantity.”

How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza?

“Ha! Pineapple should not be on pizza.

It’s just wrong!”

If you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?

“Simple: an indestructible bullbar.”

If animals could talk, which animal would be the most annoying?

“I reckon goats. Have a couple and they are cheeky enough as it is. Great characters.”

Here is a rundown of the Turangga draft with comments from John.

Lot 316 brown colt by Pierro from Forty Winks (by Kheleyf): Pierro is on fire with the recent Railway Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m winner Regal Power his sixth Group One winner. This fellow’s imported winning dam is a daughter of the local dual Group Two winning Rubiton mare Dilly Dally who was third to Spark Of Life in the Manikato Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m. Dilly Dally’s dam is the terrific broodmare Faricca, also dam of the Group Three winner Li Lo Lill (Group One placed on two occasions; third in the VRC Oaks,2500m and 1000 Guineas,1600m won by Magical Miss) and the Listed winner Linga Longa Lucy. Like this year’s Spring Champion Stakes-Gr.1, 2000m winner Shadow Hero he is a Pierro boasting three strains of the legendary Mill Reef.

“Grandam Dilly Dally won the TJ Smith before it became a Group One and was an extremely fast mare from a winning family, and by a sire that is flying. A very neat horse – the perfect trainer’s horse.”

Lot 481 bay colt by Exosphere from Lonely Hour (by Fastnet Rock): Half-brother to the three times winner Smoodge out of a daughter of the Emirates Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m winner Sky Cuddle (winner also of the Spring Stakes-Gr.3,

1200m and the Rose Of Kingston StakesGr.3, 1410m), dam of the terrific mare Champagne Cuddles; a four times Group One placed two times Group winner still racing in great heart. Hails from a reliably classy family, one which has also produced the Group winners Violate, Sky Love, Highly Recommended, Fast Clip, and Adamantium.

Boasts interesting pedigree patterns with his dam bred on the same Danehill/Marscay cross as his promising Golden Rose-Gr.1, 1400m winning young sire. “By a young sire that hails from an exciting sire line and from a family that Stuart has bred up himself.

The black type continues to flow. This is a family that is moving forward, and keeps throwing winners. A very well-balanced colt, an excellent mover and a pleasure to do anything with.”

Lot 525 bay colt by Fastnet Rock from Mezulla (by Shamardal): Bred on the opposite cross (the Fastnet Rock/Shamardal combination) as the multiple Group One winning sprinter Santa Ana Lane, he is out of a multiple city winner (in Melbourne and Perth) whose dam is the Group Two placed Vamperalla from the family of Kelt Capital Stakes-Gr.1, 2040m winner Just Call Me Sir and the South Australian Oaks-Gr.1, 2500m heroine Lady Liberty. Like Fastnet Rock’s Group One winners Awesome Rock, Foxwedge and Irish Lights, he carries a cross (4mx6f) of the wonderful mare Crimson Saint, dam of Royal Academy and grandam of Storm Cat. “His sire speaks for himself. And out of a Shamardal mare – everyone knows how good Shamardal mares are in Australasia let alone the rest of the world. A nice strong colt and typical of the breed.”

Lot 839 bay filly by Pierro from Syrian Bride (by Golan): Half-sister to the smart Hong Kong galloper My Darling out of a sister to Kibbutz who out-stayed his rivals including Littorio and Marching in the VRC Derby-Gr.1, 2500m.

Her five times Group One winning sire has done a good job when Sir Tristram (5mx4m) is duplicated; siring the Group One winners Pinot and Pierata with this cross, as well as the Group Three winners Bellevue Hill and Rock. This filly also boasts a 4mx4m cross of the famed matriarch Eight Carat via Octagonal and Kaapstad; noting that Pierro’s Gimcrack Stakes-Listed, 1000m winner Satin Slipper is bred in the same way. “The stallion is flying and he gets both fillies and colts.

Her dam has 2 to race for 2 winners and she is a full sister to Kibbutz. Will make a very nice 3YO. Extremely well put together filly with a beautiful temperament – all pointing to a lovely future racehorse.”

