2017 Magic Millions Magazine by Magic Millions

JE E P M AG I C M I L L I O N S GO L D C OA ST C A RNIVA L & Y EA RLING SA LE 11- 17 JAN UAR Y 2017

A S GOOD A S IT GET S

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2017 JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL JeepÂ® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

D I S COV E R G R E AT N E S S

A Legacy

IMMORTALISED REDOUTE’S CHOICE & SON S

REDOUTE’S CHOICE The King of Australian Sires

SNITZEL

Australia’s Current Leading Active Sire

NOT A SINGLE DOUBT Australia’s Leading Active Sire 2015/16

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88%

of the 2017 Magic Millions Yearling Sale catalogue is comprised of BOBS Eligible yearlings

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JU UST THE PLACE C TO EXPE ERIENCE AUS U TRAL LIA’’S BE E ST LIVE EV VENTS

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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 Zeb Armstrong Lance Campbell Louis Chambers Nathan Exelby Renee Geelen Val Hayward Wayne Hickson John Hutchinson Greg Irvine Tara Madgwick Kristen Manning Lindy Maurice Adam McGrath Steve Moran Kimberlee Oo Jessica Owers Katrina Partridge Sarah Peatling Andrew Reichard Darryl Sherer Cassandra Simmonds Dane Squance Michael Vincent Warren Wruck

PHOTOGRAPHERS Magic Millions Photographers: Bruno Cannatelli Sue Chaplin Sharon Chapman Sarah Ebbett Dave Goudie Lisa Grimm Bronwen Healy Liesl King Katrina Partridge Darren Tindale Bluebloods Photographers: Bruno Cannatelli Adam Crettenden Joan Faras Mark Gatt Steve Hart Bronwen Healy Georgie Lomax Nev Madsen/ARM Katrina Partridge David Reichard 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

2017

REGULARS

MM welcome

Welcome to MM Chinese Guests

Katie Page-Harvey, Gerry Harvey and Vin Cox welcome you to the Jeep Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Raceday.

Magic Millions welcomes Chinese visitors and clients.

Calendar of Events

Government welcome Minister for Tourism, The Hon. Kate Jones, MP

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

Mayor, City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate.

News Snippets The latest news on a fantastic year for Magic Millions and some 2017 carnival highlights.

Unit 1 & 2, 238 George Street, Windsor NSW 2756 • PO Box 286, Richmond NSW 2753 • Phone: (02) 4587 8110 • Fax: (02) 4587 8145 • 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 Graphic Impressions, Victoria 03 9574 9211 Distributed to newsagents Australiawide by Network Services, 54 Park Street, Sydney, 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.

PICTURE GALLERIES

Sale Day Faces

Launch Party

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Raceday winners

Raceday Socials

FEATURES

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

20 A Raceday to Remember

Race for Riches

Australia’s first $10 million raceday produced great racing.

Your guide to the $10 million Magic Millions raceday and Carnival.

A to Z of Magic Millions

Sandblom, Picking Winners

A beginner’s guide with all you need to know to pass muster.

Matthew Sandblom, successful in business and racing.

World Class Polo

Woodford Reserve

This magnificent equestrian sport has been added to the 2017 Magic Millions Carnival.

In Kentucky … horses are everything and Bourbon is everything else.

35 Barrier Draw

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134

Where to put it

Miami Marketta

Six of the 2017 freshmen are Magic Millions graduates themselves.

Marketta, one for the foodies. Funky graffiti meets industrial vibe, meets the Coast’s best street food.

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Hay & Watering

The Thrill of Ownership

Frank and Lisa Caccavari tackle the catering challenge with flair and enthusiasm.

Palentino – from Tasmanian MM Sale standout to multiple Gr1 winner.

MM by the Numbers

The only place to be in January 2017 is at the MM Yearling Sale and Raceday.

Horseshoes, ice creams or farms with a high clearance rate, everything has a number.

61 Clockwise Gold The Ballarat Turf Club 2YO Clockwise Classic has rapidly become a favourite.

64 Kiyomi Executive chef Chase Kojima and chef de cuisine Adam Lane will delight you at Kiyomi.

78 shhhh, we’re talking golf Everyone can play, some play better than others.

84 It’s all about the Girls All female owner syndicators offer rich rewards at MM.

94 Pacific Fair Join us there on Wednesday January 11 for an exclusive Magic Millions shopping night.

108 A day of Polo in Paris Behind the scenes in a special Vogue GQ photo shoot in Paris.

112 Being with Buff Buffering was a true Magic Millions hero, Melanie Sharpe was his devoted strapper.

118 Styling Sophisticated If your hair looks good you feel good.. Barber Bros makes sure you are tonsorially resplendent.

122 If You Build it They Will Come Looking back at the Magic Millions National Sale Series.

130 Adelaide casts a spell Adelaide’s Magic Millions is much more than a yearling sale.

142 Easiest Winner You’ll Pick all Year

144 Aquis on Task Tony and Justin Fung have made a significant investment in the Queensland bloodstock industry.

148 Commonwealth Games 2018 The eyes of the world will be on the Gold Coast during 11 days of worldclass sporting action in 2018.

152 Location Location Rick Shores at Burleigh Heads offers fabulous cocktails with matching views.

154 Racewear Forecast How to mix and match, colour clash and print mix for fashion flair.

158 Attracting the Next Generation Young Professionals in Racing (YPR) helps attract the next generation.

162 The Height of Luxury Elite Holiday Homes’ luxurious Gold Coast rentals including the magnificent Hamptons.

164 The Everywhere Man From humble beginnings Darren Weir has risen to the top with MM winners from everywhere.

168 Cycling for Simone The memory of jockey Simone Montgomerie has been fittingly honoured by an epic charity bike ride.

172 Life Afer Racing How retired champ Subzero earns millions for charity and how Peter Gray makes horse welfare fit with business.

176 Looking to the West Magic Millions Perth raceday heads to Pinjarra Park.

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WELCO M E On behalf of the Board and management of Magic Millions, we sincerely welcome you to the 2017 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Raceday. As the number one thoroughbred auction house in Australasia

Winx was one of Magic Millions’ 104 individual stakes winners

by both gross sales and stakes winners, we are immensely

of 154 stakes races in Australia for the 2015-16 racing season.

proud of our achievements over the past year in working

Whilst the thoroughbred horse and auction sales are the

alongside breeders, owners, trainers and enthusiasts to grow

cornerstone of our business, the Jeep Magic Millions Carnival,

this wonderful industry.

Sales and Raceday is about much more. This January, we invite

In 2017 we strive for continued real success following a growth

you to be part of the fun experience that is ten days of exciting

of nearly $34 million (24%) in overall yearling sales in 2016.

events, sales and racing action against a backdrop that is the

The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale has unquestionably

uniquely beautiful Gold Coast. We guarantee you will not find

become a must-attend event for thoroughbred investors at

a more exquisite location to work and holiday with colleagues

every level.

and family.

Having well exceeded $100 million in gross sales for the last

In 2017 we are delighted to introduce a new event to our

two successive years, in 2016 the average price for a yearling

Carnival – the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo, to be held at The

from Book 1 rose to $194,037 (up 16%) at a clearance rate of

Spit, Main Beach, on Sunday 8 January.

90%. Whilst Book 2’s average purchase price increased 13% to

Featuring the Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women, Zara

$61,624.

Phillips MBE, international racing expert Francesca Cumani,

In an industry that has its foundations built on dreams, the Gold

as well as leading international polo players from Australia,

Coast Yearling Sale has provided the last two winners of the

America and Argentina, the new event will complement the

world’s richest race for 2YOs – the Group One Golden Slipper.

Carnival and provide a further vehicle for equine enthusiasts to

Two outstanding colts in Vancouver (2015), now standing at

participate and be entertained on the Gold Coast.

Coolmore Australia and Capitalist (2016), who became the third

Next January will also see the second running of the $10 million

horse to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic-Golden Slipper

Jeep Magic Millions Raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club. We

double, were both sourced from our showcase sale.

hope you can join us for an exciting day of high glamour and

After Capitalist’s victory, there is a resultant statistic which

elite racing as evidenced by the Group One performed horses

cannot be matched nor overlooked. 10 of the last 13 Golden

Capitalist, Buffering, Lucky Hussler and Mahuta winning races

Slipper winners to have been offered for sale as yearlings were

on the inaugural $10 million card.

sold by Magic Millions on the Gold Coast.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of our principal partners

With the thoroughbred steeped in Australia’s history and our

Tourism and Events Queensland, Racing Queensland and Jeep.

very culture, it is with great pride that Magic Millions can call

Magic Millions could not deliver and grow this Carnival without

itself the sales source of a real champion – Winx. Purchased for

the ongoing and valued support of these principal partners.

$230,000 from our Gold Coast sale ring in 2013, the superlatives

Magic Millions also sincerely acknowledges the support of major

to describe the dual Cox Plate and nine-time Group One winner

partners Woodford Reserve, Pacific Fair, Moet & Chandon,

are endless as they are inept to adequately describe her

Seven West Media, Myer, Sky Racing and James Boag’s.

greatness. Crowned Australia’s Champion Horse of the Year,

On behalf of the Magic Millions team and our valued breeders,

Winx is also the current highest rated mare in the world and

we request the pleasure of your company at the 2017 Jeep

some believe will become the highest rated horse when the

Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Raceday.

rankings are next released.

As we present to you the 2017 edition of the Gold Coast Yearling Sale, we look forward to sharing and assisting with your real dreams as we begin the search for the next real champion of the turf. Now that does sound like real fun! See you all on the Gold Coast for more magic.

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FRO M T H E M I N I ST E R Welcome to the Gold Coast and the 2017 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival. For the first time, polo will be included in the line-up of social events, races and activities which make the Magic Millions a key feature on the State’s vibrant calendar of events. The Magic Millions Carnival, Sale and Raceday are proudly supported by the Palaszczuk Government through Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! In Queensland major events calendar. Events such as the Magic Millions play an important role in showcasing the best of the Gold Coast’s world class experiences, drawing visitors and supporting jobs for Queenslanders. The Magic Millions will continue to be Australia’s richest race day offering $10 million in prizemoney, making the event a drawcard for international visitors and generating a boost to the State’s tourism economy. I congratulate the event organisers and all those involved in delivering this great event for Queensland. I welcome those visitors from interstate and overseas and hope you take the time to experience some of the wonderful experiences on offer throughout the Gold Coast.

The Hon. Kate Jones, MP MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND MAJOR EVENTS

M ESSAG E FROM THE M AYO R Australians love horse racing like almost no other nationality. The horse has been our friend and loyal support over the past two centuries as we worked the land and grew our prosperity. It is little wonder that we now have a real love affair with the Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Raceday. This fabulous initiative has captured the imagination of Gold Coasters as few other events have been able to. But its popularity is such that visitors pour into the city from all parts of Australia and overseas during the Carnival to celebrate all things equine. With more than three decades of success to build on, the Magic Millions is now an international event and this year sees the addition of a wonderful new attraction: the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo. Can there be a more vibrant backdrop to a polo tournament than The Spit? What a memorable event this will be. You can feel the excitement already! Leading American polo player Nic Roldan will demonstrate his prowess alongside Australia’s Rob & Jack Archibald and Argentina’s Novillo Astrada, Dame Zara Phillips MBE who is Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women will be joining us again as will Francesca Cumani, well-known thoroughbred expert.

With ten days of carnival to enjoy, there will be plenty of time

With a staggering $10 million in prizemoney available again for the MM

to spare for shopping, dining and sightseeing. Whatever your

Raceday, the hunt for success at Australia’s richest race program will be

preferred entertainment is Gold Coast almost certainly offers

fast and furious. Those interested in securing a winner for the future will

it. So, come and have a ball with us. We’ll show you a good

be eyeing-off the horseflesh at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale hoping they

time!

can land a sure ticket to future prizemoney. And all this will play out against the glorious natural beauty of the Coast and all the other fabulous attractions that make this a global destination attracting nearly 13 million visitors a year.

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Tom Tate MAYOR, CITY OF GOLD COAST

SALE

迎欢烈热欢迎所有讲中文的客户光临澳洲神奇百万纯血马拍卖行。我们荣幸地邀请您参加于澳洲度假胜地黄金海岸举行的，世界上最激动人心、最成功的周岁马拍卖会。由本拍卖会售出的周岁马有资格参加奖金总额超过 1100 万澳币的神奇百万系列赛事。神奇百万为说中文客户提供特别的 VIP 服务，包括机场接机、住宿、来往拍卖会的交通、拍卖圈可口美食等。神奇百万是 2015-16 赛季澳洲赛场锦标赛冠军的头号来源，从神奇百万走出的冠军毕业生包括 2016 年澳大利亚年度马王“云丝仙子” 、 2016 年澳大利亚冠军两岁马“资本家”等。在过去 13 年中， 10 名神奇百万毕业生胜出金拖鞋大赛这一世界上奖金最丰厚的两岁马比赛。考虑到由神奇百万走出的锦标赛冠军均价在全澳洲拍卖会中最低，能取得这一成就实属惊人。神奇百万黄金海岸周岁马拍卖会—— 2017 年 1 月 11 至 17 日。若有任何疑问或欲了解更多信息，请联系神奇百万中方代表冯常会，联系电话13832519821，或中文纯血马事务助理汪紫微，邮箱 joannaw@magicmillions.com.au,

电话 +61428866905 。或登陆神奇百万官

网 www.magicmillions.com.au。

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your essential

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10YEARS THANK YOU TO OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS FOR THE LAST DECADE.

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2017 Calendar of events MMGC JANUARY

2017 BMD Northcliffe SLSC Sportsman’s Luncheon (affiliate event)

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This fun and entertaining afternoon features a variety of special guests including Lunch MC, Billy J Smith, Panel MC – Pat Welsh and Comedian, Bruno Lucia.

Magic Millions Yearling Inspections

When: Friday 6 January 2017

We welcome you to the Magic Millions Sales Complex to inspect the catalogued lots available in the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The Sales Complex is open to the public and this is a great opportunity to get a firsthand look into the world of thoroughbred sales and racing.

Where: BMD Northcliffe SLC, Surfers Paradise

Time: From 11:30am Includes: Fresh seafood buffet and beverage package Dress: Casual Tickets: $150pp Bookings: To book, please email info@northcliffesurfclub.com.au or call 07 5539 8091

When: Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Monday 9, and Tuesday 10 January 2017 Time: From 8am Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, Racecourse Drive, Bundall Bookings: This is a free event, open to the public. Please direct all enquires to info@magicmillions.com.au or phone 07 5504 1200

2017 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo The newest jewel added to the Magic Millions Carnival crown, the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo is set to be a highlight of the Carnival. Spectators will witness international and professional polo players Nic Roland, Zara Phillips, Rob Archibald, Jack Archibald, Francesca Cumani, Alejandro Novillo Astrada and many others take to the field, in this adrenalin pumping event that is not to be missed. When: Sunday 8 January 2017 Time: From 11:30am Where: Doug Jennings Park, The Spit Includes: General Admission – Prime viewing located beside the polo field, plus fine food and beverages available for purchase from the cash bar. Polo Enclosure – Prime viewing from the fully furnished cocktail marquee located beside the polo field, plus fine food and beverages available for purchase from the cash bar. VIP Marquee – Prime viewing from the fully furnished, premium marquee located in front of the polo field. All day gourmet food and premium beverage package, plus player appearances. Pre-allocated seats tables of ten. Dress: Men – chinos, dress pants and shorts, paired with a dress shirt or polo. A blazer or summer coat are ideal if required. Brogues, loafers, or stylish boots are perfect footwear options. Ladies – summer dresses, stylish pants, shorts and skirts are ideal choices. Opt for wedges or elegant flats over high heels, and finish your outfit with a wide brim hat, scarf and statement accessories. Tickets: General Admission $30 per adult and $15 per child, Polo Enclosure $75pp, and VIP Marquee $3,750 for table of 10 Bookings: To purchase tickets, visit Ticketek and search 2017 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo or email info@magicmillionspolo.com.au. For Corporate (min 50pax) and Private (min 20pax) marquee bookings, email info@magicmillions.com.au

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Women in Racing Luncheon (affiliate event) Women In Racing Inc. are proud to host the inaugural luncheon featuring an exceptional presentation of millinery. This event is not to be missed! When: Monday 9 January 2017 Time: 12pm Where: Horizons Restaurant, Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, Main Beach Includes: Three-course luncheon and beverage package Dress: Racewear and Millinery Tickets: $125 pp Bookings: Bookings Essential. Please phone Baslyn Beel on 0411 698 484

Magic Millions Barrier Draw The sun will rise over the 2017 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival on Tuesday 10 January when the Magic Millions Barrier Draw takes centre stage on the Surfers Paradise foreshore. At approximately 7:45am, all eyes will turn towards the ocean for the spectacle of several thoroughbreds with champion jockeys on board gallop down the pristine sands of Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most iconic beach, Surfers Paradise. When: Tuesday 10 January 2017 Time: From 6am Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore, Surfers Paradise (opposite Trickett St) Includes: Free sausage sizzle Tickets: Free Event, open to the public

Carbine Club Luncheon (affiliate event) The Carbine Club is a luncheon club that was first formed in Melbourne in 1961 and takes its name from the great Australian race horse Carbine who won the 1890 Melbourne Cup. The objectives of the Carbine Club are to promote and foster the development of junior sport in Queensland, providing awards and grants to promising and worthy sporting individuals in varied sporting endeavours. When: Tuesday 10 January 2017 Time: 12pm Where: Jupiters Casino, Broadbeach Includes: Luncheon and beverage package Dress: Smart Casual Tickets: $160pp Bookings: To book, please email Peter Gwynne on carbineclubqld@gmail.com or phone 0415 887 788

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Sparkling Ladies Luncheon

This exclusive event is the official opening for the 2017 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival for buyers, sellers, racing identities and thoroughbred industry associates. Guests will gather in the stylish VIP Marquee on the Surfers Paradise Foreshore and celebrate the beginning of Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales week. When: Tuesday 10 January 2017 Time: From 6:30pm

Where: Grand Ballroom, Marriott Resort, Surfers Paradise

Dress: Cocktail Attire

Includes: Canapes, a lavish two-course luncheon and premium cocktails and beverages. This event will be followed by an after party in C&V with DJ and happy hour drinks.

Bookings: This event is invitation only

Dress: Summer Racing Fashion Tickets: $159pp, $1,550 per Table of 10 or $1,650 for a Premium Table of 10 beside the catwalk.

Pacific Fair Magic Millions VIP Shopping Night

Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Luxury Brand section Includes: Canapés and beverages Dress: No dress code Tickets: Register your name and number of attendees via: info@magicmillions.com.au

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This premier Magic Millions Carnival Luncheon is infused with an atmosphere of glamour, style, high society and fashion featuring a stunning designer showcase, international entertainment and over $5,000 in prizes for Best Dressed Magic Millions Lady, Best Headpiece and Best Dressed Gentleman. Time: 12noon – 3pm

Includes: Premium canapes and beverages

Time: 6-9pm

(affiliate event)

When: Wednesday 11 January 2017

Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore, Surfers Paradise (opposite Trickett St)

When: Wednesday 11 January

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Moët & Chandon Magic Millions Launch Party

Pacific Fair invites Magic Millions Sale clients to experience Australia’s most premium shopping destination first hand. The $700m redevelopment now hosts some of the world’s most luxurious and recognisable brands including Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. Register your attendance and join us for a VIP Shopping night with Champagne and Canapés.

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Bookings: To book, visit www.stickytickets. com.au/44130 or phone Karen Phillips on 0755383644

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.

MAGICMILLIONS MAGICMILLIONS @MMSNIPPETS MAGICMILLIONS.COM.AU

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2017 Calendar of events MMGC JANUARY

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Magic Millions Yearling Sale

It is with real anticipation and excitement that we invite you to join us for the 2017 edition of the Magic Millions Yearling Sales Series. Magic Millions is Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one source of Champions and high class performers on the racetrack. With premium yearlings from across Australasia on offer, the ring will come alive when the sales kick off from Wednesday 11 January, 2017. When: Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, Friday 13, Saturday 14, Sunday 15 and Tuesday 17, January 2017 Time: From 10am on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Tuesday, and 6pm on Saturday Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, Bundall Bookings: This is a free event, open to the public. For all enquiries, please email info@magicmillions.com.au

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2017 Jeep Magic Millions Calcutta Dinner (affiliate event) A must attend event for industry insiders, punters and racing fans alike, this event grows in stature every year as does the prizemoney! This is your chance to experience what it’s like to ‘own’ a horse racing in the Jeep Magic Millions. Book a seat or a table, make a bid or buy a raffle ticket that could earn you thousands of dollars on the night or even more on Raceday. A team of experts will be there to give you a great insight into the feature runners of the race and you will hear from special guests including Jeep Magic Millions Trainers and Jockeys. When: Thursday 12 January Time: 6.30pm for pre-dinner drinks. 7.30pm Event commences Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Corporate Suites Includes: Pre-dinner drinks, followed by a 2-course dinner & beverage package Dress: Cocktail Tickets: $160pp/GCTC Members - $144pp Bookings: www.gctc.com.au

Hats & High Tea (affiliate event) This very special event is a highlight of the annual Magic Millions Carnival and will be a sophisticated morning of elegance, with a special touch of glamour and High Tea stunning temptations from multi-award winning chefs. When: Friday 13 January 2017 Time: 10.30am-12.30pm Where: Seaduction, Soul Surfers Paradise Includes: Moet Ice on arrival, cocktails, and a glamorous high tea Dress: Summer Racing Fashion Tickets: $110pp/Table of 10 $1,050 Bookings: To book, visit https:///www.stickytickets.com.au/44949

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2017 Calendar of events MMGC JANUARY

2017 Jeep Magic Millions Raceday Come raceday all eyes will turn to the track for Australia’s first $10million raceday including the $2,000,000 Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic and $2,000,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas exclusively for Magic Millions graduates. Featuring nine fast-paced races at the picturesque Gold Coast Turf Club, the Magic Millions Racing Women $500,000 Bonus and MYER Fashions on the Field Qld state final, this raceday has cemented its reputation on the international racing scene as the “must be there” event for racing’s elite, punters, and fashionistas alike. When: Saturday 14 January 2017 Time: From 9am Where: Gold Coast Turf Club Includes: Entry to the Gold Coast Turf Club. Food and beverages available onsite. Dress: Summer Racing Fashion Tickets: General Admission $35pp or $25pp if purchased before December 25, 2016. Pensioner Admission $17.50pp Bookings: To book, visit www.gctc.com.au/event/2017-jeep-magic-millions/ or call the Gold Coast Turf Club on 07 5353 5609

Magic Millions Widden Stud Golf Day (affiliate event) The 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. When: Monday 16 January 2017 Time: Registrations from 11am. Shotgun Start from 12.00pm. Presentations from 5.00pm in Tees Clubhouse Where: RACV Royal Pines, Benowa Includes: Green fees with electric cart, prizes, drink vouchers and BBQ luncheon Dress: Golf Attire Tickets: $130pp Bookings: To book, please phone Laura on 02 6549 9999

Magic Millions Yearling & Racehorse Sale When: Tuesday 17 January Time: From 11am Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, Bundall Bookings: This is a free event, open to the public. For all enquiries, please email info@magicmillions.com.au

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A Raceday to Remember NATHAN EXELBY

AUSTRALIA’S first ever $10 million race day delivered from every possible angle, with the 2016 Magic Millions a day to be savoured. There can be no doubt the significant prizemoney injection brought a classier level of horse to the raceday.

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Magic Millions have been selling champion horses for 30 years, but for purely economic reasons, the very best ones had tended to bypass the summer carnival on the Gold Coast to chase bigger prizes either side. While that still rings true for many horses, the huge money across the board clearly forced a re-think for some stables, while the horse that would ultimately prove Australia’s Champion 2YO stakes his credentials with a wonderful win in the MM 2YO Classic. A look at the results across the day underlined the quality of horse flesh that played on Millions day. Of the nine races run, three were taken by horses already successful at Group 1 level – Buffering, Tinto and Lucky Hussler. The Guineas was won by Mahuta, a horse coming off successive Group 2 and 3 wins during the Melbourne spring carnival. And the best guide to a meeting’s quality is gauged by what the horses do subsequently. Buffering won the Al Quoz Sprint at his next start, carrying his earnings beyond the $7million mark. Capitalist went on to join Dance Hero and Phelan Ready as the third horse to complete the MM-Golden Slipper double. And Mahuta returned to Melbourne to win another Group

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“Hopefully he bought a lot of pleasure to Queenslanders in doing it. It’s a huge thrill to do it on his home turf. It’s not a Group 1, but it sure feels like it is.”

THE boosted prizemoney attracted the attention

Weir had never won a race at the Gold Coast

of many stables that had previously not

but made up for lost time with the dynamic duo,

considered the Gold Coast as a summer option

capping a remarkable two months for the trainer

for their horses.

after Prince Of Penzance’s Melbourne Cup.

Fresh off his Melbourne Cup win with Prince Of

“You have to pinch yourself a bit,” he said.

Penzance, Darren Weir targeted the Gold Coast

“It’s all about luck and you have to bring the right

for the very first time with two of his spring stars.

horses. I had a couple of others I could have

Weir had been breaking records for a few

brought up, but these were the two that looked

seasons with his massive team in Victoria, but

best suited and we’ve come away with a couple

Queensland hadn’t been much of a consideration

of wins.

for him until the MM carnival took on a whole

“It’s easy to say they were the best horses after

new aura with the suite of seven figure races.

the event.

Weir weighed up the option of giving his stable

“I guess they both had great form for the races

stars a spell or pressing on with their campaigns

they were in.

to have a crack at the monstrous money on the Gold Coast. He and his clients were rewarded handsomely when Mahuta dominated the $2million MM Guineas and Lucky Hussler proved a class above in the $1Million MM Cup. It was a masterclass from Weir as the duo swept a cool $1.8million between them.

~ 22 ~

Weir then said he expects more Victorian trainers to target the $10million day following his success. “The prizemoney is too good to ignore. I would think everyone will be having a crack at it from now on,” he said.

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A Raceday to Remember

WHILE Capitalist became the shortest priced favourite in Magic Millions history, starting at $1.40, he was still overshadowed as the most popular winner of the day by local idol Buffering, who was never going to be beaten in the $1Million QTIS MM. Trainer Rob Heathcote and his connections rated it

The Magic Millions continues to be the benchmark sales company for selling champion two-year-olds. In recent seasons Pierro and Vancouver became the champions of their age group with dominant Golden Slipper wins for Gai Waterhouse. But despite being sold on the Gold Coast, both bypassed the Magic Millions.

one of the biggest thrills in the horse’s career.

It had become a trend that the best MM graduates were not amongst the combatants

“To be honest, it’s an enormous feeling of relief. The

Peter and Paul Snowden decided to change that in 2016.

expectation was that he would come here and just

Capitalist was the clear benchmark two-year-old of the early season, having replicated

win, but it’s never as simple as that,” Heathcote said.

Pierro and Vancouver with success in the Breeders’ Plate.

“Hopefully

Unlike that pair, he was given a shorter break and aimed at the $2million MM 2YO Classic.

bought

lot

pleasure

Queenslanders in doing it. It’s a huge thrill to do it

Punters thought it a foregone conclusion and backed him in to $1.40 and despite a few

on his home turf. It’s not a Group 1, but it sure feels

concerns early for jockey Blake Shinn, he coasted home to win comfortably.

like it is.” In the runner-up stall, trainer David Murphy felt like a Group 1 winner himself after Mister Booze did best

Snowden then made a very shrewd prediction. “It’s doable,” he said of completing the Slipper double.

of the rest behind The Buff. “It’s bloody good second prizemoney so I couldn’t be happier,” Murphy said. “He ran the race of his life.”

~ 23 ~

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A to Z The 2017 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival, Raceday and Yearling Sale features 10 days of fun, excitement and horse powered action both on and off the track. For first time visitors and those completely new to racing and breeding, Magic Millions offers a dazzling entry into a unique world populated with fascinating characters from all walks of life. The best thoroughbreds in the country inspire us mere mortals to dream big and for the uninitiated we’ve put together a beginner’s guide with all you need to know to pass muster at Australia’s premier equine event. TARA MADGWICK

~ 24 ~

Auction is how these horses are sold. Raise your hand, place your bid. Highest bid wins! Bid Spotter. He’s the guy or gal taking your bid. It can be fast and furious, so commit to the cause and stick with your choice, but if you meet your match and come up short, do not despair – horses are like taxis, there is always another one coming. Colts are young male thoroughbreds from the age of foaling until they turn four and become known as stallions or entires. If you buy one of these, chances are you will soon need to know about gelding, so see G. Dam is the mother of a horse and ‘sire’ is the father. In theory a mix of these two parents is what should be in the resulting yearling. It would be nice to think that two plus two equals four, but in thoroughbreds that’s not always the case.

Experts abound at yearling sales and everyone has an opinion. Bloodstock agents from all over the world converge with the common goal of finding the fast horses. Some appear to be better at it than others! Fastnet Rock, Redoute’s Choice, Snitzel, Not a Single Doubt, More Than Ready (USA), I Am Invincible, Sebring, Choisir, Lonhro, Written Tycoon, Hinchinbrook, Exceed and Excel,… these are all outstanding sires whose progeny will be on offer. Gelding can be a noun or a verb in the horse world. The unruly colt is frequently gelded (castrated) and goes forward as a ‘gelding’, quite often to better racing success than he would have achieved as a mischievous colt. Kingston Town famously ran an appalling last on debut as a colt before being gelded and going on to become the best horse in the country. Hot weather. Packing for a visit to the Gold Coast in January is easy, it’s always hot and humid. Bring your swimmers and a sun hat!

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Insurance is something you will need if you buy a yearling. These are flighty young creatures not known for putting thought before action, so better to be safe than sorry. Jeep are the current sponsors for Magic Millions which has become a global event taking in a stellar race day, a whirl of varied social engagements, an actual yearling sale and now in 2017 we can add polo! Kolivos – Greg and Donna have experienced one of the ultimate Magic Millions dreams as owners of Champion 2YO Colt Pierro, purchased for them for $230,000 at the 2011 Magic Millions by legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse. An unbeaten Golden Slipper and Triple Crown winner, Pierro retired with $4.5 million in earnings and was subsequently sold for a squillion to global breeding giant Coolmore with his first two year-olds racing this season. Luck is needed at the Magic Millions barrier draw held on the beach in the heart of Surfers Paradise - this is where the surf quite literally meets the turf. An event not to be missed! Magic Millions raceday at the Gold Coast is worth $10 million and features events for horses of all ages over all distances. Nicks and clicks – a particular affinity between two sires - are something the pedigree gurus will be spruiking, so if you wish to sound knowledgeable throw in a positive comment on Fastnet Rock / Galileo, Redoute’s Choice / Last Tycoon or Choisir / Encosta de Lago and you too will sound like a pedigree expert! Owning a racehorse can be a life changing experience akin to winning the lottery, but way more fun and with a far greater chance of actually winning! See K to see how it is done! Pedigree page is what every yearling has and what you want to see there is the BIG BOLD BLACK TYPE, which denotes stakeswinners. These are the superior performers that come from the same family as this yearling. Question, what is BOBS? BOBS and similar logos on the pedigree pages such as Super VOBIS and QTIS are incentive schemes that this yearling is eligible for. As an owner it means extra cash in your pocket when this horse starts winning! Reserve price is what the vendor wants for his horse and passed in is what happens when the market thinks otherwise. Scoping is a veterinary procedure your yearling will have done following his purchase to check his airways and make sure his breathing is all that it should be. If a horse can’t breathe, he won’t be running very far. Trainer is the person you need to find after you have purchased a yearling. He or she is the one who is going to mould your baby into a racetrack star. There are so many good trainers in Australia you are spoiled for choice, but if you’ve bought a nice horse… chances are the trainer will find you! Under-bidder. He’s the guy that missed out. Everybody that has ever attended a horse sale has an under-bidder story to tell. They either know one, were one or ultimately wish they had been one! Vin Cox is the Managing Director at Magic Millions and while others create ‘Magic Millions the event’, Vin creates the actual yearling catalogue and it’s a cracker! Winx is the best horse in the country - two Cox Plates and over $9 million in earnings - and she was bought right here on the Gold Coast in 2013 for $230,000. X- rays are something presented with each yearling to prove it does in fact have four good legs if you were in any doubt. Yes is what you say when someone offers you a share in a yearling. You do not want to return here in years to come with a sorry tale of would’ve, could’ve, should’ve. Zoustar has written a chapter of Magic Millions success, having been bought here as a yearling in 2012 for $140,000 before going on to win six of nine starts and $1.4 million with Group I wins in the Golden Rose and Coolmore Stud Stakes. Retired to Widden Stud in a multi-million dollar stud deal, Zoustar is set to star in 2017 with his first stunning crop of yearlings.

~ 26 ~

A to Z

~ 27 ~

DAR11393 Bluebloods Great days 25 OCT16.qxp 25/10/2016 17:29 Page 1

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PERFORMER 2016

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Magic Snippets

The week-long Magic Millions Carnival will now include world-class Polo, Australia’s $10million Raceday, the iconic Barrier Draw along Surfers Paradise Foreshore and the Southern Hemisphere’s number one Yearling Sale, for the perfect formula in showcasing the best in equine sport. ~ 30 ~

SALE

WORLD CLASS POLO The inaugural Pacific Fair Magic Millions

Opposing

Polo will debut on Sunday 8 January at the

Astrada said “I come from a family of polo

Spit on Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast.

players dating back to around the 1930s

Helping to bring this vision to the Gold

when my grandfather started playing.”

Coast are two of the world’s leading (8

“Polo has traditionally been a male

goal) players, US Polo Captain Nic Roldan

dominated sport however more and more

and Argentinian Polo royalty, Alejandro

women are playing alongside men, which I

Novillo Astrada, who joined the MM family

think has changed the game for the better.

as the Magic Millions International Polo

I’m really looking forward to coming out to

Ambassadors and Team Captains.

the Gold Coast to play a tournament with

“Events like Magic Millions open up the

Zara Phillips and Francesca Cumani, both

sport of polo to new audiences including a

highly talent and accomplished women in

new generation of players and spectators,

equine sport.”

and this is an area I’m really passionate

Two Polo games will be played with both

about promoting,” Nic Roldan said.

games commentated by Channel Seven

“Australia has some of the best polo

Sports Broadcaster and Magic Millions

fields in the world, with some really

Sales and Carnival Ambassador, Hamish

good players and many more coming up

McLachlan.

through the global ranks, so when Magic

allow newcomers to the sport to gain an

Millions approached me about being an

understanding of the rules and objectives.

Ambassador for the Pacific Fair Polo to

The second game will be played by

help boost the sport’s profile in Australia

Australia’s

and on a global scale, I jumped at the

up the 2017 World Cup Polo Team,

opportunity.”

currently ranked seventh in World Polo

Alongside Roldan and Novillo Astrada

Championships.

Patron

MMRW

and

captain

Alejandro

Hamish’s

best

Novillo

expertise

players

who

will

make

Olympic

Equestrienne, Zara Phillips MBE and Magic Millions

Spokespersons,

International

Racing Commentator Francesca Cumani with husband, Australian Polo Champion Rob Archibald and his brother Jack.

TICKETS:

BOOKINGS:

General Admission $30 per adult and $15

To purchase tickets, visit Ticketek and search 2017 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo or

per child, Polo Enclosure $75pp,

email info@magicmillionspolo.com.au. For Corporate (min 50pax) and Private (min 20pax)

and VIP Marquee $3,750 for table of 10

marquee bookings, email info@magicmillions.com.au.

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AWARDS During the second half of 2016 a number of awards and honours were bestowed on Magic Millions graduates. Winx (pictured) was crowned the World’s Highest Rated Horse on Turf as well as Australian Horse of the Year and Champion Middle Distance Performer, Golden Slipper and Magic Millions winner Capitalist was named Champion Two-Year-Old, and Victoria Derby winner Tarzino won Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding. State Horse of the Year honours also went to Buffering for the fifth consecutive year (Queensland), Winx (New South Wales), Éclair Choice (South Australia) and Black Heart Bart (Western Australia).

LEGENDS RETIRE Living Legends, Melbourne’s retirement home for champion racehorses, recently welcomed two Magic Millions graduates, champion sprinter Buffering and the cult horse from Tasmania The Cleaner to the farm. MM caught up with photographer Bronwen Healy - “The Buff” is one of the kindest horses I’ve met and is pretty happy in the company of people. He cuddles up to you in an endearing sort of way and is a quiet sort of horse. It’s not hard to see why his trainer Robert Heathcote and strapper Melanie Sharpe adored the horse so much.” “The Cleaner, or “Bill” as he’s known, had a strong bond with his former trainer Mick Burles. The kind of relationship that we press photographers love. “Bill” doesn’t like to be far away from his new friend “The Buff”. “The racetrack doesn’t offer the best opportunity to get to know a racehorse, or to get inside their personality. I love going behind the scenes so much because it allows me to connect so much more with the horses. I’ve been doing Living Legends’ photography for almost 10 years now. It’s my way of helping the horses and I love doing it.”

~ 32 ~

Magic Snippets

BEST DRESSED The action on the racetrack will be matched trackside as Magic Millions hosts the Myer Fashions on the Field in January. Fashionistas travelling from all over Queensland and across the country will don their best summer racewear for a chance to win the highly coveted prize offering and take out the title of Myer Fashions on the Field Queensland State Finalist. This year’s panel of celebrity and fashion expert judges will be looking to award the “Best Dressed” outfits that incorporate the latest seasonal trends with a flair of creativity in the men’s and women’s categories. The 2017 Myer Fashions on the Field will have an attractive prize offering including a 10-day trip to the Melbourne Spring Carnival, a Myer shopping spree and a Queensland holiday as well as a suite of other prizes.

MARLIN ARE ON!

To enter, please go to www.magicmillions.com.au

This year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best ever due to the large prize pool and terrific location. Run the

successfully tournament

for

over

predominantly

years, targets

marlin on only 8kg line, no easy feat. The Club promotes tag and release.

Once

captured, marlin or other species are then photographed boat side and fitted with a NSW Fisheries tag prior to being released for another day. The information correlated

The Gold Coast Game Fish Club will hold the Garmin Light Tackle Masters from Southport Yacht Club, 20-22 January.

from this tag and release effort by our anglers is invaluable in providing relevant information regarding the migration and growth of these magnificent fish. Come fish the spectacular Gold Coast and compete for cash and a prize pool of over $50,000. www.gcgfc.com.au

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL 1-8 JANUARY The Brisbane International Tennis Tournament marks the beginning of a huge summer of tennis in Australia and is an important lead-up event for many top seeded players before the Australian Open begins mid-January. Held at Queensland Tennis Centre just 15 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD (an hour’s drive north of the Gold Coast), the Brisbane International draws big players and atmospheric crowds. This January Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal will make his debut and will try and

SHOP ONLINE

embed his name on the champions trophy alongside past winners Milos Raonic (2016), Roger Federer (2015), Lleyton Hewitt (2014), Andy Murray (2013), Victoria Azarenka (2016), Maria Sharapova (2015) and Serena Williams (2013/2014). www.brisbaneinternational.com.au

As worn by your favourite racing personalities on Sky Racing and Racing.com, shop online through our Giftshop to source the latest style of Magic Millions merchandise including our famous caps! With a selection of colours and affordable prices, why not deck yourself out in our quality products and enjoy as the compliments roll in! Magic Millions is known for passion and excellence which filters through into every aspect of our business, including our merchandise! Go to www.magicmillions.com.au

~ 33 ~

Magic Snippets

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MM SUPPORTS YOUNG ATHLETES The Gold Coast Academy of Sport (GCAS) is a local initiative aimed at providing opportunities for athletes, coaches and administrators on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is the first and only regional ‘Not for Profit’ Academy of Sport in Queensland.

From early days in 2009 where there were 3 programs

The Academy offers a wide number of sports aimed at developing skills and

involving 65 athletes, the Academy has grown to 11

knowledge to ensure improvement in performance and understanding.

programs and over 300 athletes in late 2016.

The GCAS endeavours to provide ‘on and off field’ development opportunities

planned to expand further and include other sports

for young athletes to become better community minded people in the future.

to deliver programs to sports looking to expand and

The Academy has the ability to fill an important role within the broader

encourage their pre elite athletes to remain involved. It

community to help develop further state and national representatives in

is an essential process to keep young athletes engaged

sport. The objective to engage with athletes aged 12 to 18 to encourage them

in physical activity.

to remain active in their sport is paramount. In addition to helping raise

Although the Academy has been operational since 2009,

the standard of performance in the community, the Academy also strives to

it is yet to be fully embraced by the community. In the

improve the overall ‘life skills’ of the athletes involved.

coming years it is expected, with the new leadership on

Outside the immediate sports fraternity there is an obvious and important

the board and executive, that programs will be further

place for corporate sponsorship and support of programs. Magic Millions is

supported by the private sector. The ability to link sport

very proud to have partnered with the Gold Coast Academy to help support the

to the business sector is clearly beneficial in one of the

development pathways of the athletes involved in programs. The Gold Coast

fastest growing regions in the country.

City Council is a major supporter of the Academy and with the upcoming 2018 Commonwealth Games there are strong benefits for the coast.

CHANNEL SEVEN COVERAGE Magic Millions is thrilled to welcome back the Seven Network as the Broadcasting Partner for the 2017 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast. Over the years the Seven Broadcast has brought such commentators and presenters as Bruce McAvaney, Pat Welsh, Hamish McLachlan, Neil Kearney, Amanda Abate and Magic Millions spokesperson Francesca Cumani to commentate the action of the day and the line-up in 2017 promises to deliver a similar once again. Tune in to Seven on Saturday January 14 from 11.30am (local time) to watch the live coverage of the Jeep Magic Millions $10 Million Raceday, the next best thing to being trackside at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

~ 34 ~

It is

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MAGIC MILLIONS

The Jeep Magic Millions Barrier Draw has become a staple on Katie and Gerry Harvey’s Gold Coast Carnival, attracting hundreds of people to the Surfers Paradise Foreshore to take in all of the action.

The spectacular event sees members of the public join royalty and VIPs from the equine industry from around the world as they watch professional jockeys gallop horses up the beach as the sun rises. In 2017, the free event is back with an even bigger showcase than ever before. Guests are invited to see the world’s most unique barrier draw, as the allocated barriers for the coveted $2,000,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the $2,000,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas are selected ahead of Saturday’s $10 Million Raceday. Magic Millions also welcomes back Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women, Zara Phillips who will draw out the 2YO Classic. She will joined by her husband, and successful horse owner, Mike Tindall,

alongside event MC, Sales

Ambassador Hamish McLachlan and Magic Millions spokesperson Francesca Cumani. The Jeep Magic Millions Barrier Draw will be held on Tuesday January 14, 2017 from 6am with the main event, the horse gallop, at 8.15am.

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In Queensland this summer

RACE FOR RICHES The $10 million Jeep Magic Millions Raceday on Saturday 14 January 2017 is proudly part of the newlook Queensland Summer Racing Carnival.