Be sure to inspect Turangga Farm’s quality draft at the Gold Coast in January.

Pierro won the Golden Slipper and is emerging as a champion sire in waiting. His fillies are as good as his colts, so Turangga is delighted to present one of each in the 2020 Magic Millions draft.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

316 Br/C

Pierro

Forty Winks

525 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Mezulla

481 B/C

Exosphere

Lonely Hour

839 B/F

Pierro

Syrian Bride

www.turanggafarm.com.au Stuart Ramsey: 0428 664 497 office@turanggafarm.com.au Scone, NSW

2020 / 193

Tyreel

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

The introduction of the ‘Racing Women’s Bonus’ appeals greatly considering I am involved with the exciting two-year-old Every Rose (Gimcrack Stakes-Gr3, 1000m winner ) who was born, bred, raised and sold by Tyreel.

I am thrilled to be involved in her ownership within a Ladies Syndicate.

by Kristen Manning

194 / SALE DAY FACES

I

n 2019 she was the highest priced Choisir filly and we also had the highest priced Pride Of Dubai colt (Kahaylaan).

Being small breeders the opportunity to present our quality yearlings and be rewarded with sales ring results followed by on-track performance is everything we aspire to. The appeal for me is also in the location, the atmosphere and the diverse buying bench.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Tyreel Stud is a boutique thoroughbred breeding operation which has become renowned for breeding, growing and presenting quality yearlings at all premium Australian sales. Tyreel, owned by Wallings Bloodstock, has built a broodmare band up to a comfortable level whilst still having a small number of special clients who have entrusted us with the care and management of their bloodstock. Our main business has evolved into primarily breeding and selling yearlings, retaining a small percentage to race.

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

We bred with 31 of our own mares and a number of client’s. Currently the most well known are Pinocchio (dam of Group Two winner Classique Legend and rising Hong Kong star Aethero), Couredge (dam of Every Rose and the city winners Smartedge and Academy), Catalonia (dam of Listed winner Espaaniyah) and Written Dash (dam of Osamu, the highest priced Exceed and Excel colt sold to date and the highest priced yearling sold under our ownership of Tyreel).

What would you choose as your animal sidekick if you were in a movie?

I would have to say a horse. I grew up watching repeats of Mr Ed and I am positive they understand humans and I am sure they are talking to us on the inside. I was born an animal lover and would possibly have easily turned into Dr Dolittle given the opportunity!

What is your favourite saying?

One that I live by is ‘we all come into this world with nothing, we all breath the same air and we all leave this world with nothing.’

Work hard while you can and earn everything you have to enjoy!

If you could shop for free at one store, which would you choose?

I would choose the Magic Millions Sales and would love nothing more than to be given that opportunity!

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

There are some incredible opportunities provided by industry leaders for young people to learn and grow if they have the right attitude. We have some outstanding mentors who recognise that the younger generation are our future and I believe we cannot foster them enough. Not all people in our industry are designed to be handson with the horse but there are a lot of opportunities for people who have new ideas for the growth, development and management of the industry.

We also asked stud manager Robert Sims to summarise the draft...

It is an exciting one offering buyers the opportunity to choose from a diverse range

of horses from a select draft. Boasting a full sister to a two-year-old stakes winner along with horses bred on proven crosses, the draft most importantly consists of a strong physical group of yearlings who will be a must see during early inspections.

Highlights include: Lot 122 - brown colt by Winning Rupert from Beaver Rocks (by Fastnet Rock): a sharp looking, well put together colt from the family of the Group Three winner Care To Think. A fine example of the Winning Rupert breed.

Lot 171 - brown colt by Super One from Charleah (by Myboycharlie): a powerfully built colt possessing strength and quality. A real Magic Millions type closely related to the exciting Cosmic Force.

Lot 538 - bay filly by Not A Single Doubt from Miss HufflePuff (by Encosta de Lago): an exceptional, precocious type bred on a similar to Classique Legend and Mighty Boss; a real highlight of our draft.

Lot 170 - chestnut filly by Choisir from Champalou (by Encosta de Lago): a strong well marked daughter of an evergreen stallion, she is a sister to the juvenile stakes winner Champ Elect.

Lot 855 - brown filly by So You Think from Tender (by All American): a star of the class.

A great style of horse; mature and well balanced, more forward than her breeding may suggest but still with scope for improvement.

Lot 909 - bay filly by Star Witness from I Am Here (by I An Invincible): a great mover who uses herself beautifully. A real trainers horse from one of the fastest families in the stud book.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

122 Br/C

Beaver Rocks

538 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Miss Hufflepuff

170 Ch/F Choisir

Winning Rupert

Champalou

855 Br/F

So You Think

Tender

171 Br/C

Charleah

909 B/F

Star Witness

Iamhere

Super One

www.tyreel.com Linda Monds: 0427 948 244 linda@tyreel.com Agnes Banks, NSW

2020 / 195

2019 Magic Millions 2YO winner Exhilarates as a yearling

Vinery Stud

Where do you go to buy the next Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner?

The draft that sold the previous one Vinery Stud sold 2019 Magic Millions winner Exhilarates as a yearling at this very sale, and the filly has gone on with it at three, recently winning the Gr.3 Quezette Stakes.

196 / VENDORS

T

old race but now there is so much on offer for all types of racehorses and seeing horses that you have either sold, or purchased heading into these races is a real buzz.

in this year’s draft, but there’s also Gr.1winning mares such as Commanding Jewel, Devil Moon, Sacred Choice and Snitzerland (dam of Hard Landing) to name a few.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Bluebloods spoke to Adam White about Vinery Stud’s 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft.

Vinery is a farm that has a very long, proud history of producing champion racehorses.

Through our Magic Millions drafts alone we have sold horses such as Atlantic Jewel, Rubick, Commanding Jewel and of course last year’s Magic Millions winner Exhilarates.

The farm itself is just a wonderful property to rear thoroughbreds on and we are very fortunate that the buyers recognise this.

It’s a draft with a nice variety of stallions represented including our own proven stallions More Than Ready and All Too Hard.

We are also presenting yearlings by Not A Single Doubt, Snitzel, Sebring, Written Tycoon, Star Witness and So You Think.

There is great talk on the first racing crop

by Headwater and Press Statement and we are pleased to be offering yearlings by them as well.

hrow in a few other winners, such as Gr.3 winner Kooweerup and stakes placed Still Single from the same draft. Recent Gr.3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Hard Landing is the first stakes winner from last year’s Magic Millions draft offered by Vinery giving you confidence that Vinery Stud’s yearlings make top class racehorses.

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

It’s just a great atmosphere around the first sale of the year. As vendors we are all under some pressure to get the horses sold but the majority of people are in good spirits and excited about being around that sales environment again. With the race day that Magic Millions have now established it is also an exciting time to be seeing previous graduates that have come through the drafts heading towards some of the rich races. For a long time it was just the two year

How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?

We have roughly 200 full time resident mares on Vinery, which are either owned

by Vinery and its partners, or good clients.

Some of the better known mares would include Samaready, who was obviously a top class racehorse and is also the mother of Exhilarates, Allez Wonder is another Gr1 winner and we have her Tavistock filly Stakes winner Kooweerup

Some of the pedigree highlights in this draft are the Tavistock filly out of Gr.1 winner Allez Wonder (Redoute’s Choice), making this filly a half-sister to group winner Kooweerup (More Than Ready). There is a three-quarter-brother, by Snitzel, to group winner Very Tempting, out of a halfsister to Gr.1 Golden Slipper winner Catbird.

Champion 3YO Filly in Brazil, Loving New, has a So You Think colt, and this yearling is a half-brother to three stakes horses including Gr.1 winner Questing New. A colt by All Too Hard from Innishbeg is a half-brother to two stakes winners, including speedy juvenile Aspect, while the All Too Hard colt from Night War is closely related to Exhilarates. The fourth foal of American stakes winner Roman Treasure is by a colt by Sebring, and his dam is a daughter of Gr.1 winner Jeanne Jones.