Racing Queensland has introduced a number of exciting changes to the Summer Carnival for 2016-2017 which sees more than $14 million in prizemoney distributed over four feature racemeetings and 16 black type races. One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of three $500,000 Queensland Summer Crown bonuses - for two-yearolds, three-year-olds and sprinters. A $500,000 bonus can be won if a horse achieves victory in three of four designated races in the Queensland Summer Carnival in the one category. Another new bonus launched by Racing Queensland is targeted at high quality milers. A $100,000 bonus is payable should a horse be able to win both the G2 Villiers Stakes at Randwick on 17 December and the Listed Bernborough Handicap at Eagle Farm on 31 December. The latter race’s prizemoney increasing significantly to $250,000.

~ 36 ~

The final ‘Road to Magic Millions’ lead up event at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm racecourse on Saturday 31 December is programmed to be one of the most competitive racedays seen in Queensland.

SALE

Comprising five black type races, four Magic Millions Wildcard races and over $1.2 million in prizemoney, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfectly timed two weeks prior to the $10 million grand final on the Gold Coast. As part of the revamped Carnival, Racing Queensland and Magic Millions also implemented enhancements to the Jeep Magic Millions Raceday program. $1m Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) To increase the field size capacity, this race will now run over 1200m under set weights & penalties conditions (previously run over 1100m as a Quality Handicap). $1m Magic Millions Trophy (2200m) To provide opportunities for middle-distance to staying type horses to participate on the day, this race will be run over 2200m in January (previously 1800m). $1m Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) This race will now be run under set weights & penalties (previously Quality Handicap).

$1m Magic Millions QTIS Open (1300m) Restricted to horses which are both Magic Millions and QTIS registered, this race will be run as a Quality Handicap in January 2017 (previously SW&P). $250,000 Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) Four new regional qualifiers leading up to the Millions Country Cup have been programmed. To be run at Townsville on 17 December, Sunshine Coast on 18 December, Warwick on 26 December and Rockhampton on 31 December. Each regional qualifier will run for $30,000 in prizemoney with a $20,000 bonus payable if the winner is nominated for the Magic Millions Race Series - and will be ballot exempt in the Magic Millions Country Cup field (subject to meeting race conditions).

THE NEW LOOK 2016/17 QUEENSLAND SUMMER RACING CARNIVAL SCHEDULE Road to Magic Millions 3-DEC EAGLE FARM

10-DEC EAGLE FARM

Road to Magic Millions

17-DEC DOOMBEN

24-DEC DOOMBEN

31-DEC EAGLE FARM

Origin Jockey Series Round 1 2 Races

ORIGIN JOCKEY SERIES George Moore Stakes Qlty Gr3 1200m $200,000 Summer Crown 1

Origin Jockey Series Round 2 2 Races

Magic Millions Raceday 7-JAN GOLD COAST

14-JAN GOLD COAST MM

Origin Jockey Series Final Round 2 Races

Lough Neagh Stakes Qlty LR 1350m $150,000 Summer Crown 1

Buffering Handicap Qlty 1300m $150,000 Wildcard MM Cup Summer Crown 1

MM Cup Qlty Handicap 1400m $1,000,000 Summer Crown 1

Bribie Handicap Qlty LR 1050m $100,000

Falvelon Handicap Qlty LR 1000m $100,000 Wildcard MM Sprint

MM Sprint SWP 1200m $1,000,000 Summer Crown 1

RQ Summer Provincal Series Final Handicap 0MW 1400m $100,000

MM Maiden Plate SW 1200m $250,000

SPRINTERS

MMQTIS Open Qlty Handicap 1300m $1,000,000 MM Country Cup Qlty (Spec Cond) 1200m $250,000

3YO

3YO Colts & Geldings SW 1200m $100,000 Summer Crown 2

Vo Rogue Plate SW G3 3YO 1300m $200,000 Summer Crown 2

Brisbane Handicap Qlty LR 1600m $100,000

Bemborough Handicap LR 1600m $250,000 *Villiers Double $100K Bonus

Qlty Handicap 2000m $75,000

Shoot Out Handicap Qlty 2200m $100,000 Wildcard MM Trophy

MM Trophy Qlty Handicap 2200m $1,000,000

Calaway Gal Stakes SW LR 2YOF 1110m $100,000 Summer Crown 3

B J McLachlan Stakes SW GR3 2YO 1200m $200,000 Summer Crown 3

MM 2YO Classic SW 1200m $2,000,000 + $500,000 RW Bonus Summer Crown 3

Nudgee Handicap Qlty LR F&M 1200m $100,000 Wildcard MM F&M

MM F&M SWP 1300m $1,000,000

Mode Plate SW LR 3YO Fillies 1200m $100,000 Summer Crown 2

MILE/MIDDLE DISTANCE

Qlty Handicap 1500m $75,000

STAYERS 2YO SW 1000m $100,000 Summer Crown 3

2YO

FILLIES & MARES

MM 3YO Guineas SWP 1400m $2,000,000 Summer Crown 2

Gold Edition Plate SW LR 3YO 1200m $100,000 Summer Crown 2

Phelan Ready Stakes SW LR C&G 1110m $100,000 Summer Crown 3 Just Now Handicap Qlty LR F&M 1300m $100,000

QUEENSLAND SUMMER CROWNS: $1.5 MILLION IN PRIZE MONEY BONUSES. Set your 2YOs, 3YOs and Sprinters for Summer riches! See race details in the above schedule. For further information on getting involved in the new-look Queensland Summer Racing Carnival visit www.racingqueensland.com.au

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STORY & PICS KATRINA PARTRIDGE

SANDBLOM

seeks to pick winners

Matthew Sandblom is the antithesis of many major owners in the thoroughbred industry. A large number of people probably don’t know who he is. An even greater percentage might be startled to learn that he is a partner in Newgate Farm let alone that he owns another Hunter stud farm outright. One suspects he likes it that way. Sandblom’s non thoroughbred empire is based in educational publishing. The office address in Sydney’s inner West won’t draw your attention but once inside the raw dilemma of peak hour fades, a staff coffee shop and lounge area flow seamlessly around the colourful reception area and walls are interspersed with artwork and bright company notices. If you employ 50 programmers of the Y Generation you need to keep creative minds happy. Sandblom’s thoroughbred enterprises do not infiltrate his rather Spartan office space. He loves the thrill of big race days. He loves the business of it. This is the man who part owns Capitalist – a 2YO colt that catapulted connections into the rarefied air that comes from winning the Magic Millions/Golden Slipper double. He has a plethora of other Group 1 wins to savour including those achieved by Wandjina, Dissident, and Extreme Choice. On Derby Day this year a filly he handpicked at the sales and that races in his own name and colours – I Am A Star – won the $500,000 Gr 1 Myer Classic. Despite this encyclopaedia of Group 1 success it is a sole bronze - not a trophy – that sits atop a shelf in his office. It was Bart Cummings who would progress

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Sandblom from the frustration of buying inexpensive tried racehorses to becoming an investor who could see and experience the bigger picture (although Sandblom’s wife Wendy gets credit for making the introduction having met Bart’s wife Valmae whilst the couples were holidaying at Lizard Island). Sandblom speaks at length – and with great fondness – about more than a decade spent attending the races with Bart. “I spent my first ten years just learning bits about the industry and not really seeing it as a business,” Sandblom says. “It was a tough business and an expensive business and eventually you work out that you really have to work with people whose every waking moment is ‘how do we make this work as a business’.”

“If you are going to purchase

a Golden Slipper winner out of an auction ring it is most likely to be Magic Millions.

”

Sandblom has, and continues to be, extremely successful in his choice of commercial endeavour – publishing – but he is well aware that great businessmen do not always translate to great thoroughbred investors. “A number of studies have shown that you need to dedicate yourself to something for 10 years before you get any good at it. That’s no different with horses,” Sandblom says. “The reality is most people come from a business background expecting instant success and occasionally you can get lucky, but actually that doesn’t happen too often. I have my other businesses to run so whilst I spend a fair bit of time on my horse business I don’t spend as much time as other people who have grown up with it, who are smart and dedicated, who devote themselves to it full time and who really understand the horse business as a business as you really need to know what’s going on.” The IPO of the educational publishing company that he co-founded - 3P Learning - a few years ago allowed Sandblom the financial leeway to change gears on his involvement in the thoroughbred industry; his contact with then Coolmore based Henry Field saw Sandblom as well as Tom Ryan and Gavin Murphy from SF Bloodstock in the US provide the necessary backing for Field to pursue his dream of going out on his own. First was the lease of the Scone based property known as Wakefield then shortly thereafter steps were made to acquire Brooklyn Lodge at Segenhoe to give Newgate Farm its permanent base. From trading mares and pinhooking weanlings and yearlings the team had taken the next step – commercial stallions. “To go to your first $10m stallion – Foxwedge– required quite a few backers for Henry – and we were willing to do that,” Sandblom says. “You see a lot of people come in, hose money everywhere and do things in a totally uneconomic way. This is Henry’s business so we know he is

~ 40 ~

going to focus on the economics of it and where the revenue is going to come from. Even though Newgate is considered up and coming and early stage successful it is still very much in its investment phase. There is a lot of capital being put in but we don’t do it for show. Everything has a function within the business from the roads to the fences to the new guest accommodation and new office building to the stallion roster to a valuable broodmare population and we have some exceptional partners on board with us. Realistically it is a 10 year programme.” Sandblom signed the cheque for a number of the high priced Teeley Asset dispersal mares who were knocked down to Newgate Farm at the Magic Millions sale in 2014. “I bought a whole chunk of that family that day,” he says. “You wonder at the time if you are paying too much but people showed how much they value the family when we sold the Fastnet Rock x Ten Carat Rock filly for $1m at this year’s Magic Millions January Yearling Sale.” In addition to his Newgate project, Sandblom is also involved with Henry and others in a number of colt syndicates – recent partners in which include China Horse Club and Aquis Farms. The aim: to purchase up to 30 colts a year to secure future stallions. Capitalist was a product of the first syndicate.

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“I speak to Henry every day regarding Newgate but it’s also fun to have a place where I can do whatever. I’ve got a very beautiful farm down near Kiama and I love it as a place but I always wanted something in the Hunter of my own,” says Sandblom. “There are certain criteria when we buy mares for Newgate and what stallions we mate them with but I have other projects I want to do as well on a much smaller scale. “Kingstar is just over 200 acres. Stallion making is economically a tough game particularly in the Hunter which is the most competitive in Australia – even in the world as we get all those imports as well. I’m sending 30 of my own mares to Bull Point and Adam [Cook] is doing a great job setting it up and we’ve only been involved there 9 months. We’ve put in stallion barns, fencing, irrigation etc. It gives me a new project and I like new projects. It’s why I have so many businesses that I am involved in.” As the year marches to a close as does a hectic season at both Newgate and Kingstar eyes turn to the first yearling sale of 2017. “Basically we are there to buy colts these days and we sell selectively,” says Sandblom. “Buying

Sandblom sold racing papers outside Harold Park as a youngster, dabbled successfully in a bit of bookmaking whilst at school and has an economics degree; he understands figures. He admits “If you look at our results the good colts have been priced between $150,000 and $350,000. Capitalist was $165,000. Once you start spending $600,000, $700,000, $800,000 in this game the odds are stacked way against you. At the end of the day there’s really not that much difference between a $250,000 horse and a $1m horse. People basically talk themselves into the difference and results prove that.” Sandblom’s restlessness for his next Everest is evident in both his commercial and thoroughbred investments to date and the number of balls he keeps in the air at any given time. In 2016 he established a farm at Denman across the road from Amarina. He owns another farm on the South Coast (where he has harness horses – another of his passions – and a few thoroughbreds) but Kingstar Farm had the location and layout to stand a roster of stallion that on type, pedigree and performance fill a market niche as well as allow Sandblom to agist a larger group of his own mares. Kingstar’s roster includes the Group winner and Gr 1 placed son of Fastnet Rock Bullpoint, Gr 2 winning son of Snitzel - Salade - who was trained by Bart, and the dual Gr 1 winning son of High Chaparral Monaco Consul (who enjoyed a Gr 2 winner on VRC Derby Day with Mumm Wakeful Stakes victress Tiamo Grace).

is competitive. Magic Millions is about track record with 2YOs given the type of yearling that gets sent there. If you are going to purchase a Golden Slipper winner out of an auction ring it is most likely to be Magic Millions.”

The hunt begins for the next Capitalist.

SANDBLOM seeks to

pick winners

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IN KENTUCKY... HORSES ARE EVERYTHING

AND BOURBON IS EVERYTHING ELSE Woodford Reserve, the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,” is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. ~ 42 ~

SALE

~ 43 ~

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IN KENTUCKY... HORSES ARE EVERYTHING

AND BOURBON IS EVERYTHING ELSE ~ 44 ~

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A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier

IN KENTUCKY, HORSES ARE EVERYTHING. AND BOURBON IS EVERYTHING ELSE. We don’t make that statement lightly here in Kentucky.

producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol

There are more racehorses in Woodford County than residents, and

brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila

more barrels of bourbon in the entire state of Kentucky than people.

Herradura, Old Forester, Sonoma-Cutrer and Chambord.

Deep below our soil, Kentucky’s water filters through limestone. The

The Magic Millions partnership is the latest in a longstanding association with equine sports for Woodford

same water that makes our bourbon fills the troughs and buckets of some of the finest thoroughbred farms in the world.

Reserve. Internationally the brand is aligned with the

Call it serendipity if you want, but Kentucky owes its legacy to the

Kentucky Derby, USA; Belmont Park, New York; Travers

bourbon in its barrels and the thoroughbreds in its stalls.

Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, USA; and Royal Ascot, UK.

As the proud maker of Kentucky’s finest straight bourbon whiskey, we take it on ourselves to extend this unique heritage beyond our borders. We are proud to be The Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby®, but the way we see it, all of horse racing needs an Official Bourbon.

~ 45 ~

w w w. m a g i c m i l l i o n s . co m . a u â&#x20AC;¢

IN KENTUCKY... HORSES ARE EVERYTHING

AND BOURBON IS EVERYTHING ELSE

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is comprised of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes;

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AWARDS & ACCLAIMS 2016 World of Whiskies: Gold in Bourbon > 5 years 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge: Excellent, Highly Recommended 2014 Whiskies of the World Awards: Gold Medal 2014, 2012, 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Gold Medal 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold Medal 2012 International Spirits Challenge: Best in Class, Gold Medal 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge: Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation 2009 Whisky Magazine: Whisky Innovator of the Year 2009 SIP Awards: Platinum Medal 2009 New York Spirits Awards: Best of Class, Whiskies 2005, 2001, 2000 World Spirits Competition: Double Gold Medal 2003 International Spirits Challenge: Gold Medal 2001 International Wine & Spirits Competition: Gold Medal 1999 International Spirits Challenge: Best in Class, Bourbon

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WOODFORD RESERVE, VISIT US WWW.WOODFORDRESERVE.COM OR CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/WOODFORDRESERVE

~ 47 ~

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 â&#x20AC;˘ www.eiaf.com.au

A storm on the horizon

SPIRIT OF BOOM a dual Gr1 winning sprinter & stakes winner Standing at

EUREKA STUD Eureka Stud, Cambooya, QLD 4358 Scott McAlpine 0408 700 724 Angus McAlpine 0417 745 347 Email: eurekastud@bigpond.com Web: www.eurekastud.com.au

w w w. m a g i c m i l l i o n s . co m . a u â&#x20AC;¢

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WHERE TO PUT IT First season sires JOHN HUTCHINSON

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SNIPPETS

Atop the Q1 building? At Coolangatta airport as a reminder why we are there? But there should be one somewhere on the Gold Coast. Just as Rosehill has a life-size statue of the first Golden Slipper winner Todman and Flemington has its Makybe Diva bronze, just as Coolmore acknowledges Danehill and Arrowfield his son, Redouteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice, and just as Nagambie and Goondiwindi have honoured Black Caviar and Gunsynd the same way, surely the inaugural Magic Millions winner Snippets deserves his very own lasting monument. Not only did Snippets carry the flag for the fledgling sales company on the track, adding to his iconic Gold Coast victory with success at Group One level in Sydney and Melbourne before a highly successful stud career, but even more so, he is the gift that keeps giving. Try reading through any yearling catalogue without reference to his ongoing influence as well as that of the many other subsequent Magic Millions stallion graduates.

Since that first year, the trail blazed by the son of Lunchtime and Easy Date has been followed by a succession of top class colts from the Magic Millions sales. Like Snippets, they added to their reputation by taking on the best from an early age and like Snippets, many became sires of renown. General Nediym, Brave Warrior, St. Covet, the veterans Testa Rossa and Magic Albert, the late Golden Slipper winner, Stratum, all the way down to the current stallion stars Not A Single Doubt, Savabeel, Sebring and Snitzel (whose dam, Snippets Lass, is a daughter of the old boy himself), and on to this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revelation, Star Witness. Which is quite remarkable I think, for so many gun stallions to have a common sales venue as yearlings within such a relatively short time frame. The apple does not fall far from the tree, black cats have black kittens or mine for gold where gold has been found, take your pick, because each saying can apply equally to six first season sires represented in the 2017 Magic

~ 51 ~

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FIGHTING SUN

EUROZONE

ZOUSTAR

Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Like those mentioned above, all six were sold as yearlings at the Gold Coast – Eurozone, Fighting Sun, Sizzling, Spirit of Boom, Unencumbered and Zoustar. Firstly, a disclaimer. What follows is certainly not to take away from the other excellent first season sires to be represented at the Gold Coast next year, or any stallion for that matter. The point I would make, the most salient point, is that they too could have their own future stallion prospects on offer at the Gold Coast in the New Year, if history is a guide. Ever since the early days of the sale, the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale has focussed on type, and given that back then there was only the two year old race the following year as the incentive, breeders historically tended to send their most forward yearlings to the sale. I can still picture the Oakleigh Plate winner Clay Hero, an $85,000 yearling in the sale’s second year when the striking black Proud Knight colt was undoubtedly the “talking horse” on the grounds based on type alone. While, as we know, many things about the Magic Millions sales and racedays have changed over the years some things do stay the same. Precocious type, the Magic Millions type, has been a constant, as the auctioneers tend to spruik every time I am about to bid on one. So if we look for parallel patterns in the great stallions to have come through the Magic Millions sales to date compared to those graduates with their first crop on offer next year (without drawing too long a bow), what can we learn? Let’s call the twelve older established sires Group A and the six new recruits Group B. Eight of the horses in Group A ran in the Magic Millions Two Year Old Classic and each either won or was placed. Two exceptions were the Golden Slipper winners Stratum

~ 52 ~

and Sebring, and there is a fair chance the More Than Ready colt would also have added to that amazing record at the Gold Coast barring EI. Another was the 2010 Blue Diamond winner, Star Witness, which also tells a tale, and the fourth was the twice Champion NZ Sire, Savabeel. But even Savabeel, a son of the mighty stamina influence Zabeel, showed precocity at a young age, winning on debut in February of his two year old year and being placed at Group One level not long afterwards. Savabeel’s early maturity shone through in his classic year when winning the W. S. Cox Plate in October. So there again, that’s the Magic Millions constant of precocious type, not over and above pedigree necessarily, because type is a function of pedigree, but ideally type matching pedigree. And for Group A it carried over into the breeding barn. Three of the six first season sires in Group B also ran in the Magic Millions flagship event and while Unencumbered emulated his sire, Testa Rossa, by winning easily, it is worth noting that Sizzling (4th) and Spirit of Boom both ran well supported, either as favourite or second favourite. As we know, later in his two year old year Sizzling annexed the BRC Sires’ Produce-T. J. Smith Stakes double. Fighting Sun’s unbeaten two year old preparation came just a touch too late for the Magic Millions (he won on debut in Sydney a week ahead of the 2014 renewal), while Bart and James Cummings and Chris Waller, the trainers of Eurozone and Zoustar, renowned for their patience and skill, held their charges back for just a few months longer. But like Fighting Sun, Eurozone won both his starts at two while Zoustar’s record of three from four at that age also included the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on his way to even greater heights the following year.

WHERE TO PUT IT First season sires

SIZZLING

UNENCUMBERED

SPIRIT OF BOOM

And when the two year old careers of the six 2017 first season stallions in Group B are taken as a whole, the fact is that they contested 32 races for 20 wins and seven placings.

will find yourself at the very pointy end of the business, as well as having a good deal of fun in the process. And one proven way to achieve that aim is at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sales.

Unencumbered, whose Magic Millions success was his fifth win in less than four months, and the unbeaten Fighting Sun, like Sebring, did not race past their juvenile seasons, but the other four in Group B did, with each adding to his score thereafter. Zoustar’s brilliant victories in the Group One Golden Rose and Coolmore Stud Stakes were achieved with breathtaking ease, as Eurozone (Stan Fox Stakes) and Sizzling (Queensland Guineas) both won at Group Two level.

And although 2017 will see the first progeny of six Magic Millions graduates on offer, it promises not to be a “one off”. In 2016 the first yearlings by another former Magic Millions yearling, the champion colt Pierro, rocked the ring and looking ahead, another wave of stallions following the Snippets trail will soon be upon us. Progeny by the likes of Australian Horse of the Year Dissident, Caulfield Guineas winner Shooting to Win and the brilliant sprinter Rubick are already being pencilled in for 2018, to be followed one day by colts and fillies by Golden Sipper winners Vancouver and Capitalist and Star Witness’ son Star Turn, the latter pair being two future stallions from the Magic Millions yearling class of 2015.

The ever popular Spirit of Boom not only showed ability from Day One but after 52 starts over five seasons, the Sequalo horse retired in career best form, defeating his half-brother, Temple of Boom, in the Doomben Ten Thousand at his penultimate outing. A Queenslander through and through but one who journeyed far and wide, Spirit of Boom, unlike the others, was sold at the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, as was another rising star stallion, the Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, and although he did not win at two, I do recall the young Shocking breezing up at the 2007 Magic Millions Racehorses in Training Sale in eye-catching fashion. There are no guarantees in racing and breeding thoroughbreds, but it is instructive to look to the past every so often. The question is not necessarily about which one of Eurozone, Fighting Sun, Sizzling, Spirit of Boom, Unencumbered or Zoustar will be the most successful at stud, it is about where they could have been sourced as yearlings. If you are fortunate enough to buy into a yearling colt that develops into a top class racehorse with subsequent stallion appeal, you

Maybe gone are the days when less than $25,000 could have bought you a Snippets or Brave Warrior or General Nediym (or maybe not, as Buffering reminds us), but the six new sires in Group B, for example, were sold at an average price of less than $150,000, and Dissident, Shooting to Win, Vancouver and Capitalist for only a few bids more. Which for many, in the modern era of syndication, can be an affordable ticket that with good fortune can provide a bigger result than any lottery. And at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, you just might find your own Snippets. Chances are someone will, or rather, maybe quite a few will. And as for the statue of the horse that started it all? I think there on the grass area as you come in the northern entrance to the salegrounds, so that we can all rub his nose for luck.

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HAY & WATERING the January Millions KATRINA PARTRIDGE

“The Turf Club must have been offering cheap alcohol that year because by the time everyone arrived back at the Sales it was crazy.” ~ 54 ~

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It’s a Saturday night Frank Caccavari, his wife Lisa and their team at Main Event Catering won’t forget in a hurry. “You could call it a baptism by fire. I went to the cool room

“I was responsible for the food services for 28,500

as the power failed and found a couple of people in there.

students at Macquarie University after my restaurant

Let’s just say they weren’t working for me. We then had

and hotel days,” Frank says. “First job at Macquarie

to get a fire hose to break up a brawl at the back of the

was to change the coffee. I went and employed some

kitchen. We served 200kg of hot chips at the servery that

barristers – that’s what they get paid the equivalent of

night. Talk about an initiation!”

nowadays anyway – they’re actually baristas –people

The Australian born Italian laughs and sips at his short

who knew how to make coffee and knew what an

black on a Gold Coast morning that seems a million miles

expresso machine looked like and by the time I left we

from the memories we tease at.

were doing almost 10 tonne of coffee annually. Then

“It’s become a different sale since then. We’ve learnt a lot not only about the range of clientele but what their requirements are. That’s half the battle.” Frank’s background places him in a unique position to

we introduced foccacias, paninis, toasted vegetables everything that everyone used to laugh at us for eating when we went to school as small children and now you have to pay $90-$100 a kilo for it in a deli.”

serve the town that is the Magic Millions Yearling Sale come January.

~ 55 ~

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“I always knew horses ate a lot but I had no idea that the people inspecting them would eat like the horses too! “

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Frank and his wife Lisa (who manages the front of house for the company) then moved to Queensland with Frank assuming the role as Operations Manager for the Food and Beverage Outlets at Griffith University.

the 9.5 years he worked there he turned their business from a $3m business into $13.6m business, opened 2 new cafes, a pizza café restaurant at Nathan, 2 restaurants and turned their coffee business from 1 tonne to one with an 11 tonne turnover.

“Magic Millions is another little town,” Frank says “You have to supply every different food and beverage request that you can possibly imagine. That’s everyone from the person wanting a sausage roll to the person desiring the best prawns and oysters at ringside dining. The sale has a massively diverse clientele from transport drivers and the people mucking out stables and showing horses through to the international buyers worth millions. They are all here and they all need to be fed. “People know exactly what they want these days. When it comes to coffee some want a short black, some want almond milk, some want soy, some want Americano, a lot want iced coffee in big cups as it can get very hot here in January. We have always used Fair Trade single origin organic coffee and recycled packaging where we can; we just don’t advertise that. “There is a growing trend of people who don’t fit within what we see as ‘traditional’. They don’t eat meat or carbs. plus of course there are those who are gluten-free and lactose intolerant. We have a whole new range of salads for January, vegan options and one with protein. We have Paleo cakes and gluten free cakes and we are certainly in touch with the organic movement in terms of juices, salads plus we have a range of fresh fruit, yoghurts etc at the coffee cart.”

~ 56 ~

HAY & WATERING the January Millions “When it comes to the servery the strappers all have their quirks. They all like us open at 6.30am. Some people like runny eggs for breakfast, some people like flip eggs, some only want eggs from brown hens or only eggs from white hens [yes, seriously]. We try and meet as many requests as we can but I refuse to serve chikko rolls or dim sims so don’t ask. “We’ve learnt so much since that first sale in 2013. For this January we have already organised an additional 2 kitchens so there will be 3 kitchens in action compared to that one small kitchen we had operating all those years ago; people forget this entire sale is a pop up kitchen and across the 5 days of the major sale we serve – literally – thousands of people across multiple food outlets.” When asked to divulge what he may have seen from a catering perspective during the frantic action of a January sale Frank pauses for a moment then grins. “You see everything. People are unique so when you put your heart and soul into preparing the food sometimes you need to learn to dissociate! We can mention Tubba can’t we? In his pre

WHAT’S CONSUMED AT RINGSIDE DINING IN

J ANUARY • 2,500 dozen oysters (sourced from Tasmania , South Australia or Sydney Rock) • A tonne (1000kg) of King prawns (sourced locally).

diet days he once consumed 27 French vanilla slices. Mr Gluten

Peeled and smoked for Saturday night due to

Free Paul Knight likes his protein plus his gluten free cakes.

timing and dress code. Look out for something

We also have one buyer who holds the record for consuming 48

special for Saturday night 2017.

oysters, 4-5 kg prawns and 8 beef ribs (brontosaurus ribs we call them) all in one day.”

• 2000 portions of salmon • 2000 duck legs • 1 tonne of pork belly. Ordered fresh and 2 chefs are dedicated to that specialist dish. • 1 tonne chicken thigh • 2000 lamb koftas • 350 cases Corona (5 pallets) and 13 cases of limes to accompany them • 10-20 cases Moet • 4250 glasses cola • 2500 glasses squash • 1164 bottles of water are on a pallet and close to 8 pallets will be consumed in the 5 day period • Staff will wash 22,000 plates and change 150 table cloths a day

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BY THE NUMBERS

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12, 486 > Horseshoes worn walking through the sales ring in 2016 988 > Ice-creams given away by Widden Stud in January

5,059 > Races won by MM graduates in 2015- 2016 season 16, 764 > Catalogues distributed in 2016 8624 > Magic Millions Caps sold in 2016

4-5 kilos > Weight of average horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart 371 > Race Clubs within Australia 90% > Clearance rate 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale

30 > Individual buyers at 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale spending over $1 million 75,000,000 > World population of horses 1002 > Stables at Gold Coast Sales Complex

45,000 > Total bed nights for visitors to Magic Millions over 2016 $154, 471, 636 > MM Graduates prizemoney during 2015-2016 season ~ 58 ~

5055 > Horses sold by Magic Millions in 2016 96, 488 > Pictures taken by professional photographers at Magic Millions in 2016 1.5 trillion > Hairs on a horse

330 from 6 States & 14 Countries > Individual buyers 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale 88 kph > Fastest recorded speed of racehorse galloping

250,000 > Employees, participants & volunteers connected with TB Industry $1.1 billion > Amount of money invested in breeding TBs each year in Australia

24,190 > People who attended MM Raceday in 2016 39 > Farms at 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale realising a 100% clearance

68% > of 2016 Bk1 Vendors sold a yearling for $200,000+ $1million + > aggregate achieved by 40 vendors in 2016 ~ 59 ~

Australian breeders

SELL THEIR

BEST.

A gre ate r p rop orti on of t o p h o r s es a r e a v ai lable a t aucti on in A u s t ral ia t h an anywhe re e ls e i n t h e w o r l d .

G1 Wnrs 2015

G1 Wnrs Offered As Yearlngs

% Offered For Sale

A ust r a l i a

4 1

67%

US A

52%

Eur o p e

8 7

3 0

34%

M ag i c M i lli on s Gold Coas t Y e a r li n g Sale 11-17 Jan u ary M ag i c M i lli on s N a ti on a l Y e a r li n g Sale 6 - 8 Ju n e

G e t in tou ch, w e can h el p you b e t h ere .

Tom Reilly

CEO Aushorse Marketing M | +61 (0) 423 146 334 E | tom@tbaus.com

169914-AusHorse-MagicMillionsPreview.indd 1

Aushorse.com.au

Jessica McKeown

Communications Manager M | +61 (0) 498 807 205 E | jess@aushorse.net.au

11/21/16 1:29 PM

GOLD Turning clockwise into

Since 2012 the first event in the Magic Millions Race Series each season has been held on Ballarat Cup Day. Located just over 100km from Melbourne, Ballarat is a town which built its heritage from the gold rush era of the

1850s but is now becoming a burgeoning epicentre for training thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria. CASSANDRA SIMMONDS

~ 61 ~

Think national premiership trainer Darren Weir, the powerful Aquanita operation, combined with a future generation of trainers in Henry Dwyer, Matt Cumani, Archie Alexander, Pat Cannon and now Michelle Payne. Think Ballarat - and it’s growing. It’s no longer just a city with a reputation for cold weather. Investment and innovation in training facilities such as the now renowned straight uphill synthetic training track depict the Ballarat Turf Club’s desire to establish their position as a future major training centre in the state. Having just completed its fifth running, the $200,000 Magic Millions Ballarat 2YO Clockwise Classic is the only race run in Victoria in the clockwise direction. The unique race was initiated to provide southern state trained two-year-olds

a genuine lead up opportunity to target the rich Magic Millions Raceday on the Gold Coast, gaining important race experience for those juveniles in the clockwise direction. The Clockwise race has become something of a racing tourist attraction in itself. “It’s undoubtedly increased the exposure of Ballarat Cup Day. The Clockwise Classic is a feature race of the program that racegoers and industry members alike want to watch, it’s not just Cup Day anymore,” said Ballarat Turf Club CEO Lachlan McKenzie. The winners of the first four editions of the Clockwise Classic have travelled north for the $2m Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic. It’s expected that the Tony McEvoy trained quinella from the 2016 renewal, in Despatch and Nistaan, will now follow a path towards Gold Coast glory in January. The state training

~ 62 ~

scorecard on the race’s honour roll comprises three Victorian trained horses and two winners trained from NSW. Ballarat trainers represent close to 40 two-year-olds holding first entries in the 2017 Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Indeed one of Ballarat’s newest training residents Matt Cumani - who sees Ballarat as Australia’s equivalent to Newmarket - made his first yearling purchases this year including lot 1 at the 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The filly by Newgate Farm’s Foxwedge from the General Nediym mare A Material Girl, was purchased to target the $500,000 Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus. Syndicated to a group of 20 females including 18 first time owners, the syndicate manager is Matt’s sister, Francesca Cumani. For the last four years, there has also been a secondary Magic Millions race

on the card, the $100,000 Magic Millions Ballarat 3&4YO Classic, run in the traditional Victorian left-handed direction. It has also proved to be a quality lead up race with the likes of Husson Eagle, Wild Rain, Murt the Flirt and Illustrious Lad going on to be highly competitive at the Gold Coast Raceday. Connections of Speedeor, the dominant victor of this year’s race trained by Darren Weir, have now set their sights on the $2m Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. Significantly 2014 saw the Ballarat Turf Club achieve stand-alone Saturday metropolitan status for the race meeting. Moving the race meeting from Sunday to Saturday, and the injection of over $1 million in prizemoney across the ten race program has been a game-changer, resulting in immeasurable gains for the Ballarat community, the Victorian racing industry and the Magic Millions brand. Attendance on Ballarat Cup Day is now approaching 14,000 people, a figure

Turning clockwise into

GOLD

benefit industry participants, especially clients of Magic Millions. It’s a great fit,” Cox added.

Clockwise race has become “ Thesomething of a racing tourist

attraction in itself. ”

In late December, the Magic Millions Race Series moves to Wyong, NSW, for its traditional final lead in to the grand final. Held three weeks before the Gold Coast Raceday, the timing of this meeting is ideal for those horses travelling onto Queensland. Over the last six years, three winners of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic have also won at Wyong – Capitalist, Unencumbered and Karuta Queen. If you look back further on the illustrious list of two-year-olds to win at Wyong, you will find such superstars as Snitzel and Not a Single Doubt. The Magic Millions Wyong 3&4YO Stakes also provides a quality lead

that has increased approximately 112% over the last three years. This combined with healthy wagering increases to a total turnover of almost $37 million (up 8%), represent a thriving raceday in terms of both participation and the industry’s bottom line.

up option to races including the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m), Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) and Magic Millions Cup (1400m). In recent years, Group One winner Sweet Idea was able to win this race en route to her 3YO Guineas victory.

Magic Millions is delighted to be a supporter of Ballarat Cup Day and to have played a role in assisting the Club being awarded a Saturday metropolitan timeslot.

For further detailed information on the national program of races in the Magic Millions Race Series and how to participate visit: magicmillions.com.au/program-of-races/

“The raceday has established itself on the calendar and has grown enormously over the last few years. It’s exciting for us and our clients to be part of a genuine enthusiasm for racing. It’s important for us to support the growth of the industry at this level,” said Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox. “We pride ourselves on being an innovative company and the team at the Ballarat Turf Club are constantly working to bring new ideas to us that

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Kiyomi

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World Class

a culinary delight KATRINA PARTRIDGE

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Arguably one of the Gold Coast’s foremost dining experiences awaits you at Kiyomi. Restaurant Executive Chef Chase Kojima and Chef de Cuisine Adam

Kiyomi’s menu is divided into sections: Sashimi and Raw, Izakaya

Lane have united their diverse talents around the delicious flavour

and small plates, Tempura and Fried, Binchotan and Grill, Sushi

Umami that celebrates unique yet simple combinations which bring

and Sashimi, Salad and Soup. It is a menu suitable to be shared.

the natural flavours of the produce to life. Critics have been left

The chefs’ passion for pursuing unique flavour combinations makes

searching for the appropriate adjectives; Kiyomi won a chef’s hat

for an unforgettable dining experience and not surprisingly has

at the 2016 Brisbane Times GFG Awards after only being open six

resulted in remarkable reviews from industry, media and local and

months, and then retained that status at the 2017 Brisbane Times

international guests.

GFG Awards.

“It just has to be the freshest and the best that we can source. We

Lane says that the changing culture of the Gold Coast has allowed a

don’t do too much to our food - we let the produce speak for itself,”

restaurant such as Kiyomi to entrench its place on the local landscape.

says Lane.

“The Gold Coast has changed a lot in recent years and the biggest

“We have a great rapport with our suppliers be it fruit and vegetables

change has been in the food and the destinations for food. I’ve lived

or seafood suppliers. I am in contact with them twice or three times

here just over 3 years and noticed a huge change even in that period.

a day to see what’s coming into season or what we may not be using

That stems from the clientele as well. They expect better quality and

but could be so for example we have recently trialled some organic

know what they want. People are becoming more educated through

local duck breast. I do like to get local produce. There is also great

travel or simply dining through the region and there is a lot more

produce from the farmers in the region - we get micro herbs from

variance in the restaurants that are now open 2 or 3 times a week

Mt Tamborine for example but we are also looking for the best so if

offering good quality food.”

that means we need to bring product in from Japan or our beef from

The muted tones of the restaurant interior with its selection of private

Northern NSW then we do.”

side booths plus mid-restaurant tables pay homage to a rear UV-lit artwork by Tokyo-based Houxo Que – a Japanese street artist. It is a piece of art named for the restaurant; by definition Kiyomi being a rare Japanese citrus fruit, a hybrid of mandarin and sweet orange which so perfectly reflects the balance which is an integral part of Japanese-inspired cuisine.

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In the eighteen months since opening, Kiyomi has been extremely well received and has achieved a host of industry accolades including Best Prestige Restaurant at the 2015 Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence; Australia’s Best New Restaurant at the 2015 Savour Australia Restaurant and Caterers Awards for Excellence; gained international accolades at the global 2015 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, and Chef Chase was also named Chef of the Year at last year’s Australian Hotels Association Awards. The Goma Street dessert was recognised by the Good Food Guide as one of Queensland’s Best 10 Dishes of the Year for 2016, one of only two desserts to make the grade.

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Kiyomi World Class

a culinary delight

OCEAN TROUT SASHIMI, PICKLED WASABI, SMOKED YUZU [JAPANESE CITRUS] SOY

“There’s no use having the best food in the world if you don’t have the best service in the world”

“If you offer fine dining you must offer the experience,” Lane says. “There’s no use having the best food in the world if you don’t have the best service in the world and that all starts as you walk in the front door. It’s definitely a team effort at Kiyomi and there is no advantage to having a strong back of house if you don’t have a strong front of house. Here we work well as a team and being such a young restaurant we are still learning about our clientele, what sells, and what people want on the Gold Coast. We strive for people to have the most amazing experience possible and a lot of hard work goes into that. We haven’t even been open 2 years and I am really proud of how we have evolved during that time.”

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Kiyomi World Class

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a culinary delight

SASHIMI MORIAWASE (SEASONAL ASSORTED SASHIMI): SALMON, KINGFISH, TUNA, SNAPPER, SCAMPI, SCALLOP, GROPER.

They may be a young team in some regards but in others

the bar you have Tom Angel (twice named as an Australian

they bring a legion of experience to the table. Chef Chase

Top 100 in the prestigious Diageo Reserve World Class

Kojima is internationally recognised. Born and raised

Bartending Competition, the biggest cocktail competition

in San Francisco he went on to lead kitchens for Nobu in

in the world) then in the kitchen – amongst a number of

Las Vegas, Dubai, London, Los Angeles and the Bahamas,

others – you’ll find young guns such as 23 year old Ben

before founding Sokyo restaurant at The Star in 2011. Adam

McShane who was recently named Top 6 in the Electrolux

Lane sharpened his knives at world renowned Japanese-

Quality of Excellence. As Lane says “It all brings new energy

inspired restaurants including Tetsuya’s, Nobu London,

into the team and we all work with each other and off each

and Sydney’s Sake before taking up his position at Kiyomi.

other and share ideas and create dishes with thought to new

Junior sous Chef Shintaro has 23 years of experience and is

ingredients so it is about the whole experience – the food,

an impassioned today as he was the day he started. Behind

the bar, and the people.”

KIYOMI IS LOCATED ON THE LOBBY LEVEL OF JUPITERS GOLD COAST AND IS OPEN FROM 5.30PM, MONDAY –SATURDAY. TO MAKE A BOOKING AT THE RESTAURANT, PLEASE CALL: (07) 5592 8100.

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Champion Australian 3yo

Front running winner of the W.S Cox Plate Gr1 and Australian Guineas Gr1

PEAK PERFORMANCE RATINGS FOR SNITZEL PROGENY

SHAMUS AWARD WANDJINA SNITZERLAND SIZZLING

Snitzel’s only dual Gr 1 winner and highest rated!

124 123 119 118

Champion 3yo Sprinter & Northern Meteor’s only dual Gr 1 winning son!