We are very excited to present six yearlings by our exciting first season sire Star Turn - he was a Magic Millions graduate himself and was an electrifying sprinter at a young age so his stock will be very well suited to this sale.

Pedigree highlights among the six Star Turn yearlings include a half-sister to group placed Still Single out of Listed winner Single Style, and the first live foal of dual Listed winner of eight races, Miss Seton Sands. Of note is the third foal, a colt, of Gr.1 placed city winner Vittoria.

Which country would you most like to visit next and why?

I have been lucky enough to have done a few countries in South America. So maybe more there, certainly the Patagonia region.

If animals could talk, which animal would be the most annoying?

Our office cat Forrest.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

23

Ch/C

Star Turn

Vittoria

547 Ch/F

Star Turn

Miss Seton Sands

50

B/C

More Than Ready

You da One

581 B/C

All Too Hard

Night War

77

B/F

Tavistock

Allez Wonder

643 B/F

Written Tycoon

Poppet’s Treasure

195 B/C

Star Turn

Confident

646 Ch/C

Sebring

Power Lady

254 B/F

Not a Single Doubt Downtown Manhattan

650 B/C Maurice

Presslist

305 B/C

Snitzel

Fit and Ready

695 B/C

Sebring

Roman Treasure

334 B/C

Press Statement

Giovanna Bella

701 B/C

More Than Ready

Rosenet

350 Br/C

Flying Artie

Gracie’s Lass

723 B/F

Star Turn

Sanaya

382 Ch/C

Star Witness

Holly Zou

776 B/F

Star Turn

Single Style

405 Ch/C

All Too Hard

Innishbeg

800 B/C

All Too Hard

Spoils

488 B/C

So You Think

Loving New

801 B/C

Star Turn

Spoleto

535 B/C

Headwater

Miss Cooper

Peter Orton: 0418 276 454 Adam White: 0414 800 918 Harry Roach: 0401 970 006 www.vinery.com.au info@vinery.com.au

2020 / 197

Sunlight

Widden Stud

It is no secret that in the auction world Magic Millions has an unrivalled reputation for selling speed and precocity, and when it comes to Thoroughbred stud farms Widden has earned the same reputation.

198 / VENDORS

by Glen Latham

T

he irrefutable evidence is there, in the past eight editions of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic Widden graduates have won on three occasions, Driefontein (Fastnet Rock) in 2012, Le Chef (Exceed and Excel) in 2015 and the bonny Sunlight (Zoustar) in 2018.

Stakes. The ride continued this Spring when she put aside Santa Ana Lane in the Gr.2 Gilgai Stakes, then proved her versatility, and her doubters wrong, when a smashing second in the inaugural Golden Eagle at 1500 metres.

A $300,000 purchase, her prizemoney tally sits at over $6.5 million.

For the past three seasons Sunlight has been the poster girl for everything a buyer can expect from a Widden consigned horse.

Precocious enough to win the Classic as a January two-year-old, she is still winning at Group level as a Spring four-year-old and in between she has danced every dance, never shirked a battle and taken her Gr.1 tally to three. Her owners have been on a journey that can only be described as truly exhilarating, from victory on the Gold Coast to a gallant third in a Golden Slipper, on to her maiden Gr.1 win in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (where she led in the trifecta for her sire Zoustar) to back to back Gr.1 wins the following Autumn in the time-honoured Newmarket Handicap and the William Reid

However, Sunlight wasn’t the only star that could have been bought from Widden’s 2017 draft. Recent winner of the Gr.3 The Nivison Madam Rouge was another daughter of Zoustar to go through that year as was the Listed winning filly Persuader by the same sire. And if it was a colt you fancied then Gr.3 winner and prospective sire Graff (Star Witness) was another in the Widden barn that year.

Horses of that quality will be amongst Widden’s 2020 Gold Coast draft of 42 horses, buyers will be spoilt for choice. There will be eight youngsters sired

by Zoustar who currently sits equal first on the list of Australian sires by individual Group winners. Amongst them is a filly out

Graff

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

19

B/C

Zoustar

Via Laurentina

505 Ch/F

Deep Field

Manandro Girl

72

B/C

Star Witness

Al Julhara

533 B/F

Zoustar

Mischief n Mayhem

97

B/F

Fastnet Rock

Arianne

545 B/C

Sebring

Miss Rose de Lago

More Than Ready

Assertive Eagle

548 B/F

Zoustar

Miss Tenpins

124 B/F Zoustar

Beethog

563 B/C

Deep Field

Mosoru

130 B/C Shalaa

Bernarsini

582 Ch/F Zoustar

Ningbo

134 Ch/C

100 B/C

Bisutti

652 Ch/C

Sebring

Princess Emmy

163 Ch/F Sebring

Stratum Star

Cautious

702 Ch/C

Divine Prophet

Rosie Quadrille

198 Ch/C

Rich Enuff

Cooper’s Girl

720 B/C

I Am Invincible

Samara Dancer

218 Ch/F

Sebring

Dance for Me

724 B/C Zoustar

Sangiovese

243 B/F

Your Song

Dinkum Diamond

780 B/C

Skating on Ice

259 B/C Zoustar

Dulverton

805 Br/C Vancouver

Sretan

281 Ch/C

Estancia Rios

829 B/F

Medaglia d’Oro

Sunday Rose

296 B/F Zoustar

Farasha

831 Br/C

Sebring

Super Swell

298 B/F

Brazen Beau

Fashion Black

849 Ch/F

Star Witness

Taylor’s Command

301 B/F

Frosted

Fast Fleet

866 B/F

Sebring

The Messina Nymph

302 Br.Gr/F Zoustar

Fife

872 B.Br/F

Sebring

Tigress Lily

318 B/F Sebring

Fratianne

886 B/C

Fastnet Rock

Two Beauties

322 B/C

I Am Invincible

Friday Hussy

957 B/C

Your Song

Queen for Ninedays

329 Ch/F

Star Witness

Geblitzt

995 B/F

Winning Rupert

Summery

424 B/C

More Than Ready

Jolie Brise

1051 Ch/F Nicconi

Sebring

Shalaa

Coleta

of Farasha, making her a sister to the exciting prospect Just Zerene and a half-sister to the dual Gr.3 winner Sharnee Rose (Nadeem).

She is yet another quality filly to come from the family of Snippets, the inaugural Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner. To further highlight the outstanding Spring that Zoustar had, along with Sunlight and Madam Rouge he sired Mizzy who won the Gr.2 Golden Pendant, Gr.2 Sheraco Stakes and Gr.3 Toy Show Quality, Sisstar, winner of the Gr.3 Red Roses Stakes, Haut Brion Her who won the Gr.2 Blazer Stakes and Zoutori winner of the Gr.2 Bobbie Lewis Quality in brilliant fashion.

The Widden draft will be one with quite a broad reach in terms of sire power. Amongst those conceived on the farm are a Sebring colt, the first foal of the bold-striding Miss Rose De Lago by Encosta De Lago, the dam a five time winner at Stakes level. Discerning buyers looking for a filly with potential and residual value will have Frosted’s half-sister to the five-time Gr.1 winning sprinter Santa Ana Lane on their shopping list.

Widden will also offer that rarest of creatures, a half-sister to an Australian bred Melbourne Cup winner! The fourth living foal of the Testa Rossa mare Geblitzt, this filly is a Star Witness half-sister to Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War) and a full sister to the Listed winning stayer Lycurgus. She is also bred on the same cross as dual Group One winner Global Glamour. At the other end of the spectrum is a Your Song half-sister to Graff, the filly’s value sure to skyrocket the day he fulfils his undoubted potential.