The fastest Group 1 winning 1200m sprinter in 2013/14

First crop yearlings on offer in 2017

Contact Antony Thompson, Derek Field Ryan McEvoy (0439 802 837) or Matt Comerford

ierro, P n a h t of foot r than n r u t r “Bette erates quicke ish colt!” freak accel A . e c i 3 Cho s 11/201 ’ / e 3 t r u a t o s Zou Red sidy on Jim Cas

Widden Stud Australia Pty Ltd, Widden Valley via Denman NSW 2328 T: +61 2 6549 9999 F: +61 2 6549 9900 E: info@widden.com W: www.widden.com

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Sales Day Faces LAUREN AND TROY CORSTENS AND FAMILY

MICK DITTMAN

MICHELLE PAYNE

ROB ROULSTON

SHEAMUS MILLS

BRAD SPICER

~ 70 ~

MICHAEL FREEDMAN,TERESA POON

ANDY WILLIAMS, ROY MOODLEY AND BRIAN BURNARD

ROBBIE WATERHOUSE

SIMON O’DONNELL AND MICHAEL KIRWAN

STUART RAMSEY

GARY MUDGWAY AND WENDY KELLY

ANTHONY CAVANAGH

PETER HOWELL

LIAM BIRCHLEY

APOLLO NG

BRIAN CHEGWIDDEN

STEVE JOSTLEAR

BERNADETTE COOPER

LUKE WILKINSON

BASIL NOLAN AND JOHN WARREN

ANTHONY MITHEN AND CLARK AND ED MCKEON

MANNY GELAGOTIS

TREVOR LOBB

TERRY HENDERSON

SAM HAYES

ALISON HODGES

DAMIAN SLOCUM, ROBERT SMERDON

MAX WHITBY AND MICK MALONE

ANTON AND MARGARET KOOLMAN

C LAI

ANDREW NOBLET, SHANE NICHOLS

BRETT HOWARD

CLARRY CONNERS

Top Buyers 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale JAMES MIDDLETON AND BRIDGET WOODFORD-SMITH

RICK JAMIESON

PAUL WILLETTS

BEN HAYES

ALAN BELL AND SIMON O’DONNELL TEO AH KHING

CHINA HORSE CLUB BOUGHT: 21 GROSS: $6,690,000 CHRIS AND MICHAEL WARD

PETER FORD AND ROBBIE GRIFFITHS

PETER O’BRIEN AND WAYNE BEDGGOOD

ANDREW REICHARD

BYRON COZMANIS

KELVIN BOURKE

PAUL MORONEY AND MIKE MORONEY

RON QUINTON

PETER MOODY AND JOHN SINGLETON

ROBERT HEATHCOTE

CHRIS WALLER

ANNE PANG, JOVY CHAN, DAVID CHESTER AND BARRY PANG

SHANE MCGRATH, JOHN KENNEALY AND TIM STAKEMIRE

SEAN ANDERSEN

CHRIS MUNCE

CAROLINE SEARCY

CLEM MURPHY

ALAN JONES AND JOHN MESSARA

SHANE NICHOLS AND MATHEW ELLERTON

BJORN BAKER

DUNCAN RAMAGE AND KERRY JORDON

~ 71 ~

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GAI WATERHOUSE BRYAN GUY AND WYLIE DALZIEL

SCOTT DARBY AND MARK HOLLAND

VIN COX AND ANDREW BENSLEY

JULIAN BLAXLAND

CIARON MAHER

MICHAEL FREEDMAN

DAVID PAYNE

DAVID O’CALLAGHAN

DAVID RAPHAEL

DAN MORTON

TOM MAGNIER

GARRY CUDDY AND JOHN MUIR

GAI WATERHOUSE / JULIAN BLAXLAND BOUGHT: 23 GROSS: $5,945,000

JAMES HARRON

JAMES HARRON BLOODSTOCK BOUGHT: 9 GROSS: $4,180,000 GARY MOORE

DAVID KOBRITZ AND DARREN MACKERETH

HENRY FIELD

IVAN ONN

JAMES BESTER

GERALD RYAN, CAMILLA & DAMION FLOWER AND FAMILY.JPG GREG KOLIVOS

JAMES CUMMINGS

ADAM PALMER AND ADAM SANGSTER, PAT CANNON AND CHRIS BELLI

JAMIE WALTER

RAY WILLIS

DEBBIE, PAUL AND LARA KEPITIS

JOHN SUNDERLAND

DAVID ELLIS

JADESKYE RACING / GERALD RYAN BOUGHT: 7 GROSS: $3,270,000

DR SEO, MR KIM, SAM LEE

PAUL PERRY

PAUL PERRY RACING BOUGHT: 12 GROSS: $2,972,500 KAIDEN AND TOMMY BERRY

~ 72 ~

ELLIOT WALDEN AND TOM RYAN

ERIC BUTLER AND NEVILLE MURDOCH

CHARLES AND BENNO YUNG

DAMON GABBEDY

CHARLIE, GRANIA, SCOTT AND ANGUS MCALPINE

ANGUS GOLD

SHADWELL AUSTRALASIA BOUGHT: 8 GROSS: $2,765,000 DEAN HARVEY

DESMOND KOH

COLM SANTRY

LIAM BIRCHLEY

CLIFF BROWN AND BRUCE SLADE

LITTLE HUNG

GLENN HERAN

FRANCESCA CUMANI AND ROB ARCHIBALD

CHENG TING KONG

SUN BLOODSTOCK BOUGHT: 14 GROSS: $2,750,000

GUY MULCASTER

DAVID JOICE AND DAVID PFIEFFER

DAVE MEE AND MIKE Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DONNELL

DENISE MARTIN

DEAN HAWTHORNE AND PETER MORGAN

JOHN HOLLOWAY

JOHN HUTCHINS

JASON MCLACHLAN

JOHN LEDGER

JOHN CORNISH

YUESHENG ZHANG, DANEY XU AND AMY FENG

JOHN FOOTE

STAR THOROUGHBREDS BOUGHT: 15 GROSS: $2,285,000

RICK CONNOLLY AND TOM KELLY

KACY FOGDEN

AQUIS FARM BOUGHT: 19 GROSS: $2,360,000 GARY KENNEWELL

KATE HALLAM

KELSO WOOD

KEVIN CONNOLLY AND YP CHENG

LEE FREEDMAN

~ 75 ~

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GARY PORTELLI, CATHY HAINS AND PETER LISTON

GEORGE AND JOHN MOORE

MARK PILKNGTON

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ERIC GUSTAVSON, NED TOFFEY AND B WAYNE HUGHES

SPENDTHRIFT AUSTRALIA BOUGHT: 4 GROSS: $2,085,000

GIRESH MELWANI, DAVID RAPHAEL AND SHAUN MELWANI

JIM KENNEDY, TONY SANTIC AND JAMES HARRON

GABBY MOLONEY AND JOE O’NEILL

TONY MCEVOY MATTHEW SMITH

PETER ORTON

BARBARA BANKE

HUBIE DE BURGH, IDA PYK AND ARCHIE ALEXANDER

GRANT KNOWLES AND ADRIAN TODD

RHYS BOND

LAURENCE EALES

MCEVOY MITCHELL RACING P/L BOUGHT: 11 GROSS: $1,985,000

RICKY YIU AND DEAN HAWKES

MARK RICHARDS

ROBBIE LAING

SAM WILLIAMS

JOHN MEAGHER, ROB CRABTREE AND DAN MEAGHER

SUSAN ARCHER

JON HASLER AND BO MORLEY

TEAM TYREEL

HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB BOUGHT: 7 GROSS: $1,895,000

MANFRED ROHWER

MICHAEL HAWKES,WAYNE HAWKES AND JOHN HAWKES

HAWKES RACING BOUGHT: 7 GROSS: $1,840,000 TONY NOONAN

~ 74 ~

TONY AND JANE GOLLAN

JOSH HUTCHINS, BRYCE HEYS AND WILLIAM BOURNE

JOHN CAMILLERI

JENNIFER AND ALAN ACTON

NICOLAS LEFEVRE AND LOUIS LE METAYER

MICK PRICE

NEVILLE STEWART

JENNY AND KEVIN MOSES

JOHN KENNEALLY, MIKE O’DONNELL

TRACIE MEADE AND ROB SLADE

TEAM YARRAMAN

FRANCIS COOK

JIMMY UNWALA

SUSAN AND RAY MONTAGUE

DAVID HENDERSON

NATHAN DUNN

PETER CARRICK

PHILLIP STOKES

JEREMY ROGERS AND MERRICK STAUNTON

TEAM BARAMUL

PAUL MESSARA MICHAEL WALLACE

JASON TIMPERLEY AND DAVID HAYES

JON FREYER, ANDY WILLIAMS AND JOHN WARREN

HIRO KAWASAKI, SHUNSUKE YOSHIDA AND YUSUKE TSUKAHARA

WALTER AND CATHY ALTERI

TREVOR LOBB AND RON QUINTON

JAMES O’BRIEN

KERRY GILLESPIE

DATO AND KYAN YAP

TEAM STRAWBERRY HILLS

TEAM KIA ORA

PETER NG AND JOSEPH CHOI

MARETTE FARRELL AND GAI WATERHOUSE

~ 77 ~

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CRAIG ROUNSEFELL

KINGSLEY PEACH

KIM WAUGH, BEV AND RALPH JOHNS, MARK WAUGH

KEN LOWE, LOUIS MIHALYKA, BRUCE SLADE, STEVE GRANT AND ALEX MIHALYKA

PAUL LAFFERTY AND PHIL GEORGIOU

KRIS AND EMERSON LEES

PETER STRONG AND BILLY XANTOS

MARK WALKER, JAMIE RICHARDS, HAMISH HAYES AND JULIA-ROSE ELLIS

THEO KIESER

MATT, LUCA, SARA, AND FRANCESCA CUMANI

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LEON CORSTENS

PADDY POWER, M.V.MAGNIER AND SEBASTIAN HUTCH

JOHN SINGLETON AND VENESSA MERRIN

SUMAN HEDGE, BYRON ROGERS AND ROBERT SMERDON

LINDY MAURICE, CHARLES KELLY, BOB GUTH AND RICHARD KELLY

~ 78 ~

DAVID KOK

BLAKE SHINN AND KEVIN MALONEY

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DARREN DANCE AND CHRIS BLOMELEY

MARK CHITTY AND ROYSTON MURPHY

GREG EURELL

JUSTIN BAHEN AND MICHAEL RAMSDEN

KELLY SCHWEIDA AND PETER TOWNSEND

HENRY DWYER

MIKE MANT AND DANNY WILLIAMS

DEC 3 DEC17 DEC31 JAN14

THE BIG FOUR! QUEENSLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW-LOOK SUMMER CARNIVAL

THE NEW-LOOK QUEENSLAND SUMMER RACING CARNIVAL IS HIGHLIGHTED BY 3 FEATURE LEAD-IN RACEDAYS IN BRISBANE, FOLLOWED BY $10M JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS RACEDAY ON THE GOLD COAST.

SAT DEC 3 - EAGLE FARM

SAT DEC 17 - DOOMBEN

SAT DEC 31 - EAGLE FARM $1.2M NYE RACEDAY

SAT JAN 14 - GOLD COAST $10M JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS

$300K+ Feature Race Prizemoney

$650K+ Feature Race Prizemoney

5 Black Type Races

9 Magic Millions Races

2 Black Type Races

6 Black Type Races

4 Magic Millions Wildcard Races

4 Summer Crown Races

3 Summer Crown Races

QUEENSLAND SUMMER RACING CARNIVAL

19 NOV 28 JAN

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From exclusive memberships to expansive fairways and

was facing a fried egg lie; Greg fanned the club open

scenery and its demand for total silence at the moment

on the backswing and hit mostly slice”. Not restricted

the player prepares to hit the ball the game of golf is

to earthly pursuits, in February 1971, astronaut Alan

held in almost religious reverence by many (certainly

Shepard smuggled a golf club and two golf balls on

the elderly Italian gentleman who practices his swing in

board Apollo 14 with the intent to golf on the Moon. He

front of the local bakery window every morning whilst

attempted two drives. He shanked the first attempt, but

awaiting his coffee).

it is estimated his second went more than 200 yards.

The game is believed to have originated in Scotland

Given golf’s popularity and the number of people within

in the 15th century. Like horse racing you assimilate

the racing industry who are drawn to it, what better

better if you speak the language:

“Tom caught a

than to ask a few well-known names to explain their

floater from the rough and hit his approach shot into

love of the game, particularly to those who may know a

the pond; when Susan reached the bunker she saw she

little less about this Olympic sport.

KATRINA PARTRIDGE

we’re talking about golf

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Derek Field, General Manager Widden Stud. Handicap - 3

How long have you played golf? About 40 years since I was 10 years old. What drew you to the game? I was too slow to play football, not tall enough to play basketball and not tough enough to play rugby. So the only sport left in our town was golf. Any Scottish heritage? I like whisky and Scotch finger biscuits Why do you think they call it a ‘handicap’? We all need some help when playing golf so instead of ‘cheating’ you deduct your handicap off the number of shots you have had for the round. It is supposed to make a bad golfer competitive with a good golfer. Non-golfers famously refer to the game as a great way to ruin a good walk. Thoughts? I don’t play golf in the rain or when it is too hot so I normally enjoy the walk and it is about the only exercise I get.

Do you have a caddy when you play? No How do you explain the clothes that golfers like to wear? It is like a fancy dress party. Some golfers wear the most outrageous clothes to play golf in. Many bright colours, stripes whatever you want. Anything goes. Describe golf to an alien. It’s a walk in a botanical garden with a steel club that is required to hit a 1” hard ball into a 4” hole that is 400 metres away. Have you ever had a hole in one? Yes, one at Gisbourne Golf Club in Victoria. I was playing with my wife and we were hitting straight into the sun. I thought it went towards the green but could not see where it landed. I searched all around the green and in the creek on the side of the green but couldn’t find it. After 10 minutes looking my wife went over to the hole and found the ball in the cup. What a surprise!! Your favourite thing about the game? You can play 17 bad holes and if you hit some good shots on the last it gets you back for another game. A

nice cool beer at the 19th is always a good way to finish the day. Best course you’ve played at? Pebble Beach, California Any course you’d love to play at? St Andrews, Scotland Any significant golf story you’d like to share? I was in Perth with my wife and 2yo son at the time and I wanted to have a hit of golf but my wife wanted me to mind our son while she went shopping. I got a golf cart, a drink and chips for him and off we went! On the 2nd hole it was a steep decent with a sharp turn at the bottom. Needless to say my son ended up in tears as he was hurled from the cart onto the concrete path. I did not get a very good reception from my wife when I got home. Any international golfer you’d aspire to be? Tiger Woods – a good all round player Any words of advice? To play golf you need patience, perseverance and a good sense of humour otherwise it can be demoralising!

Glyn Schofield, Group 1 winning jockey. Handicap - 9

“To play golf you

need patience, perserverance and a good sense of humour....” DEREK FIELD

~ 80 ~

How long have you been playing golf? About 20 years and my frustration with the game just increases each year. What drew you to the game? I thought it was a good way to avoid work around the house. Scottish heritage? Yes, I visit McDonald’s all the time. Why do you think they call it a ‘handicap’? Not sure but whoever came up with golf terminology and dress codes had a wicked sense of humour. Non-golfers famously refer to the game as a great way to ruin a good walk. Thoughts? Hire a cart. Do you have a caddy when you play? My wife offered once but she started telling me how to play. Now I go it alone. How do you explain the clothes that golfers like to wear? There’s no doubt Fashion Week paparazzi don’t flock to the golf course.

Describe golf to an alien. You need lots of money, must bet and have no ability. Ever got near to getting a hole in one? It was so close it nearly fell in. A bit like the big fish that got away. Your favourite thing about the game? I really enjoy the banter and company of both friends and people I’ve never met. Best course you’ve played at? Durban Country Club, South Africa. Any course you’d love to play at? St Andrews. Any international golfer you’d aspire to be? I’d just be happy for any pro to teach me how to beat Bowman! Any words of advice? Watch Hughey Bowman, he’s a natural.

SALE

Adelaide SSSSSSSSHHHHHHH weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about golf

Casts a spell

~ 81 ~

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Cooper Clydsdale For all those feeling at times overwhelmed by the combined purchasing power of the UAE, China, Ireland, Japan, the US and others … put your wallets away. The silent investor of the future may well be right in front of us swinging his custom made iron. Just 2 years of age (3 in December) he is already hitting the ball 60 yards. Tiger Woods could hit 70 yards at age 3. You do the math. Cooper’s Dad Warick takes over the story “Before he could walk Coop had a set of plastic clubs and he would sit there and hit the plastic balls as cleanly as you’d ever want to see.

When he started to walk he was a natural. His hand eye coordination is unreal. He goes out into the backyard on his own and hits the ball every day (he’s now using proper golf balls; hasn’t smashed a window – yet) and we try and get to the golf course every Sunday.” Scottish heritage? Clydsdale – Scottish through and through. Caddy? Dad Clothing? Cooper is beautifully turned out for a round of golf dressed in navy and white. How can there be this sudden

input of style on the golf course. Apparently you can’t buy tartan for 2 year olds. Best courses he’s played at? Scone and The Vintage (Pokolbin, NSW) With Dad a racing enthusiast and a needling suspicion that this youngster has the talent, will have the sponsors and a career you can say you read about here first, Magic Millions and indeed Australia may well have their ‘big gun’ investor for the future. (Steady up all you bloodstock agents, he can’t read yet so can’t sign anything!!)

Gerry Harvey –Proprietor Magic Millions. Handicap 27

How long have you been playing golf? Since I was 13. Scottish heritage? Yes, my mother is related to Robert Burns the poet. Why do you think they call it a ‘handicap’? I haven’t actually got an official handicap so used to give myself 20 then I went to 22 then 24; more realistically I’m 27. I’ve heard golf referred to as a way to ruin a good walk – would you agree? Absolutely – that’s why I go around in a cart. Do you have a caddy? No but I did have one once when I played at – what’s that famous course in Scotland – St Andrews – I got a caddy he would tell me where to hit it and I’d argue with him and he’d win every time because it’s a very strange course and you think you hit the ball one direction but you actually hit it in another so you need to have a caddy. How do you explain the clothes that golfers like to wear? I’ve never been guilty of the tartan but I did wear long socks for a long

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time because that is what you did and I used to wear spikes as you weren’t allowed to play if you didn’t. Now you’re not allowed to play with spikes because you pierce the grass and can carry grass diseases from one patch to the next and they figured that out after playing the game for a bit over a hundred years. Describe golf to an alien. It’s a very interesting game as you go out and you hit a little pill with a stick and you keep hitting it as few times as you can. You’d think the more you hit it the better your score and the better you’ve played so if you hit it 500 times you’ve got a fabulous score but instead if you hit it 50 that’s a better score. Have you ever got a hole in one? Never Ever got near to getting one? I’ve chipped in – you’re not on the green – you’re about 100m away and you hit it in from there. I’ve done that a few times. It’s nearly as good as a hole in one. One of your best shots? I was at Pebble Beach – one of best courses in the world – on the water at Carmel. One of my best shots was when I hit the ball and it went down a cliff 100 feet, hit a rock, then bounced back up and went on the green – one of my better shots!

Any words of advice? If you play at St Andrews get a caddy – you will never do any good there if you don’t.

SALE

SSSSSSSSHHHHHHH weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about golf

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CHRISTINE COOK ACCEPTS THE 2016 RACING WOMEN’S BONUS TROPHY FROM RACING WOMEN PATRON ZARA PHILLIPS MBE

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS . . . AND CHRISTINE CASSANDRA SIMMONDS

When Faraway Town crossed the line in sixth position in this year’s Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic, her group of eight female owners stood quietly together in the mounting yard proud of the way their filly finished off the race after being slow out of the barriers. It took about 60 seconds for that group of owners

Based on NSW’s Central Coast, Christine Cook

to ascertain that despite finishing sixth, 4.9 lengths

has been attending the Magic Millions Gold Coast

from the race winner, Faraway Town was the first

Yearling Sale with her husband most years since

horse home of five Magic Millions Racing Women’s

the late 1990s. After watching the first few years

Bonus eligible horses to contest the race.

of the Racing Women initiative, she decided to get

There were screams of delight and disbelief, there

involved. For the first time she signed the docket

were hugs and huge celebrations as the excited

when purchasing yearlings.

ladies collected the $325,000 first place Racing

According to Cook, initiatives such as Racing

Women’s Bonus in addition to race prizemoney of

Women not only inspire participation from new

$10,000. It was perhaps the most joyous response

owners but it also takes the mystery out of owning

for finishing sixth ever seen on a racetrack.

racehorses which can often seem daunting and

2016 was the fourth running of the Racing Women’s

overwhelming.

Bonus, the brainchild of Magic Millions co-owner

“It’s not about buying the most expensive horse

Katie Page-Harvey. The initiative continues to

and guaranteeing success, it’s about the fact that

flourish with a record 165 two-year-olds registered

you can buy at any price and experience the many

as targeting the Bonus in 2017, an increase of over

facets that are involved in getting it to the track.

32% from the previous year - which at the time

Many people don’t appreciate how much work

was also a record number of registrations.

goes into getting a horse to the races,” Cook tells.

Faraway Town’s managing owner Christine Cook

Prepared by Warwick Farm based trainer Matthew

has raced horses for over 20 years with her

Smith, Faraway Town is raced by Christine Cook

husband Francis Cook including part-ownership

with a group of ladies she met through racing

in Group One winners Preferment, Foreteller and

another horse with Smith called Zin Zan Eddie,

Moriarty. However it was the launch of the Magic

including Melissa Smith, Matthew’s wife, plus

Millions Racing Women’s initiative that provided

two new clients that the trainer introduced to the

Cook with the inspiration that she could also race

female syndicate.

horses without her husband.

Pleasingly, all of Faraway Town’s owners have

“What Katie [Page-Harvey] has done for women in

reinvested in racehorse ownership.

racing is just brilliant. To see the success in the

To cap off an incredible two-year-old season, the

first year with the all-female owned horse also

daughter of Not a Single Doubt added a significant

winning the race – it was the first time you saw

Group One placing to her pedigree by running third

women front and centre in a major race. Women

in ATC Sires’ Produce behind Yankee Rose. The

are not just the handbags or the wife,” Christine

filly resumed her three-year-old campaign with a

Cook explains.

third placing in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes at

The Cooks’ first foray into ownership resulted in

Randwick.

the winner of the 1993 Gimcrack Stakes, a filly

However Faraway Town is not the only Racing

called Warning Siren, who aptly won the race on

Women success story for Cook. She is also one of

protest. Since that time racehorse ownership has

11 female owners of the Group Two Furious Stakes

become part of their lives, regularly purchasing

and Group Two Tea Rose Stakes winner Foxplay.

two to three inexpensive yearlings per year.

FOXPLAY

FARAWAY TOWN

Syndicated by Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds

“Once you get started, you chase the inevitable

and trained by Chris Waller, Foxplay was registered

dream,” Cook reveals.

for the Racing Women’s initiative but unfortunately did not make it to the Magic Millions after being a “very naughty 2YO” according to Cook.

GLOBAL GLAMOUR

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FARAWAY TOWN’S OWNERS RECEIVING THE PRESENTATION FOR THE 2016 RACING WOMEN’S BONUS

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS SYNDICATE CELEBRATE THE MRC THOUSAND GUINESS WIN WITH GLOBAL GLAMOUR

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS . . . AND CHRISTINE The now three-year-old Global Glamour is raced by 33 women from around the globe under the banner of It’s All About The Girls syndicate. Already a dual Group One winner in just five starts, the fairy tale continues for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained filly after back to back elite triumphs in the Flight Stakes and Thousand Guineas. The sole motivation behind the purchase of Global Glamour from the Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2015 was the Magic Millions Racing Women’s program. The Bonus motivated two female international bloodstock auction-house representatives in Anna Seitz (Fasig Tipton, USA) and Elaine Lawlor (Goffs, Ireland) to get involved and purchase a yearling with the advice of bloodstock agent James Bester, to attract female owners worldwide. The ownership includes prominent women from the USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Malaysia and Australia. News of the filly’s first Group One win made world racing headlines, even on Arc Day in France. Not quitting whilst they are ahead, the It’s All About The Girls syndicate purchased another filly earlier this year to target at the 2017 Bonus - named Invincible Glamour. Also participating in the Racing Women’s Bonus for 2017 is Christine Cook. She is involved in three all-female syndicates racing fillies, two by Faraway Town’s sire Not a Single Doubt and another by first season sire Pierro. From the 1990s to the current day, Christine Cook has seen an extraordinary change in the acceptance of women in the industry via initiatives such as Racing Women. She believes women are integral to the sustainability of racing.

so nervous,” Cook says.

“We have female trainers, female jockeys, female racing administrators, female racing journalists. There is no reason women should not be comfortable buying horses. There is not a place in racing that women can’t be,” Cook asserts.

Another Magic Millions Racing Women registered

On Satuday 14 January 2017, could it literally be

horse which did not make this year’s 2YO Classic

ladies day with Faraway Town versus Foxplay versus

is possibly one of the most remarkable ownership

Global Glamour in the $2 million Gold Coast Magic

stories in racing.

Millions 3YO Guineas? You can bet on it.

Proving there is still a lot of enjoyment to be had even if your horse doesn’t get to the Magic Millions 2YO, Foxplay was crowned winner of the 2016 ATC Princess Series with victories in two Group Two races this Spring, prior to a gallant fourth in the Group One Thousand Guineas. “I cried when Foxplay won the Furious Stakes. I was

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JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC 1200m (RL)

CAPITALIST (Written Tycoon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kitalpha (Fusaichi Pegasus))

Trainer: Peter & Paul Snowden Jockey: Blake Shinn Time: 1:09.29 Margin: 2.5 L Vendor: Daandine Stud Buyer: James Harron Bstk / Snowden Racing Price: $165,000 Owners: James Harron Bloodstock Colts, Newgate S F, Horse Ventures, Mrs B C Bateman, Doyles Breeding & Racing, Rockingham Thoroughbreds, J A & Mrs F A Ingham, Love Racing, D & L Alford, Dr M A Holland, G1G Racing & Breeding & D Saab

GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS 3YO GUINEAS 1400m (RL)

MAHUTA (Flying Spur â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vahine (Zabeel))

Trainer: Darren Weir Jockey: Brad Rawiller Time: 1:21.57 Margin: 1 L Vendor: Redbank North Buyer: Darren Weir Price: $35,000 Owners: Roll The Dice, N Gottlewski, G Buchan, B Stonehouse, D Anderson, J Rullo, H Norton, G Moss, B Grace, S Mckenzie, T Samuel, D Parkinson, W W W Racing, Sixlands & National Queen

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MAGIC MILLIONS COUNTRY CUP 1200m

WAR JET (War Pass – Navica (Snowland))

Trainer: Joe Cleary Jockey: Noel Callow Time: 1:08.91 Margin: 2.3L Vendor: Widden Stud Buyer: Richard Stachow Sale Price: $45,000 Owners: R M Stachow, R M Johnson, A J Mcculloch, C J Cummins, A W Branson, A L Eglen, P M Nati & M Tarlinton

MAGIC MILLIONS FILLIES AND MARES QUALITY 1300m

I AM ZELADY

(I Am Invincible – Zelady (Zeditave)) Trainer: Joseph Pride Jockey: Tim Clark Time: 1:15.06 Margin: 2L Vendor: Yarraman Park Buyer: Sam Kavanagh Sale Price: $80,000 Owners: T J Robertson, K B Wells, P C Thompson, Mr R Canceri, Mrs J Canceri, Mrs E A Robertson, J W Burch,B D Gill & Mills Breeding (Mgr: T R Mills)

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MAGIC MILLIONS CUP 1400m (RL)

LUCKY HUSSLER

(Husson – Talaq Dancer (Black Hawk (GB)))

Trainer: Darren Weir Jockey: Glen Boss Time: 1:20.43 Margin: 1.5 L Vendor: Monarch Stud Buyer: Valley View Heights MGT Services PTY LTD Price: $100,000 Owners: G I Makauskas, Mrs C I Makauskas, Mrs P F Makauskas, C S Gall, Mrs S A Gall, Mrs C P Cook, B Gall & E C Gall

MAGIC MILLIONS TROPHY 1800m

TINTO (Red Dazzler – Truly Brave ( Brave Warrior ))

Trainer: Rex Lipp Jockey: Damian Browne Time: 1:47.36 Margin: 0.1L Vendor: Eureka Thoroughbreds Buyer: PSD $12,000 Sale Price: Reserve $15,000 Owners: Mrs G A Mcalpine & Mrs A Raff

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MAGIC MILLIONS MAIDEN PLATE 1200m

WOLF CRY (Street Cry – Starfish (Redoute’s Choice) )

Trainer: Peter & Paul Snowden Jockey: Blake Shinn Time: 1:09.14 Margin: 3L Vendor: Amarina Farm Buyer: James Bester / Astute Bstk Sale Price: $320,000 Owners: J A R Bester, R Mcclure, Mrs B M Mcclure, P C Mcclure, A Oman, L M Macri, R A Scarborough, Emmaroo Bloodstock (Mgr: Mrs C J Murray) & Selworthy Enterprises Pty Ltd (Mgr: P C Barnett)

MAGIC MILLIONS QTIS OPEN 1300m

BUFFERING (Mossman – Action Annie (Anabaa))

Trainer: Robert Heathcote Jockey: Damian Browne Time: 1:15.00 Margin: 1.5L Vendor: Racetree Buyer: Paul Willets Sale Price: $22,000 Owners: Mrs V Heathcote, Mr S A Krslovic, Mr C A Moore, Mr C A Lord, Crafty Racing, Aspariamo Racing, Mr B W Harry, Mr R S Ciobo, Mr D Merola

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MAGIC MILLIONS SPRINT 1100m

HUSSON EAGLE

(Husson – Tie Me Up (Royal Academy)) Trainer: Patrick Payne Jockey: Michelle Payne Time: 1:01.74 Margin: 1 L Vendor: Patinack Farm Buyer: Prime Thoroughbreds Sale Price: $42,500 Owners: J V O’Neill, Power Thoroughbreds, P N Smith, Miss A C Sutherland, Ms D Twiss, T J Woods, P E Webb, Teralba & Paccam Racing Syndicate (Mgr: C Frayne)

MAGIC MILLIONS RACING WOMEN’S BONUS

FARAWAY TOWN (Not a Single Doubt – London Calling (Dehere))

Trainer: Matthew Smith Jockey: Jason Collett Vendor: Bell River Thoroughbreds Buyer: Mystery Downs Sale Price: $200,000 Owners: Mrs C M Cook, Mrs K J Gorry, Mrs J Cook, Mrs L A Wilbers, Ms S A Sproats, Mrs V N Brophy, Mrs M A Smith & Mrs C M Dorman

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JOIN US AT

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Join us on Wednesday 11 January for an exclusive shopping night at Pacific Fair. Sip on champagne and shop Luxury and Australian Fashion brands from 6pm-9pm. This event is exclusively hosted for Magic Millions. Pacific Fair is Queensland’s prestige shopping and dining destination and home to an expansive collection of luxury boutiques, iconic global brands and leading Australian fashion and lifestyle stores. With over 400 stores, Pacific Fair is open 7 days a week and conveniently located at Broadbeach, in the heart of the Gold Coast. Register your name and number of attendees via: info@magicmillions.com.au www.pacificfair.com.au

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PACIFIC FAIR

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Launch Party

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Raceday Social

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VICTORIA. THE STATE TO BREED, OWN AND RACE. SUPER VOBIS NOMINATIONS FOR 2015-BORN FOALS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY

Join the Conversation @RacingInsider #VOBIS #VOBISGold

With more than $20m in prizemoney and bonuses on offer across Victoria’s lucrative Super VOBIS and VOBIS Gold incentive schemes - look for the logo and share in the rewards! Only Super VOBIS yearlings can be nominated to VOBIS Gold. For more information visit owner.racing.com Super VOBIS nominations for 2015-born foals close Wednesday 1 February 2017 VOBIS Gold nominations for 2015-born foals close Thursday 31 August 2017 Super VOBIS late nominations* close Thursday 31 August 2017 *incur additional fees

Racing Victoria 400 Epsom Road, Flemington VIC 3031 T 03 9258 4694 F 03 9258 4326 E vobis@racingvictoria.net.au W owner.racing.com

Project1_Layout 1 28/11/2016 2:00 pm Page 1

WOMEN O RRACE FOR O

FAR RAW WA AYY TOWN

GLOBAL GL G AM MOUR Star Witness – Specctacula

Foxwedge – Butters

2016 MAG M GIC MILLIONS RACING WOM MEN N’S BONUS WINNER Traaineer: Matthew Smith Eaarnings: $572,000

ATTC FLIGHT STA AK KES GR1 & MRC THOUSAND GUINEA G AS GR1 Trainer: Gai Waterhouse h & Adrian Bott Earnings: $648, $ ,500

ATTC TEA ROSE STA AKES GR2 G & ATTC FURIOUS STA AKES GR2 G Trainer: Chris Walleer Earnings: $334,810 0

Mrs C M Co ook,, Mrs K J Gorr y,, Mrs J Cook, Mrs L A Wilbers, W Ms S A Sproats, Mrs V N Brophy,, Mrs M A Smith, Mrs C M Dorman

It’s All About The T Girlss No 1, It’s All About The T Girls No 2

Mrs C M Cook, Mrs J L Van Buyynder,, Mrs T A Schwanke, Mrs M K McLeishh, Mrs R A Glasgow,, Mrs M E Wood, Mrs H A Aurisch, Boeara Holdings (Mgr: Ms D A Dunnphy, Mrs M TG Johnston, Ms R E Crane, Ms K M Wood

Not A Siinglee Doubt – London Calling

FOXPLAYY

Purch hasse a yearling at the e 2017 Magic Millionss Ye ea arling Sale Series a and be in the race fo or th he $500,000 $ , Racing g Women n’s Bonus in 2018. To b be eligible, the horse m must be 100% owned d or leased by female es and nominated to the e Magic Millionss Rac ce Series.*

$10 MILLIO ON JEEP MAG G C MILLIONSS RACEDA GIC AYY FEATTURING THE $500,000 R RACING WOMEN’’S BONUS

*Conditions app ply. To be eligible a separate Bonus Registra ation must also be completed & submitted d to Magic Millions by 1 September 2017.

www.magicmillions.com.au

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A DAY OF POLO

in Paris KIMBERLEE OO

In the lead-up to the very first polo match at the 2017 Magic Millions event, we go behind-thescenes on a special Vogue and GQ photo shoot in Paris. On a warm sunny day back in July, I went along to a Magic Millions photo shoot to interview ambassadors Francesca Cumani, Nic Roldan and Alejandro Novillo Astrada for Vogue and GQ. The shoot was taking place in a beautiful light-filled loft in the trendy

11ème

arrondissement,

with

multicultural crew from around the world. After some Franglish-style introductions between the French hair and make-up team and the English-speaking photographers and stylists, we were welcomed with a wonderfully French buffet breakfast – buttery croissants and viennoiseries, glasses of jus d’orange pressé, and fresh fruit from the morning market. Francesca, one of Australia’s most popular horseracing hosts, personalities and style icons, was the first to arrive, looking freshfaced and effortlessly chic, ready for the big day ahead. As she got settled in the make-up chair, we started chatting about her trip over from Australia. I’m originally from Sydney, but I’ve been living in Paris for 4.5 years now, so I’m all too familiar with the dreaded longhaul trip. A new mum to baby Harry, who was only three months old at the time, Francesca had bravely tackled the 24-hour flight with her baby and husband, Australian polo champion Rob Archibald, in tow. Luckily for her (and the other passengers) everything had gone off without a hitch, with Harry sleeping most of the way. We inevitably started talking about life in France – it turns out that Francesca, who was born in the UK, actually spent a few years studying in both France and Argentina. We compared notes about Parisian life – our favourite restaurants, tourist attractions and, of course, shops. July happens to be the sale period in France, so she was excited to hit the boutiques and stock up on Parisian baby clothes for the first time. (FYI, couture childrenswear label Bonpoint was high on her list!)

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Bright, bubbly and extremely articulate, Francesca was a dream to interview. She spoke passionately about her involvement with Magic Millions and admitted she was slightly nervous about her upcoming polo exhibition match in January, which will see her going mallet-tomallet against her husband and several other professional players. When I told her that women around the country often looked to her for style inspiration, she laughed and blushed, whispering that she had a lot of help from her stylists. However, it was obvious from her casual-chic dress-and-sneaker combo that she didn’t need that much help at all! She was graceful and poised at all times, but also refreshingly open and down to earth. After our interview, she went to get changed for the shoot, slipping into an elegant black beaded Giorgio Armani dress and heels. By this stage, her fellow Magic Millions ambassadors, American polo champion Nic Roldan and Argentinian Alejandro Novillo Astrada had arrived and donned their classic Ralph Lauren polos and white jeans. Together, they posed like pros, with the boys looking up admiringly at horseracing’s leading lady for the Vogue shoot. Next up was the GQ feature with Nic and Alejandro. Both men have been blessed with model looks and sport the fit physiques of professional athletes. Clearly driven both on and off the field, Nic was also a pleasure to interview and incredibly humble, given all his achievements. Born in Florida, Nic turned professional at just 14, and went on to become the youngest player to win the US Open Polo Championship a year later. He definitely knows a thing or

After everyone was happy with the photos, we were

two about his sport and showed me that polo is far from

rewarded with an Instagram-worthy lunch spread of

the aristocratic, high-brow sport that many think it is. He

French quiches, healthy salads, baguettes and cake

was excited and eager for the game to be introduced to

from the local boulangerie. We swapped stories about

Magic Millions, and a proud advocate of changing people’s

life all around the world, and traded tips on what to do

perception of polo, which was one of the many reasons he

and where to go on the Gold Coast. Then, after a few last

signed on as a Magic Millions ambassador.

minute touch-ups, we were done for the day, with Nic,

I also spoke to Alejandro, who was sweet and charming

Alejandro and Francesca rushing off to catch the last

with a soft lilting Spanish accent. Like Nic, he was keen

rays of Parisian sun.

to break the stereotypes surrounding polo and looking

If you want to see the final shoots, download the October 2016 issue of Vogue and the November 2016 issue of GQ on the App Store, or visit vogue.com.au and gq.com.au.

forward to his upcoming trip to the Gold Coast. After talking all things horse-related, we took a break from interviews so the boys could get suited up for their GQ shoot. Dressed in Ralph Lauren velvet trousers and blazer, Nic laughed that it was a far cry from his usual white jodhpurs and knee guards, while Alejandro was every part the modernday gentleman in head-to-toe Giorgio Armani. The two were no strangers to the camera, looking just as natural posing on the couch as they do on horseback.

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A DAY OF POLO

in Paris

NEED HIGH RES OF THIS

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Melanie Sharpe and Queensland hero Buffering have been true to form when it comes to Australia’s enduring affection for the champion-strapper relationship.

It was a few days before the Manikato, the flagship sprint of the 2016 Cox Plate carnival, and Buffering, the rousing, ragtag old hero of the Australian turf, was battened down against an unseasonably cool October, even for Melbourne. He was vying for an eighth Gr1 victory, made more remarkable by it being his thirty-fifth Gr1 effort. But then, Buffering was nine years old. The Manikato Stakes would be start number 55. That he was still plying his trade on the top shelf of horse racing was phenomenal. The old gelding had opened his book at Doomben in March 2010, and between that day and the 2016 Manikato, he had run into Black Caviar three times, Hay List four times, and when those two had gone there was Lankan Rupee and Chautauqua. Buffering had run in three countries, four different Australian states, and tallied $7.2 million in earnings. It wasn’t bad for a gelding that cost $22,000 as a Magic Millions yearling. He had paid himself off 331 times over.

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BEING JESSICA OWERS

WITH BUFF ~ 113 ~

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Melanie Sharpe thought about this only occasionally, because when you tend any horse in training, you hardly have the time to be sentimental. The likeable, pale-haired 27-year-old is Buffering’s strapper, and the racing manager and travelling foreman for Eagle Farm-based trainer Robert Heathcote. Heathcote had had Buffering since the horse’s debut at Doomben six years before (which he won), and Sharpe had been at Buffering’s side for the last two, arguably his best, years.

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“Buffering, the $22,000 yearling from Innisplain, Queensland, had climbed onto a podium that few Australian horses ever reach.”

She knows the horse intimately. High withered, 16 hands high, 510-kilogram racing weight. “Rob often refers to him as a drag star because he’s got that big backside on him,” Sharpe says. “He’s different, not your average-looking racehorse. He’s got a fair bit of lump about him, and he’s a grot. He’ll pee and poo wherever. That’s just him. He doesn’t care.” Few airs, no graces, Buffering had been a darling of the Australian turf since he broke his Gr1 maiden in the 2013 Manikato. It was a popular victory, in part because of the public sympathy for any sprinter going around in the Black Caviar era, but also because it had taken the horse 17 attempts to land a top prize. After that he won the VRC Sprint Classic, Moir Stakes (twice), Winterbottom Stakes (twice) and Magic Millions Plate. Heathcote had travelled Buffering to Sha Tin for the Hong Kong Sprint in December 2014, where the horse finished sixth behind Aerovelocity, but as an eight-year-old in 2015, the gelding’s tail was up. He was going too well to stay at home. “Prior to the Moir [of October 2015], Rob mentioned Dubai to me,” Sharpe says. “He said we had to keep the horse sound and keep him happy, and if he could win another race we’d be going. Then Buff went on to win the Winterbottom and Magic Millions, and that was it.” A famous episode had begun for the Australian pair. It was a given that Sharpe would travel to the 2016 Dubai World Cup with Buffering. “It was an unreal given,” she says. Her diarised Twitter account became a popular attraction. Sharpe, a former jockey and accomplished rider, with state-level decorations in pony club and eventing, is an ideal travelling foreman for the reason that she can do everything – ride, strap, treatments. “I’m like a combo deal,” she says. In Dubai, when everything went to plan and Buffering settled into the sandy surrounds of Meydan like he’d been there all his life, history followed. Under Damian Browne, he won the Al Quoz Sprint by three-quarters of a length, with the likes of Peniaphobia, Not Listenin’tome and Sole Power in his wake. “We were just happy to be there,” Sharpe says. “But when he won, we were overwhelmed.”

from Sharpe’s interesting backstory. Born in Gosford, New South Wales, she followed her parents to Far North Queensland at the age of five, and enjoyed a bush childhood that Australia is so known for – hot, scrubby country, her

Buffering, the $22,000 yearling from Innisplain, Queensland, had

own pony at the age of nine, freedom. She was a confident equestrienne,

climbed onto a podium that few Australian horses ever reach. His

something her mother embraced and encouraged, even as it became just the

strapper had become used to the attention before the Meydan

two of them when the marriage failed. “I’m an only child. We had nine horses

victory, but following it, it was almost relentless. “I got used to it,

in the back paddock with 20 acres. I wasn’t spoiled much,” she jokes. “My

in terms of being noticed” she says. “I enjoyed it, but I didn’t reach

mum gave me the option at 15 to stay in school or go to Brisbane to be an

out for it. It’s nice to be recognised for hard work, but strappers,

apprentice jockey. What’s a 15-year-old kid going to do, but of course go off

trackwork riders... we don’t get as much recognition as jockeys

to be a jockey.”

and trainers, and that’s just the way it is.”

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That might be a pragmatic Queensland attitude, or it might be one cultivated

BEING WITH BUFF

Sharpe’s first introduction to racing came with a school-time gig at

Off the back of Buffering’s glittering Meydan victory, the pair headed

Cornlands Stud in Far North Queensland, but as an apprentice in big

to Sha Tin, but the gelding was last in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize

smoke Brisbane she tasted the drama and the dirt of competitive racing,

in May. Chautauqua, the other Australian, was too good. Sharpe

and it didn’t last as long as she might have hoped. “I was young and I fell

partly blames herself. She says she rolled her ankle and got food

into the world of fun and fame, and I wasn’t focused or dedicated,” she

poisoning and, as a result, her star was undercooked. Buffering was

says. “If I could do it all again I would do it so differently.”

lame returning to scale, and scoped so poorly that Heathcote was

Sharpe had about 160 rides in her short two-year career for 17 winners,

unsure if he’d race again. But he did, returning to Moonee Valley in

and suddenly faced with so much youth and a new career choice, she

the Australian spring for another tilt at the Moir (he ran fifth), and

headed into the training yards of Heathcote, then south to Melbourne

onwards to the Manikato the night before the 2016 Cox Plate.

for a time before rejoining Heathcote, and Buffering, in 2014. “I don’t necessarily regret finishing riding,” she says. “I’ve seen a lot more things since then.”

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BEING WITH BUFF

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At start number 55, it was inevitable Sharpe would wonder if each race would be the gelding’s last hurrah. She and Heathcote were hoping that Buffering, the old warrior, would rediscover his punch, yet the young strapper was realistic about it going the other way. “It will be a sad day when he retires, but it will be good. Everyone needs to stop at some point,” she said. “Buff has given me so much. He has helped me to get to where I am, and made me feel a bit more appreciated. It’s all about him at the moment.” The night of the Manikato meeting, Melbourne’s sun dropped and the temperature followed like a stone. They were assaulted by the cold. Chautauqua was there, English too, along with the Godolphin globetrotter Holler, and Buffering did everything he normally would. But Heathcote would later say he couldn’t see it in the horse’s eyes anymore; the fight just wasn’t there. Buffering was retired after an unplaced run in the Manikato, and that was finally that. “It’s a sad time and we’ll miss him, but he’s done a super job,” said Sharpe. “Big green pastures for the old boy from here on.” It might have come sooner than she was expecting, but Buff’s retirement is hardly the end for Melanie Sharpe. Her career is not a one-horse race. She’ll tell you that in fact Hopfgarten is her favourite, a horse she calls “Nugget” and one that, like Buffering, was a Magic Millions cheapie at $26,000. When the spring is done, she’ll return home to Brisbane where her three cats are waiting, and where her valiant mother, who suffered a stroke some years ago, is in a care facility. Like most of us, Sharpe has her burdens. But she has ambitions too.

BUFFERING (AUS) 2007 b g Mossman (AUS) – Action Annie (AUS), by Anabaa (USA) Trainer: Robert Heathcote Career: 55 starts, 20 wins, 17 placings Prizemoney: AUD $7.3 million 7 Gr1 wins, 13 times Gr1 placed, 35 overall Gr1 starts 13 Gr wins, 16 times Gr placed, 47 overall Gr starts Major wins: 2016 Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint, Meydan 2015, 2014 Gr1 2012 Gr2 Moir Stakes, Moonee Valley 2015, 2013 Gr1 Winterbottom Stakes, Ascot (Western Australia) 2013 Gr1 VRC Sprint Classic, Flemington 2013 Gr1 Manikato Stakes, Moonee Valley 2012 Gr2 Schillaci Stakes, Caulfield 2011 Gr2 BRC Victory Stakes, Eagle Farm 2010 Gr2 Roman Consul Stakes, Randwick • Foaled 5 November 2007, Racetree (now Sun Stud, formerly Eliza Park), Innisplain, Queensland • Lot 192, $22,000 yearling April 2009, Magic Millions Gold Coast QTIS 600 sale

“My mum taught me a lot of values,” she says. “You’ve got to work hard for your money. If you want something, you don’t just get it handed to you.” Her eventual ambition is to have a pre-training facility, and Buffering, with all the attention he brought them both for so long, might have pushed her gently closer to that goal.

• Purchased by bloodstock agent Paul Willetts (syndicated) • Buffering was one of four Mossman yearlings at that sale, fetching the second-highest price for the stallion (highest was $32,000)

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No safety razors here gentleman... only the finest shaving cream and straight edge razors.

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Styling Sophisticated KATRINA PARTRIDGE

Sink into a restored 19th century barber’s chair (oh, for its stories…), keep an eye on the score as sport is broadcast from around the globe or simply enjoy the exceptional music mix that sets the mood. Brothers Alen and Denis Celahmetovic (actually first cousins) decided 14 years ago that men, like women, needed a dedicated space where they could have their hair cut. “We wanted a space to focus on what we love doing and do what we specialise in,” says Alen. “So we wanted an old traditional barber shop. If someone had said we would need

Step inside Barber Bros & Co and step back in time with its exposed brickwork, vintage tiles, timber, enamelled lights and even a 100-year-old cash register.

a manager, 15 staff and have 700 clients coming through the front door a week a couple of years down the track I would never have believed them.” “We see ourselves as part of an evolving culture,” says Denis. “Walk into a modern male bathroom nowadays and there is little difference from walking into its female equivalent in terms of the range of grooming products on the countertop. As a result we get a lot of clients from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as well as from the Gold Coast who have heard about this place because we understand that men want a premium grooming experience. “

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“When we started no one had a comb, the messier the hair the better it was supposed to look”, Denis says. “People now come in with a comb or a brush in their pockets and say ‘this is how I like to do my hair’. We are all about keeping it really clean and really classic. The haircuts speak for themselves.” It’s just after 9am and the day is young. The outside courtyard is sun drenched and groups of men lounge and laugh at a shared joke. Later in the day many will enjoy their complimentary Corona or Jack Daniels as they await their haircut or hot towel shave but for the majority at this hour it’s a barista prepared coffee. In a world where laptops and iPads dominate it’s uncanny to see a sudden lack of them. People are communicating face to face and feeling so much better for doing so. “The experience is everything,” says Denis.

“We

encourage people to come and just hang out. Get away for an hour, half an hour, or 2 hours. Have a cold beer, have a chat, enjoy your hair cut and leave the problems outside for a bit. We don’t take appointments so when the doors open no one is in a rush and men feel at home.” Whilst women are welcome this is – let’s face it - a male domain but it’s the epicentre of every woman’s fantasy:

the

clean

shaven/well-groomed

male

emerging smelling like heaven itself with his expertly applied pomade and after shave. Make no mistakes here - this is a win-win situation. Barber Bros is open 7 days (Monday to Wednesday 9am - 5pm, Thursday 9am - 8pm, Friday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm, Sunday 9am - 3pm) For the ladies: In love with his look or what aftershave or pomade he came home wearing? Barber Bros stock 20 to 30 brands of the highest quality in their online store hand selected by Alen and Denis. Location: Capri on Via Roma, 15/21 via Roma, Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise.

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Styling Sophisticated

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IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME JOHN HUTCHINSON

…ranks about fifth on the list of all-time great movie misquotes. “If you build it, he will come” is the actual line by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson from Field of Dreams. Which is not quite as famously incorrect as “Play it again, Sam”, but, then again, as time goes by, few such things are.

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But misquote or not, when asked to write this précis on the rise and rise of the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Sales held over two weeks in the last days of autumn and the first days of winter, I could not get that idea out of my head. I have lots of other favourite sayings too that could apply equally to the overwhelming international growth of the National Sales. Be warned, a few are in Latin and the other from A. A. Milne’s classic, Winnie the Pooh.

SOMETIMES I SITS AND THINKS AND SOMETIMES I JUST SITS If you were like me at school and when handed the HSC English paper only to discover that the questions were not at all about one’s special subject, being the history of the Melbourne Cup and in particular the field for the 1972 running, but rather about some bloke’s creepy black humour novel called, um, something, then you will recall the panic that set in. Panic was runner-up at Flemington in 1865, just to prove my point. So when given this assignment to write about the phenomenon that is the Magic Millions National Sales, naturally I had studied everything about the company’s flagship Gold Coast Yearling Sale from Snippets to Capitalist looking for an easy pass mark. And sometimes I just sits…

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MODUS OPERANDI Method of operation

“If you build it, they will come” is a catchy phrase to be sure. But as a business model it misses the point. “They”, in this case the vendors and the buyers, will not come just because you have built it, they will come once you engage them in harmony and, brick by brick, build successfully on those relationships as well as on the original model. Which requires dedication and foresight and which in two words explains the transition of the Magic Millions National Sales to what can be rightly called the Magic Millions International Sales. It also explains the success of Magic Millions overall and has been at the very heart of the company’s modus operandi from Day One.

OMNIA OMNIBUS Everything for everyone

The inevitable comparison between the National Sales and the world famous Tattersalls December Sales was certainly not as clear cut earlier in the decade as it stands today. Both marathon sales cover the four main areas of bloodstock auctions weanlings, yearlings, broodmares and tried stock. In its short history, giving Tattersalls over 200 years head start as we know, the 2016 Magic Millions National Sales not only closely mirror the results from the Northern Hemisphere, but draw a buying bench comparable to any such sale series in the world at every level. Whether the order is for some of the country’s best producing mares or a star filly off the track or a weanling or yearling to be pinhooked or to race and then all the way down the scale, there is something for everyone. Which, as only Steve Brem would know, is not quite my old school motto, omnia omnibus, but it does come very, very close.

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SIC FORTIS ETRURIA CREVIT

Thus Etruria grew strong – The Georgics by Virgil

SOMETIMES I SITS AND THINKS… The shift in the market share towards Magic Millions came first with the

And so, how did the Magic Millions National Sales, like

broodmares. In 2009, the company lowered its commission rate to the

the Etruscans, grow to be so strong? While everyone’s

benefit of vendors offering high-profile mares and while it is hard to say

favourite Roman poet had a pretty good handle on the

for certain, I think that was a major catalyst for the increase in the overall

virtues and harmony of rural life in those olden days, how

standard of the National Broodmare Sale in the years ahead. The top class

things happen does not always matter to the average Joe

New Zealand racemare Princess Coup, herself a National Yearling Sale

- it simply matters that it is. Like the universe thing. But

graduate, sold for a Magic Millions record price of $3 million at the ‘09 sale

there are some key factors to consider when looking at

and every sale since then has seen at least one mare (and often more) sell

the stars and wondering just how the National Sales have

for seven figures. And once the sales company built the confidence of the

grown in strength over recent years.

vendors, the other they, the buyers, were soon in harmony. Magic Millions has not displaced that trust on either side ever since. Whether it is a major dispersal sale (and who could ever forget the sensational Teeley Assets results from 2014) or having the privilege to offer Broodmare of the Year Listen Here and Group One winning mares like Sweet Idea or Bounding off the track, the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale has become the “go to” sale.

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VIRES ACQUIRIT EUNDO

It gains strength as it goes - The Aeneid, by Virgil I could not have put it better myself. In 2016 turnover from the National Broodmare Sale alone was north of $75 million representing a 250% increase for that sector over the past three years. Since the sale of Princess Coup in 2009, twenty-eight fillies or mares have realised $1 million or more, 75% of which were also sold in the past three years. All up, the four sales grossed in excess of $106 million this year.

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME Good horses can be sold anywhere. But from my position on the sidelines, I think that after 2009 Magic Millions had another long hard look at its modus operandi and set about reconstructing the fortnight around the broodmare sale and the traditional top-class racing of the Brisbane Carnival by building up the weanling and yearling sales either side. Vendors were sending quality mares to the Gold Coast, so it followed suit for many to submit their weanling drafts there too. The cherry on the cake came in 2010 with the sale as a weanling of the Champion Two Year Old, Pierro, unbeaten in six starts at two including the Sydney Triple Crown of Golden Slipper, Siresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Produce and Champagne Stakes. Pierro was followed in 2011 by another multiple Group One winner, Zoustar, and since then there has been no looking back for the National Weanling Sale, the acknowledged leader in its field. The roll continued in 2012 when Group One winner Peggy Jean was purchased for a modest $25,000 as a weanling. The daughter of Myboycharlie went on to win $920,525 on the track and returned to the same sale ring in June this year fetching a magical $1 million as a broodmare.

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IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME

The Magic Millions National Yearling Sale in June has now been a fixture for many years but it is fair to say that the buying benches, local and international, did not always see it as a sale to target necessarily, the line of thought being that it was Last Chance Hotel for many of the yearlings on offer. However, in earlier times the sale produced the Golden Slipper winner Polar Success, Singapore’s champion Rocket Man as well as Princess Coup and as a regular to this sale over a long period, I can assure you that

Which leaves the baby brother of the National Sales series, the Racehorse Sale. With turnover of over $1 million in 2016 from just 60 lots sold, a top price of $150,000 and a 100% clearance rate by superpower, Godolphin, this is perhaps the sale with the most scope ahead given the ongoing demand from a growing overseas market for Australian stock.

perception has been well and truly done and dusted.

On its own, “if you build it, they will come” may not

Sure, there will always be yearlings with often minor

be a magical business model but it was there at the

issues preventing their sale earlier in the selling

start of Magic Millions. From the first yearling sale in

season, but more and more breeders are regarding

1986 to the first race the following year, the company

this venue as a very viable first choice market. And

has built on its portfolio at every turn. Along with

with an average of over $48,000 for Book One this

the Gold Coast Turf Club, it now co-hosts the richest

year it is easy to see why. Tarzino, a $45,000 graduate

race day in Australia and the world-first Racing

of the 2014 National Yearling Sale and winner of the

Women’s Bonus incentive is one of the stories of the

Victoria Derby and Rosehill Guineas in his classic

year thanks to the brilliance of the brilliantly-named

year, is the sale’s latest headline act as the recently

Global Glamour.

crowned Australian Champion Three Year Old Colt

But while such highlights tend to be linked to the Gold

for the 2015-16 season.

Coast Yearling Sale in January, along the way, with a softly, softly approach the selling agents have built the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Sales into an international event. And it is not a misquote. They will come.

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Adelaide Casts a spell LANCE CAMPBELL

Adelaide’s Magic Millions is much more than a yearling sale It is a special event in a month of special events in what used to be the City of Churches. Those dull days are gone – Adelaide now fits and prefers the description of one the most liveable cities in the world. Tourism guides can’t seem to get enough of Adelaide and its surroundings, the state of South Australia. Lonely Planet has ranked the city in the top 10 around the globe to visit. For 2017, South Australia is rated the fifth best tourist destination region in the whole world. Luck’s a fortune. The best time of year to be in one of the top 10 cities in the world in the fifth best region in the world is March. Horses love March in Adelaide as much as humans do, and it’s easy to see why. Warm days and cool nights, sunshine and starry skies. March is the magic month. Which is the reason so much that is so good goes on in Adelaide and South Australia in March. There’s the Adelaide Cup and the $200,000 Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic of course. There’s also the sophisticated, world-beating Adelaide Festival and its riotous, barely controllable offspring, the Adelaide Fringe. They fill the city with arts and entertainment. There’s the Clipsal 500 car race that should need no introduction, and for contrast in nearby beautiful Botanic Park, the world music sounds of the WOMADelaide Festival. Each of these four special events pulls huge crowds from far beyond South Australia’s borders. And right in the middle of the magical month of March is the 2017 Adelaide Magic Millions yearling sale. It’s almost as though they have agreed to share naming rights, along with other similarities. Adelaide the place succeeds because it is different, a one-off, its own city. The same can be said for the Adelaide Magic Millions. While it might not radiate the pizzazz of, say, the Gold Coast sale, Adelaides has its own quiet pride in performance and a growing respect nationally. As an annual feature of what is also known as the “20-minute city,” the Adelaide Magic Millions is as

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close to things to do, such as wining and dining and swimming and sightseeing and laughing out loud, as anywhere you’ll find. Compared with most cities, it’s closer. All that and a sense of humour, too. When asked to comment for this article to enlighten interstate and overseas buyers, Morphettville trainer Gordon Richards joked, “I don’t want them to come. I want them to leave all the horses for me to buy!” First, the pride in performance. Since 2013, Adelaide Magic Millions has almost doubled its gross. With a more than 86 percent clearance rate, an average price up 35.3 percent to almost $43,000 and a top price of $230,000, it look a “quantum leap” in 2016, according to Magic Millions bloodstock consultant Adrian Hancock. “That clearance rate is massive,” he says. Adrian expects that growth to continue at the 2017 sale, from March 13 to 15, with “the best draft ever.” It is reward for a local Magic Millions philosophy that “sets a standard that gives South Australian breeders a place to sell their yearlings with confidence, and gives owners and trainers the opportunity to find nice horses over all ranges. “The Magic Millions brand also attracts interstate vendors who bring a different clientele to Adelaide.” As evidence, Adrian points out that elite-level studs such as Arrowfield, Emirates Park and Coolmore have consigned yearlings to the 2017 sale.

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Adelaide Casts a spell

Along with Mill Park Stud’s Chris Watson, Cornerstone Stud managing director Sam Hayes, of the Hayes racing and breeding dynasty, is regarded as one of the brightest young entrepreneurs in the Australian racing industry. Like Chris a director of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Sam will focus on the Adelaide Magic Millions in 2017 with a draft of up to 40 yearlings. “It has a strong buying bench, particularly in the $30,000 to $120,000 range,” he says. “I have always been keen to support the local sale. The great thing is you are not only selling to Adelaide trainers. You are selling to a good crosssection of Australia and overseas – Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne and Western Australia.” Gordon Richards is a serial Magic Millions Adelaide buyer. In fact he shops only there. He bought his first “good one” at the Morphettville 20 years ago. Ballata went on to win the Great Eastern Steeplechase, and Gordon has had Adelaide-bought Melbourne winners, including black type. “The product at Adelaide Magic Millions is pretty good,” he says. “I’ve bought 40 or 50 over those 20 years. It used to be one to three each year, now it’s half a dozen.” Among them is Benz, a $37,000 purchase in 2015 and now a Moonee Valley winner with almost $180,000 prizemoney. “Hopefully he will be the best I’ve ever bought,” Gordon says. “Generally my budget is around $50,000, but there are lots

of handy bread and butter horses around $10,000 to $20,000. “I tend to like horses bred locally that have a bit of history and SABOIS bonuses.” Now for the proof of value for money. The Adelaide Magic Millions, by its makeup, abounds with such stories, but this one just about sums it up. Mahuta, from the draft of Redbank North Stud at Harden near Canberra, sold in Adelaide in 2014 for $35,000 to champion trainer Darren Weir, of Ballarat. Now that’s got all Adelaide Magic Millions bases covered! The Flying Spur entire has since won the 2016 Magic Guineas at the Gold Coast ridden by Victoria’s Brad Rawiller, and five other races for $1.75 million prizemoney. Even better, that’s a home run for all concerned. While Adelaide’s Magic Millions is like no other, it also can be a world of its own for staff and buyers alike who fly in and head straight for the sale ring or their hotel just down the tramline at seaside Glenelg. They conduct their business, then fly out again. Consequently, over the years, some have even come to believe that Glenelg, Adelaide’s parent port, is Adelaide itself. So to set the record straight, this year’s glittering pre-sale cocktail party has shifted from Glenelg to an observation deck at the magnificent new Adelaide Oval.

evening skyline of the city where the international Festival and the lunatic Fringe are in full swing. That’s where the laughs come in. Visitors could do worse than to partake in Australia’s cultural capital. Adelaide, right across the city, is noted for its food and wine. While Gordon Richards sticks to his Glenelg guns by recommending The Oyster Bar at Holdfast Shores, Sam Hayes goes for the CBD’s vibrant small bar and restaurant culture, especially Peel Street. As famous as anywhere in South Australia are its wine regions. The Barossa Valley, where Cornerstone, adjacent Goldin Farms and top trainer Tony McEvoy’s Kildalton Park have the smarts to be located, is now less than an hour away. Closer still are the wineries of the Fleurieu Peninsula down south, where the blue-water swimming along white-sand beaches is sublime. Yes, most of what is best about Adelaide and South Australia is available to Magic Millions visitors in the magical month of March. Not least the Magic Millions sale itself. “I love it,” says Gordon Richards. “I love the atmosphere, the hype, the expectation of being able to buy the horse you like. I can’t wait to concentrate on my Adelaide catalogue.”

From there, Magic Millions patrons can look out across the shimmering River Torrens to the

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Marketta

ONE FOR THE FOODIES KATRINA PARTRIDGE

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Funky grafitti meets industrial vibe meets the Coast’s best street food amidst a thriving pulse of sound.

Welcome to Miami Marketta.

What started as an artist’s in residence warehouse space has morphed into the Coast’s first and leading street food scene where foodies are spoiled for choice. Food stalls cram both sides of the laneway and if you’re someone who struggles with choice you’re in trouble. Offerings canvass 20 different cuisines (plus an exclusive dessert hall) then it’s time to just sit back and enjoy with a group of friends whilst enjoying a cocktail or boutique beer or wine from the bar and soaking up what it is truly a unique space.

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Wednesdays offers a DJ + Tapas Club and Friday and Saturday nights come alive with free live music; larger music gigs such as Boy and Bear, UB40, Holy Holy and Black Seeds have also recently been hosted.

Expect to be one of a huge crowd passing through on Friday and Saturday nights; no surprise once you’ve experienced the food and the atmosphere.

Families – many of

whom are locals – will appear early and children dip and jive to the skilful musical talents of the live DJ but as the evening evolves the bar scene alights, the resident artists – many of whom have evolved to become the Gold Coast’s leading creative brands and businesses - are abuzz in the inner shops whilst in the arterial laneway the street food vendors do a roaring trade. How could your senses not buckle with delight?

Not one to be missed. www.miamimarketta.com

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LOCATION: MIAMI MARKETTA, 23 HILLCREST PARADE, MIAMI, QLD

Marketta

ONE FOR THE FOODIES

Did you know? Rabbit Radio is Miami Marketta dedicated radio station. Each week they bring you music news from the Gold Coast, around the country and from all over the world. Miami Marketta has seating for 450 people all undercover Main stage hosts local blues, jazz, roots independent artists. Open and free to the public from 4pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

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THRILL THE

STEVE MORAN

OF OWNERSHIP

PALENTINO

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Protests, parties, a providential payday and the prescient predictions of trainer Darren Weir is the alliterative precis of the career of a horse named Palentino. Oh, and one occasion when all involved could have been seriously â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pissed off.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Lachlan McKenzie, Ballarat Turf Club chief executive and part-owner of the Magic Millions multiple Group 1 winning graduate, says that Weir - when it comes to Palentino - has been as much an extraordinary clairvoyant as accomplished horse trainer. From the start of his racing career, according to McKenzie, Weir has plotted a path with the son of Teofilo and invariably predicted precisely where he’d be racing and what he might be winning as early as six months, or more, in advance. Not that the man who trains Palentino, and who is the best known figure from the track which McKenzie oversees, was the only one to ‘spot’ him as a yearling and it can’t be said that his uncannily accurate predictions with the horse included foreseeing that he’d be involved in two protests in two stakes races, two weeks apart. Apparently everybody foresaw that the top lot at the 2014 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling was going to be a very good racehorse. Mind you there’s invariably a dozen, hindsight underbidders for every good horse - even if the auctioneer can only remember one. And it must be noted that Weir couldn’t quite manage to achieve task one with Palentino when he debuted as an oddson favourite on 30 September 2015. He was beaten a head by a horse named Drill Master who has since been banished from the Hawkes’ family training yard and is yet to win again. That, of course, was at Ballarat where McKenzie is still to own a winner. He well remembers that day and the earlier phone call which led to him buying into the Group 1 Australian Guineas and Makybe Diva Stakes winner. “I was standing there before the race, chatting to Mick Kent who told me that everybody went down to Tassie that year to buy that one horse, Palentino. Mick was watching him closely. He said ‘he still moves as well as he did as a yearling, he’s going to make a horse’,” McKenzie said. Of course the aforementioned Cranbourne horseman obviously failed to better the $85,000 bid by Weir for the son of Teofilo who was bred at Geoff and Jenny Watson’s Macleay Thoroughbred Stud in Tasmania’s Meander Valley - the region which has also produced Mongolian Khan, The Cleaner and Lady Lynette. “I found him in Tasmania,” Weir later said, “I’d trained his mother (Palatine Hill) and went over and saw him and loved the horse.” Fortuitously, Weir rang McKenzie that day to discuss matters other than the purchase. “Mid conversation he told me he’d bought a yearling which he described as ‘as nice a type as he’d ever seen’ and by the end of the call, I’d agreed to take 25 per cent,” McKenzie said. He then, with wife Maryanne, decided to split the share among friends and conscripted Terry Ginnane, Gerard White, Mick Johnston, John Collins and his wife Julienne - all largely connected with McKenzie through his other working life of ten years in the agricultural sector. Scott Whiteman, the CEO of Country Racing Victoria, also jumped aboard along with past or present country race club officials Greg McNulty and John Cox and several other employees or officials of CRV and RVL (Racing Victoria). “I’m really not sure of the numbers but there could be anywhere from 50 to 100 people with some level of ownership of the horse,” McKenzie said. All have enjoyed an extraordinary ride which has taken them from a Listed race win at Flemington during Cup week (2015) at just his third start; to the Group 3 Hayes Stakes being taken from them, on protest, two runs later to surviving a protest to keep the Group 1 Australian Guineas two weeks later; to the multi-million dollar part sale of the horse to Sun Bloodstock which provided even small shareholders with a significant mortgage repayment. It’s extraordinary enough that the connections of one horse would have to endure two protests in successive races but even more so when you consider that, once upon a time,

McKenzie would have been adjudicating through his early career as a racing steward. “I deliberately didn’t sit in on the first inquiry,” McKenzie said of the Hayes Stakes protest when Craig Williams, on Tivaci who was second passed the post, lodged an objection against Palentino (first) alleging interference near the 900m. The 900 metres mark? Good heavens! Some of us were ‘pissed off’ and we only backed the horse. McKenzie chooses to be more diplomatic about the judgement handed down by some of his former colleagues. “I thought we were very unlucky not to keep the race but the stewards have a call to make and we accepted the decision. There’s no animosity.” Then, amid the celebrations of the Group 1 Guineas win, the siren blares again and this time it’s the Derby winner Tarzino - don’t they already have enough? - objecting. Well, at least rider Craig Newitt was. Damn those Craigs. McKenzie did sit in this time and says he wasn’t worried. “The second time, I wasn’t at all concerned…other than for the fact that we’d lost the previous race. I watched the videos and was confident it would be dismissed,” he said. McKenzie says he hadn’t considered what impact another ‘upheld’ might have had on the horse’s value but the win certainly enhanced it and the fact that Palentino drew barrier 15 of 15 proved providential. He handled the sale negotiations, with Sun Bloodstock who secured 50% of the horse, on behalf of his fellow owners. “We were close to negotiating the sale with Sun (Bloodstock), who were great to deal with, before the Guineas but one of our owners John Cox was undecided. He did eventually agree just after acceptances were taken for the race but after the horse drew 15; Sun said they wanted to wait. So, thanks to John, we might have got a little more than we first thought and a lot of people got a very nice, tax free cheque,” McKenzie said. “Darren (Weir) really has been quite amazing. When he got this horse home from Tasmania, he told us he’d win a race with him the following spring and that he did. Then, after winning the Hilton on final day, he said we had a stallion prospect and it would be best to put him away for the Australian Guineas in the autumn. “And, even then, straight after the Guineas he’d pretty much earmarked the Makybe Diva Stakes for him the following spring. When he failed in the Epsom in Sydney it was such an anomaly as every other thing in his career had gone just as Darren said it would,” he said. McKenzie says the overall experience has been all the better for having shared it with friends and colleagues. “Of course you can. It’s my favourite topic of conversation,” he said when I rang to ask if I could take up some of his time on this yarn. “It shows it can happen to anyone. It’s been great for my friends and immediate and extended family. I’ve raced quite a few horses as my father and grandfather have done but Palentino’s clearly been the best we’ve had. And we’ve been happy to party win, lose or draw or protest upheld,” he said. And there is even the possibility now that the party might continue to Europe with Sun Bloodstock keen to race the horse in the northern hemisphere to potentially increase his appeal at stud. McKenzie’s success with a Magic Millions graduate is entirely coincidental to his professional relationship, via the Ballarat Turf Club, with Magic Millions which began earlier than his acquisition of Palentino. However he concedes a couple of things have changed in his approach to racehorse ownership. “Magic Millions support of our Cup day has been fantastic, particularly with the Clockwise Classic and I suppose I am now more inclined to gravitate towards horses eligible for their race series. I also think, now, you’re better off looking to get a smaller share of a better bred horse with one of the bigger trainers than having a large share of a cheaper horse,” he said. HOOFNOTE: McKenzie’s grandfather is Mitchell McKenzie, a 25 year committeeman with the Moonee Valley Racing Club, and after whom the club’s 3YO Listed race is named. A race this year won by Darren Weir.

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DECIDING WHERE TO BE THIS JANUARY?

EASIEST WINNER YOU’LL PICK ALL YEAR

WINX (Street Cry-Vegas Showgirl) WORLD’S TOP RATED HORSE ON TURF 9 Time Group One winner | Cost: $230,000 | Earnings: $9,348,175

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BLACK HEART BART (Blackfriars-Sister Theresa)

AWESOME ROCK (Fastnet Rock-Awesome Planet)

Triple Group One winner Cost $20,000 | Earnings: $2,781,580

Multi million dollar Group One winner Cost: $575,000 | Earnings: $2,028,720

PALENTINO (Teofilo-Palatine Hill)

GLOBAL GLAMOUR (Star Witness-Spectacula)

Group One winner at Three & Four Cost: $85,000 | Earnings: $1,011,610

Winner of two Group Ones in a week Cost: $65,000 | Earnings: $648,500

LASQUETI SPIRIT (Beneteau-Supriym Story)

BUFFERING (Mossman-Action Annie)

LUCKY HUSSLER (Husson-Talaq Dancer)

TARZINO (Tavistock-Zarzino)

Classic winner of VRC Oaks Cost: $150,000 | Earnings: $635,620

International superstar with seven Group One wins Cost: $22,000 | Earnings: $7,300,194

Multiple Group One winner Cost: $100,000 | Earnings: $1,990,600

Australian Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding Cost: $60,000 | Earnings: $1,647,050

CAPITALIST (Written Tycoon-Kitalpha)

BOBAN (Bernardini-Kenbelle)

SINGLE GAZE (Not a Single Doubt-Redalucaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gaze)

STRATUM STAR (Stratum-Purely Spectacular)

Australian Champion 2YO Cost: $165,000 | Earnings: $3,545,900

Five time Group One winner Cost: $100,000 | Earnings: $2,818,663

Group One Vinery Stud Stakes winner Cost: $70,000 | Earnings: $1,178,300

Caulfield Group One winner at 1400m Cost: $165,000 | Earnings: $1,032,960

The #1 source of Australian stakes winners in 2015-16 and off to a flyer this season! View the catalogue online at www.magicmillions.com.au or via the equineline catalog app for ipad

Magic Millions 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale ~ 143 ~

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t o m ak e t h e i r ma rk KATRINA PARTRIDGE

The Fung family are no strangers to Australia. Large scale property owners – particularly in North Queensland - they have been doing business in Australia for 15 years.

AQUIS’S JUSTIN FUNG PICTURED ATOP THE SKYPOINT OBSERVATION DECK, Q1, SURFERS PARADISE

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Their ties with the thoroughbred industry

do and what the potential of the industry was

Tony Fung has more than 40 years of experience

however are more recent. Their purchase of

and over the past 18 months we have done so

in global financial services and investment. Fung

Patinack’s former properties at Canungra 18

much. Our entire breeding business has been

Snr controls the ASX-listed Aquis Entertainment

months ago combined with a string of high profile

accumulated over that period. I want to keep

that owns and operates Casino Canberra and

personnel hires, a new stallion roster, a Hunter

that growth going. I want people to see that we’re

is currently progressing plans for a large-scale

Valley style 2016 Open Day in terms of guest list

serious, perhaps get this market to be a bit more

real estate and entertainment project at Yorkeys

and fit out, and some top dollar additions to their

international and have a bit more cooperation

Knob, north of Cairns. The family also owns

broodmare band demonstrate that this is not a

between this State and other countries as exists

residential property in Noosa as well as wagyu

company dipping a cautious toe in the water.

in other industries.”

beef and sugar cane properties in North Qld

Justin Fung, son of Hong Kong based Aquis

A US qualified lawyer Justin says it is the changes

and Aquis’ sponsorships include the Gold Coast

Chairman Tong Fung, manages the company’s

that his father had witnessed in Queensland since

Titans (NRL) and The Brumbies (18-team Super

Australian portfolio along with a team of

the family first started vacationing here many

Rugby).

experienced executives.

years ago that really provoked the family’s interest

In the past 12 months Aquis has purchased

“When we bought the infrastructure at Canungra

in becoming more involved in the local market.

its third major Surfers Paradise development

[last year] and realized what was there we

“Queensland was opening up and there was

site with Fung stating that “The Gold Coast is

realised we had the ability to hit the ground

the potential for Australia to benefit from the

experiencing a period of rapid growth that we

running,” Fung Jnr says. “We had to renovate

boom of the Chinese economy and tourism

expect will continue for a number of years due to

parts of it but it was very do-able in a very

through investment. Dad was really familiar

its mature tourism and hospitality industry and

short space of time. We started doing a lot of

with Australia by this time so it was a natural

stunning natural beauty.”

homework, we saw a lot of opportunities and

transition to lead into making a number of

So where do equines fit into the equation? The

we were very confident about what we could

investments in the State.”

horse is certainly no stranger to the Chinese. We all know of China’s Terracotta Army - a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The funerary art containing 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry dates back to approximately the late third century BC. Similarly the horse is held in great reverence in Mongolia where the animal is credited with helping legendary emperor and warrior Genghis Khan found the great Mongol Empire. China has embraced horse racing in its past, it has had its investors in Australia past and present, the Hong Kong racing system (a Special Administrative Region South of China) is one of the world’s best – but how do you establish a large scale thoroughbred breeding and racing business in Australia hedging a bet that a far country’s political system ‘may’ change if you are to be as profitable as your balance sheet no doubt requires long term? Huge changes have been witnessed within China since its communist government opened the borders in 1979 to foreign investment and privatization.

The

result

was

skyrocketing

economic (and private capital) growth. At its most base form what this equates to is China’s position as the 2nd largest economy in the world after the USA. Flowing from this is a large percentage of Chinese businesses/individuals (and their descendants) who have become extraordinarily

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wealthy. With wealth often comes a desire to indulge

“I’ve been to a few jurisdictions in China

in ‘luxury brands’/‘high end lifestyle’. One of those

and seen how their racing stands today,

luxuries is investing in well bred horseflesh – at this

attended their bigger races, and I can

stage mostly to race in jurisdictions outside of China

say that there is a tremendous amount

given the restrictions imposed by communist ideology

of interest from the top horse owners,”

but with the growing number of private Horse Clubs

says Fung Jnr. “There are certain areas

within China itself and the number of racetracks and

that have a very strong tradition of horse

race meetings springing up, there is also a burgeoning

racing – inner Mongolia for example.

local thoroughbred population.

Horses are part of their culture, they built

One must always keep in mind that betting on

the world’s largest empire on horseback

thoroughbred horse racing is illegal in China due to

and they have racetracks in the middle of

the political environment. Even with strict regulations

the city supported by the local government

the sport has been shut down in the past by the central

and passionate horse owners but when

government. Thus, whilst dedicated owners abound

or whether the federal government will

and developments continue apace it would be a furphy

approve gaming is something people can

to claim that a tsunami of change is about to embrace

only speculate on.”

the sport. China simply doesn’t work like that.

Like all Hong Kong Chinese Justin is

Fung Jnr says “There is a select group of very wealthy

fully aware that the likelihood of China

and very passionate individuals - you will see them at

legalising gambling and thereby opening

all the major sales in Australia, the UK and US but of

the potential floodgates is a gamble that no

The Chinese are renowned for their commercial

course the big issue is that wagering is not legal and

one is willing to place a confident bet on but

acumen, complex and long term business

that does put a certain low ceiling on the industry’s

it is by far better to have the relationships

relationships (‘guanxi’) and ability to hedge bets

potential. At the moment it’s not really something

and business structure in place should

so Fung’s comment “if we are involved with

that’s available to the masses as they can’t own a

such things ever eventuate.

horses and we have economies of scale to do

horse, they can’t maintain a horse and they can’t

“Like most farms we are looking at a

other things with it we are very comfortable to

wager on a horse so it’s a lot more difficult to make it a

number of markets – Hong Kong in

do it” says much about Aquis Farms approach

mainstream interest.”

particular is a very strong market - and

in Australia. The Farm offers its clients a full

In 2011-12 Magic Millions sold one horse at auction

people are very curious about China so yes

service offering. The stud (447 hectares) stands

to China for $160,000. In 2015-16, 70 lots were sold

we are trying to be international about it.

4 stallions with a roster set to expand in 2017.

for $1,611,500. That’s an increase of over 900% and

We bought some horses at Keeneland and

Broodmare agistment, foaling down and sales

excludes privates sales, lots sold as agent, plus those

we went to the UK to buy 4 mares to send

preparation are all provided. The racing centre

sold to private farms that are Chinese owned such as

to Frankel so we do see the international

caters for more than 80 horses in training with

Yulong Investments and Rifa Mustang.

aspect of this and see that as the best way

private grass and sand training tracks and a

to maximise our potential.”

restored water walker as well as lap pools.

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t o m a k e t h e i r m a rk There is a retired racehorse programme, show jumping facilities, and appreciating the ‘lifestyle element’ that is integral to many of their international clients there are farm tours, luxury polo fields and a club house, guest accommodation, a dual language website, dedicated client services staff, and an astute dedicated Asian marketing angle at all horse sales and in the company’s marketing materials. “Whether you’d want to bank on the fact that China will ever legalise wagering and allow such a big explosion in the industry not just in China but globally as a result I can’t rely on that in any way but yes, if that does happen I want to be in a position where we are a trusted farm that Chinese farms and clients can rely on to do whatever it is that they want to do.

“Aquis Farm has a firm commitment to Queensland racing and breeding, to the Australian thoroughbred industry as a whole and the Asian sector is an important focus as part of our international outlook” FUNG Keep this Asian-savvy Queensland-based farm on the radar. Yes they are located and focused locally but they’re smart enough to be looking big picture.

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T HE PR O M I S E O F A N UN F O R GE T TA B LE G A M ES

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The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will deliver 11 unforgettable days of world-class sporting action from 4-15 April 2018.

EIGHTEEN SPORTS, INCLUDING THE FIRST EVER BEACH VOLLEYBALL COMPETITION AT A COMMONWEALTH GAMES AND THE LARGEST INTEGRATED

PARA-SPORT

PROGRAM

EVER, WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE BIGGEST MULTI-SPORT SPECTACLE TO BE HOSTED IN AUSTRALIA FOR OVER A DECADE.

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It will be amazing as Australia welcomes 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71 nations and territories across the Commonwealth - representing more than one third of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population.

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Events will also be hosted in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville to ensure the benefits and excitement of the Games spread far and wide. For over a million ticket holders, the experience will be live, loud and unforgettable. And for over a billion others, the action will be enjoyed on TV and through social and digital media as the world once again sees what an amazing events destination Queensland truly is. The vision and images from events such as the triathlon, marathon, race walk, cycling road races and beach volleyball will give audiences the world over a great look at our spectacular city and our glorious beaches. It is an unprecedented opportunity for Queensland to feature on the world sporting stage and to show off the destination. Like visitors to the Magic Millions Yearling Sales, those who attend GC2018 will enjoy world-famous sea, surf and sand. They’ll see that the city’s arts and culture scene is not only strong, but booming and those who haven’t been here before will discover what a laid back but ambitious place the Gold Coast really is. And there are hugely exciting times coming up over the coming months with the launch of the GC2018 ticketing and volunteer programs, the start of the Queen’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace in March, the completion of every new venue twelve months ahead of the Games and much, much more.

So there is no doubt about it; you have to be on the Gold Coast in 2018! FOR ALL YOUR GC2018 INFORMATION: VISIT WWW.GC2018.COM AND ALL THE #GC2018 SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS. TOGETHER WE WILL SHARE THE DREAM. GOLDOC’S GAMES DELIVERY PARTNERS ARE THE QUEENSLAND STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE CITY OF GOLD COAST. MAJOR SPONSORS OF GC2018 ARE JUPITERS GOLD COAST, GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY AND TAFE QUEENSLAND.

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Location Location Location KATRINA PARTRIDGE

Surf riders rear from waves as the Atlantis that is Surfers Paradise dominates the distant horizon. The water is aqua trimmed with crystal. The sand is the essence of a postcard setting. This is a scene so arresting it has ensured Rick Shores has become highly sought after for those seeking the Coast’s best views plus a chance to unwind with a choice of cocktails in one of the Coast’s more relaxed destinations.

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Executive Chef Ben Bertei has worked at some of the highest intensity kitchens in Australia (Longtime/Spirit House/Longrain Melbourne) and is famous for his Pan-Asian cuisine that focuses on fresh locally sourced produce with intention to share.

“Our location is a huge selling point,” Ben says. “There’s nothing better than sitting by the ocean and watching the world go by. “The menu is vital though. You must have a great product to put on the plate as well as good service. “You need a lot more than the Coast’s best view to build your brand,” adds Ben.

“Clients are

definitely more educated these days. People eat out more, they travel more and TV has had a huge impact with shows like Master Chef and My Kitchen Rules. It’s a good thing.” As the shadows lengthen the sunbathers on the beach in front of us stretch languidly and reach for their towels and in the restaurant the light reflects off silver and crystal ware. The bar area is already overflowing with the warm hum of Friday afternoon conversation. “Given the restaurant’s position people tend to tee off their afternoon with a cocktail. It’s then food and nice wine and later in the evening liqueurs.” “The cocktails change regularly which is always. I’d suggest a classic negroni to start.

HOURS: LUNCH + DINNER, TUESDAY TO SUNDAY. LOCATION: SHOP 3, 43 GOODWIN TERRACE, BURLEIGH HEADS 4220

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MM Racewear Forecast Thoroughbreds aside, the stakes are always high trackside with respect to racewear fashion. To look and feel like a winner is to be a winner, so what will be on-trend on track at the 2017 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival? LOUISE CHAMBERS

REVIEW AUSTRALIA FORD MILLINERY

FRESH AS A DAISY - FLORALS

FORD MILLINERY

A perennial favourite. They always look fresh, especially when they feature on

Opting for bolder toned florals

a pale background of white or pastel

or even print clashing with say,

tones in the warmer months.

stripes or spots, within the same colour family, will ensure you’re no wallflower and any onlooker will know you’ve got your finger on the fashion pulse.

TONY BIANCO OLGA BERG

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

COOPER ST

NO EXCESS BAGGAGE!

MORGAN & TAYLOR

A tube of lippy, a little cash and your mobile phone. That’s all we need to take on our outing to the races! Forget the handbag and opt for the clutch to keep your silhouette slick and hassle free.

OLGA BERG VIKTORIA NOVAK

REVIEW AUSTRALIA

Colour clashing and print-mixing makes an outfit interesting rather than taking the more predictable and traditional, matchy-matchy OLGA BERG

approach of fashion eras past.

FOREVER NEW

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Racing Stripes Stripes have been a significant trend for spring/

MORGAN & TAYLOR

summer 2016 and the good news is there is no

MORGAN & TAYLOR

sign of them fading into the background in 2017. Stripes can be daunting at first thought but knowing how to embrace them for your body

OLGA BERG

shape will have you crossing the finishing line ahead of the pack, like a true champion. OLGA BERG

GINGER & SMART

Vertical stripes are always going to be lengthening and will give the grand illusion of added height, even sans high heel. Horizontal

TONY BIANCO

lines are perfect for balancing out pear shaped bodies when worn on the top half of the body, or for the broad-shouldered type, wear them on the bottom half to bring the body back to hourglass proportions.

TESORI BELLINI

FORD MILLINERY OLGA BERG TONY BIANCO

The onlooker’s eye travels seamlessly all the way to the tip of the toe, without a break in colour. Think

REVIEW AUSTRALIA

nudes and metallics. A block heel will give desirable stability for a day

SHOE BUSINESS

on your feet, as will ankle straps; they are on point,

Kate Middleton catapulted the nude shoe into

however, be wary of dark or bold colour, thick ankle

main stream popularity when she sashayed out

straps unless you have colt-like pins or you may crop

in her L.K Bennett Sledge Nude Pumps a few

that leg length.

years back and well, it hasn’t waned since.

A statement heel is divine for lifting an otherwise

Colour matching footwear to skin tone,

simple or minimalistic look, either by way of a bold

regardless of heel height, immediately (just

colour, pattern or intricate style.

like magic of the fairy-tale kind!) lengthens a

Let’s leave the chunky heeled, platform sandal for

woman’s leg length…and what woman on this

other occasions and keep it slim-line, elegant and

mortal coil doesn’t want that?

classy for your day at the races.

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GINGER & SMART MORGAN & TAYLOR

MORGAN & TAYLOR

She’ll Be All White

OLGA BERG

Keep your cool in crisp white this summer. Take it head to toe or add nude or metallic accessories. If you have a penchant for a bold shade, then throw it back

REVIEW AUSTRALIA

with a crisp white ensemble to keep your visual cool.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN WAYNE COOPER

REVIEW AUSTRALIA

MORGAN & TAYLOR REVIEW AUSTRALIA

Smouldering Shoulders A shoulder peek-a-boo, even if just one shoulder, is sleek and subtly sexy – subtlety being the key to keeping it chic, because you want to keep it classy all the way, at the races.