Then there is a smashing colt, the first foal out of Samara Dancer, winner of the Gr.2 Blue Diamond Stakes Prelude. This fellow loses nothing on the sire’s side being by sale ring favourite I Am Invincible. The same can be said of the handsome bay son of first season sire Shalaa and Skating On Ice (Bradbury’s Luck).

He’s by a dual Gr.1 winning sprinter from a sireline that has worked so well in Australasia, out of a tough mare who won eight times and was Stakes placed on three occasions.

The loss of a Golden Slipper winning stallion who sired a Golden Slipper winner would be a blow to any farm, but Widden think they have Stratum’s ideal replacement in his son Stratum Star. From the dual Gr.1 winner’s first Crop Widden will offer a colt out of the winning Northern Meteor mare Bisutti, dam of the juvenile Listed winner Absolute Flirt, herself a daughter of Stratum.

These are just a few exciting lots we have selected from the outstanding draft Widden will sell out of Stable D in January. And one thing is for sure, history is likely to repeat meaning that several youngsters from this draft will go on to Stakes success.

www.widden.com 02 6549 9999 Widden Valley, NSW Antony Thompson: 0427 470 507 Derek Field: 0408 492 495 Ryan McEvoy: 0439 802 837 Matt Comerford: 0424 742 672

2020 / 199

Woodside Park Stud Cable Bay has made a sensational start to his stud career, emerging as the leading first season sire in Great Britain and Ireland. Woodside Park is very excited to be offering two superb fillies by him as part of their select 2020 MM offering.

200 / VENDORS

by Kristen Manning

A

lways proud of Written Tycoon’s achievements, Woodside Park Stud’s James Price is also excited to see the progeny of Written Tycoon’s sons at the sale; Capitalist, Winning Rupert and Rich Enuff all young horses already proving popular in the market place.

“Whilst we stand Rich Enuff alongside his sire, it still gives us great satisfaction to see his other high class sons so well represented at such an elite sale.”

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

The wonderful holiday atmosphere, a place where business and pleasure can be combined. And traditionally it is a very positive and fruitful sale both for vendors and buyers.

What excites you the most about Woodside heading into 2020?

Standing Victoria’s best stallion is something we are all exceptionally proud of and, being aware of what a great sire of two-year-old colts he is (think Capitalist and Written By)

we can always be confident that his progeny will be met with a warm reception.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

We all are also pleased to be standing Written Tycoon’s son Rich Enuff whose first crop sold very well whilst the first foals by Tosen Stardom are impressing everyone. Meanwhile Cable Bay has made such a great start to his stud career in the northern hemisphere, crowned Britain and Ireland’s leading first season sire. His mares in Australia were handpicked for him so now we await in nervous anticipation to see how they are received at the sales.

One that will appeal to all levels of the market.

We have some absolutely outstanding colts not only by Written Tycoon but also by Rich Enuff, Zoustar, Pierro, Vancouver and Exceed And Excel as well as a couple of stunning Cable Bay fillies.

How are Cable Bay’s first crop performing in Europe?

Cable Bay has had a tremendous start to his carrier finishing the season with 7 black type horses. Perhaps most pleasing was his best filly, G3 winner Liberty Beach who is bred on the very similar template to his Southern Hemisphere matchings which are based on Gilgai Farm’s Rick Jamieson breeding theory.

Liberty Beach carries two strains of blue hen mare Tamarett through Gone West and Warning.

Woodside’s Written Tycoon colts hail from proven stakes quality families; a son of the stakes placed imported Star Via Strada, the other out of a half-sister to the French Group Three winner Sarkiyla. His fillies will also be highly valued including a half-sister to the stakes placed Warranty from Redoute’s Choice’s family.

A 3/4 brother by Rich Enuff to the Group One placed Inglis Premier winner Masthead is another highlight whilst also well related are the sons of proven high class stallions Zoustar (out of a 3/4 sister to the Group Three winner Red Lord), Pierro (from the family of Encounter) and Exceed And Excel (the first foal for a half-sister to Mummify) and up-and-comer Vancouver (first foal for stakes winner Tennessee).