REVIEW AUSTRALIA

FOREVER NEW

TONY BIANCO

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MM Racewear Forecast

FORD MILLINERY

Stay Ahead of the Pack – Millinery We know a headpiece is a must to complete a racewear look! Almost anything goes, from headbands to fascinators and, of course, to broad-brimmed hats, however, for those WAYNE COOPER

wishing to make a statement and be seen,

OLGA BERG

opting for the unconventional is your best bet.

Sublime Structure

Thinking outside the square (or circle!) when it comes to shapes, textures and materials

Structural or tailored geometry on

will make for a showstopper. Metal, leather,

the body creates interesting lines

Perspex and PVC have all found their striking

that both appeal aesthetically to the

place on the heads of the head turners.

onlooker and do the right thing by a

Veiling, stiffened lace and the sweet boater

woman’s body shape when worn well.

hat will take their place too.

Asymmetrical lines can draw the eye to parts of the body we are happier with and carve through or dissect parts of the body we’d prefer to downplay.

OLGA BERG CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

KAREN MILLEN

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN – www.asia.christianlouboutin.com COOPER ST – www.cooperst.com.au FORD MILLINERY – www.fordmillinery.com.au FOREVER NEW – www.forevernew.com.au GINGER & SMART – www.gingerandsmart.com GREGORY LADNER / TESSORI BELLINI / WAYNE COOPER / MYER – www.myer.com.au KAREN MILLEN – www.karenmillen.com.au

MORGAN AND TAYLOR – www.morganandtaylor.com.au OLGA BERG – www.olgaberg.com REVIEW AUSTRALIA – www.reviewaustralia.com.au TONY BIANCO – www.tonybianco.com.au VIKTORIA NOVAK – www.viktorianovak.com.au Instagram: @StyleChambers www.louisehayes.com

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Attracting the next

GENERATION Horse racing is one of the world’s most ancient sports. We all remember the grainy black and white film footage of the packed grandstands during the Depression era when the legendary Phar Lap would appear on a racetrack. In England James Rice’s History of the British Turf reported in 1879, “for some two hundred years the pursuit of Horseracing has been attractive to more of our countrymen than any other out-door pastime.”

Sadly, pageantry and tradition is fast losing stride to other sports and forms of gambling. Just some of the challenges facing racing administrators include marketing the sport to the younger generation in a time precious/ information overloaded/internet dominant/ media laden environment, how to better connect racing fans with the heroes of the track, plus the boardroom glass ceiling analogy when it comes to attracting high profile business women owners (where ARE these women? There aren’t that many when you compare the statistics with their male counterparts). Young Professionals in Racing (YPR) is passionate about the social benefits associated with involvement in Australian

KATRINA PARTRIDGE

racing. They are committed to attracting new members to the sport. On-track events are emceed by some of Australia’s leading media personalities and are designed to help YPR members sit back, stay informed, place a bet and most importantly have a memorable racing experience. Membership with YPR provides access to exclusive “money can’t buy” events and opportunities, while generating new social and professional connections within a network of young, likeminded racing enthusiasts. I spoke with Julianne Horsman, Director of YPR and also David Walter, Partner at Baker and McKenzie for their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that face racing in 2016/17 and beyond.

JULIEANNE HORSMAN Communications and media team Racing NSW, Director YPR, Australian Army Reserves (Bronze Commendation for exemplary service), Rotarian When did you first get involved with horses? I wasn’t born into horse racing. I grew up with trainer Peter Snowden’s daughter, Lisa, and I was taken to the races to keep her company. We had a great time at the tracks around Sydney, admiring the horses and the well-dressed ladies. As I grew older, I enjoyed the races more and more and I spent my 18th birthday in a marquee at Rosehill Gardens with Lisa. How is YPR promoting ownership? YPR held two hugely successful race day functions during the Sydney Spring Carnival. We had more than 250 young professionals at our events at Royal Randwick, some of whom had never set foot on a race track, but are now hooked. YPR aims to connect thoroughbred racing enthusiasts but we also provide a stepping stone into the sport for newcomers. We’re so used to going to the races it’s easy to forget it can be daunting for someone who has never been before. I am really proud of what YPR has achieved this year. What do you see as the major challenges facing racing at the moment (state or nationally)? I think all sports are having to work harder to attract crowds given the quantity and variety of entertainment available from the

comfort of our homes. Most of the race clubs in NSW, led by The Australian Turf Club, are trying hard to make a day at the races appealing to almost everyone. The Sydney Spring Carnival was incredible. There were gourmet food stalls, pamper lounges, popup bars, international musicians, fashion competitions and entertainment for the kids. If you see one benefit racing has over other sports that could be better marketed what is it? The races are a great place to make professional and personal connections. You’re not confined to one seat and it’s easy to start a conversation. Is the person next to you studying the form guide? Ask them which horses they like. Is someone struggling with the electronic betting machine? Offer to help them. Debbie Kepitis as the major owner in Champion mare Winx is obviously doing much for female ownership in racehorses at the moment. When one does the research though on successful businesswomen who also own racehorses compared to men the numbers are concerning. YPR and the Magic Millions Women in Racing Scheme are obviously making some inroads at attempting to address this imbalance. Can more be done? Debbie Kepitis has the knowledge and

confidence needed to buy into a racehorse, gained from decades of involvement in the industry. Most people do not. Regardless of how successful you are, you’re not going to rush out and buy something you know nothing about. I believe educating women about the benefits of racehorse ownership and ensuring they know who to contact if they want to get involved are essential to increasing participation. The Magic Millions Racing Women scheme is a great idea and the recent success of Global Glamour has done wonders for the profile of the program. I still think we need to find ways to make horse ownership more affordable for younger women. For me, owning small shares in country horses has brought a lot of joy. It’s cheaper than having a city-trained horse and with the recent increases in prize money and the introduction of the TAB Highway races, there’s never been a better time to snap up a share. Canberra trainer, Barbara Joseph, has fostered my interest in horse racing. My first horse with her died of colic and I was heartbroken. Barb didn’t want that to ruin the experience so she gave me a share in another horse for free. That horse was Bank On Henry (who went through the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale) and he has had 4 wins and 9 places from 25 starts.

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DAVID WALTER Solicitor, Partner at Baker & McKenzie in Sydney When did you first get involved with horses? There are pictures of me at the races from before I could walk. My parents (and grandparents, and wider family) have been involved in horse breeding and racing in the northern rivers of NSW for a long time - the John Carlton Cup at Grafton is named for my great uncle. What do you most enjoy about racing? I love the horses, and the care for the horses. Watching the horse grow, and watching the relationship between a great horse-person and a horse grow, is wonderful. This can be observed at all times during a horse’s life - foaling down, weaning, breaking in, racing, the breeding

paddock and retirement. There is something real and visceral about the human/horse relationship that I can’t quite describe, but that I love. What benefit do you see YPR as offering the sport? YPR brings future breeders, owners, race-goers, horse-lovers and industry leaders together. The initiative is an accessible and comfortable entry point for people to the thoroughbred industry, which like many things can be a little difficult for the novice to navigate. Bringing the next generation through is essential to the industry’s continued popularity, good governance, public profile and success.

What do you see as the major challenges facing racing at the moment (state or nationally)? Nothing insurmountable, but this is a time for careful reflection and also action by the industry. On a national level, getting animal welfare right - particularly for retired racehorses and broodmares - is critical to the industry. The recent steps by RacingNSW in that regard are very positive, but as an industry we all need to be ever vigilant and thoughtful on animal welfare. Similarly, managing the growth of syndicated ownership of racehorses is a major task for regulators - the rise of syndication is fantastic for racehorse ownership, but helping owners successfully manage their relationships as syndicate members is crucial to “stickiness” for this relatively new type of owner. Racing Australia is taking steps to assist with this process, which is a positive move. On the racing front, getting the right balance between a great race day experience and solid betting turnover to support the industry will always be an area for focus; there should always be a willingness to experiment with more races, less races, different gaps between races and so forth. Having just come back from Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe day at Chantilly, I can see a case for perhaps having fewer (rather than more) races on really big race days, so that fans can focus their attention (and punting) on show-piece events that really captivate a big audience. Long-term, I think that is a direction worthy of serious consideration. If you see one benefit racing has over other sports that could be better marketed what is it? Obviously, the ability of an arm-chair spectator to own even a little bit of a participant in the action is unique (nobody got to say that they owned a hoof in Paul Gallen during the NRL grand final!). That said, I think ownership is promoted well by the industry, and the efforts by Racing Australia to assist in managing syndicated ownership are the right way forward. And being an owner is just one way to be involved in thoroughbreds. Ownership aside, the industry needs to focus even more on promotion of its heroes. This includes the people - for instance Gai Waterhouse and Darren Weir as trainers, Team Williams as owners, Michelle Payne and Hugh Bowman as jockeys - but especially the horses. The public at large worldwide gets genuinely excited about horses like Winx, Hartnell and Black Heart Bart here in Australia, Postponed in Europe, California Chrome in the US (who I confess is my favourite horse at the moment!), Meurice in Japan, Werther in Hong Kong. Rather than a day at the track being promoted by glamour and a few drinks, make it more about those heroes - to my mind, those horses and people draw people to the track and to ownership much more than a good lunch.

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The Height of Luxury LUXURY HOLIDAY H OM E S S TAND OU T G ROWT H

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Shelley and Steve Jeffery are raring to go ahead of the upcoming festive season after a standout year in business. The Gold Coast duo own luxury holiday rental company Elite Holiday Homes and demand is high for the five-star, waterfront properties scattered across the Gold Coast. In the relatively short time they’ve been in business, Elite has amassed an $80million portfolio of homes rivaling the multitude of coastal high-rise accommodation previously monopolising the market. Avid travelers, the couple started the business after discovering an under-serviced niche in the luxury accommodation available in one of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations. They began with holiday letting their own property and before long had owners of luxury properties requesting they manage their homes too. The business was born and Steve, previously an Electrician, has taken on the role of Maintenance Manager while Shelley, with a background in financial markets and a licensed Real Estate Agent, takes care of the administration aspects. They employ over 100 Gold Coasters not only supporting the local community but contributing exponentially to the local tourism market and bringing in countless visitors each year. A 6-star property, Hamptons Beachfront, is arguably the most stunning holiday home on the Gold Coast. The absolute beachfront property is exquisitely designed and furnished by interior designer John Croft to ‘Hamptons’ standards allowing guests to live the dream of truly luxury accommodation combined with an oceanfront position.

A 6-star property, Hamptons Beachfront, is arguably the most stunning holiday home on the Gold Coast.

With an 80% occupancy and prices from as little as $38 per person per night, the popularity of these homes with families, couples and corporate groups is rapidly increasing. Shelley says, “We have the capacity for 600 people per night across the properties and the houses are filling up because people love the idea of luxurious, waterfront holidays. Who wouldn’t!” In 2016 the business continued to grow with the introduction of a subset service for Elite Holiday Homes guests. Those holidaying in Elite properties now have the option of a unique, personalised concierge service, My Holiday Concierge, created for the distinct purpose of making a stay with Elite as hassle-free as possible. Services including a private chef for the duration of the stay, airport transfers, a fully stocked fridge and pantry, equipment hire and the organisation of activities for any number of guests among many options. With abundant passion and room for constant growth, Shelley and Steve are certainly Gold Coast business owners to watch out for. PHONE: 0408 483 086 WWW.ELITEHOLIDAYHOMES.COM.AU

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THE

EVERYWHERE MAN

By anyone’s standards, the past 12 months have been huge for Darren Weir. The thing is, Darren Weir is not just anyone.

Having won the 2015 Melbourne Cup with 100/1 chance Prince Of Penzance, Weir added his second Melbourne Trainer Premiership with a record 298 winners for the season – the first country based trainer to win the Melbourne Trainer Premiership the previous season and snapping the grip Peter Moody had on the title. “It’s been a bit crazy, for sure,” Weir, who started training in his own right at Stawell in 1995, said. Weir started as a farrier, moved on to breaking and pre-training before taking out his own licence. Since switching to Ballarat in 2001 Weir has become a winning machine, churning out more than 100 winners each season as the leading country trainer since 2005. Weir won three of the first four Group One races of the current season in Melbourne with Black Heart Bart and Palentino – both Magic Millions graduates – and says both represent different parts of the bloodstock spectrum. “Black Heart Bart – he’s just a ripper of a horse,” Weir says of the $20,000 Perth Magic Millions yearling. “You know what you’re going to get with him, he goes out there and tries his heart out. “It doesn’t seem to matter what the race is, the track, he just gives you 100 percent every time and you can’t ask for more than that.”

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Palentino, Weir concedes, is different. The son of Teofilo topped the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale when knocked down to Weir for $85,000 and is now a Group One winner with a stud career ahead. “He was the best horse in the sale I thought and at the time a few people said we’d paid too much,” Weir said. “He showed us a bit right from the start and it was a big effort to win the Australian Guineas at his sixth start.” Palentino started the 2015/16 season in new colours, the yellow and red of Sun Stud which purchased a major stake in the four-year-old. That investment paid off handsomely when Palentino added another Group One win at Flemington, ironically defeating Black Heart Bart in the Makybe Diva Stakes. “It’s great for them (Sun Stud) as they’ve put a lot of money into the horse so to get another Group One win is very important,” Weir says. For the majority of racegoers, Weir first made his name by preparing She’s Archie to finish third to Makybe Diva in the 2003 Melbourne Cup. The prizemoney earned by the mare helped him enhance a recently purchased property at Ballarat, where he remains to this day. Weir has stables at Ballarat and Warrnambool and, while he credits the beach work at Warrnambool as a major aid, is quick to acknowledge the advantages of his home base at Forest Lodge in Ballarat. “One of the good things at Ballarat is you have plenty of options on what you do with your horses, you’re not tied down to any specific way of training,” Weir says. “Apart from the training tracks you can take horses on the roads, canter up through the hills and now we even have a terrific jumping facility that is great obviously for educating horses and giving us another training option.” With horses spread across stables at Ballarat and Warrnambool Weir cannot be in two places at once and is quick to acknowledge the staff he has gathered to assist in the day to day running of the operation. “Having large numbers of horses is dependent on your staff and I’m very lucky that I have such a wonderful group of people,” Weir says. “I couldn’t do this on my own and any success we have is down to a team effort. “The thing I like best is I can walk into any stable and the person there knows exactly what needs to be done – I can pretty much just observe.” Looks can deceive and for all of Weir’s selfeffacing modesty, the man has a mind like a trap and misses nothing. It seems impossible not to write about Weir without mentioning his birthplace of Berriwillock,

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Palentino started the 2015/16 season in new colours, the yellow and red of Sun Stud which purchased a major stake in the four-year-old.

a small town in the Mallee region of Victoria and one barely heard of outside the area before Prince Of Penzance won the Melbourne Cup.

Talk to people in the industry Weir has worked with and two common factors emerge. Work ethic and knowledge of horses.

Talk to people in the industry Weir has worked with and two common factors emerge. Work ethic and knowledge of horses Aided by racing manager Jeremy Rogers and bloodstock agent John Foote, Weir has been active at yearling sales in recent years. “John and Jeremy love that side of things and I’ll admit it’s not my favourite task,” Weir said. “I usually turn up at the sales and they will show me what they like. They’ve done pretty well at finding horses like Prince Of Penzance so I’m not complaining.” Mahuta is another Magic Millions graduate blossoming under Weir’s tutelage. The son of Flying Spur cost $35,000 as a Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling and is now Group One placed and a Group Two winner with a bankroll of $1.75 million, giving his big ownership group a ton of fun along the way. Quality performer Stratum Star, a $165,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, was transferred to Weir after original buyer and trainer Rick Hore-Lacy retired. The gelding raced to success at the elite level when he won the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. Much of Weir’s success has been secured by rejuvenating second-hand horses where he has become the ‘go to’ trainer but more and more his name is seen on buyers sheets at yearlings sales. “It’s a side of the business we have to be involved in and we’ve certainly picked up some lovely young horses to add to the stable,” Weir said. “I’ve learned they come in all shapes and sizes. As long as we can keep winning races, that’s the main thing.” Having won the 2015 Magic Millions Cup with multiple Group One winner Lucky Hussler, a $100,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Weir will be back again attempting to go backto-back. “He did a great job to win last year and we’ll be back for another crack,” Weir said after Lucky Hussler returned to form with another feature win at Sandown in November. “He’s been a lovely horse for connections and it will be great if he can go back and win the race again. It’s a great race meeting so it’s just good to have a runner there and hopefully win again.”

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Cycling for Simone During July the family and friends of the late Simone Montgomerie took part in an incredible event – pedalling over 3000km – to raise funds for the National Jockeys Trust. Magic Millions Media Manager Greg Irvine was one of the organisers and riders on the trip. In his own words, Greg tells us about the adventure of a lifetime.

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Simone Montgomerie

It was Simone’s dad Peter, the man who put the polish on Melbourne Cup runner-up On a Jeune, who decided he and his family wanted to do something to recognize the incredible support they’d received from the National Jockeys Trust after that tragic Darwin Cup Day. Simone, who I’d known for over 20 years, was at the peak of her career when her life was taken after a heavy fall in the home straight – doing what she did on so many occasions – leading the field to the winning post. Just 10 days earlier Simone had made history by becoming the first female to win the Top End jockey premiership. Her last winner was Warrego Melody and the photos I took that day are treasured by so many. Simone’s Dad had the idea of a fundraising cycle. He called daughter Brooke, a fitness fanatic at Streaky Bay with the idea. Had he spoken to his other two daughters the idea may have fizzled out – but Brooke isn’t one to say no. She eats challenges for breakfast.

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When I received the call from Brooke she told me about this crazy idea. Brooke said the actual ride was doable and she was ready to take part – Pete would ride, and others in the family would join in. How many, who knew. Brooke asked if people would get behind it and whether we could make it a success. She’d called the right person, I love a good challenge as well. It was already drafted up – a 26 day ride (24 in the saddle, 2 rest days) – 26 days, one day for each year Simone lived. We’d start at Streaky Bay, where Simone was born and finish in Darwin, where she took her last breath. Of course this would work. Brooke thought it would be great to raise $5,000 for the Jockeys Trust – imagine if we could raise $20,000 or $50,000. I said don’t you worry, leave that with me – we’ll raise more, you just work out the ride. Cycling for Simone was born! Somehow or another I ended up not just being an event organizer, but I was suddenly on the riding team. Albeit just a junior role there – I could only be on the trip to Alice Springs.

“It was already drafted up – a 26 day ride (24 in the saddle, 2 rest days) – 26 days, one day for each year Simone lived. We’d start at Streaky Bay, where Simone was born and finish in Darwin, where she took her last breath.”

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But I got to achieve what I set out to do – to challenge myself, to have the time of my life and to raise a whole lot of money for an incredible cause.

Cycling for Simone

Rain, head winds, punctures, minor tumbles, icy starts and fog delays did nothing to dampen our enthusiasm. The team members are all heroes in my eyes. From our cook to our support crew and to the amazing guys and girls who cycled their hearts out! There was no prouder man than me, having set up the finish line at the Darwin Turf Club and waiting for my team mates to cycle in across the finish line – 26 days later and over 3000km cycled on that Friday afternoon. Oh and did I mention we raised over $262,000. Pride doesn’t begin to tell the story.

The photos accompanying Greg’s review were kindly provided by Sue Chaplin (Snapper Artsy). Based at Wagait Beach just outside Darwin, Sue was the official photographer on the trip and her husband Chris and daughter Marissa were both team members. We thank Sue for her contribution.

PETER MONTGOMERIE, BROOKE CUPPLES AND MICHELLE PAYNE ARRIVING DARWIN TURF CLUB.

TEAM ON DAY ONE ARRIVING POOCHERA, GREG AND KERRIN MCEVOY TOWARD FRONT.

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Horses of all colours deserve a well earned retirement from the track, some even go on to a successful second career. They say you should back grey horses on wet days. How do “they” know this, it’s hard to say. One possible explanation is that grey horses have white hooves which tend to be more brittle than usual, so wet tracks offer more cushion for grey horses

ZEB ARMSTRONG

Australia’s most famous greys Subzero, won the 1992 Melbourne Cup on a heavy track, but he was a bit of an all rounder with 6 wins and 11 placings from 46 starts, including three Group One victories and over $2 million in prizemoney. Subzero was one of the greatest stayers of his era, quite amazing for a horse purchased with the express aim of winning the Magic Millions 2YO. He must have looked the part because he sold for a great price in those days of $100,000 and was fortunate to be trained by the astute Lee Freedman, who recognised his staying potential and developed him into a distance champion. It takes another type of skill altogether to recognise the potential that racehorses have after their racing careers are over, in Subzero’s case this fell to the Racing Victoria Clerk of The Course Graham Salisbury who fell in love with the striking grey when he first saw him as a yearling at Freedman’s stables. Salisbury, the long-time Racing Victoria Clerk, approached Lee Freedman and asked if he could get hold of Subzero, should he not make it on the track. Freedman’s rumoured response was something along the lines of ‘Come on mate - at least let me break him in first.’ This was probably in September 1990, or around that time. Less than four years later, in the winter of 1994, Salisbury finally had his man, or his horse if you will, for the price of a single dollar. On a firm track at Eagle Farm, Subzero had run his last race, and he was ready to fulfil his destiny as a Clerk of the Course under Salisbury’s care. Subzero was already popular. He remains one of only After winning $2 million dollars on the track, he then went on to make $12 million for charity just by being a gentle grey horse. Only in Australia could a grey gelding make $12 million dollars for charity simply by being himself. A sick kid in a hospital does not care whether or not Subzero was a champion. Has a winner of the Arc, the Kentucky Derby or the Grand National ever been led into a children’s hospital to be patted by sick kids? The 1992 Melbourne Cup winner has, hundreds of times. Only in Australia.

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Life can still be great after racing

with tender feet. Whatever the explanation, one of

five grey horses to have won a Melbourne Cup.

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Subzero won $2 million dollars on the track, and then went on to make $10 million for charity as a gentle grey horse. Only in Australia could a grey gelding make $10 million dollars for charity simply by being himself.

Where are they now?

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Peter doesn’t buy the ‘boom’ lots, but the horses at the smaller sales that still need a home, that still need care and still need a future... Interspersed with all his charity work,

We really have to think about this for a minute.

There has only been one Subzero, one Phar Lap, one Tulloch,

Subzero, with Graham Salisbury proudly

Subzero is a 500kg horse, and he gently walks

one Black Caviar and one Makybe Diva. A small percentage

aboard, worked as Racing Victoria’s

through hospitals, he visits schools, and is

of horses win Group 1 races; a slightly bigger percentage win

Clerk of the Course from 1994 until

not just tied up to the flagpole at the front for

black-type races. Magic Millions takes great pride in tracking

2008. In 2000, Subzero was flown to

the kids to look at through the window! He

all the sales’ graduates through their careers on the track and

Dubai for the Dubai World Cup of racing

patiently stands in the classrooms and kid

into their retirements no matter what level of success they

where he was patted by a Sheikh. Who

after kid pats him. What a remarkable thing

reached. Some graduates like Vancouver and Pierro end up at

would envisage a grey gelding, eight

it is and how quintessentially Australian

stud. Other graduates like Dance Hero, one of the best two-

years after his crowning glory, being

to have

a Melbourne Cup winner inside

year-olds we have seen since Todman, and Chief de Beers,

flown to Dubai just to be there! He was

a hospital or a classroom. Then there are

who has a room named after him at Doomben, end up being

not racing, nor was he working as a

the banquets, or political fundraisers, or

police horses.

Clerk of the Course. The powers that

religious ceremonies, or any of the dozens

There are many ways for thoroughbreds to have a useful

be in Dubai just wanted Subzero to be

of other events that since 1994, Subzero has

career after their racing days are over, even if they are not

there. In 2014, Subzero was honoured

arrived at on a float, been led off, and then

champions. The majority of females go to stud to produce the

at the Australia Racing Hall of Fame

graciously taken his place in the crowd. All

next generation, as do the elite males, the Gr1 winners and

inauguration night with a Chairman’s

this has been done in the name of charity.

their best bred relations. Some become eventing or pleasure

Award. Of course Subzero went to the

Without incident Subzero has banked $12

horses, some are used to improve other breeds, some are

ceremony in Canberra to pick up the

million dollars for those in need just by

given a gracious retirement by their grateful owners.

gong in person or rather “in horse.”

being himself.

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Where are they now? Over recent years there has been a growing awareness

Remember the film The Cup – the big screen hit that details Damien Oliver’s

by industry participants that as a group we need

emotional battle heading into the 2002 Melbourne Cup? The producers of this

to do everything in our power to ensure that the

film needed horses to play the parts of their more famous counterparts that

thoroughbreds we all admire are properly cared for

had run in the race back in 2002 (the film was made in 2011). They needed a

right through their lives.

Media Puzzle, who was a wiry chestnut, so Peter leased them a wiry chestnut.

As in so many instances in other fields of activity, once

Vinnie Roe, the favourite for the race, was a giant bay entire, so Peter found

a need arises, someone with vision comes along to fulfil

them a giant bay entire. All the horses leased to the movie by Peter matched

the need in a way that fits seamlessly into the tough

the colour, sex and style of the horses that actually ran in the race!

commercial realities of the marketplace.

Magic Millions, and indeed Australians care

Such a visionary is Peter Gray.

about their horses. Every horse matters.

Queensland covers an area bigger than France, Germany,

Every single foal that is born has a chance

Spain and Italy combined. In this vast landscape a lot of

to be Pierro or Subzero, but Bart Cummings

racetracks, polo fields, eventing courses and dressage

always said ‘Saintly was born a champion – I

arenas exist. Peter Gray is no Saint of the thoroughbred

didn’t train him to be a champion, he was born

– no rather he is a businessman, but one who does more

a champion.’ A huge majority of thoroughbred

for the survival of the slower horses than any other

foals simply were born with a destiny that did

man perhaps world-wide. Peter buys hundreds of the

not include wearing a sash in the winner’s

cheaper Magic Millions horses every year, and has for

circle at the Gold Coast on Magic Millions Day,

many years. The number of horses Peter has provided

at Flemington or at Randwick.

a future for would run into the thousands. Peter doesn’t buy the ‘boom’ lots, but the horses at the smaller sales that still need a home, that still need care and still need a future. Peter buys these horses and re-homes them. He keeps the best ones for himself – the best by pedigree and by type, and races these around Beaudesert and the surrounding provincial and country areas under the banner of his private trainer Ben Robinson. The horses with slightly less ability, Peter sells to trainers and owners that race their horses at any of the other 130

Every horse matters – Peter Gray has turned this adage into a living, and we can all be proud that here in Australia there exists a bloke like this.

race clubs situated in the 1.8 million square kilometres that make up Queensland. These might be horses that cost Peter between $500 and $1000 each – horses that would get beaten 60 lengths by a Group horse. But as Gai Waterhouse has always said… ‘You can’t replace that winning feeling.’ A win in a Julia Creek handicap, a town in regional Queensland; a town further from the Magic Millions sales ring than Moscow is from Berlin (the most famous route of World War II), well a win here is someone’s Cox Plate. The thrill of victory is the same – it is only after the fact that prize money comes into the equation. The old adage ‘a win is a win’ reigns true in racing throughout Australia. As for the horses that are not suited to racing, Peter sells some of these horses to polo clubs and polo players – imagine some of the wealthiest people on earth playing polo on horses that Peter purchased as lethargic racehorses for less than $1000 dollars! More of ‘Peter’s Graduates’ if you will, go on to be recipient mares that carry embryos; Dressage clubs and Eventing enthusiasts too purchase some of Peter’s horses, and despite being the saviour of the slow racehorse, Peter, who buys all his horses through his company Killara Thoroughbreds, does make a profit on his venture.

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Looking to the

WEST ADAM McGRATH

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Magic Millions raceday heads to Pinjarra Park The Magic Millions raceday headed down to Pinjarra Park for the first time in February 2016 and despite the 40-degree weather, Western Australia Racing fans travelled far and wide to make sure the day was a success. The 9-race card was full of competitive races, but all attention was towards the $250,000 Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (RL) and the $150,000 Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (RL) at the backend of the card. Trevor Andrews-trained galloper The River was the $3.00 favourite for the 2YO MM race having already won a two-year-old race leading into the event. Jockey Shaun McGruddy had come off three wins earlier in the day and was full of confidence leading in to the race. The confidence from McGruddy was obvious as he positioned The River in the box seat through the early stages of the race. From there, he was able to work around the leaders heels at the top of the straight and lifted The River to his second career victory with a dominant hands-and-heels performance. The win brought up the fourth victory for the jockey, who went narrowly close to making it five in the last. McGruddy stood up

and waved to the crowd, thinking he’d won the last and had brought up his fifth victory for the day, before the photo finish revealed he’d fallen agonisingly short. With The River winning for trainer Trevor Andrews, punters believed he’d win both Magic Millions races as he saddled up the $1.30 favourite Lucky Street for the three-year-old event. Sadly for connections, Lucky Street faded late in the race to finish seventh. It was the smallest filly in the race, Let It Slip which made the most of Lucky Street’s misfortune and capitalised with the fastest final 600m sectional time of the day to win by a long-neck in an eye-catching performance. The emotion shown from all connections post-race showed everyone on-course what the Magic Millions concept and raceday is all about. After such a successful day on and off the course, it’s no surprise to see that Pinjarra Park will be hosting the Magic Millions race day again in 2017.

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The scene is set Having already run the barrier draw, race day and yearling inspections, the Magic Millions Cocktail Party at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club was the perfect opportunity for owners, trainers, jockeys and racing enthusiasts to relax for a final time before the commencement of the Perth Yearling Sale the following day. Victories in the $250,000 2YO Magic Millions and $150,000 3YO Magic Millions were fresh in the minds of all present, adding to the intrigue and optimism of all in the room, as everyone hopes they’ve identified the next champion in their Yearling inspections. The Perth Yearling Sale has a proud history of producing world class gallopers at value prices. Not only is Magic Millions Perth the source of a huge number of winners within Western Australia, and the likes of current multiple Gr1 winner Black Heart Bart, it is the only Magic Millions Sale to have produced a Royal Ascot Group One winner in Scenic Blast – WA bred, owned and trained and now Hall of Famer.

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Looking to the

WEST

Margaret River While you’re in town for the Magic Millions, Western Australia’s Margaret River is a must visit.

Known for its amazing wineries and restaurants, Margaret River – or Margs as it’s known to locals – is home to some of WA’s best beaches. Whether you’re after a quick dip in the ocean, a day of sunbaking by the water or even some gnarly waves, Margaret River really has it all. Getting to the area is a simple task. Whether you want to take the scenic drive, catch a coach from the Perth CBD or take a charter flight from nearby Busselton, the options are endless. With over 100 wineries, Margaret River produces over 15 percent of Australia’s premium wine, so you’ll be spoilt for selection and flavour no matter which one you try. If wineries aren’t what you’re looking for, boutique breweries are also a frequent occurrence while travelling around the area with big servings for lunch and dinner and plenty of cheese and chocolate for dessert. If it’s not the wine that makes Margaret River a worldwide known location, then it’s the beaches which are continually ranked as some of the best in the world. With perfect breaks and swells, clear water and beautiful sunsets, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this location. The options are limitless when down here, whether its walking through the world’s tallest hardwood trees, experiencing the ancient caves, whale watching, fishing, canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to make the venture down to Margaret River, as it’s a destination that you’ll never forget.

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Amarina Farm Craig Anderson ANDREW REICHARD

What is your favourite sport outside of racing?

Who is the best or favourite horse you have been closely associated with?

This is obviously Rugby League, which I played very competitively until I had a bad knee injury at about 21. Hence my nickname “Rugger”. I’m still a keen follower.

I’ve been fortunate to have been associated with some great horses but a particular favourite is Mnemosyne who was the first Encosta de Lago to sell for $400K. After that great sale result I watched her go on to become a multiple Gr.1 winner, fourth in the Slipper and joint top 3YO filly in Australia. She’s since become a multiple group producer, her current star is Impending.

What is special for you about horses? Horses are great animals to work with, I get a lot of satisfaction from watching the whole development process, from foaling, to weaning, through the growth phase as weanlings and then the process of taking the yearlings to the sales. From there it’s exciting to get a good sales result and then hopefully see that turn into racetrack success. Amarina Farm at Denman is owned and operated by Craig and Sue Anderson along with Gavin Murphy and Catherine Donovan, stalwarts of the industry. Craig, AKA Rugger was eager to talk to

What is your favourite breakfast?

us about the farm’s 2017 Magic Millions draft -

How would you summarise your draft this year ?

What is your favourite movie? Shawshank Redemption and Apocalypto both great. What one single event would you have liked to witness? I would like to have seen Cathy Freeman’s win in the 400 metres at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on you? The biggest influence on me has been my dad Sid Anderson, who was a great all round horseman. He worked on several leading studs including a long stint at Robrick Lodge, where he had great success for the White family. I learned a lot from him and it has stood me in great stead.

Poached eggs with tomato, bacon and Worcestershire sauce.

This year I’ve got a great even draft with a nice spread of leading proven and first season commercial sires. Many of them are out of beautifully bred young mares from strong families. We are committed sellers and I’m confident we will have something to appeal to a wide range of buyers. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? There are some great mares on the farm including Gallica a dual Gr.1 winner by Redoute’s, she won the 1000 Guineas and SA Oaks, Rosmarino who is the dam of the brilliant multiple Gr.3 winner Van Pensiero and Condesaar the dam of Yankee Rose who just became the first filly to defeat the colts in the ATC Spring Champion S. before a gallant third to Winx and Hartnell in the Cox Plate.

I hope buyers can find another Mnemosyne in our 2017 Magic Millions draft.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Fools Gold (AUS)

Pierro (AUS)

Gallica (AUS)

102

Mossman (AUS)

I’m Mary Too (AUS)

218

Sizzling (AUS)

Midnight Dancer (AUS)

291

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Our Golden Dream (USA)

404

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Royal Sash (AUS)

426

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Search For Fame (AUS)

435

Declaration of War (USA)

Senseless War (USA)

466

Epaulette (AUS)

Sneakerella (AUS)

480

B/Br. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Spirit Song (AUS)

568

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Vital Mist (AUS)

574

Ch/Gr. C

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Wilde Irish Song (AUS)

580

Unencumbered (AUS)

Yeahdad (AUS)

597

Ch.

All Too Hard (AUS)

A Material Girl (AUS)

608

Stratum (AUS)

Adonia Queen (USA)

637

Zoustar (AUS)

Armanjena (AUS)

666

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Belmont Cat (NZ)

680

Smart Missile (AUS)

Bondarenko (NZ)

750

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Dahleah (AUS)

753

Ch.

Star Witness (AUS)

Dancer’s Rose (AUS)

780

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Doctrine (AUS)

834

Lope de Vega (IRE)

Raindane (AUS)

927

B/Br. F

Pluck (USA)

China Road (AUS)

968

B/Br. C

Sebring (AUS)

Groovy Choice (AUS)

www.amarinafarm.com.au Craig Anderson: 0419 464 899 Denman, NSW

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Aquis Farm Robyn Wise ZEB ARMSTRONG

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If you could travel anywhere what would be your first stop? Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. A city full of incredible music, food, history, and architecture, with a historic racetrack in the middle of town, not to mention there are beaches nearby. Everything you could possibly want in a holiday. Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on you? I have been lucky to have worked with and been influenced by a multitude of great people in my life. It is one of the great joys of being in the racing industry; the cross section of people you are continually exposed to is amazing. The greatest influence however have been my parents. I think most people, especially in the breeding industry have had a huge influence via our parents.

when I was 21 and living in Toowoomba. I called to see if Pat had any positions available for their upcoming yearling preparation. He very politely told me that I was on the wrong side of the world to be asking that question. I called him five days later from a hotel in Lexington to let him know that I was now on the right side of the world. He didn’t have a job for me but gave me a list of people he thought might be as crazy as I was. A great five years in Lexington ensued.

What have been the highlights for your farm this past year?

What is your favourite sport outside of racing?

11 time winner - and three time Black-Type winner Cradle Me. June Stakes winner Alberton Park, the quality Kiwi mare Mygoodgrace, and Decorah, a former staying mare, just to mention a few.

How do I answer this question for Aquis! Aquis has exploded this year, and we are far from done. Hang on to your hats, because we are only going to get bigger and better. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm?

Tennis. You can play a match of tennis in any country or city in the world. I played tennis competitively when I was younger and am now very happy to cheer from my armchair. What is special for you about horses? Their level of trust, it makes you step up to deserve it. Also you can never go past the sheer beauty of the thoroughbred in action, well most of them anyway. What is your favourite piece of technical equipment? Phone? Computer? Something else? Anyone who knows me well knows that I am technologically challenged. So ‘favourite piece of technical equipment’ doesn’t really work for me. The piece of technical equipment I can’t go without is my phone.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done outside of racing horses?

How would you summarise your draft this year?

A bungee jumper I am not, so it is safe to say that most daring things I have done have been connected to the racing industry one way or another. I remember calling Pat Payne, who was with Gainesway in Lexington Kentucky at the time

The Aquis draft this year has an excellent mix of stallions and good depth of pedigree. That aside, what we do have is a really solid bunch of racehorses. Our draft will not disappoint on type.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Br.

Nicconi (AUS)

Garden of Eden (AUS)

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Golden Edict (USA)

196

Br.

Artie Schiller (USA)

Mahira (AUS)

207

More Than Ready (USA)

Maroon Bay (AUS)

216

O’Reilly (NZ)

Mexican Rose (NZ)

275

Smart Missile (AUS)

Nobody But You (AUS)

366

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Red Centre (AUS)

415

Br.

Harbour Watch (IRE)

Samra (AUS)

419

Br.

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Sangfroid (AUS)

421

Sepoy (AUS)

Sarah Jessica (AUS)

502

Artie Schiller (USA)

Swerte Bella (AUS)

556

Pierro (AUS)

Varenna Miss (AUS)

562

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Victory Ride (AUS)

586

Starspangledbanner (AUS) Zabeea (AUS)

647

Uncle Mo (USA)

Awe Inspiring (IRE)

663

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Belleluia (AUS)

674

Br/Blk C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Bikini Star (AUS)

870

Epaulette (AUS)

Stregheria (AUS)

941

Ch.

Helmet (AUS)

Doubtful Diva (AUS)

979

Foxwedge (AUS)

Iseult (AUS)

997

Br/Gr C

Bernardini (USA)

Love Her Madly (AUS)

1000 B.

Love Conquers All (AUS)

Lucky Dubai (AUS)

1008 B.

Love Conquers All (AUS)

Merryanna (AUS)

www.aquisfarm.com Robyn Wise: 0419 174 632 Canungra, Queensland

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Dundeel A dozen moments of greatness

SUSAN ARCHER

An Effortless 2YO Debut, 9 April 2012

Dundeel won his 2YO debut at Ellerslie, New Zealand in a manner rarely seen there, sweeping around the field to win as he liked. Murray Baker, no stranger to Australian Group 1 success, immediately told the colt’s owners that his future lay across the Tasman. Less than two years later the laconic master trainer would rate Dundeel “the best horse I’ve trained by quite a bit.”

First Group Win, 22 September 2012

After winning his first two Australian starts in mid-week company, Dundeel stepped up with aplomb to claim the ATC Gloaming S. 1800m G3 at the famous track where he would post three of his six Group 1 victories, Royal Randwick.

First Group 1 Success, 6 October 2012

Dundeel was unbeaten going into his fifth start, the ATC Spring Champion S. 2000m G1. He came out of it as the newest star in a generation of three-year-olds equalled in the modern era only by the Class of 1996 – Octagonal, Saintly & Filante.

A Record-Breaking Guineas, 16 March 2013

Perhaps the most telling aspect of Dundeel’s ATC Randwick Guineas G1 win, over 1600 metres at Warwick Farm, wasn’t his race record time of 1:35.14, but the fact that superlative miler Sacred Falls was almost four lengths behind him.

“Far Too Good”, 30 March 2013

That’s how jockey Leith Innes summed up Dundeel’s near-7 length victory in the ATC Rosehill Guineas 2000m G1. Not that Innes was on board the superstar colt - he rode the runner-up, Sacred Falls. Dundeel’s jockey James McDonald said, “This is scary, but I think he’ll be an even better four-year-old.”

History Made in the Derby, 13 April 2013

Dundeel’s six-length demolition of the ATC Australian Derby 2400m G1 field was the biggest winning margin in almost 50 years. It was also the first clean sweep of all four of Sydney’s Group 1 3YO races. And he ran a faster last 400 metres than world champion sprinter Black Caviar in the TJ Smith S. G1 on the same card.

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Defeating the Undefeated, 21 September 2013

McDonald seized the initiative by sending Dundeel forward in the MRC Underwood S. 1800m G1 to press the unbeaten champion mare Atlantic Jewel. The colt answered every call in a tense battle, nailing victory a stride or two before the post.

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A Brilliant Final Track Gallop, 15 April 2014

Just after 4 am at Warwick Farm, Dundeel completed his last serious piece of work before the ultimate goal of his final campaign, the $4 million ATC Queen Elizabeth S. 2000m G1. McDonald’s broad smile afterwards said it all: Dundeel was ready to rumble.

The Top of the Mountain, 19 April 2014

Dundeel sealed the inaugural running of The Championships with 124 seconds of perfection to secure his sixth Group 1 victory in the Queen Elizabeth. The season’s highest rated Australian race was assessed by form analyst Dominic Beirne as one of the most punishing weight-for-age contests seen at Randwick. “By the 700m, more than half the field had popped as the pace destroyed them, one by one…The quality rose to the top in such an unforgiving race.”

One of the Greats

Strapper Emily Murphy says, “You can ride him in a gallop over 1200 metres and he feels like an open sprinter, he’s got so much brilliance and power and speed and attitude. Everything you could ever want in a racehorse, he has.” Dundeel was named the 2014 New Zealand Horse of the Year and earned a final Timeform figure of 129 – alongside Makybe Diva, Northerly and Sunline.

A LifeChanging Horse

Breeder & co-owner Murray Andersen says, “I loved Dundeel from the moment I saw him…he had something special about him….I’m absolutely passionate about Dundeel, he’s been a life-changing horse.” Murray & his wife Jo head the Waimarama Partnership which has strongly supported the launch of Dundeel’s stud career.