Then there are the two Cable Bay fillies; an eye-catching black filly out of a half-sister to Masthead and a daughter of the two-yearold winner Tiz My View whose dam is the US stakes winner Miss Tizzy.

In one sentence how would you sum up social media?

All-consuming if you allow it to be; it is a wonderful avenue to gain knowledge of the industry though I prefer not to get involved in venting opinions!

If your job gave you a surprise three day paid break to rest and recuperate, what would you do with those three days?

It may sound a bit boring but I’d love to just have three days enjoying the home life, sitting on the couch and relaxing with a lovely glass of red.

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

For those who want to be hands-on with horses yes, though those people tend to be in the lower end of the wage bracket so it can be hard for them to maintain their enthusiasm and so many would like to take the next step into bloodstock or management roles and there are not so many of them.

I think those new to the industry, those who don’t already know racing people, find it hardest, they just have to keep putting themselves out there. It is very much a world of who you have met, who you know.

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

115 Blk./F

Cable Bay

Balmodena

725 B/C

Written Tycoon

Sarzameen

116 B/C

Rich Enuff

Balsamico

742 B/F

Written Tycoon

Secret Doubt

127 B/C

Exceed and Excel

Bel Selene

807 Ch/C

Written Tycoon

Star Via Strada

293 Ch/F

Written Tycoon

Factor of Safety

857 B/C Vancouver

Tennessee

369 B/C Zoustar

Hautvillers

875 B/F

Tiz My View

665 Blk./C Pierro

Racy

Cable Bay

Woodend, VIC 3442 Phone: 03 5424 8166 James Price: 0409 806 595 Email: admin@woodsideparkstud.com.au Web: woodsideparkstud.com.au

2020 / 201

Grunt

Yulong Investments

Yulong Farm has been enjoying a busy season, continually upgrading the broodmare band whilst welcoming inaugural stallion, the Australian GuineasGr.1, 1600m and Makybe Diva Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m winner Grunt to the fold.

by Kristen Manning 202 / VENDORS

W

e had a chat with Yulong’s Chief Operating Officer Sam Fairgray in the lead-up to the 2020 Magic Millions...

What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?

The quality of the horses and a buying bench which has really taken off over the last five years, it has really become an international sale. Magic Millions have done a fantastic job creating a great atmosphere with the sales, the racing, the polo. It is a great sale to start off the season.

How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?

Yulong is growing at a fast rate, heading towards being a large thoroughbred breeding enterprise. We have 160 mares across Australasia and this year we stood our first stallion Grunt who proved very popular, we had a great response to him with over 170m mares and his fertility is outstanding.

Who are your best known mares?

The Group One winner Foxplay (Queen Of The Turf Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m), she has had an I Am Invincible filly whilst Erato, the dam of this year’s Blue Diamond StakesGr.1, 1200m winner Lyre, has had a Russian Revolution colt. We also have Better

Alternative, the dam of four times Group One winner Preferment and Group Three winner Rezoned as well as a number of very nice race mares such as Gregers (dual Group Three winning sprinter), Gypsy Diamond (triple Group winner) and Soriano (New Zealand two times Gruop One winner).

Lot 238 bay colt by Not A Single Doubt from Descent (by Street Cry): first foal for a daughter of the speedy Group Two winner Downhill Racer from the family of stakes winners Schubert, Happy Giggle, Livelihood, Idol Worship, Cult Figure, Recast, Gonski and Pinezero.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Lot 292 chestnut filly by Not A Single Doubt from Extremely (by Hussonet): sister to the dual Group One winning young stallion Extreme Choice and the stakes placed Raise No Doubt.

They are racehorses, a nice, athletic group of yearlings with only one being by an unproven stallion (the exciting Extreme Choice); we have horses by Fastnet Rock, Lonhro, Not A Single Doubt, Snitzel, I Am Invincible, Zoustar and Exceed And Excel; all the sexy stallions!