2017 Dundeel yearlings Vendor

Lot

Dam / Sex

Arrowfield Stud (As Agent)

Hokuspokus (AUS)

Arrowfield Stud (As Agent)

232

Miss Finland (AUS)

Bhima Thoroughbreds (As Agent) 125

Johan’s Toy (AUS)

Burnewang North Pastoral

355

Rap Tale (USA)

Marquee Stud, Willow Tree

Funzero (AUS)

Musk Creek Farm

708

Cerberus Gal (AUS)

Newhaven Park

452

Simply Brilliant (AUS)

Raheen Stud

210

Matilda’s Dance (AUS)

Redbank North/Huntworth Stud

155

Lady Of Choice (AUS)

Riversdale (As Agent)

327

Power O’raylee (AUS)

Riversdale (As Agent)

401

Royal Emerger (AUS)

Willow Park Stud

685

Breccia (NZ)

A New Story Begins, January 2017

Now Dundeel is ready to change many lives, as his first dozen yearlings go through the ring at the 2017 Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast

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Arrowfield Stud Paul Messara SUSAN ARCHER

Buying from Arrowfield is like breeding to a champion sire – with the significant advantage of having the resulting horse already in front of you. That’s one conclusion to be drawn from a study of vendor performance at the last six Magic Millions Gold Coast Sales. Among the 27 Magic Millions vendors that have sold

stakeswinners from at least 50 lots offered during that period, none has a better strike rate than Arrowfield’s one in 12. That’s very similar to the Stakeswinners/Foals statistic achieved by the Stud’s multiple champion sire Redoute’s Choice. The difference is that buyers of Arrowfield yearlings have more than two years’ head start.

Secret Agenda, purchased in 2014 by Blueblood Thoroughbreds, wins the Group 3 MRC How Now Stakes to the delight of her many owners

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And a head start is exactly what Arrowfield’s latest Magic Millions star gives herself every time she races. Quality Melbourne sprinter Wild Rain (by Manhattan Rain), already a multiple stakeswinner, stepped up this Spring to win the MVRC Ian McEwen S. G2 and run the bravest of thirds behind Extreme Choice in the MVRC A.J. Moir S. G1. Selected by trainer Mark Kavanagh from Arrowfield’s 2013 draft, Wild Rain has so far earned more than five times her $150,000 purchase price.

Melbourne syndicator Blueblood Thoroughbreds paid $120,000 for the Not A Single Doubt-Negotiate filly in 2014 and now own the valuable dual Group winner and $400,000 earner Secret Agenda. Her half-brother by Smart Missile is on offer this year.

2017 draft

Also among Arrowfield’s 18 stakeswinning Magic Millions graduates since 2011 are Gr1 winner Sweet Idea, Gr2 winner Perignon, Gr3 winning juveniles Honesty Prevails, Bachman & Oakleigh Girl and Flemington Listed winner Detective.

Syndicators have also done well with yearlings bought from Arrowfield. Darby Racing spotted another daughter of Manhattan Rain in the 2015 Arrowfield consignment and secured her for $100,000. Named Scarlet Rain, she didn’t take long to put smiles on her owners’ faces, winning three of her four 2YO starts, including the ATC Sweet Embrace S. G2. Her full sister is offered at the 2017 Sale.

On paper and in the flesh, the 2017 Arrowfield Magic Millions draft has all the credentials to give that list a substantial boost.

Scott Darby explains, “We buy from Arrowfield not just because they stand exceptional stallions and their yearlings are well conformed athletes, or because of their professional setup and record of producing champions. It’s also about every member of their staff who contributes to what I believe is great success on the track.”

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Fashion (GER)

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Flavoured (AUS)

Smart Missile (AUS)

Forest City Girl (USA)

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Good Weekend (AUS)

Animal Kingdom (USA)

Helena Girl (AUS)

Dundeel (NZ)

Hokuspokus (AUS)

100

Br.

All American (AUS)

Hussterics (AUS)

140

All American (AUS)

Kimillsy (AUS)

157

Snitzel (AUS)

Lady Zabelia (NZ)

158

B/Br F

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Lago Ovation (AUS)

161

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Lanai (USA)

168

Snitzel (AUS)

Lieserl (AUS)

212

Animal Kingdom (USA)

Menage A Charge (AUS)

214

All American (AUS)

Merlene De Lago (AUS)

232

Dundeel (NZ)

Miss Finland (AUS)

238

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Miss Sharapova (NZ)

246

Pierro (AUS)

Moonlight Bay (AUS)

265

Smart Missile (AUS)

Negotiate (AUS)

280

Gr.

Charge Forward (AUS)

Ocelot (AUS)

293

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Overblik (AUS)

318

B/Br C

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Pinwin (NZ)

341

Ch.

Starcraft (NZ)

Purring Flyer (AUS)

342

Animal Kingdom (USA)

Pyrography (AUS)

357

Charge Forward (AUS)

Raweesha (AUS)

360

Animal Kingdom (USA)

Ready Magic (AUS)

409

Snitzel (AUS)

Sabanci (AUS)

411

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Sacred Witness (AUS)

417

Snitzel (AUS)

Sananda (IRE)

428

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Secluded (AUS)

433

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Senator Beck (USA)

477

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Spanish Lake (AUS)

488

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Stormy Hussey (AUS)

538

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Tripled (AUS)

545

B/Br C

All American (AUS)

Tuusula (AUS)

567

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Vishneva (AUS)

616

Animal Kingdom (USA)

Alexandrova (AUS)

619

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Allariza (IRE)

627

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Anadan (AUS)

631

Snitzel (AUS)

Angel Of Mercy (AUS)

642

Br.

Lord Kanaloa (JPN)

Asterix (JPN)

651

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Ballet Blue (AUS)

Dominant.

727

Br.

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Compton Rainbow (GB)

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing?

776

Smart Missile (AUS)

Distinctive (AUS)

785

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Double Ranga (AUS)

803

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Empress Lily (AUS)

The 2011 Sale was very difficult for everyone because of the terrible flooding that year, but the raceday provided the moment that Not A Single Doubt really began to make his mark. Karuta Queen’s Magic Millions Classic win was very special.

820

Smart Missile (AUS)

Phaedra (AUS)

877

Charge Forward (AUS)

Tang (AUS)

882

Ch.

Starcraft (NZ)

Vortex (AUS)

885

Smart Missile (AUS)

Wecansay Mak (AUS)

895

B/Br C

All American (AUS)

Accomplishment (AUS)

906

Ch.

Animal Kingdom (USA)

Battle Queen (AUS)

945

Charge Forward (AUS)

Elegant Attire (AUS)

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

950

Smart Missile (AUS)

Estatuilla (ARG)

971

Smart Missile (AUS)

Hussta La Vista (AUS)

973

Smart Missile (AUS)

In The Moment (AUS)

1002 Ch.

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Macedon Lady (AUS)

1012 B.

Animal Kingdom (USA)

Miss Bellezza (AUS)

1018 B.

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Morton (AUS)

All of the Stud’s current champion, leading and proven sires are represented, along with colts from the first crop of six-time Gr1 winner Dundeel, and yearlings by Champion First Season Sire Smart Missile, Dubai World Cup champion Animal Kingdom and former resident All American, the sire of dual Gr1 winner Yankee Rose. Buyers will also find full or half siblings of Stay With Me (MRC Thousand Guineas G1), dual Gr2 winner Time For War and debut 2YO stakeswinners Azazel & Burnstone.

What is your most prized possession? My children.

What do you do to keep fit? Brazilian Jujitsu.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

60 Seconds with Arrowfield Stud Manager Paul Messara Who do you follow on Twitter? UFC World Champion Conor McGregor.

What is your favourite movie? The Usual Suspects.

What is the best gift you have ever received? A belly button brush.

What was the last picture you took with your phone?

Yes – in fact more than ever, and the training options are excellent too. You only have to hear all the foreign accents when you walk around a stud farm to know that young Australians only have to step up, ready to learn and work, to start a career in our thoroughbred industry.

www.arrowfield.com.au Paul Messara: 0438 248 258 Scone, NSW

My son Frank with the newborn Deep Impact-Alinghi filly.

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Attunga Stud Brian Nutt RENEE GEELEN

Attunga means ‘higher place’ and the farm has certainly attained that since being established in 2000 with a long list of stakes winning graduates, including recent New Zealand dual Gr.1 winner Sacred Star. South Africa’s equivalent of the Golden Slipper; the Golden Horseshoe-Gr.1, was won by Attunga graduate Fighting Warrior who was sold at the 2011 Magic Millions weanling sale while the globe-trotting Gr.1 winner War Artist sold at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He raced soundly for seven seasons across seven different countries (Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Hong Kong, U.A.E.). Attunga’s current rising stars include Magic Millions sold group or listed winners Target in Sight, Pitstop, Combat Kitty, Master of Puppets and Vezalay whose half-sister by Zoustar is on offer at this sale. Champion Elect has won her first 2YO start brilliantly in Brisbane this season, while Ellicazoom is a Gr 2 placed SW in Perth in November. Bluebloods asked Attunga’s owner Brian Nutt a few questions about life and his up-coming Magic Millions draft.

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What one single event would you have liked to witness?

What is your favourite breakfast?

Australia winning the Rugby World Cup. Hopefully it will happen again in my lifetime.

Avocado, tomato and onion caramelised balsamic salsa on poached eggs with sourdough toast. Washed down by a Bloody Mary on occasions.

If you could acquire one particular new skill, what would it be?

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Being able to touch my toes again.

There is a great selection of yearlings to suit a wide range of buyers in our draft this year. They are by a terrific range of proven sires and exciting young guns. We have two yearlings by Australia’s leading active sire Not A Single Doubt and others by crack juvenile sires Exceed and Excel and I Am Invincible who both had great spring carnivals. Then there are the evergreens Lonhro and Choisir, and also Zoffany and Eurozone, who was a very exciting son of Northern Meteor. To top it off are three from the first crop of Northern Meteor’s crack son Zoustar who is a beautiful individual and is siring yearlings in the same mould.

What is your favourite piece of music, or song? Walking in Memphis. That shouldn’t be news to anyone who knows me. Marc Cohn just has a great voice. It’s a classic song for all ages. I love to belt it out while in the car – on repeat! What sport were you always best at? Believe it or not Rugby. I played for a couple of years in NZ as well as America. I am also pretty good at bottle tops. Not many will remember that game. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of spare cash, and this was a fun game we could play without any cost. We used to flatten bottle tops, and throw them against a wall. The closest had the right to put everyone else’s on your bent elbow and you got to keep all the ones you could catch. What song do you know all the lyrics to? As above.

What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? The biggest highlight has been the fantastic season we have had on the farm. In twenty years, I’ve never seen the Hunter Valley looking better. The rain has “been like $10 notes falling out of the sky”.

What do you look for in a potential champion, any one thing in particular? What we look for cannot be found – and that’s the beauty of racing. People who say they can tell are usually kidding themselves. Everyone has their own ideas about what matters. It’s great because every yearling can find a home. TJ Smith and Bart Cummings always bought different styles of horses. There isn’t a formula.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

191

Ch.

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Mae Gone West (USA)

243

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Moccasin Bend (AUS)

255

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Mulu Miss (AUS)

316

Ch.

Zoustar (AUS)

Pinova (AUS)

487

Ch.

Foxwedge (AUS)

Storm Signal (NZ)

508

Zoustar (AUS)

Tactfully (AUS)

511

Ch.

Choisir (AUS)

Tallulah Bee (AUS)

548

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Ubiquity (AUS)

592

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Zighy Bay (USA)

606

Br/Blk. F

Lonhro (AUS)

Adaline (AUS)

692

Br.

Pierro (AUS)

Caesar’s Princess (AUS)

752

Ch.

Eurozone (AUS)

Dance Hit (NZ)

996

Ch.

Zoffany (IRE)

Looney Lill (AUS)

www.attungastud.com Brian Nutt: 0418 264 012 Moobi, NSW

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Bhima Thoroughbreds Mike Fleming DANE SQUANCE

What is your favourite movie? “Matt Damon’s The Bourne Identity.” What are the first two things on your bucket list? “Everyone wants to breed a Group One winner, while heading off to Africa on safari would also be high on my list!” What was the last picture you took with your phone? “At this time of year, it was a copy of this morning’s vet work.” What do you wish you knew when you were younger? “Nothing - I thought I knew everything!” As the yearling selling season commences once again, Bhima’s Mike and Kate Fleming head to the Magic Millions excited at the prospects within their draft, cemented by the knowledge that their graduates have had an exciting 12 months on the track. Leading the way was three-year-old filly I Am A Star who became the first filly of her age to win the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington. Further Group 1 performances for Heavens Above and Heatherly has continued to highlight that the Flemings personal approach to client relationships and developing the quality of their yearling drafts is paying dividends. While the fillies and mares have had an outstanding season, the colts have also proven their worth with stakeswinning graduates Scissor Kick, Super One and Ready For Victory all covering their first books of mares after retiring to leading thoroughbred operations Arrowfield Stud, Newgate Farm and Sun Stud respectively. Bluebloods chatted to Mike Fleming about the upcoming draft, but also wanted to gain some insight into the quirkier side of Bhima’s main man.

How would you summarise your draft this year? “We will be represented by a very good mix of yearlings based on pedigree, sire and type.” Having prepared and sold I Am Invincible stakes winners as yearlings including Super One, arguably one of the fastest of his progeny and the lone Group One-winning filly in I Am A Star, Bhima have two on offer by the stallion at the sale. A filly out of the Singspiel mare Dusty Grey who hails from an international black type family, while the colt is out of a half-sister to Australian Champion 2YO Zizou, from the family of Not A Single Doubt and Snippets. Champion sire Redoute’s Choice will be represented by a pair of fillies in the draft including the first foal out of Racing Nadine, a half-sister to Group 1 winner He’s No Pie Eater from the family of Redoute’s Choice himself. With his oldest progeny just three, Sepoy has produced a string of winners in both the southern and northern hemisphere and Bhima’s chestnut filly should have universal appeal. Possibly one of the only opportunities to tap into the immediate family of Horse of the Year and dual Group 1 WS Cox Plate winner Winx, the Sepoy filly is out of an Encosta de Lago half-sister to the Champion mare. An Exceed And Excel three-quarter brother to Group 1 winner First Seal has extreme stallion appeal and will surely be high on inspect lists, while a Fastnet Rock filly out of a half-sister to dual USA Horse of the Year Wise Dan, himself a winner of 11 Grade 1 races including dual Breeders’ Cup Mile wins has an international flavour.

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While this year’s draft comprises of mainly proven sires, Bhima have two from the second crop of Slipper winner Pierro highlighted by a colt out of a half-sister to Group 1 winner Sizzling and will also consign a half-brother to dual Group 2 winner Toydini from the first crop of Arrowfield Stud’s New Zealand Horse of the Year Dundeel. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? “Purely Spectacular (Pins), the dam of Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Stratum Star as well as Augusta Proud (More Than Ready), a winner of the Magic Millions 2YO races both at the Gold Coast and Adelaide, whose first foal is the Group 3 winner Thyme For Roses.” Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? “Yes, there are, but I don’t think there is enough attention given to getting these young people in the bottom end to work their way through the industry to produce our next generation of farm managers.”

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Star Witness (AUS)

Guessed (AUS)

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Honor Patti (USA)

111

Declaration of War (USA)

Indy Cash (USA)

125

Dundeel (NZ)

Johan’s Toy (AUS)

227

Ch.

More Than Ready (USA)

Miraculous Miss (AUS)

229

Ch.

Sepoy (AUS)

Miss Atom Bomb (AUS)

234

Br.

Snitzel (AUS)

Miss Iguacu (AUS)

292

All Too Hard (AUS)

Our Joan Of Arc (AUS)

306

B/Br F

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Perfect Hostess (NZ)

349

Ch.

More Than Ready (USA)

Quintessential (NZ)

350

Br.

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Racing Nadine (AUS)

491

Br.

Pierro (AUS)

Street Groove (AUS)

526

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Thirty Rock (AUS)

535

Pierro (AUS)

Trafalgar Miss (AUS)

588

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Zapurple (NZ)

761

B/Br C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Dashie Diva (AUS)

769

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Delorosa (AUS)

777

All Too Hard (AUS)

Distinctive Lass (AUS)

793

B/Br F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Dusty Grey (AUS)

805

Ch.

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Episode (AUS)

www.bhima.com.au Mike Fleming: 0448 254 365 Scone, NSW

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Bowness Stud John North KRISTEN MANNING

Very much hands on at Bowness Stud John North has over three decades of thoroughbred experience and is looking forward to another busy Magic Millions.

What is your favourite drink?

What is your favourite movie?

What is your favourite breakfast?

I don’t get a lot of movie watching time in but I’d have to say that The Shawshank Redemption was pretty good.

Bacon, eggs and tomato.

What is your favourite activity outside of racing? Playing with the grandkids. What is the best advice you have received about horses?

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Tooheys Extra Dry.

How would you summarise your draft this year? They are a nice even bunch with something for everyone. Hard to name a highlight as just to get into the Magic Millions they all have to be pretty nice types.

That a good horse can come from anywhere.

What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm?

What is the most daring thing you’ve done outside of racing horses?

The South Australian Oaks-Gr.3, 2500m winner Wowee who is in foal to So You Think.

I used to be an owner/trainer and I’d ride my own work and I reckon that’s daring enough, as is working with stallions! But outside of horses I used to water ski on the oceans a fair bit when I was young and that was probably pretty silly.

Hosiery, the dam of the Caulfield Guineas-Gr.1, 1600m winner Long John and the Listed winner Ribald. Vahine, dam of multiple stakes winner Mahuta, winner of the 2016 Magic Millions 3Y0 Guineas-RL, 1400m. Also dam of Listed winner Anlon.

SALE

Espurante, stakes winning dam of exciting three yearold Jennifer Lynn, a Listed winner at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day. I Got Chills, speedy Listed winning General Nediym mare whose five to race have all been winners. Soiree Girl, dam of the Schillaci Stakes-Gr.2, 1100m winner Alpha Miss. Weekend Gossip, half-sister to the triple Group One winner Mentality doing a great job at stud with the Group Three winner I’m All The Talk and the Listed winner Straturbo.

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales and racing? Selling the first half million dollar Fastnet Rock was a real highlight. And the races have been good to us, we’ve sold two of the 3Y0 winners Deiheros and Torio’s Quest and have the dam of Lot Col/Sex another in Mahuta. We don’t get 12 B. F to go to the races as it’s such a 148 Br. C busy inspection day but it’s a good atmosphere with all the 337 B. C vendors watching on the TV. 470 Br. C

2017 draft Sire

Dam

All Too Hard (AUS)

Fidelias Dance (GB)

Bullet Train (GB)

Lacey Lonhbreak (AUS)

Choisir (AUS)

Pure Intentions (AUS)

So You Think (NZ)

Soiree Girl (AUS)

505

Bullet Train (GB)

Sylph Lady (AUS)

530

All Too Hard (AUS)

Tivoli Dancer (NZ)

559

So You Think (NZ)

Verbose (AUS)

572

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

West Of Katrina (USA)

796

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

El Ashb (IRE)

822

Excelebration (IRE)

Piccadilly Place (AUS)

825

Declaration of War (USA)

Popular Acclaim (AUS)

830

Smart Missile (AUS)

Profits Rock (AUS)

880

B/Br F

Dream Ahead (USA)

Top Tips (AUS)

972

Bullet Train (GB)

Idriess (AUS)

978

Ch.

Zoffany (IRE)

Isabel Street (AUS)

982

Br/Gr C

The Factor (USA)

Just A Kiseki (AUS)

High Chaparral (IRE)

Montaza (AUS)

1015 B.

www.bownessstud.com.au John North: 0428 846 270 Young, NSW

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Coolmore Jim Carey & Shane McGrath In advance of the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Bluebloods spoke to Coolmore Bloodstock Sales Manager Shane McGrath and Stud Manager Jim Carey to gain an insight into their draft. The draft includes 30 yearlings who are siblings to or progeny of black-type performers. How do you go about selecting the yearlings that you target at this sale? Shane McGrath (SM) – Because the horses are so young when the preparation begins, it is essential to choose yearlings that are natural athletes. The likes of Winx, Vancouver, Hi World, Cool Chap and Jennifer Lynn are all good examples from our recent offerings

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at the Magic Millions. They were not yearlings with precocious profiles, but they were all well conformed with a natural athleticism that meant they just looked like horses that were born to run. The two year-old Classic means that precocious yearlings will always be in focus at this sale, but the reality is that the sale has consistently produced a diverse range of highclass racehorses who have excelled over a variety of distances at every age level. First and foremost, buyers come to this sale to find racehorses – there is less discussion here about residual value than at any other sale – so that’s what we aim to provide and luckily people who have supported our draft have had some great results in recent years in particular.

You mentioned Winx and Vancouver, tell us about other recent graduates of the farm and what do you think it is about the farm that has seen it be so successful to the point where it has produced 46 individual group one winners and the winners of over 440 stakes races in less than 20 years? SM – We had a great year in 2015 with 25 stakes winning graduates, which was incredible really. However, it’s been a pleasant surprise to surpass that this year and to date the farm has produced 26 individual stakes winners in 2016. Obviously Winx is a headline act, but the success of horses like Awesome Rock, who was foaled and raised on the farm before

winning his first group one as a five yearold, and Miss Rose De Lago, who won her fifth stakes race this Spring and is now on the cusp of becoming a millionaire has been enjoyable to watch. Some of the younger, less-exposed horses to have emerged are very exciting including the likes of Comin’ Through, Omei Sword, Inference, Anaheim, Smart As You Think and Moqueen amongst others, so there is plenty to look forward to. The farm has done a great job in consistently producing tough, sound racehorses and as a result we’re seeing graduates reappear year after year, reproducing their best form time and time again. That can only be a positive thing for owners and trainers alike. Jim Carey (JC) – I’ve been lucky enough to work in some of the most productive breeding institutions in the world, but our farm at Jerrys Plains is as good as I’ve seen. It’s just a wonderful environment to develop elite racehorses and we are very lucky to have a great farm that is complemented by a fantastic team of staff. At the highest level in racing and breeding, the margins between success and failure are so small and it is the attention to detail of the people who care for the horses that can make all the difference. The people who look after the horses at Coolmore are people who recognise their responsibility to grow and nurture high-class racehorses of the future and as the results show, they are doing an exceptional job. Fastnet Rock has had the likes of Atlantic Jewel, Driefontein and Super Cool amongst others emerge from this sale, Choisir has had 22 stakes winners in the last 22 months, while Pierro himself is a graduate of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. You have yearlings in your draft by all these stallions, so who should we look out for? JC – I hate choosing favourites so I won’t nominate a specific yearling, but it seems to me to be the perfect time to buy a Fastnet Rock yearling. He’s had a career best year with 26 individual stakes winners around the world. He has had sons top the first season sire table in Australia for each of the last two years and his daughters are already breeding top-class horses themselves – he’s the consummate all-rounder. He covered incredible mares in 2014 and he has a hell of a lot of good yearlings to be offered in 2017. SM – I have noted a precocity about the Pierro yearlings as a collective this season that was not as evident with his first crop last year. Two fine examples are the colts out of Tempting and Bellevue Girl. Both will appeal to a broad cross section of the buying bench and look obvious candidates for two yearold racing next season. Generally speaking the feedback on the first Pierro two yearolds has been excellent with trainers being unanimous in their praise of them. They just seem to want to be racehorses and that can only be a good thing for his prospects as a sire. I expect we’ll see him make a real name for himself as a stallion in due course.

Between them, Declaration Of War and Camelot won 6 Gr.1 races, with both earning Champion status and the unanimous acclaim of racing analysts in Europe. What can we expect of their first yearlings in Australia?

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

B/Br. C

So You Think (NZ)

Fantastic Angel (NZ)

B/ Br. C

Declaration of War (USA)

Festival Princess (IRE)

Declaration of War (USA)

Fusaichi Rose (AUS)

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Graceful Anna (AUS)

Pierro (AUS)

Halle Rocks (AUS)

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Heavenly Glow (AUS)

Camelot (GB)

Holy Moly (NZ)

101

Pierro (AUS)

I Promise (USA)

110

Pierro (AUS)

Indian Ocean (AUS)

176

Pierro (AUS)

Little Miss Smiley (AUS)

178

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Livealifeoflove (USA)

200

Ch.

Choisir (AUS)

Malbun (AUS)

244

Ch.

Declaration of War (USA)

Mongolia (AUS)

249

Choisir (AUS)

Morning Light (AUS)

279

Declaration of War (USA)

Ocean Fleet (NZ)

295

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Paprika (AUS)

302

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Pear Tart (AUS)

332

Ch.

Choisir (AUS)

Primarose (AUS)

372

Ch.

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Renaka (AUS)

381

Epaulette (AUS)

Rocella (AUS)

382

Sebring (AUS)

Rocha (AUS)

400

Declaration of War (USA)

Royal Dance (AUS)

460

Ch.

Declaration of War (USA)

Skip Along (GB)

494

Pierro (AUS)

Subtitle (AUS)

501

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Sweet Sanette (SAF)

509

Declaration of War (USA)

Tales of Lilakyn (AUS)

519

Pierro (AUS)

Tempting (AUS)

541

Pierro (AUS)

True Doubt (AUS)

563

Camelot (GB)

Victory Tycoon (AUS)

577

Smart Missile (AUS)

Woodala (AUS)

605

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Action Annie (AUS)

Shane McGrath

612

All Too Hard (AUS)

Airlie (AUS)

Who do you follow on Twitter? Steve Davis

622

Power (GB)

Almeida (NZ)

624

Bernardini (USA)

Amish (AUS)

If you could acquire one particular new skill, what would it be? A rain dance

626

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Anabandana (AUS)

629

Pierro (AUS)

Angel Face (AUS)

664

Pierro (AUS)

Bellevue Girl (AUS)

683

Pierro (AUS)

Born To Rock (AUS)

What is your favourite restaurant on the Gold Coast? Oscars at Burleigh Heads

697

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Carrignavar (USA)

703

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Cats Whisker (AUS)

Who is your horse racing idol? Any pinhooker that is profitable year after year!

708

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Centafaith (AUS)

726

B/Gr. F

The Factor (USA)

Come Fly With Me (AUS)

30 seconds with…

733

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Count Your Fingers (AUS)

Jim Carey

754

Ch.

More Than Ready (USA)

Danehill Smile (AUS)

755

Pierro (AUS)

Danevade (AUS)

765

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Dazzling Gazelle (AUS)

772

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Diamond Earth (AUS)

SM – Declaration Of War was everything the Australian racegoer loves in a racehorse – talented, but a tough and tenacious horse that danced every dance and never knew when he was beaten or how to run a bad race. The fact that he is so well represented at a sale like this speaks volumes for the quality of his offspring and you only have to look at the record of his sire War Front, particularly on turf in the US and Europe, to realise that Declaration Of War is an exceptionally well credentialled young stallion. I think his yearlings will be very well received. JC – I’ve always had a soft spot for Camelot. He’s unlikely to sire a Golden Slipper winner, but he had jaw-dropping ability and Montjeu is an outstanding sire of sires. His first European yearlings sold exceptionally well and he’s a horse with an air about him in the same way that Montjeu had. The Sadler’s Wells line has enjoyed an incredible run in Australia of late through the likes of Vancouver, Flying Artie, Hartnell, Astern, Omei Sword etc. and it wouldn’t surprise me if Camelot was to make a significant contribution of his own as a sire in due course. 30 seconds with…

What is your favourite activity outside of racing? I follow rugby union very closely – great game What is your favourite piece of music, or song? Babylon by David Gray What do you look for in a potential champion, any one thing in particular? I’ll try three… Quality, good movement and a big hip Historical figure you would most like to have met? Vincent O’Brien – an absolute genius

www.coolmore.com 02 6576 4200 Jerrys Plains, NSW • Michael Kirwan 0411 171 069 michael@coolmore.com.au • Jim Carey 0423 362 677 jcarey@coolmore.com.au • Colm Santry 0412 344 566 colm@coolmore.com.au • Shane McGrath 0407 126 056 shane@coolmore.com.au • Sebastian Hutch 0423 770 854 sebastian@coolmore.com.au • Paddy Oman 0408 456 964 paddy@coolmore.com.au • Gordon Calder (+64) 21 841 612 gordon.calder@clear.net.nz

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Corumbene Stud George Altomonte ZEB ARMSTRONG

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George Altomonte and Toby Frazer (stud manager) with Golden Slipper winner Overreach & her dam Bahia

What is your favourite activity outside of racing? The majority of the Queensland coast is one of the best meetings of land and ocean in the world. From just north of Bundaberg, the ‘Coral Coast’ really earns its name. The waters are shallow, calm and clear and I much love cruising these waters in my boat. The far reaches of the eastern Pacific Ocean on the inside of the Great Barrier Reef, between the reef and Queensland landmass, has to be the best place to relax on a boat in Australia, if not the world. What is your favourite piece of music, or song? Classic Italian songs in the mould of Arrivederci Roma or Mamma or even songs like Io Camminero still can bring a tear to the eye, what seems like an eternity after I first heard them. Yes Italian classics are certainly my favourites; however I also quite enjoy folk music – popular folk artists like Simon and Garfunkel or Cat Stevens are very nice to listen to. There is a big variety of folk music these days. What was your first paying job? I was an apprentice at a Ford dealer, Hastings Deerings, in William Street, Sydney. This was a time when the auto industry in Australia was starting to thrive and they were happy to have an apprentice on. It is a shame that the auto industry is leaving Australian shores. This was unthinkable when I was an apprentice. Has a particular singular event had a very significant effect on you, either personally or in relation to work? Winning the Golden Slipper with Overreach in 2013 will be hard to go past. I was in communication with Gai Waterhouse in the summer leading up to

the Sydney autumn carnival this particular year, and Gai, in her usual confident tone, told me she was ‘losing the filly.’ This was Gai’s way of saying this daughter of Exceed And Excel had all the ability in the world, but even Gai was having a hard time getting her right. We pulled the pin on the Blue Diamond, Gai gave Overreach a nice freshen-up, and when she came back in she fulfilled her destiny. In reality, the filly was only 100% right on that great day in April 2013, but it was certainly the most significant event of my racing life.

Magic Millions, Sebring’s mother Purespeed, as well as Wasimah, the mother of multiple Stakes winner Nayeli. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? Opportunities are definitely there for young people to enter the industry. The industry does offer different types of jobs and a lot of those jobs are career forming and very challenging and interesting positions. But yes, a lot of the people in racing are of the older generation or Baby Boomers, and fresh young eyes will greatly benefit our industry. I believe the opportunities are there and I would love to see younger people filling more and more roles in the future.

Will we ever colonise outer space? I still remember us going to the moon. That was almost fifty years ago! Let’s just say if we do (colonise outer space) it won’t be in my time, but if people who are alive now do get to Mars, I wish them all the best. The Coral Coast and my boat cruising at a relaxing speed is Lot nice enough for me, without thinking 79 about a 30 year or whatever it is, 144 round trip to Mars in a rocket ship.

2017 draft

How would you summarise your draft this year? We have some very nice, well bred horses by sires that are at the top of the list this year. We will be offering outstanding yearlings at the major sales this year and I am particularly pleased with this Magic Millions draft. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? Golden Slipper winner Overreach, her mother Bahia, the former speedy galloper Bennetta who won a Light Fingers Stakes, and a race at the

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Hasna (AUS)

Br/Blk. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Kylie (AUS)

167

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Liamena (AUS)

182

Camelot (GB)

Longlea (AUS)

240

Br/Blk. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Misshiraz (AUS)

339

Br.

More Than Ready (USA)

Purespeed (AUS)

392

Br.

So You Think (NZ)

Romincka (AUS)

540

B/Br. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Tropicana Girl (AUS)

634

Br.

Sepoy (AUS)

Apple Martini (AUS)

669

B/Br. C

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Bennetta (AUS)

723

More Than Ready (USA)

Claws (AUS)

883

B./Br. F

Charge Forward (AUS)

Walkway (AUS)

884

Sepoy (AUS)

Watabout (AUS)

967

Sepoy (AUS)

Gourmet Garage (NZ)

www.corumbenestud.com.au Toby Frazer (stud manager): 0428 115 528 Dunedoo, NSW

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Cressfield Liesl Baumann RENEE GEELEN

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Cressfield Stud has gathered a tantalising broodmare band over the years and their drafts are eagerly awaited by those of us who read catalogues for work and pleasure. And these top class racemares produce the goods on the track too, with recent Magic Millions graduates such as Missrock (Fastnet Rock – Miss Judgement) who sold in 2015 for $500,000. Now an early three year-old, she has only ever raced in stakes company, and is already a Gr.3 winner who has earned more than she cost. It’s not all stratospheric prices either. Gr.2 winner Star Rolling sold at Magic Millions 2011 for $155,000 and has now earnt over $400,000. Bluebloods spoke to Operations Manager Liesl Baumann about their upcoming Magic Millions draft.

difficult horse to catch, load on a truck or get into a wash bay. What is your favourite sport outside of racing? Tennis. To watch that is… not to play. Playing for me is more like running after miss-hit balls. Has one particular event had a significant effect on you, either personally or in relation to work?

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

I lost my mother to cancer nearly ten years ago, not too long after I started working at Cressfield. It sounds silly but I didn’t have a good grasp on the permanence of death at the time. I think big losses help put life into perspective, and I’m now so conscious about maintaining a work/life balance. When I am at work I am totally committed to work, but I am also able to completely shut it off when I walk in the door at home. This industry can really sap the zest out of you because it demands so much of your time and energy, so it is vital to be able to focus on fun and family when you can. How would you summarise your draft this year?

What one single event would you have liked to witness? Cathy Freeman winning gold in Sydney. I was in NZ on work experience at Ainslie Downs for the entire Olympics. I’ve been told that the positivity among Australians during that time was amazing. I think the atmosphere during her win would have been phenomenal; the win was symbolic, inspiring, and evoked so much national pride. What is the best advice you have received about horses? I have received two pieces of advice that I call upon regularly, quite often at frustrating moments when I am hands on with horses: 1. “The only thing between a bad horse and a good horse is the number of wet saddle blankets”. Perseverance, consistency, repetition, and burning off excess energy go a long way in dealing with behavioural issues. 2. “Act like you have all day and it will take 5 minutes; act like you only have 5 minutes and it will take all day” It’s a mantra I repeat almost daily and is a great help if I ever have a

Historically, Magic Millions has been a good sale for Cressfield. We sold the Gr.2 winner Star Rolling and the Gr.3 winning, Gr.2 placed Missrock. In addition, Egyptian Symbol is a filly that was unable to meet reserve at Magic Millions, who is subsequently now raced by Cressfield. She ran an incredible 3rd in the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas this year and has since won the Gr.3 Nivison this season.

There are certainly ample opportunities for entry. What I think lacks is the willingness to put in a good apprenticeship period. Perhaps, the attrition rate is high because management roles take time to earn. On the flip side, I think people in management positions aren’t doing enough to mentor the people they supervise; to pass on the skills and knowledge which ultimately feeds enthusiasm and interest within the industry. While there have been improvements, it is also still an industry that opens more doors for males than it does for females. When most entry level workers are female, it creates a real imbalance. I also think the industry has become more professional and there is greater value in industry based tertiary training for jobseekers.

We will present six athletes who are all worthy of inspection. No horse is perfect, but each of these have their merits. We are represented by two Not A Single Doubt fillies, the sire has had such a stellar year and I expect both these fillies should sell well. One filly (Lot 675) is the first foal out of the Listed winning mare Black ‘N’ Tough, a wonderfully consistent mare who had 21 starts for 13 wins and placed on five other occasions. The other NASD filly (Lot 446) is the third foal from the two year-old Listed winning mare Shoboard; close family relations include Satin Shoes and Zarzuela. A real eye catcher is the Charge Forward filly (Lot 314) out of Personification, she is an extremely well muscled individual that screams early speed. The Zoustar colt (Lot 290) out of star mare Our Egyptian Raine is a good walking colt, his half-brother Strathmore is Gr.1 placed in Hong Kong, while half-sister Egyptian Symbol is now a Gr.3 winner. Two yearlings by All Too Hard round out the draft. A colt (Lot 963) out of Galapagos Girl and a filly (Lot 253) from Mrs Squillionaire are both typical of the sire - they are both correct and athletic types. What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing?

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

253

All Too Hard (AUS)

Mrs. Squillionaire (AUS)

290

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Our Egyptian Raine (NZ)

314

Charge Forward (AUS)

Personification (AUS)

446

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Shoboard (AUS)

675

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Black ‘N’ Tough (AUS)

957

Ch.

Foxwedge (AUS)

Flying Mistress (AUS)

963

Ch.

All Too Hard (AUS)

Galapagos Girl (AUS)

www.cressfield.com.au 02 6545 0500 Parkville, NSW

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Edinburgh Park Ian Smith ZEB ARMSTRONG

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What do you wish you knew when you were younger? I wish I knew more in terms of respecting money and respecting people when I was younger. As you develop, you learn life’s lessons, but being kind and respectful would be a lesson best learnt early in life. How would you summarise your draft this year? Our draft has plenty of depth and quality. We should have something for everybody. All our yearlings are out of young mares with good pedigrees and race performance. We have all the popular sires represented and we hope to bring to the market what buyers are looking for. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? Edinburgh Park is a family owned boutique farm located on the rich alluvial flats of the Manning River near Wingham. Ian Smith and his wife Andre take great pride in the property and their horses which have earned the farm an enviable reputation as a breeder and seller of quality thoroughbreds This is reflected in the list of the industry’s best judges who have purchased yearlings from the farm over recent years. We spoke to Ian about his 2017 Magic Millions draft. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? A canal home on the Gold Coast would be high on the list. But also I would give my children a kick start in life. Hopefully I have to decide for real one day. What is the best advice you have received about horses? There is never one piece of advice. But I will say that you never stop learning and developing in the horse industry. That philosophy has helped Edinburgh Park develop and grow to where we are now. What is your favourite TV show? Probably The Big Bang Theory. How IT savvy are you?

Our best known mare is Jade Tiara who is now happily retired, and is one of our nannies that look after the young horses on the farm. Young Stakes winning mares, and upcoming mares with progeny firing on the track include Becerra, Miss Marx, Calcatta, Fortune Of War, Caiguna, Alice’s Smart , Fill The Page, and Jester’s Girl. What do you look for in a potential champion, any one thing in particular? I have been lucky enough to be involved with, and to have bred some very good horses. They all had a presence about them, and all to a horse had excellent temperaments. When we sold these horses, people were drawn to them.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Br/Gr C

The Factor (USA)

Fill The Page (AUS)

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Flying Single (AUS)

Snitzel (AUS)

Fortune Of War (AUS)

124

Zoustar (AUS)

Jester’s Girl (AUS)

231

B/Br C

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Miss Fidler (AUS)

385

Br.

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Rock On Madonna (AUS)

434

Sizzling (AUS)

Senro Kisaki (AUS)

654

B/Br F

All American (AUS)

Balsamico (AUS)

659

All Too Hard (AUS)

Becerra (AUS)

693

Zoustar (AUS)

Calcatta (AUS)

778

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Diva Dee (AUS)

810

Pierro (AUS)

Euro Chic (AUS)

833

Bernardini (USA)

Quest For Peace (AUS)

852

Eurozone (AUS)

Scarlet Charge (AUS)

874

Your Song (AUS)

Sweet Hollow (GB)

www.edinburghpark.com.au Ian Smith: 0419 637 892 Wingham, NSW

Not at all, but luckily my children are very good. What was your first paying job? My first paying job was with the Commonwealth Bank at North Ryde. The bank manager was an ex-North Sydney Bear who loved the footy and a bet. Every Friday I’d go into his office with the form guide and discuss the weekend races. It also helped that Paul Sutherland banked at the branch so the mail was very good. It was a fun time straight out of school where every second Wednesday was a sick day so we could head to the races at Canterbury. Every weekend in winter was spent skiing.

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Element Hill Josh Hutchins ZEB ARMSTRONG

at wearing ‘trendy’ shoes around horse folk in Australia, as well as his excitement in reeling in a plethora of different species of fish within the expanses of the Northern Territory wilderness. Element Hill is going from strength to strength, and following a stellar last season where the farm (at the 2016 Magic Millions) produced the top priced Redoute’s Choice filly, together with the top priced Snitzel filly, Josh’s vision and leadership is clearly propelling his beloved stud farm to great heights. Who do you follow on Twitter ? I don’t have twitter. Fresh off a fishing trip with his brother and father, Josh Hutchins, the general manger of the boutique farm Element Hill, was more than happy to catch up with Bluebloods leading into the 2017 Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. Proud as punch of his farm after a big 2015 - 2016, Josh relives his greatest sales ring moments, his concern

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Have you got a favourite pair of flash shoes? I have a pair of Bally loafers that I acquired in the states a couple years back that are multi coloured light blue white and grey. I quite like the look of them however, I fear the only place they might be socially acceptable is in Europe.

What was the last picture you took with your phone? The last picture I took was of my father and Middle brother John holding up a Mackerel they caught when we all went up north to Darwin for my old man’s 70th Birthday. We went to Melville Island about 30 minutes north of Darwin by plane for a 5 day fishing trip. It felt like we caught almost every species of fish while we were up there - Golden Snapper, Coral Trout, Barramundi, Yellowfin Tuna, Mackerel, Dew Fish, Sharks and even a Giant Grouper just to name a few! It was pretty safe to say that when we arrived back home I was the self proclaimed champion angler. (I’m not sure everyone else agreed) What sport were you always best at? I was quite the athlete back in High School, Enjoyed track and field and played a lot of Basketball during the season. However, the metabolism isn’t as quick as it used to be and I don’t play as much as I would like to anymore.

That being said I wouldn’t decline a challenge if anyone else fancied themself at Basketball. What song do you know all the lyrics to? Kenny Rogers – The Gambler. Not entirely sure why I know all the lyrics to this song. What do you do to keep fit? I play a round robin squash tournament each week with a few friends. For those of you who haven’t played squash before don’t judge it before you’ve tried it! It can be quite an intensive sport especially when you have competitive friends. How would you summarise your draft this year? Without sounding too clichéd, we have a very good bunch of horses this year that are progressing nicely towards the sale. Our highlight of the draft would be our magnificent looking Sebring colt out of In The Past, half brother to the newly acquired Aquis Stallion Domesday. We also have a very nice looking colt by first season sire Zoustar out of a Winning full blood sister to Il Quello Veloce, it will be very interesting and exciting to put him through the ring as I believe he will be one of the better looking Zoustars in the sale. In addition, we have a pair of precocious looking Snitzel’s both out of stakes winning mares, as well as a number of Medaglia d’Oros that I expect to sell well. However, at the end of the day it isn’t for the vendor to make judgements on behalf of the buyers as long as we present them in good order and ailment free the market will tell us how much they’re worth. What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing? My best moment was witnessing the success of our farm in the sales ring last year. We were able

to achieve the title of selling the highest priced Redoute’s Choice Filly in addition to the highest priced Snitzel Filly. In only three short years of selling under our own name we have managed to become leading QLD vendor in both aggregate and highest priced yearlings sold at the 2016 Magic Millions sales. It is our hope that we can continue this achievement by presenting quality yearlings at the sales and proving that we produce racehorses and not just “Sale Horses”. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? I believe that there is plenty of opportunity for young people to enter the industry. The Darley Flying start program is a prime example on how a young person can enter this industry. Not only does Lot Col/Sex this program give you the 45 B. C tools you need to know, 75 B. C but how to succeed. Some 107 B. C of the past graduates from 108 B/Br. C this program have gone on 181 Br. C to become industry leaders in their respected fields. 329 B/Br. F

2017 draft

Larger stud farms and racing stables are always looking for young talented employees. Although, this is a competitive industry so the opportunity to enter is always there however, the opportunity to succeed is up to the individual.