Lot 53 bay filly by Fastnet Rock from Zauberflote (by Singspiel): her dam, who impressively won her first three starts, hails from a strong international family whose members include the Group One winners Irish Prize, Hatoof and Trading Leather.

Lot 117 brown colt by Lonhro from Banuelo (by Street Cry): his three times winning dam is a half-sister to the Group Three galloper Generalife from the family of fast stakes winners Northeast Sheila, Celebrity Girl, Kablammo and Dashing Granada (his third dam).

Lot 344 bay filly by I Am Invincible from Gold And Diamonds (by Fastnet Rock): the first foal for a member of the wonderful Eight Carat family, she is closely related to the Group Two winner Gift Of Power. Her third dam is Diamond Lover.

Lot 359 bay filly by Snitzel from Gypsy Tucker (by Zabeel): 3/4 sister to the triple Group winner Gypsy Diamond and the metropolitan winner Not A Gypsy from the prolific Fanfreluche family.

Lot 504 bay colt by I Am Invincible from Mamwaazel (by Exceed And Excel): second foal (her first also by I Am Invincible is with Lindsay Park) for a Group Three winning mare whose dam is a half-sister to the Group Two winner Always Divine.

Lot 580 brown/grey filly by Exceed And Excel from Next Meeting (by Street Cry): dam is an imported half-sister to the UK two times Group winner Raffle Prize and daughter of the Group Three mare Summer Fete.

Lot 693 bay filly by Exceed And Excel from Rockzel (by Zabeel): out of a half-sister to the durable Group Three winner Platinum Command from the family of Group One gallopers Vengeance Of Rain, Danelagh, Dizelle and Pinot.

Lot 743 chestnut colt by Extreme Choice from Seeking Susan (by Flying Spur): dam is a city placed half-sister to the four times Group One winner Divine Madonna (dam of Listed winner Maternal) and the Group Three sprinter Blessum.

Lot 799 chestnut colt by Zoustar from Splat (by More Than Ready): out of a winning halfsister to the stakes placed Imvula and African Rainbow. Third dam is the AJC OaksGr.1, 2400m winning prolific broodmare Savana City.

What would you choose as your animal sidekick if you were in a movie?

A Chimpanzee.

What is your favourite saying?

“Good as gold.”

2020 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam

53

Zauberflote

504 B/C

I Am Invincible

Mamwaazel

Banuelo

580 Br.Gr/F

Exceed and Excel

Next Meeting

238 B/C

Not a Single Doubt Descent

693 B/F

Exceed and Excel

Rockzel

292 Ch/F

Not a Single Doubt Extremely

743 Ch/C

Extreme Choice

Seeking Susan

344 B/F

I Am Invincible

Gold and Diamonds

799 Ch/C Zoustar

359 B/F

Snitzel

Gypsy Tucker

B/F

Fastnet Rock

117 Br/C Lonhro

Splat

www.yulonginvest.com.au Sam Fairgray : +61 418 427 568 samfairgray@yulonginvest.com.au

2020 / 203

visit: www.stallions.com.au

l free hypothetical matings with Australia’s leading commercial sires l vital pinhooking information on upcoming yearling sales l sire lists with and without the leading earner l sortable sire lists l searchable and sortable sales results database l exclusive eNicks with 67 enrolled stallions l vital stallion information updated by ARION PEDIGREES including crop analysis, nicking reports, recent winners and top sale results

www.stallions.com.au Stallions - house ad.indd 124

2/12/19 10:07 am

OFFICIAL ONLINE WAGERING PARTNER

RAISE YOUR GAME THIS MAGIC MILLIONS DOWNLOAD THE APP

18+. You know the score. Stay in control. Gamble responsibly. Call Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858 GamblingHelpOnline.org.au

MAGIC MILLIONS LIVE AT THE STAR see the glamour come to life hear the buzz of the crowd feel the excitement

Proud naming rights sponsor of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival featuring The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic. |

PARTS00743 Press 330x245 FA.indd 1

| T H E S TA RG O L D C OAS T.C O M . AU

4/11/19 1:31 pm