Sire

Dam

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Gaudeamus (USA)

Sebring (AUS)

Hanky Panky (AUS)

Pierro (AUS)

In The Future (AUS)

Sebring (AUS)

In The Past (GB)

Denman (AUS)

London Rebel (AUS)

Snitzel (AUS)

Pravana (AUS)

370

Snitzel (AUS)

Regrowth (AUS)

633

Zoustar (AUS)

Another Superior (NZ)

650

B/Blk. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Bad Romance (AUS)

774

Bernardini (USA)

Direct Flight (AUS)

921

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Catalan Bay (AUS)

931

Denman (AUS)

Creative Plan (AUS)

936

Ch.

Sizzling (AUS)

Derippa (AUS)

949

Denman (AUS)

Espadon (AUS)

801

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Emancipationist (AUS)

946

All Too Hard (AUS)

Element of Danger (AUS)

989

Reward for Effort (AUS)

Laughter (NZ)

Josh Hutchins Mobile: 0424 135 848 Rathdowney, Queensland

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Eureka Stud Scott McAlpine MICHAEL VINCENT

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2017 draft Eureka Stud is the epitome of a successful Australian farm, a proud Queensland one at that! Set on 1,350 acres of prime Darling Downs country at Cambooya, it has been run by the McAlpine family for over 75 years. Scott McAlpine and his wife Grania now also have three sons involved in the industry, so the tradition looks set to continue.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? Probably the farm next door. And then I’d probably buy a place by the beach to give us an excuse to get away from the farm more often.

Who is the person who has had the Eureka Stud, under the McAlpine’s stewardship biggest influence on you? has been eminently successful, to racing topline performers, through to being recognised as a Eureka stud is a family concern and my consistent leading vendor at major sales such as father and I were in business for a long the Magic Millions. We take up the Eureka story time together. I came home when I was in our interview with Scott McAlpine – 18 years of age and I’m still here now, so I’d say my father has had the biggest What is your favourite activity outside influence on my career. We ran the farm of racing? together and were successful with what we did. Grania and I have three boys all That’s a good one isn’t it! Is there anything else working in the industry and hopefully I outside of racing? When your hobby is your can have the same kind of influence on business then that’s what you do. We enjoy them and help them to achieve their travelling and probably don’t do it enough, but goals. just having a relaxing quiet time away from the What was the last picture you took horses for a week or two is always nice. with your phone?

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Smart Missile (AUS)

Gentle Spirit (AUS)

171

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Linyanti (AUS)

278

Sizzling (AUS)

Nova (AUS)

338

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Pure Purrfection (AUS)

352

Smart Missile (AUS)

Rainbow Joy (AUS)

531

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Tiyatro (AUS)

543

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Truly Brave (AUS)

630

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Angel Girl (AUS)

814

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Express Air (AUS)

821

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Pheebles (AUS)

840

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Regal Tier (AUS)

851

Ch/Gr. C

Sidereus (AUS)

Saluting (AUS)

887

Br.

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Wisp O’ Will (AUS)

889

B/Br. F

Casino Prince (AUS)

Wychette (AUS)

990

Ch.

Excelebration (IRE)

Laurinel Argie (AUS)

993

Br.

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Limealicious (AUS)

994

B/Gr. F

The Factor (USA)

Longing (AUS)

1003 Br.

Rothesay (AUS)

Maji Maji (AUS)

1022 B.

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Myalla Gold (AUS)

About 20 minutes ago I went to take a picture of a horse and the phone said it’s too full – I have over 2000 photos of horses on my phone. What sport were you always best at? Cross country running was my forte back in my younger days. Two of my boys like running and one was quite competitive during his school years. My other son isn’t much of a runner at all but runs in the City to Surf fun run each year in Sydney. How would you summarise your draft this year? With the passing of Colin at 84 years of age, we’re moving into a new phase at Eureka and Spirit of Boom is a large part of our plans. The amount of patronage and support for our stallion has been enormous. We’ve got the article on the ground and hopefully we can market them across Australia and in New Zealand and get them into the stables where they can reach their potential and prove the stallion’s worth.

www.eurekastud.com.au 07 4696 1204, Scott McAlpine: 0408 700 724 Cambooya, Queensland

Spirit of Boom was a dual Gr.1 winner and stakes placed no fewer than 19 times – a winner of $2.4M and ran against the best of his time including Black Caviar, Hay List, Lankan Rupee and Buffering. We’re proud to be taking the inaugural crop of Spirit of Boom yearlings to the Magic Millions. Some of the highlights include our Spirit of Boom filly out of Angel Girl – a half-sister to the Snitzel colt we sold for $280,000 to Gai Waterhouse in 2016. There’s also our Spirit of Boom colt who is closely related to Epic Rant (by Snitzel) purchased by Spendthrift from our Farm for $500,000 in 2016. Epic Rant is showing good ability for Gai and recently ran third on debut at Rosehill. Another standout is our colt out of Myalla Gold (by Spirit of Boom) who is a beautiful horse and is a half-brother to Tarima (by I Am Invincible) who recently dead heated for a closeup fourth in the Maribyrnong Plate-Gr.3. What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing? We won a Magic Millions 2yo Classic in 1988 with Sea Cabin – that was an exciting moment. More recently we’ve also won two stayers Cups with Tinto. The sales have also been good to us over a lot of years – we’ve produced a lot of winners. Selling two Snitzel colts in the first 15 lots at the 2016 Magic Millions for half a million and a quarter of a million; nothing can eclipse that I reckon. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? If you enjoy the industry there’s plenty of opportunities for you to start at the bottom and work your way up to whatever kind of role or goal you might set yourself. We’ve always got young people helping us on the farm.

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Fairhill Farm Mike O’Donnell KRISTEN MANNING

Gr1 star Good Project. This handsome son of Not a Single Doubt is one of the most consistent horses in training with earnings of over $1.29 million. Bred, raised and sold by Fairhill, he scored a brilliant win in the Gr1 WATC Railyway S in 2015 and finished a gallant second in the same race in November 2016. Who do you follow on Twitter? I don’t get the time!

Moving from New Zealand to the Hunter Valley in 2002, Mike and Debbie O’Donnell of Fairhill Farm did not take long to make their mark, in their first few years of operation raising three Group One winners; Glorious Days, Choice Bro and current

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What is your favourite activity outside of racing? Racing!

If you could spend the day with a celebrity, who would you pick? Former Prime Minister Paul Keating. What is your favourite piece of music, or song? In Dreams by the great Roy Orbison If you were a horse, would you be a sprinter or a stayer, and what would your name be? I’d be a sprinter, Mr Tiz. What is your favourite breakfast? Bircher muesli

Also out of a Holy Roman Emperor mare is the Hinchinbrook colt whose dam Roman Sandals is a half-sister to the two times Group placed classy Singapore galloper Desert Fox. This fellow has an interesting pedigree being bred on a 6f x 5f cross of his own fifth dam Scotch Verdict (also fifth dam of Hinchinbrook).

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing? Watching Dance Hero win the Magic Millions in 2004. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry?

A striking black filly is Pierro’s daughter of the imported mare Sandy Desert, a proven broodmare whose three winners from just four to race have all been successful at metropolitan level; Desert Fox, Yuma Desert and Diamond Master.

Plenty, so long as the young person’s expectations are not too high early on. How would you summarise your draft this year?

The High Chaparral colt meanwhile is a halfbrother to the promising lightly raced galloper Stratum Magic out of Stratance, daughter of Stratum and the dual Group One winner Love Dance and descendant of acclaimed matriarch La Troienne.

We are delighted to be taking our third draft to Magic Millions in 2017 and they are four youngsters by high quality sires. We have yearlings by proven Gr1 sires Hinchinbrook, High Chaparral and So You Think and one by the Golden Slipper winning champion Pierro, who was a former Magic Millions graduate himself. Our yearlings are forward, early types which we hope will appeal to buyers. The Hinchinbrook and the Pierro look as if they will run early, while the High Chaparral looks the most forward type of 3YOs already with champion NZ filly La Diosa and Australian colt Inference who is emerging as arguably our most exciting 3YO middle distance horse. So You Think is a stallion whose star is on the rise, we feel. Boasting three strains of the legendary Mill Reef, the So You Think filly is the first foal for the winning Holy Roman Emperor mare Heavensentme, daughter of the stakes winning juvenile Tequila Knowledge.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

B. or Br. F

So You Think (NZ)

Heavensentme (AUS)

389

B. or Br. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Roman Sandals (AUS)

418

Blk.

Pierro (AUS)

Sandy Desert (USA)

489

High Chaparral (IRE)

Stratance (AUS)

www.fairhillfarm.com.au Mike O’Donnell: 0439 380 142 Mulbring, NSW

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Fairview Park Linda Duckworth ANDREW REICHARD

What is the most daring thing you’ve done outside of racing horses?

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sale or racing?

Getting married and starting a family is the best decision I have ever made.

There have been a few, but one that clearly stands out was a special one at the 2002 January Sale. We prepped a Spartacus colt who was then offered for us by our good friend Scott Irwin at Rothwell Park. The colt was a “talking horse” at the sale, he had quite a reputation, which he lived up to in the ring. Our $5,000 Century mare Beyond Words, combined with a $10,000 service for Spartacus, produced a $220,000 yearling, which was a huge price in those days. I was so overcome with excitement that I threw my arms around auctioneer David Chester and gave him a big kiss!

What is the last picture you took with your phone? My new kelpie puppy, she’s called Ali. What is your favourite drink? Ice cold water or icy cold beer. What other sports do you follow?

Linda and Ian Duckworth’s and Heather McKinnon’s Fairview Park Stud at Grose Wold on the banks of the Grose River in the picturesque Hawkesbury Valley has earned a fine reputation as a committed seller of high quality yearlings. Linda is a passionate all round horsewoman, from arranging the matings to leading the yearlings into the ring, she can turn her hand to every job needed. Her husband Ian is a highly respected veterinary surgeon in the Hawkesbury and an invaluable part of the operation. Fairview Park bred and sold Golden Slipper winner Mossfun, who epitomises the farm’s growing reputation for success. Bluebloods spoke to Linda Duckworth – What is your favourite movie? Hunger Games What is the best advice you have received about horses? My Dad passed on some very valuable advice to me, firstly never to argue with anyone about a horse, and secondly not to panic if the mares weren’t going in foal, because they would when the flies came.

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I love watching my three kids play sport, two play soccer and the youngest one loves rugby, so I get to watch two sports. How would you summarise your draft this year? We have a nice even draft of five yearlings. They are by well credentialled sires, two by Hinchinbrook, one by Snitzel’s Gr1 winning son Sizzling and two by Commands’ brilliant dual Gr1 winner Epaulette. I’m sure we have horses that will appeal to trainers, syndicators and bloodstock agents as well as individual owners. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? We have quite a few that people might know, starting with Eye For Fun dam of Golden Slipper winner Mossfun, then Ponte Piccolo dam of champion Able Friend, plus stakeswinners Satsang, Kishkat, Salimar Sky and Adorabeel.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

B. or Br. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Helluva Party (AUS)

422

Ch.

Sizzling (AUS)

Satsang (AUS)

274

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Noanoa (AUS)

905

B. or Br. F

Epaulette (AUS)

Balwearie (AUS)

984

Epaulette (AUS)

Kianben (AUS)

Linda Duckworth 0416 179 440 Grose Wold, NSW

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Fig Tree Thoroughbreds Murray Murdoch KISTEN MANNING

2017 draft

What is your favourite TV show? I enjoy Air Crash Investigation and shows like that. If you could acquire one particular new skill what would it be? To be fluent in another language would be wonderful. What is your favourite sport outside of racing?

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

273

Ch.

Nicconi (AUS)

No Time (AUS)

346

Sebring (AUS)

Queen Hazel (USA)

455

Blk/G. C

The Factor (USA)

Single Rose (AUS)

743

Epaulette (AUS)

Crown Princess (AUS)

932

All Too Hard (AUS)

Crimson Lady (NZ)

269

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

New Edition (USA)

615

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Alberton Park (NZ)

739

Br/Blk. F

Dream Ahead (USA)

Courtyard Circle (AUS)

827

Br.

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Presina (AUS)

832

Casino Prince (AUS)

Purple Royale (AUS)

970

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Hearts And Arrows (AUS)

Murray Murdoch 0403 518 847 Biddaddaba, Queensland

Cricket. Fig Tree Thoroughbreds’ Murray Murdoch has been selling successfully at the Magic Millions for years and is looking forward to another busy sale. In the meantime Bluebloods had a Q&A session with him...

What is the best gift you have ever received? My very first pushbike, that is the biggest thrill I’ve had receiving a present.

What is your favourite drink? Wine, red or white. What is your most prized possession?

What is your favourite song?

My property.

Forrest Gump.

I love my music and have many, many favourites. I have 200 songs on my phone and love them all!

What is special for you about horses?

If you could travel anywhere, where would your first stop be?

What was your first paying job?

Watching the transformation from pedigree to performance.

What is your favourite movie?

There are so many places I’d like to go, so many! I took the whole family to France for six weeks last year and stayed in a chateau, it was absolutely amazing.

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I was a jackaroo. What sport have you been best at? Tennis.

How would you summarise your draft this year? Consistently good types.

Sons and daughters of proven stallions Sebring, Snitzel, Nicconi, Hinchinbrook and Casino Prince are joined by the progeny of exciting young stallions The Factor, All Too Hard, Epaulette, Spirit Of Boom and Dream Ahead. The Sebring filly, who hails from the same family as Sebring’s wonderful son Criterion, is out of the imported Group Three placed Monarchos mare Queen Hazel whilst the Snitzel colt is a son of the stakes winning Thorn Park mare Alberton Park. A Nicconi filly is a half-sister to the Group One placed juvenile Heart Skipt A Beat out of a sister to stakes winner Back On Target whilst the Hinchinbrook is a son of the imported stakes winner New Edition whose first two foals are both multiple winners in the United States. A Casino Prince filly is out of a Reset half-sister to the Hong Kong star Able Friend and the Dream Ahead filly is a half-sister to the Group Three placed Bold Circle out of a half-sister to the stakes winner Princess Margaret. Grey like his sire, is our The Factor colt out of the Listed winner Single Rose who has already produced two metropolitan winners including the stakes placed Rhi’s Rocket. A colt by Epaulette is out of the Group Three winning Beautiful Crown mare Crown Princess whose first three to race are all winners including the Group Three placed multiple city winner Sebrina. Bred on a 4m x 3m cross of Green Desert is an All Too Hard colt out of the two times Group Three placed Volksraad mare Crimson Lady, a half-sister to the New Zealand Group One winner The Party Stand. Which leaves the first of two nice Spirit Of Boom colts, the first being out of the talented Hearts

And Arrows who easily won two of her three starts whilst her 3/4 brother Fair Trade won the C.S Hayes Stakes-Gr.3, 1400m at only his second start. And the second is out of the triple stakes winning Prego mare Presina who has already proven her worth at stud by producing seven winners from as many to race including the stakes placed Faster Pussycat and the dams of the stakes winners Gai’s Choice, Atmospherical, Peron, Eagle Falls, Mahara and Fabrizio. What has been your best Magic Millions moment? I’ve sold a few half a million dollar plus yearlings which is always a thrill. There are always disappointments to go with the highlights but I’ve been doing this for a while and am pretty hardened to it all. What do you look for in a potential champion? Like everyone I look for an athlete. A good type with balance and looks. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? It’s tough and you need a few dollars to start with. Who is the best or favourite horse you have been closely associated with? Dalrello. I bred him with my father (the late Ray Murdoch) early on and I remember thinking ‘how easy is this game?’ He was a champion miler who was admitted into the Hall Of Fame in 2009.

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Golden Dr Grove Toby Koenig RENEE GEELEN

Dr Tony Koenig (2ndL) with yearling preperation staff and 2016 Geelong Classic winner Captain Duffy (King Cugat x Miss Encosta)

Purchased in 2014 by the current partnership of Viv Oldfield and Sean Buckley, Golden Grove has been busy expanding the property since then. In addition to their property in Victoria, Golden Grove recently added a further 56.7ha (140 acres) in the Hunter Valley of NSW. Under the new ownership, the farm’s sale graduates have just turned three. One of these is the two year-old Institution who was offered for sale last year and passed in. The owners and offspring of Golden Grove have had plenty of recent success, including Captain Duffy’s all the way win in the Listed Geelong Classic, prior to his Victoria Derby run. Other recent good homebreds of note include The Barrister, who won the Listed Fernhill Stakes at Randwick and now races as High Volatility in Hong Kong, Typhoon Witness who was stakes placed on debut as a two yearold last season and stakes placed Held Hostage. Bluebloods spoke to General Manager Dr Toby Koenig about Golden Grove’s debut Magic Millions draft. What is your favourite sport? I’m a baseball tragic. I just love the analytics and the magic of the sport. It’s a funny story. My father was the doctor for the Australian Cricket team at one time, so although avid spectators of the sport, my parents were dead against us

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potentially standing at long-on all weekend. They got us playing baseball instead and the love grew from there. What is the best advice you have received about horses? The Bart Cummings adage – “Patience is the cheapest thing in racing, and the least used.” He also said “Keep yourself in the best company and your horses in the worst.” Learning to place horses is very important in this game. We are all optimists and would love to win a Slipper, but to keep realistic goals is important as well. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? If they look for them and get the right direction. It’s certainly a hard industry to break into but there are so many varied opportunities. As an industry, we should do more to promote a healthy work environment for young and old participants alike. Racing is a tough game requiring passion, not a 9-5 job but it can be immensely rewarding. I started out as a young vet, and even ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to envisage this pathway for myself. To manage a racing and breeding operation for my owners is incredible and the industry is one of passion. It is genuinely

exciting to be involved with such devoted people; especially at this time of year with the foals hitting the ground, as well as excitement of Spring Carnival racing. A good team is so important to getting a racehorse from conception to the track. How would you summarise your draft this year? We are pleased to see that our investment in our broodmare band has paid off and we have had six nice yearlings qualify for the 2017 Magic Millions sale. The buzz around Star Witness is exciting and our filly by him is a lovely strong type, being the first foal out of Cosmic Rock, a mare who won twice, whose dam is Gr.3 winner Cosmic Strike. Cosmic Rock is also a halfsister to four other winners including stakes placed Luce del Mare. Naturally, with our owners having raced Shamus Award, we have supported him and will present five yearlings by him at this sale. I worked with Shamus Award as a vet throughout his racing career, having seen him as a yearling when purchased. He is such

an athletic type, and those who saw him as a yearling will recognise that same athleticism in his yearlings. They are very reminiscent of him. To win the Cox Plate as a maiden and then back that up with the Australian Guineas was truly history making. In the Guineas, he beat Criterion who went on to global success and beat the likes of Happy Trails, Fiorente, Forteller, Super Cool etc in his Cox Plate triumph. Shamus Award is a remarkable horse and his yearlings certainly look the part.

of Gr.1 placed mare Dasoudi. She won six races over sprint trips in New Zealand, and placed in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile, and Gr.1 Otaki Maori RC WFA Stakes. Her second dam is Rouquin, an Australian stakes winner who ran second in the Gr.1 VATC One Thousand Guineas, and left stakes winner Patpong. Lot 903 is a filly from winning mare Arrogantly, who is a half-sister to precocious speedster Catnipped, who won three races as a two yearold, including the Gr.2 Maribyrnong Plate, and the rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

The five yearlings by Shamus Award are headlined on paper by Lot 307, the colt from dual Gr.1 winner Perfect Promise. She has already left two winners, including Verdefort, a city winner in Japan; and the up and coming More Energy. Perfect Promise is a full sister to Champion 3YO in South Africa, Irridescence. Lot 114 is a colt, the first foal of unraced mare Intergalactic, who is a full sister to Gr.3 placed Gravitational. Their dam is out of Gr.1 winner Chelsey Flower, dam of Gr.3 winner and Gr.1 placed Kentucky Dynamite.

Rounding out the draft is Lot 1013, a colt from Miss Ethics who was a South African Gr.3 winner as a two year-old. Her dam is also a stakes winner, and this is a strong family that includes group winners Jamaican Princess, Noble Spectre and Jamaican Treasure.

2017 draft

The colt, Lot 762, is the third foal

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

114

Shamus Award (AUS)

Intergalactic (AUS)

307

B/Br C

Shamus Award (AUS)

Perfect Promise (SAF)

732

Ch.

Star Witness (AUS)

Cosmic Rock (AUS)

762

Shamus Award (AUS)

Dasoudi (NZ)

903

Shamus Award (AUS)

Arrogantly (AUS)

1013 B./Br C

Shamus Award (AUS)

Miss Ethics (SAF)

Dr Toby Koeing: 0408 555 697 Denman, NSW

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Highgrove Ron Gilbert ANDREW REICHARD

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SALE

What was the last picture you took with your phone? I took a photo of a newborn foal at Highgrove. I do that whenever possible, it is always a special moment. Ron Gilbert’s Highgrove is consistently one of Australia’s leading farms by percentage of elite performers, winners and sales success. Located on Queensland’s fertile Darling Downs on rich volcanic soil, Highgrove is continuing the tradition that has seen champions such as the mighty Bernborough, Tails, Eye Liner, Charlton Boy, Dalrello and more recently Show A Heart, Boban and Highgrove’s own Wanted, Jet Spur and this season BRC Sires Produce Gr 2 winner Attention light up the nation’s racetracks. Ron Gilbert’s attention to detail is a byword in the industry, we spoke to him about Highgrove’s 2017 Magic Millions draft. What one single event would you have liked to witness? I wish I had been able to watch Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier in the “Fight Of The Century” in 1971. I was only a kid at the time and listened on radio, you couldn’t help but be inspired by the courage of these two men. What is the best advice you have received about horses? I was told to “keep buying” because the next one you buy could turn out to be that elusive champion. What is your favourite TV show?

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

149

Br.

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Lady Antebellum (AUS)

516

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Tears I Cry (USA)

554

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Valadon (AUS)

596

Snitzel (AUS)

A Brilliant Idea (USA)

672

Shamexpress (NZ)

Beyond Desire (NZ)

www.highgrovestud.com.au Ron Gilbert: 0418 700 007 Westbrook, Darling Downs, Queensland

My favourite TV show is Seinfeld. Everyone can relate someone they know to one of the characters. How IT savvy are you? I’m really good at changing the batteries in the remote controllers for the TV!

What do you wish you knew when you were younger? I really wish I had known that the last 30 years would fly by as if they were only three. How would you summarise your draft this year? Highgrove’s clear objective is to only present the cream of each year’s crop at the major sales. We only offer the best horses that come off our farm, which I feel has its rewards in our great strike rate of runners, winners and stakes winners. This year we are offering a great draft by quality sires out of top families, I’m really looking forward to showing them to potential buyers. What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? There have been numerous highlights for Highgrove this year, starting with Attention’s win in the Gr 2 BRC Sires Produce S and his Sydney Gr 3 win from his first seven starts probably being the pick. Then I’d say comes the brilliant form of Thronum who became a SW and Gr.3 placed in his first campaign, winning the Rosebud, third in the Up and Coming and establishing himself as a leading 3YO. Evacuation was good enough to make it to the Caulfield Guineas for us, while First Approval won two of his first three starts and looks very promising. Cana’s city winning form in Sydney and Macarthur’s three wins in Singapore have been other highlights for us. Who do you rate the best horse you have seen, live or on TV or both? I was fortunate enough to be at Flemington to watch Lonhro’s magnificent win in the 2004 Australian Cup at Flemington. It was a display of class and courage, he had to overcome several checks that would have seen most horses send up the white flag, but he still won decisively. It was brilliant.

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KiaAlex Ora Kingston KISTEN MANNING

It’s another busy season at Kia Ora, one of Australia’s oldest studs, one with a great history having been in operation for over a century. Bluebloods had a quick Q&A with the farm’s manager Alex Kingston. Who do you follow on Twitter? We don’t have an account. If you could travel anywhere what would be your first stop? Back to America. I lived in Lexington Kentucky for six years and have lots of friends and family there. The Fasig Tipton & Keeneland sales, the Kentucky Derby, the Breeders Cup; all great days. I have been to more of the big days in America than in Australia as it’s just too busy during the spring here. Have you got a favourite pair of flash shoes? If I could do it I’d go barefoot all the time! What is the best gift you have ever received? My daughter. She is 19 months old and it’s such a good fun age. What is your favourite drink? A nice gin and tonic on a hot summer’s day. What is your favourite piece of technical equipment? Unfortunately my phone, it never leaves me. What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? Ulmann, Ravi and Extensible have all been going really well, all out of Kia Ora mares. They’ve all be consistent performers, between them winning nine city races this year with a highlight being Ulmann’s Listed Paris Lane Stakes victory at Flemington in October. Who do you rate the best horse you have seen, live or on TV or both? Best I’ve seen in the flesh would be Might And Power and the best on TV I’d have to say Winx, it is pretty hard to go past her. How would you summarise your draft this year? It’s a quality draft with a broad cross section of stallions and families. The highlights include a high quality Fastnet Rock colt out of the US$1.35 million Group One winning mare Pure Fun, a very strong two-year-old type colt by Snitzel; the first

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foal for the Group Two winner Twilight Royale and a forward, athletic More Than Ready half-sister to the promising Ameristralia out of a two times Group winning American mare. I think these horses will all turn heads at the Gold Coast. There is further depth to the Kia Ora draft, one that also includes five well related sons and daughters of exciting young stallion All Too Hard; a filly out of the multiple city winning Galileo mare Gopana, a half-sister to the Group One placed two-year-old Chimboraa, a colt out of the stakes placed Fastnet Rock mare Rock Of Fortune from the family of Fairy King Prawn and Easy Rocking, a filly out of a sister to Group Two mare Legible (dam of Trusting) and a colt out of the dual Group One winner Dorabella. Several other members of the flourishing Danehill line are also on offer; an Exceed And Excel half-sister to the promising three-year-old Taj Mahal, a Snitzel filly out of the imported dual Group Two winner Gypsy Robin and an Exceed And Excel filly out of American Group Three winner Ashley’s Kitty. Making up Kia Ora’s Magic Millions draft is a Sebring filly out of a sister to Rothesay from the prolific Jesmond Lass family, a Medaglia D’Oro colt out of the American Group One winner Mani Bhavan, a Mossman 3/4 sister to Golden Slipper StakesGr.1, 1200m heroine Mossfun, a More Than Ready brother to the Group Two placed Mihiri and a Pierro 3/4 sister to dual Listed winner Black Minx, dam of the promising So Si Bon.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Pierro (AUS)

Faith Hill (AUS)

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Fast Shanti (AUS)

All Too Hard (AUS)

Gopana (AUS)

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Gunawati (AUS)

Snitzel (AUS)

Gypsy Robin (USA)

Ch.

More Than Ready (USA)

Heart Ashley (USA)

203

Br.

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Mani Bhavan (USA)

297

B. or Br. F

All Too Hard (AUS)

Pas De Deux (IRE)

336

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Pure Fun (USA)

384

All Too Hard (AUS)

Rock Of Fortune (AUS)

547

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Twilight Royale (AUS)

587

Br.

All Too Hard (AUS)

Zalila (NZ)

620

Ch.

Mossman (AUS)

Allegra (AUS)

639

Ch.

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Ashley’s Kitty (USA)

757

More Than Ready (USA)

Danoise (GB)

782

All Too Hard (AUS)

Dorabella (NZ

www.kiaoraestates.com.au Alex Kingston: 0447 264 718 Scone, NSW

SALE

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Milburn Creek John Muir ANDREW REICHARD

John Muir’s Milburn Creek Stud at Wildes Meadow in the fertile NSW Southern Highlands is renowned as a source of quality thoroughbreds. Outstanding horseman Scott Holcombe is the manager and each year the farm presents a premium draft at Magic Millions. We spoke to John Muir Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? Every stud will tell you, it’s impossible to get good staff. So there must be plenty of opportunities for young people if they are prepared to work, learn and come up through the ranks. The possibilities of what they can achieve are endless. Who do you rate the best horse you have seen, live or on TV or both? Currently and recently live, would be Winx and Black Caviar. ON TV seeing Secretariat winning the American Triple Crown, especially his unbelievable win in the Belmont Stakes in New York. They are the standouts for me. Who is the best or favourite horse you have been closely associated with? There have been many in their own way, but the Grahame Begg trained Secret Admirer who won two important Group Ones and placed in another eight would be top of the list. She was special to us. How would you summarise your draft this year? Every Magic Millions catalogue in January just keeps getting better. “This year is definitely the best ever”. We are very fortunate to be able to offer buyers an outstanding draft. Excellent types

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with pedigrees to match. Our loyal clients and Makybe Stud have some lovely yearlings in our draft too. What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? We are always trying to upgrade our boutique broodmare band and we believe we have invested wisely with our purchases this year. Stud Manager Scott Holcombe who is a very tough marker, rates our 2016 foal crop as the best he has been associated with. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? Secret Admirer (by Dubawi) multiple Gr.1 winner of the Flight Stakes and Epsom Handicap, Valdemoro (by Encosta de Lago) is a half-sister to Highland Reel and Idaho, Admirelle (by General Nediym) Dam of Gr.1 2YO Sizzling who is now at stud at Newgate.

Queenstown (by Stratum) Grafton Cup-L winner and multiple Stakes placings, and Roses ’N’ Wine (by Broken Vow) Dam of Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (track record time) Hampton Court, and now at stud. What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing? Milburn Creek has supported the Magic Millions since their very first sale. We have sold numerous winners including Gr.1 performers Sizzling (T J Smith two year-old stakes), Redoute’s Dancer (New Zealand Derby), Once Were Wild (AJC Australian Oaks) and last year we sold Flying Jess (SAJC Sires’ Produce S-Gr.3). What do you look for in a potential champion, any one thing in particular? A good eye, attitude, athleticism and a deep pedigree.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

150

Ch.

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Lady Bligh (AUS)

221

Br.

Epaulette (AUS)

Midnight Wine (NZ)

607

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Admirelle (AUS)

625

Choisir (AUS)

Amo Ami Ama (IRE)

1009 B.

Epaulette (AUS)

Mi Chiamano Mimi (USA)

147

All Too Hard (AUS)

La Dolce Diva (AUS)

286

Ch.

Foxwedge (AUS)

Optimist (AUS)

365

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Recoinage (AUS)

745

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Crystal Choir (GB)

380

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Riverina (USA)

474

Ch.

More Than Ready (USA)

Sorellina (AUS)

555

Uncle Mo (USA)

Valhussle (AUS)

609

All Too Hard (AUS)

Affable (AUS)

www.milburncreek.com.au John Muir: 0418 232546 Wildes Meadow, NSW

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Mill Park Chris Watson ZEB ARMSTRONG

South Australia has always punched above its weight in the equine and thoroughbred history of Australia. Chris Watson’s Mill Park on the Limestone Coast close to the world renowned Coorong National Park has extended this tradition into the 21st century as an eminently successful producer of high class racehorses. Mill Park’s Gr.1 graduates include Fawkner, Happy Trails, Captain Sonador, Devil Moon, Mummify, Divine Madonna, Rebel Raider, the list goes on. We spoke to Chris Watson about his 2017 Magic Millions draft.

Aug16-Sept16

What is your favourite TV show?

1st SAJC Hill Smith Stakes (Listed)

For all things Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred Weekly is always good to review Saturday’s feature race meetings. I also like watching Sky Racing Track Work it gives a good insight into trainers thoughts on the up-coming runners. Bred To Win gives a good insight on all of the current Breeding Industry matters. New stallion reviews and key industry figure interviews are always entertaining. Outside of industry programming, for a good laugh, I love Veep. I can’t stop watching episodes of Law and Order SVU, compulsive. What keeps you awake at night?

GUARD OF HONOUR (Northern Meteor – Victory Cry by General Nediym) 1st Schweppes Heritage Stakes (LR) MODERN WONDER (Snitzel-Elusive Wonder by Elusive Quality) 1st SAJC Dequetteville Stakes (Listed) 3rd MRC Thoroughbred Club Stakes (Group 3) PRETTY PUNK (Rebel Raider-Reliability by Kurofone) 2nd Geelong RC Geelong Classic (Listed) Aug15-July16 DANISH TWIST (Dane Shadow-Madame Flurry by Perugino) 1st ATC June Stakes (Listed) DAYTONA GREY Unbridled’s Song)

(Artie

Schiller-Southern

Rose

1st SAJC Manihi Classic (Listed) ROYAL RUMBLE (New Approach-Queen’s Kiss by French Deputy) 1st SAJC CS Hayes Memorial Cup (Listed) 2nd SAJC Chairman’s Stakes (Group 3)

Thinking about when and where the next big stakes winner for the farm will come from!

RELDAS (Testa Rossa-Classic Status by Marscay)

What is the best gift you have ever received?

1st MVRC Abell Stakes (Listed)

Knowledge. Continuing to learn from the best minds and mentors within the Thoroughbred Industry and the business community. What sport were you always best at?

2nd MRC Christmas Stakes (Listed) Dream First (Dream Ahead-Tobouggie Woogie by Tobougg) 3rd MRC Blue Diamond Preview (F) (Group 3) BELUGA BLUE (Lookin at Lucky-Choice of Colours by Redoute’s Choice) 1st SAJC Hill Smith Stakes (Listed)

Cross Country running. Hockey

2nd VRC Wakeful Stakes (Group 2)

If you could choose to be able to fly or become invisible, what would you decide?

Breeder(s): Mr S Bennetts

FAWKNER (Reset-Dane Belltar by Danewin) 1st VRC Makybe Diva Stakes (Group 1)

Become invisible, I would be able to learn a lot quicker.

2nd MRC Underwood Stakes (Group 1)

What do you wish you knew when you were younger?

What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm?

A lot more. You learn by making mistakes and trying new things. I wish I had made fewer mistakes earlier in life. Wise men and women, older than yourself, generally have a lot to offer to a situation. I wished I had listened to their suggestions a lot sooner and more often. How would you summarise your draft this year? I think we have a draft that will appeal to a wide selection of buyers. We will be offering everything from your typical Gold Coast sprinting type, to more of your elegant miler plus type. Our draft is predominantly from young mares with current, very active pedigrees. Something which we feel will be very desirable to a lot of buyers. What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? We have had some wonderful highlights so here is a brief summary of our stakes performers for the past year. All have been raised on Mill Park -

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Some of the names people will recognise include Dane Belltar (dam of Fawkner), Midnight Martini (brilliant winner of the Matriarch Stakes G2), Elusive Wonder (dam of this season’s brilliant 2yo stakes winner, Modern Wonder) , Madame Flurry (dam of Happy Trails and Danish Twist), Elegant Eagle (dam of Go Indy Go), Victory Cry (dam of progressive stakes winner, Guard Of Honour). We love all the mares on our farm, they all get the star treatment.

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2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Furline (AUS)

128

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Kaimana (USA)

220

Sebring (AUS)

Midnight Martini (AUS)

483

Gr.

Dawn Approach (IRE)

St Trinians (AUS)

561

Foxwedge (AUS)

Victory Cry (AUS)

582

I Am Invincible (AUS)

You’re Discreet (AUS)

696

B/Br C

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Carolina Bella (AUS)

707

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Celebrity Girl (AUS)

www.millparkstud.com.au 08 8575 6033, Chris Watson: 0417 838 489 Meningie, SA

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Murrulla Stud Tim Nolan KRISTEN MANNING

Located 18km north of Scone, picturesque Murrulla Stud run by Tim and Celie Nolan have a busy summer ahead preparing a quality draft of 13 yearlings for the 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions. The Nolan family is renowned in Queensland and Australian racing circles, Tim’s father Basil is the studmaster at Raheen Stud in Queensland and a leading racing administrator. Tim and Celie are forging their own success story in the Hunter Valley. Before taking a look at their horses, Bluebloods had a quick Q & A session with Tim. If you could travel anywhere where would be your first stop? Bali What is the best advice you have received about horses? It costs just as much to feed a bad one as a good one. What is your favourite television show? The racing channels. What is your idea of a perfect day? Sitting back and watching the races on television whilst it is raining outside. Who has been your greatest influence? My Mum and Dad. How would you summarise your 2017 draft? We have an exciting array of yearlings by a variety of stallions, we are very much looking forward to getting to the Gold Coast.

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What has your best Magic Millions moment been? We had a great sale in 2014, Murrulla’s results that year including a $300,000 Commands colt and a $100,000 colt by Nicconi. What do you look for in a potential champion, any one thing in particular? The horse has to be an athlete. Murrulla Stud’s 2017 Magic Millions yearlings are by a mixture of proven stallions and exciting up-and-comers... Lot 11 chestnut colt Sebring - Fete Fille (Danzero): second foal for a half-sister to Group Two winner Just Mambo. Bred on a 4m x 3m cross of Danehill, he also carries Mr Prospector and Kaoru Star duplications. Lot 53 brown colt All Too Hard - Global Dance (Spinning World): boasting a 7f x 6f cross of Best In Show, he is a halfbrother to dual Listed winner See The World out of a winning daughter of dual Group One winner Love Dance. Lot 222 bay filly Kuroshio - Mignard (Strategic): half-sister to dual Group One winner Le Romain from the family of Caulfield Guineas-Gr.1, 1600m hero Long John. Bred on the same Exceed And Excel/Zeditave cross as Group winners Jabali, Furnaces and Sugar Babe. Lot 283 bay colt Epaulette - Oh Dehere (Dehere): grandson of the Group One placed dual stakes winner Ladybird Blue, dam of stakes winners Red Typhoon and Ten Gun Salute. Lot 420 black filly I Am Invincible - Sansadee (Snaadee): sister to dual Group One winner Brazen Beau from the prolific Fanfreluche family. Sire and dam are bred on the same Danzig/Bletchingly cross. Lot 490 bay colt Bernardini - Streama (Stratum): first foal for

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a wonderful race mare who won ten races, four of those at Group One level. Lot 779 bay/brown filly Hinchinbrook - Docherty Woods (Tale Of The Cat): carrying Storm Bird, Nijinsky II and Marauding duplications as well as a 5m x 5f cross of the excellent mare Crimson Saint, she hails from the Group One family of Grand Armee, Drum, Anamato, Absolute Champion and Dealer Principal. Lot 824 bay colt Delago Deluxe - Play Of Light (King Of Kings): son of a six times winner who descends from the famed matriarch Frizette, ancestress of Mr Prospector. Lot 849 bay filly Eurozone - Salamores Lass (King Of Danes): dam is a 3/4 sister to South African Listed winner Petite Dane, dam of dual Listed winner Danish Silver. Lot 867 bay filly Epaulette -Star Of The Ball (Starcraft): second foal for a half-sister to VRC Derby-Gr.1, 2500m runner-up Bondeiger. Boasting multiple Almahmoud family strains, she is a great granddaughter of the South Australian Oaks-Gr.1, 2500m winner Derobe. Lot 881 chestnut colt Strategic Maneuver - Turbo Rose (Strategic): son of a half-sister to Hong Kong winner Unique Happiest. Hailing from the family of South African star Laisserfaire and successful stallion Centaine, he boasts crosses of speed influences Star Kingdom, Todman and Vain.

Lot 980 bay filly Lope de Vega - Ivory Pegasus (Fusaichi Pegasus): second foal for a twice stakes placed multiple city winning daughter of Group Three mare Red Ivory. Lot 1001 bay filly Your Song - Luminosity (Starcraft): half-sister to metropolitan winner Star Stealer out of a daughter of the stakes placed Shine On Me. Family of dual Group One winner Contributer.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Fete Fille (AUS)

Br.

All Too Hard (AUS)

Global Dance (AUS)

222

Kuroshio (AUS)

Mignard (AUS)

283

Epaulette (AUS)

Oh Dehere (AUS)

420

Blk.

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Sansadee (AUS)

490

Bernardini (USA)

Streama (AUS)

779

B. or Br. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Docherty Woods (AUS)

824

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Play Of Light (AUS)

848

Ch.

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Salamander Bay (AUS)

849

Eurozone (AUS)

Salamores Lass (AUS)

867

Epaulette (AUS)

Star Of The Ball (AUS)

881

Ch.

Strategic Maneuver (AUS)

Turbo Rose (AUS)

980

Lope de Vega (IRE)

Ivory Pegasus (AUS)

1001 B.

Your Song (AUS)

Luminosity (AUS)

www.murrullastud.com.au Tim Nolan: 0417 140 712 Wingen, NSW

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Musk Creek Farm Darren Mackereth KRISTEN MANNING

Musk Creek Farm is a 140 acre boutique thoroughbred farm at Flinders on the stunning Mornington Peninsula. Owner David Kobritz has enjoyed a successful career in business and in racing, having won both the Melbourne Cup with Subzero and the Golden Slipper with Danzero. He is currently a committee member of the Mooney Valley Racing Club.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Farm manager Darren Mackereth is a vastly experienced horseman who has worked in leading organisations both in Australia and overseas. We spoke with him about Musk Creek Farm’s 2017 Magic Millions draft.

Seeing our current batch of youngsters hitting the track and doing super. Particulary our homebreds are performing well with Nistaan ( Nicconi x Fustaan) just missing out on winning the clockwise Magic Millions 2 year old race at Ballarat. We are selling the half-sister by Not a Single Doubt at this sale.

We have a strong draft, a good mix of current and popular sires, a few homebreds out of quality mares, they are all well muscled athletic types What have been the highlights for your farm this past year?

Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on you?

What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm?

Ray Hunt ….one of the worlds best horseman

Bubble Below who is the dam of Lucky Bubbles a group sprinter in Hong Kong

How would you sum up your own human pedigree? Sire well performed speed type retired early.

Happy Empress an old favorite is the dam of Rock Kingdom who won an Epsom and is actually now my showjumper.

Dam: very tough, races all tracks and distances good producer, still in full work.

Bellissima Miss ( Zabeel x Veloce Bella) a nice young race winning filly in foal to Sebring

If you could spend the day with a celebrity, who would you pick?

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Footprint (AUS)

B/Br. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Fustaan (AUS)

164

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Leica Light (AUS)

172

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Lissande (AUS)

Our Encosta de Lago filly Imperial Empress when she ran 2nd at Moonee Valley.

183

Br.

Foxwedge (AUS)

Lonoree (AUS)

277

Al Maher (AUS)

Note D’amour (IRE)

321

Br/Blk. C

Zoustar (AUS)

Please Leave (AUS)

What was your first paying job?

412

B/Br. C

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Salina Cruz (AUS)

481

Star Witness (AUS)

Spooked (NZ)

684

B/Br. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Brandish (AUS)

When I was 15 and still at school I use to get up at 3.30am, grab my stock horse and lead racehorses to the track and back one on each side for a few different trainers.

709

Dundeel (NZ)

Cerberus Gal (AUS)

807

Zoustar (AUS)

Eramor (AUS)

Adele… amazing voice, down to earth and funny What was the last picture you took with your phone?

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www.muskcreekfarm.com.au Darren Mackereth: 0438 398 679 Flinders, Victoria

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Darren Mackereth (farm manager) Jamee Ryder (assistant manager) David Kobritz (proprietor) Stratum-Bubble Below sold for $400K to Chris Waller (half-sister to Lucky Bubbles)

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NewhavenJohn Park Kelly LINDY MAURICE

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What is the most daring thing you’ve done outside of racing horses?

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing?

Asking my wife to marry me!

My best moment at the Magic Millions would be breeding and selling Unencumbered, who went on to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and since then has been syndicated to stand at Three Bridges. In saying that, the Magic Millions sale is a highlight for me each year. It is holiday time, people are in a great mood, there are a lot of international people who come out, it’s a great atmosphere, it’s a great horse sale! Also, it’s about the individual, the individual makes the pedigree there.

If you could spend the day with a celebrity, who would you pick? Angelina Jolie…say no more. How IT savvy are you? Let just say, I’m lucky I have children. What is your favourite sport outside of racing? If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? A horse.

Racing. What was the last picture you took with your phone?

What is your favourite movie?

The wheel of my fire truck this afternoon.

Schindler’s List – One of the best movies of all time.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

It is a lovely draft of racehorses. Every farm endeavours to have a draft of the most precocious horses at the Magic Millions….. the buyers will be the judges at the end of the day, but I think we have a lovely draft of racehorses.

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Family Girl (AUS)

B. or Br. F

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Flying Lamborgini (AUS)

Br.

More Than Ready (USA)

Frontalis (AUS)

Ch.

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Gavroche (AUS)

Br.

Bel Esprit (AUS)

Good Times Roll (AUS)

Br.

Smart Missile (AUS)

Graphic (AUS)

109

B/Br. F

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Increase (AUS)

120

Ch.

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

It’s Fun (AUS)

What have been the highlights for your farm this past year?

122

B/Br. C

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Jardaa (GB)

139

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Kidman (AUS)

165

Br/Gr. F

Tapit (USA)

Leinan (USA)

184

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Loulou (AUS)

260

More Than Ready (USA)

Mystically (USA)

354

Sebring (AUS)

Raise (AUS)

453

Dundeel (NZ)

Simply Brilliant (AUS)

496

Smart Missile (AUS)

Sunriseontheoasis (USA)

500

B/Br. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Sweet Ransom (AUS)

515

Star Witness (AUS)

Taylor’s Command (AUS)

528

Ch.

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Tiffin (AUS)

590

Ch.

Nicconi (AUS)

Zedski (AUS)

610

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Affair (AUS)

617

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Alezan Thunder (AUS)

638

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Arrived (AUS)

644

B/Br. C

Unencumbered (AUS)

Aunty Betty (AUS)

646

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Avail (AUS)

698

Ch.

Zoustar (AUS)

Carry on Beauty (AUS)

786

So You Think (NZ)

Doubtfilly (AUS)

828

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Prim (AUS)

845

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Routine (AUS)

872

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Summer (AUS)

879

B/Br. C

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Tiger Doll (AUS)

902

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Apart (AUS)

909

Gr.

Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Betrille (AUS)

916

Sebring (AUS)

Bumptious (AUS)

975

Ch.

Albrecht (AUS)

Inca Lagoon (AUS)

If you could travel anywhere what would be your first stop? I would like to go to Italy - it just looks so beautiful and romantic! What is your favourite activity outside of racing? I probably can’t say in this sort of publication! What is the best advice you have received about horses? You need a big heart and deep pockets

Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on you? My father. What is your favourite TV show? Seinfeld. If you could acquire one particular new skill, what would it be? How to lose weight What keeps you awake at night? Horses. In particular, mares foaling! How would you sum up your own human pedigree? I have a colonial pedigree….with the ability to stick on!

We bred three Group 1 winners over a six-week period in the Autumn. ‘Peeping’, who won the Gr 1 Coolmore Classic, ‘English’, won the Gr 1 All Age Stakes and ‘Zac Spirit’ who won the Gr 1 Lion City Cup for the second time in Singapore. Winning a Gr 1 is always special so this certainly was a fantastic time for the farm. What are some of the bestknown mares that reside at your farm? Court, Miss Marielle, Kidman, Beauty Belle, Europium, Dancing Heather, Invest, Mays Dream, Viadana, Hades, Media, Bounce, Blizzardly….

www.newhavenpark.com.au Office: 02 6385 8335 John Kelly: 0412 654 620 email: newhavenpark@bigpond.com Boorowa, NSW

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Raheen Basil Stud Nolan Jnr WARREN WRUCK

What one single event would you liked to have witnessed? Any of Queensland’s State of Origin wins, it wouldn’t matter which one. If you could travel anywhere in the world, what would be your first stop? Would love to go to the Royal Meeting at Ascot. What is your favourite piece of music or song? Anything by James Blunt. Meanwhile Basil Snr prefers the music of Tom Jones – Green Green Grass of Home is a favourite. What sport were you always best at? Not much good at any sport in particular but I really loved playing rugby league for the Warwick Cowboys.

Raheen Stud in the eastern Darling Downs is the home of the Nolan family, and we spoke to Basil Nolan Jnr - with a couple of assists from Basil senior.

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The first two things on your bucket list...... 1) To breed a Golden Slipper winner 2) Watch Canberra Raiders win the NRL grand final, but Dad reckons Cowboys!

What is your favourite picture hanging on the wall, racing or otherwise? A print from Calico Pony that my wife and children gave me for my birthday.

2017 draft What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? We have enjoyed watching our recent star graduates, Too Good To Refuse, I’m Bellucci and Singapore stakes winner, Mystic Master, have success on the racetrack. What has been you best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing? There have been a few highlights but one memorable moment was selling a Commands colt out of Conquered, War Of The Worlds and seeing him develop into an international Group 1 performer. Who do you rate as the best horse you have seen, live or on TV or both? Would definitely have to be Black Caviar. How would you summarise your draft this year? An exciting draft of yearlings by top class stallions which will suit a variety of buyers. And that includes three lovely colts by our resident stallion Golden Archer whose early progeny are showing great promise in the metropolitan area. Each of the three are out of stakes winner producing mares. The Raheen draft is indeed an eclectic group with stallions represented being All Too Hard, Dundeel, Foxwedge, Golden Archer, Not a Single Doubt, Sebring, Sizzling, and Zoustar. Lot 19 chestnut filly Sebring – Fleet Riane (Barely a Moment). Dam won 4 races including two in Brisbane and Adelaide.

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Fleet Riane (AUS)

Br.

Foxwedge (AUS)

Hides (AUS)

210

Dundeel (NZ)

Matilda’s Dance (AUS)

213

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Mercara (AUS)

719

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Chosen Dove (AUS)

734

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Countess Dehere (AUS)

Lot 210 bay colt Dundeel – Matilda’s Dance (Danehill Dancer). Dam is a metropolitan winning half-sister to stakes winner Rockolicious.

764

Sizzling (AUS)

Dayita (AUS)

815

Sebring (AUS)

Exquisite Art (AUS)

869

All Too Hard (AUS)

Stepping (AUS)

897

Golden Archer (AUS)

Alyssa Jean (AUS)

938

Br.

Golden Archer (AUS)

Distant Symphony (AUS)

Lot 213 brown filly Zoustar – Mercara (Commands). Halfsister to winner Birthday Wishes and dam is a winning half-sister to Group One STC Queen of the Turf winner Neroli.

964

Ch.

Sizzling (AUS)

Games (AUS)

Golden Archer (AUS)

O’ Venus (AUS)

Lot 88 brown filly Foxwedge – Hides (Giants Causeway). Dam already has two winners including Hong Kong winner Leading Horse and is a halfsister to Group winner Shania Dane, etc.

1029 B.

www.raheenstud.com.au Basil Nolan: 0407 140 711 Darling Downs, Queensland

Lot 719 chestnut filly Sebring – Chosen Dove (Choisir). Halfsister to metropolitan winner Chosen Lad from a half-sister to dams of Gregers, Girl Guide, Gimmethegreenlight and Ofcourseican. Lot 734 bay filly Not a Single Doubt – Countess Dehere (Dehere). Dam is a half-sister to stakes placed multiple metropolitan winner Cointreau Ball. Third dam Winter’s Dance. Lot 764 bay colt Sizzling – Dayita (Show a Heart). First foal of a multiple Melbourne metropolitan winner from the family of Delgara, the dam of stakes winner Inkster. Lot 815 bay colt Sebring – Exquisite Art (Redoute’s Choice). The Melbourne winning dam is a daughter of Golden Slipper winner Victory Vein. Lot 869 bay colt All Too Hard – Stepping (Dodge). Half-brother to multiple stakes placed winner Club Command from a winning half-sister to the dams of Gregers, Girl Guide, Ofcourseican and Gimmethegreenlight.

Lot 897 bay colt Golden Archer – Alyssa Jean (Dodge). Half-brother to stakes winner Too Good to Refuse, from a winning half-sister to Hong Kong Premier Bowl winner War of the Worlds – Royal Delight (HK). Lot 938 brown colt Golden Archer – Distant Symphony (Distant Music). Half-brother to Singapore stakes winner Mystic Master and three other winners from a winning half-sister to Group One winner Rostova. Lot 964 chestnut filly Sizzling – Games (Lonhro). First foal of winning dam from the family of March Hare and Serious Speed. Lot 1029 bay colt Golden Archer – O’Venus (Anabaa). Half-brother to stakes winner Throssell and stakes placed Germaine Lass and two other winners.

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Riversdale Farm Nick Hodges MICHAEL VINCENT

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2017 draft

If you have to eat junk food, what do you go for?

Riversdale Farm is home to the Hodges family, Nick, Jasmine and their three children. The farm is ideally situated just north of Scone in the Upper Hunter and is close to all of the Hunter’s stallion farms. Founded by Nick’s parents Peter and Alison, and now managed by Nick, the boutique nursery continues the good work with a steady stream of winners, year in year out. Michael Vincent spoke to Nick about their Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft, with a few other questions thrown in for good measure. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? I’d probably take the wife and kids on a relaxing holiday. For the farm I’d buy another walking machine and re-fence the paddocks. What keeps you awake at night? I’m a pretty good sleeper and try to deal with any issues during the work day. How IT savvy are you? I get the job done. I’ve had quite a few moments when I’ve wanted to throw the computer out the window – not sure if it was my fault or the computer’s. What is your favourite piece of music, or song? A song that stirs me the most is “I Was Only 19” by Redgum. What is your most prized possession? My wife and children are my priority but other than that my SV1000 road bike.

I try to steer clear of junk food but I’m partial to a nice piece of dark chocolate. I’m also guilty of the occasional cold can of coke and if I ever sneak in some McDonalds whilst on the road, I usually regret it immediately.

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Ch.

Choisir (AUS)

Grand Excess (AUS)

Br.

Street Boss (USA)

Grand Manners (AUS)

251

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Most Joyous (AUS)

327

Dundeel (NZ)

Power O’raylee (AUS)

401

Dundeel (NZ)

Royal Emerger (AUS)

571

Br.

Pierro (AUS)

Walk Alone (AUS)

601

Epaulette (AUS)

Academy Idol (AUS)

657

Br.

Epaulette (AUS)

Beau Vallon (AUS)

716

Ch.

Lope de Vega (IRE)

Chinese Whispers (NZ)

841

Denman (AUS)

Remotely (AUS)

904

Sepoy (AUS)

Assertive Guest (AUS)

914

Your Song (AUS)

Brilliant Crystal (AUS)

923

High Chaparral (IRE)

Ceviche (AUS)

948

High Chaparral (IRE)

Engraver (USA)

981

Br.

Your Song (AUS)

Jaja (AUS)

Your Song (AUS)

Moti (NZ)

1026 B/Br. C

Your Song (AUS)

Niobe (NZ)

1019 B.

www.riversdalefarm.com.au Nick Hodges: 0410 310 296 Scone, NSW

How would you summarise your draft this year? We’ve got a really nice bunch of yearlings again this year. Our draft includes a lovely filly and colt by exciting first season sire Dundeel. The colt is out of a city winning O’Reilly mare called Power O’Raylee and the filly is out of a Flying Spur mare who is a half-sister to Demerger. We also have a colt and filly by Epaulette, another exciting first season sire. The filly is a half-sister to two stakes-placed performers and the colt is out of a city winning stakes-placed Lohnro mare who is a full sister to Launay. Colts by Choisir, Denman, Pierro and Sepoy, plus two by High Chaparral and three by Your Song, along with fillies by Lope de Vega, Snitzel, Street Boss and Your Song round out the draft of 17 yearlings across Books 1 and 2.

(Supriym Story) on the farm and it is great to see the family going so well and being boosted by such a momentous win. Not quite at the same level as the Oaks but also a very exciting moment for us was seeing a long-term client’s 3yo Poet’s Voice filly, Beautiful Voice, romping to an impressive 5 length victory at Pakenham. We love to see everyone succeeding – it’s not all about group racing. What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing? In 2015 we had two runners in the 2yo Classic. Claudia Jean was beaten just two lengths and Miss Idyllic unfortunately ran below expectations from her wide draw. For a farm our size we were very proud to have had two runners in the race from such a relatively small crop.

What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? Just recently a Nicconi-Caipirinha filly which sold under our banner for Robrick Lodge, led all the way to take out the Placid Ark Stakes -LR in Perth to make it two stakes wins from just the eight starts The other highlight for us over the Melbourne Cup carnival was seeing Lasqueti Spirit win the Victorian Oaks-Gr1 at 100-1. We bred the dam of Lasqueti Spirit

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Rosari Farm Ged Nolan RENEE GEELEN

Breeders of Magic Millions winner Mirror Mirror, Rosari Farm will present seven yearlings at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale. From only small drafts, Rosari Farm has sold Gr.3 winner Queen’s Command, stakes winner and Gr.1 placed Anatina, and stakes winners Atomic, and Miss Bux at this sale. Recently, they sold Hong Kong winner Mr Picasso as a weanling. He was onsold as a yearling to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, who sold him at their annual sale for HK$5.5million. His half-brother by Smart Missile is Lot 736 in the 2017 draft. Renee Geelen spoke with Rosari Farm’s Ged Nolan.

If you could acquire one particular new skill, what would it be?

How would you summarise your draft this year?

I’d love to be able to help people less fortunate than I am via practical charity work. I really feel for people living in war torn countries. To see cities just decimated tugs at the heart-strings. And in Australia, we are so far away. It’s very difficult to see all those little kids with no futures, and they’ve done nothing wrong to end up there. It’s their adults who fight. I’d like to have the time to go there and teach them to read, or even better to teach a practical skill like plumbing.

This is a fairly even draft. We have a lovely Snitzel colt (Lot 20) out of stakes placed Fluffy Duck, making him a half-brother to two stakes winners (Miss Bux and Atomic). This family has been good to us at Rosari, as Gr.1 placed Anatina is also from it. Lot 343, a colt by Not a Single Doubt, is also from this family.

What is the best advice you have received about horses?

What is your favourite food?

The most predictable thing about horses is how unpredictable they are. And they never read the text book, so they are always surprising you. I love them. To be with them every day from birth, to teach them and see them grow out is a wonderful life.

~ 232 ~

Steak and vegetables but delicious.

with

gravy.

Simple

What is your favourite sport outside of racing? All sport interests me, but I’m a big fan of rugby league. I played a bit as a youth. I’d love to learn to play golf, as I think it would be a great mental challenge.

The I Am Invincible filly (Lot 387) is a very nice type with a lovely temperament. Her dam is a young winning full sister to stakes winner Zero Rock (by Danzero). Also from this family is a Stratum colt, Lot 843, out of Rock on Bye, a five race city winner. The half-brother to Mr Picasso, Lot 736, is a big strong colt with a good temperament. He is from a strong American family with six stakes winners under his second dam. Rosari Farm will also offer a Magic Albert colt (Lot 602) from a winning Catbird mare from the family of Free Wheeling. A Mossman colt, Lot 952,

rounds out the draft from the family of Unchain my Heart.

the lows are awful, like when you lose a lovely broodmare. You have to be very resilient to cope with them. And you need the capacity to enjoy the highs as well. Being an optimist helps.

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing?

I tell my children, it’s never a job when you love it like this. Although, if you didn’t love it, the lows would cripple you. It can be very character building for a young person as you see all aspects of life.

We bred the winner of the Magic Millions race in 2006. Hell, it was a thrill that day, a huge thrill. Mirror Mirror (Dehere – Fair Vanity, by Rustic Amber) won the Listed Gimcrack on debut, then went on to win the Magic Millions. She really helped put us on the map as she was from one of our earliest drafts. Another day that was a big thrill was when Anatina (Fastnet Rock – Quack, by Magic Ring) ran second in the 2014 Galaxy H-Gr.1. I thought she was a bit unlucky, but of course I’d say that!

2017 draft

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? Definitely there are many opportunities, but the thing with the thoroughbred industry is that you have to be extremely passionate about it. And if you are, opportunities abound in a whole different lot of fields. Auctioneering, working with the horses, administration, race calling, marketing. It’s a broad spectrum. But it comes down to the love of the horse at the end of the day. You need that passion because

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Snitzel (AUS)

Fluffy Duck (NZ)

343

Ch.

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Quack It (NZ)

387

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Rock Style (AUS)

602

Magic Albert (AUS)

Acinonyx (AUS)

736

Smart Missile (AUS)

County Mayo (USA)

843

Stratum (AUS)

Rock on Bye (AUS)

952

Mossman (AUS)

Eve Angelene (AUS)

Rosari Farm Ged Nolan: 0438 795 676 Gladfield via Warwick, Queensland

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SegenhoePeterStud O’Brien KRISTEN MANNING

How would you summarise your draft this year? It’s a quality draft of 15 with 12 being by high class proven stallions like Exceed And Excel, I Am Invincible, Snitzel, Choisir, More Than Ready, Al Maher, Magnus, Sebring and Medaglia d’Oro. We also have three lovely horses by promising young sires Pierro and Dawn Approach. There is a horse for everyone though the stand-out I believe is the I Am Invincible - Hooness filly. Her halfsister by Sebring (Longmu) made $500,000 last year and the word from the Snowden stable is that she has gears. What have been the highlights for your farm this past year?

Name a big stud and Peter O’Brien has worked at it, from Windfields Farm, Canada to Ra Ora in New Zealand, Stockwell in Victoria and Arrowfield, Coolmore and Woodlands in New South Wales. That’s a lot of experience which is to the great benefit of Segenhoe Stud where he has been at the helm as General Manager since 2014.

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions?

Mainly racing and breeding people and other famous celebrities who I can live vicariously through.

Our absolute priority at Segenhoe is to sell athletes so to have Nikitas result from our first Magic Millions draft and then Madeenaty from our second is highly encouraging. It is particuarly gratifying that Sheikh Hamdan purchased her and I humbly believe that she could be very special indeed.

If you could acquire one particular new skill what would it be?

2017 draft

Who do you follow on Twitter?

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Ch.

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Girl Hussler (AUS)

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Hooness (AUS)

116

Br.

Pierro (AUS)

Irish Dream (AUS)

Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd. Would adore a day in the Southern Ocean giving it to the Japanese whaling fleet.

127

More Than Ready (USA)

Jolie Bay (AUS)

151

Br.

Magnus (AUS)

Lady Knockout (AUS)

226

Choisir (AUS)

Mining Tycoon (AUS)

What is your favourite song?

264

B. or Gr. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Nearly Did (AUS)

284

B. or Br. C

Dawn Approach (IRE)

Oh So Discreet (AUS)

Bad by U2

436

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Sensibility (AUS)

If you were a horse, would you be a sprinter or a stayer?

459

B. or Br. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Sister Madly (AUS)

475

B. or Br. F

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

South In Dixie (USA)

685

Al Maher (AUS)

Breannon (AUS)

I would definitely be a gelding due to lack of ability and probably end up as a police horse.

705

Pierro (AUS)

Celebrities Choice (AUS)

715

Magnus (AUS)

Charm’s Honour (AUS)

Will we ever colonise outer space?

768

Snitzel (AUS)

Deer Valley (AUS)

The ability to stay calm under pressure! If you could spend the day with a celebrity who would you pick?

Hopefully Donald Trump can, and stay there with all his believers.

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Without wanting to harp on I feel it is imperative for farms to produce athletes and sound ones at that. This year products of the farm have excelled on the track including Eagle Way, El Divino, Rocketeer, So Serene, Waterloo Sunset, Serene Majesty and Madeenaty. We have had tremendous results when you consider the small number of horses we have sold.

www.segenhoegroup.com.au 02 6543 9777, Peter O’Brien: 0411 852 149 Aberdeen, NSW

SALE

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Sledmere Catriona Murphy RENEE GEELEN

One good horse can change your address, or so they say. Sledmere might say it the other way – one good address can create those horses. Politeness (Myer Classic-Gr.1) is just one good horse among many from this lovely property. Among Sledmere’s recent Magic Millions graduates is Invincibella (by I Am Invincible) who sold at the 2015 sale for $185,000 and has won two of her nine starts. Stakes placed as a two year-old, Invincibella has been twice stakes placed this season at three, including on Cup day in the Lexus Hybrid Plate-Listed. Other stakes winners bred at Sledmere recently include Gr.3 winners Ready to Attack and Pane in the Glass, as well as South African stakes winner Buckinghamshire. Another performer in South Africa is Gr.1 placed Anjaal. Bluebloods spoke to Catriona Murphy about their Magic Millions draft for 2017. What hobbies do you have outside of racing? Myself and husband, Roy play a lot of polo. We have 12 polo ponies in work, and compete in many local events. Recently retired home-bred Mystic Puzzle (winner of two races) is currently learning the ropes into this new sport. It can take up to two years to re-train as a polo pony. My brother is a professional polo player, and it’s nice to have a sport that we can play as a family and spend time together. Last year, I was selected for the Australian ladies team, and earlier this year I represented NSW. The games were played at the most prestigious polo establishment in the world ‘Ellerston’; and we won. How would you summarise your draft this year? This is easily our strongest Magic Millions draft. We are proud to bring 28 lovely yearlings to this sale, on behalf of Sledmere and our clients, in particular Waikato Stud who have entrusted us with several quality horses. The

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draft is nicely balanced, with 14 fillies and 14 colts who are all solid types.. Several exceptional proven sires are represented, as well as exciting first season horse Sizzling. I can’t really split out any individual; at this stage they are all progressing well and look the part. This is a draft full of the progeny of Champion Sires, beginning with seven lots from NZ’s dual Champion sire Savabeel. The colt, Lot 51, from Listed winner Glam Slam has a fabulous pedigree. Glam Slam is one of four stakes horses for her dam Gio, including Singapore Lion City CupGr.1 winner Arenti. Others in this family are Glamour Puss, Rare Insight, Vision and Power, Steps in Time. Lot 63, a colt, is the third foal from winning Montjeu mare Gracie Rose, who is a half-sister to Gr.1 winner I Do, and stakes winner Iggy Pop (by Savabeel). A beautifully bred filly, Lot 134, is from a young winning mare, Kashmir, who is a halfsister to Gr.1 winner Sharvasti, and Gr.3 winners Shastri and Bhandara. A three-quarter-sister to Gr.3 winner Strike the Stars is Lot 198, from the family of Starcent. The first foal, a colt, out of Posy, a winning full sister to triple Gr.1 winner Daffodil, is Lot 326. Lot 437 is another from a top producing family, out of Serenade, a half sister to three stakes winners including Gr.1 winner Marju Snip. Lot 712 is out of Gr.3 placed Chandelier who is a full sister to Gr.2 winner Irlanda. Fastnet Rock needs no introduction. He has Lot 525, a filly from There’s Only One who is a Gr.3 winner of nine races. Champion Sire Exceed and Excel’s filly, Lot 113, is out of Intendment, a half-sister to Gr.1 winner Appearance, and stakes winner Mascareri. Lot 94 is a colt by NZ’s Champion Sire O’Reilly from Hollywood, a city winning daughter of dual Gr.1 winning sprinter Glamour Puss which also makes her a half-sister to two stakes horses. Golden Slipper sire Medaglia d’Oro has two lots in this draft. Lot 197 is a filly from Maidel, a city winning half-sister to stakes winner Meidung from the family of Pinwheel. Lot 432 is a half-brother to stakes winner Buckinghampshire, and stakes placed Cautious; all from stakes placed city winner of five races, Seeking Attention, who is from the Joie Denise family. I Am Invincible is a sire on the rise, and his two lots here are both fillies. Lot 373 is from Resetgold, a stakes placed mare from a strong USA family that includes local Gr.2 winner Royal Code. Lot 507 is from winning mare Tabliope, a half-sister to Gr.3 placed Northern Glory from the family of Clothilde. Hinchinbrook has clocked up seven stakes winners in his first two crops, including Press Statement, and has two yearlings in this draft. A filly from Isola (Lot 118) is the second live foal for a city winning mare from the family of uber-tough Tie the Knot (21 wins, 13 at Gr.1 level including the Chipping Norton Stakes four years in succession). His dam, Gr.1 winner Whisked also left two other stakes winners. Rounding out this draft are yearlings by Choisir (Lot 649), Declaration of War (Lot 527), Eurozone (Lot 312), Not a Single Doubt (Lot 304), Ocean Park (Lot 731), Per Incanto (Lot 812), Pierro (Lot 379), Shamus Award (Lot 331), Sizzling (Lot 146), Smart Missile (Lot 257, 317), and Zoustar (Lot 398).

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2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Savabeel (AUS)

Glam Slam (NZ)

331

Br.

Shamus Award (AUS)

Pride of Encosta (AUS)

Br.

Savabeel (AUS)

Gracie Rose (NZ)

373

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Resetgold (AUS)

O’Reilly (NZ)

Hollywood (NZ)

379

Pierro (AUS)

River Vixen (AUS)

113

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Intendment (AUS)

398

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Rossarita (AUS)

118

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Isola (AUS)

432

Br.

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Seeking Attention (AUS)

134

Savabeel (AUS)

Kashmir (NZ)

437

Savabeel (AUS)

Serenade (NZ)

146

B/Br F

Sizzling (AUS)

La Camille (AUS)

507

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Tabliope (AUS)

197

B/Br F

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Maidel (AUS)

525

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

There’s Only One (AUS)

198

B/Br F

Savabeel (AUS)

Make a Wish (NZ)

527

Declaration of War (USA)

Tianjin Rock (AUS)

257

Smart Missile (AUS)

Musical Lady (AUS)

558

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Venus’s Dream (AUS)

304

Ch.

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Pegasus Queen (AUS)

649

Choisir (AUS)

Azardi (AUS)

312

Br.

Eurozone (AUS)

Perpendicular (AUS)

712

Savabeel (AUS)

Chandelier (NZ)

317

Smart Missile (AUS)

Pinpoint (AUS)

731

Ocean Park (NZ)

Corsicana (NZ)

326

Br.

Savabeel (AUS)

Posy (NZ)

812

Per Incanto (USA)

Exabelle (AUS))

www.sledmerestud.com.au. Scone, NSW Catriona Murphy: +61 (0)409 369 965 Royston Murphy: +61 (0)428 418 926

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Three Bridges Thoroughbreds Pauline Liston SARAH PEATLING

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What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm?

What’s your most prized possession?

We’ve got many lovely mares on the farm but the most high profile would be Song of the Sun, who’s a three-quarter sister to Black Caviar’s dam Helsinge. Located in central Victoria at Eddington, Three Bridges Thoroughbreds, led by the popular Liston family, have made a huge impact in the thoroughbred industry in a short period to foal, raise and sell some of Australia’s best racehorses and stand stallions Stryker and Unencumbered. They’ve also broken various sales-topping records all over Australia, but this year sees another chapter unfold as progeny by their 2014 Magic Millions winning hero Unencumbered, sell for the first time, so we thought it was an opportune time to get to know the woman behind the successful family-based operation, Pauline Liston. What’s your best advice about working with horses? Learn to read and understand the animal because they are so trusting once you have won them over. It’s almost as simple as asking the question: if you were a horse, how would you like to be treated?

How many foals have you delivered this year, and what’s that feeling like to see new life born? A tick over 70 but I still get a buzz every time a foal comes in to the world but I get an even bigger buzz seeing the expression on the mare’s face, especially if she’s a maiden because she is stunned. She doesn’t know it’s hers or what it is. It’s great to watch them both go through the motions trying to work it all out. What is that you love most about working with horses? The relationship you build with them and watching them grow and develop. Whether they are sick and come good, or are difficult horses to manage who come good, it’s just very rewarding. Whose has had the biggest influence on you? I’m self-taught so I’d say everyone has had an influence on me to some degree because when I was younger I’d go to the races, sit on the fence and just watch everybody. My other answer is that I had a spoilt orphan colt around the time I was 12 and he taught me a lot. I had to work it out as we went along but in the end I broke him in, taught him discipline, respect and manners. It was a difficult learning curve and he bowled me over plenty of times but we Lot Col/Sex got there eventually. His name 156 Blk. F was Guy.

My family (husband Peter and kids Sam, Toby, Jana and Jessie) This sale sees the first crop of your stallion Unencumbered offered at sale. What can buyers expect to see? To see a Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner selling progeny at the Magic Millions sale is exciting, particularly because we foaled and raised them here. The Unencumbered’s are athletic, have got really nice physiques, short cannons, and have got a bit of zing in them. We really believe in this horse and the team can’t wait to get there. How would you best summarise your Magic Millions draft this year and what are the standout lots? Lot 173 Unencumberedx Litter Colt - A stunning example of what Unencumbered produces; strong, early with real presence. His dam was a dual stakes winner and he is built for two year old racing. Lot 285 Zoustar x Oneinamillion Filly - This filly is exactly as named, one in a million. She has super movement and is built like a colt. You don’t often see fillies with such strength but her biggest asset is her athleticism. Lot 600 More Than Ready x Absolutelyfabulous filly - She was born a standout. Her mother was a brilliant racemare and Group 3 winner of over $800k. The best aspect of this filly is that the type matches the pedigree.

2017 draft

If you won the lottery what is the first thing you would buy? A cattle station. If you could travel anywhere what would be your first stop? Africa. To see the amazing wildlife and open plains would be incredible Are there any similarities between raising four kids and our four-legged friends?

Sire

Dam

Unencumbered (AUS)

Lady Zabeel (NZ)

170

Blk.

Unencumbered (AUS)

Lilly in Love (AUS)

173

Ch.

Unencumbered (AUS)

Litter (AUS)

177

Unencumbered (AUS)

Live in Black (AUS)

180

Epaulette (AUS)

Loading Zone (AUS)

285

Zoustar (AUS)

One in a Million (AUS)

416

Pierro (AUS)

San Cristobel (NZ)

600

Ch.

More Than Ready (USA)

Absolutelyfabulous (AUS)

www.threebridges.com.au 03 5468 7465 Peter Liston: 0419 837 567 Toby Liston: 0407 181 466 Eddington, Victoria

Yes they all need encouraging, love, manners and boundaries. It’s the same teaching principle between humans and horses

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Torryburn Stud John Cornish SARAH PEATLING

SARAH PEATLING

2017 draft What is your favourite TV show? Anything on The Weather Channel. What is the best gift you have ever received? My first Paddle Pop. Following a rich history dating back to 1830, “Torryburn”, named by Scottish-born owner John McIntyre after Torry Bay in his native land, was originally farmed for tobacco, timber, wine and cattle before transforming to a thoroughbred stud farm under the guidance of Rob and Jenny Ferguson, who most notably bred Golden Slipper winning filly Ha Ha to victory in 2001. A year later, John and Parm Cornish took over the ownership of the stunning property in the Paterson Valley of New South Wales and embarked on an extensive renovation to improve the existing horse breeding infrastructure to solely operate as a commercial stud. The upgrade now includes the total acquisition of three surrounding properties to compliment the 13 dams and superior water storage, new barns, a veterinary complex, feed storage and now a brand new purpose built, world class racehorse spelling facility encased in kilometres of Horserail fencing. Here John sheds the light on their 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling draft and what makes him tick away from the business of thoroughbred breeding. What is your favourite activity outside of racing? Boating is a favourite pastime. Particularly around Sydney Harbour. You’ll struggle to find a more beautiful view of the water. Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on you? My wife of 50 years Pamela.

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Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

233

B. or Br. C

Lonhro (AUS)

Miss Gai Flyer (AUS)

313

Br.

So You Think (NZ)

Persian Star (AUS)

319

B. or Br. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Pixels (AUS)

362

Br.

Smart Missile (AUS)

Ready To Live (USA)

618

So You Think (NZ)

Aliberani (AUS)

662

B/Br. C

Sizzling (AUS)

Belle Feline (NZ)

740

Sebring (AUS)

Crimson Reign (AUS)

876

Smart Missile (AUS)

Tale Of Love (AUS)

995

Ch.

Sepoy (AUS)

Looking For Love (AUS)

Where is your ideal holiday destination & why? Central Australia because its one place no one can find me.

www.torryburnstud.com.au 02 4938 9739 Torryburn, NSW

What is your favourite drink? A cold beer on a hot day! Will we ever colonise outer space? No because there’s no racetracks there. What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? Making a perfect place even better. The farm’s new spelling facilities offer the highest standards in safety and care and we are really excited to be able to offer this to trainers. What do you look for in a potential champion, any one thing in particular? Athleticism and temperament. How would you summarise your 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions draft this year? We are very excited about being at Magic Millions this year with what we believe is a particularly strong draft of good types with pedigrees to back them up. This draft of nine will offer something for everyone including some super speedy colts which will be attractive racing prospects for the various Magic Millions race series. Several of the colts are jump and run early types so should

also prove popular with syndicators. We will also be offering some athletic fillies whose pedigrees will provide outstanding residual value. It’s an exciting year for the freshman sires such as Sizzling and the up-and-comers like So You Think and Smart Missile. We’ve got a great representation with these young sires as well as the seasoned gents in Snitzel, Lonhro and Sebring so we’re very much looking forward to getting there. Standouts in this draft include the first foal of glamorous Redoute’s Choice mare Aliberani, which is a filly by So You Think (Lot 618) and a cracking colt by Sizzling out of Belle Feline, dam of stakes winners Zikmann, Anyaas and Manhattan Blues (Lot 662). Another draft highlight is the Smart Missile filly out of Ready To Live (Lot 362) and the Sebring colt out of Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes winner Crimson Reign (740).

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TuranggaJohn Farm Ramsey ZEB ARMSTRONG

If you were a horse, would you be a sprinter or a stayer, and what would your name be? Both. I am versatile. I would probably be the horse that could win fresh over 1200m or 1400m, but still have the class and stamina to get over the two miles. I would be named ‘The Bandit.’ What is one of the toughest decisions you have ever had to make? The day I told myself it was time to grow up. How would you summarise your draft this year?

Turangga Farm is entering a new era with John Ramsey taking over the reins from his dad the redoubtable Stuart, who is totally committed to remain a sounding board and dispenser of wise advice. Turangga is a superbly appointed and maintained farm with a second to none reputation for breeding winners. What is the best advice you have received about horses? To pay particular attention to detail and cross all your t’s and dot your i’s. A great man once gave me this advice, and I try to take it on-board every day. Attention to detail certainly is crucial in my world. If you could acquire one particular new skill, what would it be? They call me ‘Jack’ as in Jack of all trades. So I don’t probably need any new skills! But, there is always more to learn I guess and I always keep my eyes and ears open.

In one word… Outstanding. This draft is the most even line of horses we have ever presented at the sales. We’ve been fortunate to send some great winners off the farm in recent years, including Hong Kong champion Able Friend, Magic Millions winner Karuta Queen and unbeaten Fighting Sun just to name a few. I hope buyers can find another star like these in our 2017 Magic Millions draft. What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? Just breeding winners. It doesn’t matter where they win, as any winner is a good winner. It is all very exciting whether it be a maiden or a blacktype race. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? Yes there are if the young people are prepared to listen and to learn, and most of all to work hard.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Have you got a favourite pair of flash shoes?

Br.

The Factor (USA)

Flying Flitter (AUS)

All Too Hard (AUS)

Galvez (AUS)

My RM’s of course. Best work shoes on earth.

174

More Than Ready (USA)

Little Chloe (AUS)

193

Fighting Sun (AUS)

Magic Art (AUS)

219

Nicconi (AUS)

Midnight Fling (AUS)

309

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Perisher Valley (USA)

347

Zoustar (AUS)

Queen Of The Falls (AUS)

520

Br.

Bernardini (USA)

Tenant’s Tiara (AUS)

550

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Ultimate Rock (AUS)

730

All Too Hard (AUS)

Convene (AUS)

742

Ch.

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Critical Angel (NZ)

What is the most daring thing you’ve done outside of racing horses? I don’t think you would print it even if I told you!

www.turanggafarm.com.au John Ramsey: 0427 847 685 office@turanggafarm.com.au Scone, NSW

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Tyreel Stud Linda Monds SARAH PEATLING

As Hawkesbury Valley based Tyreel Stud enters an exciting new era under new ownership, effervescent owner Linda Monds gives us the low down on their select Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling draft and her most prized possessions in life. Have you got a favourite pair of flash shoes? No flash shoes just work boots! How would you sum up your own human pedigree? Outstanding human pedigree â&#x20AC;&#x201C; comes from long standing hard working genetics that never give up and always remain optimistic with a very fair and even nature!

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What was the last picture you took with your phone?

What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing?

Last pictures taken on my phone were of new foals born at Tyreel Stud. My favourite foal pictures are of Catalonia x I Am Invincible, Smiles for Layla x All Too Hard, Morrego x Medaglia d’Oro and Written Dash x Brazen Beau.

Being at Tyreel for only a short time I am yet to experience my best moment in the Magic Millions sales ring but with our 2017 draft I believe this moment is imminent.

If you were a horse, would you be a sprinter or a stayer, and what would your name be? I would be a stayer and my name would either be Nevagivup, Toughmudda or Alwaysondajob What is your most prized possession? Most prized possession would be my family – sons Ben and Blake, husband Laurence. And I could not survive without the constant support and encouragement of my Mum and Dad (Helen and David Wallings) What do you wish you knew when you were younger? Everything I know now! What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? Best known mares are Crafty Irna, Happy Hippy, Catalonia, and Simply Wicked.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Lot 635 - Pierro x Aqua D’Amore colt A sharp and progressive colt by Pierro with plenty of appeal, out of the tough Group 1 winning Danehill mare, Aqua D’Amore. With a full twoyear-old sister progressing nicely, this colt has plenty of upside. Lot 701 - More Than Ready x Catalonia filly. A striking filly by More Than Ready out of the Listed placed Flying Spur mare Catalonia, who is a sister to Pursuits and this year’s Listed Gimcrack Stakes winner Jorda. She is attractive with a determined walk. Bred on a proven cross that has produced the likes of Sebring, this imposing filly is bred to target the early two yearold races.

A small group of outstanding physical yearlings with excellent genetics and physical qualities which we’re very excited about. Here’s a breakdown in lot number order. Lot 259 - Fastnet Rock x My Tusker colt A strong and athletic Fastnet Rock colt with plenty of substance, out of Group 1 placed mare My Tusker (Volksraad). A cross that has already produced precocious speed like that of Dino Mark. An exciting colt moving forward. Lot 454 Blackfriars x Simply Wicked filly She is a strong Lot Col/Sex Sire Dam and powerfully built filly with an impressive physical appeal 259 B. C Fastnet Rock (AUS) My Tusker (NZ) by Black Heart Bart’s sire, 454 B. F Blackfriars (AUS) Simply Wicked (AUS) Blackfriars. She has a confident 635 B. C Pierro (AUS) Aqua D’amore (AUS) walk and imposing nature 701 B/Br. F More Than Ready (USA) Catalonia (AUS) and will catch everyone’s eye. I’m confident this Blackfriars www.tyreel.com filly will make many people’s Linda Monds: 0427 948 244 shortlists. She is a half-sister linda@tyreel.com to the 2014/2015 Champion Agnes Banks, NSW Three-Year Old Filly in Australia, Delicacy and is a must see.

2017 draft

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Vinery Stud Peter Orton SARAH PEATLING

With Group 1 mares such as Commanding Jewel, Samaready, Snitzerland, Allez Wonder, and Devil Moon, Vinery Stud has long been one of the country’s best producers of yearlings and the upcoming 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale will prove no different, with a mouth-watering line up of youngsters to go under the hammer under the watchful eye of Vinery General Manager, Peter Orton. What is your favourite movie? The Green Mile What keeps you awake at night? Slow horses What was your first paying job? Horse breaking was the first I actually got paid for, prior to that I did farm/stock work on the family farm, which was unpaid. What is your most prized possession? My John Deere tractor What do you wish you knew when you were younger? That secondary schooling had a little more to offer than I perceived at the time. What do you do to keep fit? I watch a lot of sport! Otherwise, I have a small farm and there is always something to do if I have a free moment. How would you summarise your draft this year? We have a great draft, very sound and well grown, one of the best we have had over the past few years. What are some of the best known mares that reside at your farm? Commanding Jewel, Samaready, Snitzerland, Allez Wonder, Devil Moon, Polar Success and Sacred Choice. Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? There are endless opportunities for young people coming into this industry. The issue that needs addressing is the lack of young people coming through.

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What more can you tell us about some of your key lots at Magic Millions? We have an outstanding draft for Magic Millions in 2017. At this stage we have a total of 23 and I think we will follow on from the terrific Magic Millions sale that we had in 2016. All Too Hard has shown us the signs already that he is a stallion with a very bright future. We will be bringing a total of 11 All Too Hards to the Gold Coast and I would expect this group to generate a lot of interest. One that I have personally liked right from when he was a young foal is a colt from the Mr Greely mare Tartufi (pictured). He is a magnificent colt with good size and strength and loads of quality. His mother produced two stakes horses including a Group 3 winner before being imported to Australia so he also has the pedigree page to attract a lot of attention. The All Too Hards are showing they will go early from the right mares and another colt that looks a ready made two year-old to me is from the stakes placed Dansili mare Poppet’s Treasure. He is very well balanced and has great bone to him so he just looks as though he’ll get going early to me. His mother is a halfsister to the European sprinter Overdose so there is ample speed in his pedigree also. We have always felt More Than Ready mares would suit All Too Hard extremely well and we have a colt and filly bred on this cross, which are great examples of this cross working well. The colt from Fit And Ready is from a half-sister to Golden Slipper winner Catbird and he is a very well built two year-old type, while the filly from Ready Miss also looks an early runner and has great quality to her.

Quite a few of our All Too Hards coming to the sale are from stakes winning mares and this includes a lovely colt from Group 1 Toorak Handicap winner Allez Wonder. He is a good sized colt with really nice scope and quality. More Than Ready of course has been a wonderful stallion for us and his progeny are very well suited to the Magic Millions having sired the winner of the race twice. We have a lovely filly by him from the stakes winning mare Single Style and she is just a ready made two year-old, which the pedigree would suggest. Of the More Than Ready colts one that should prove popular is from Encosta De Lago mare Malapert. The More Than Ready/Encosta De Lago cross works extremely well and the mother of this scopey colt has already produced two stakes winners.

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

All Too Hard (AUS)

Fit And Ready (AUS)

390

Sebring (AUS)

Roman Treasure (USA)

Forest Beauty (AUS)

456

More Than Ready (USA)

Single Style (NZ)

Kyria (AUS)

485

All Too Hard (AUS)

Stellamac (AUS)

495

Ch.

All Too Hard (AUS)

Sun Valley (NZ)

497

B/Br. C

All Too Hard (AUS)

Sunset Coast (AUS)

514

All Too Hard (AUS)

Tartufi (USA)

532

Ch.

Tapit (USA)

Touch Love (USA)

621

All Too Hard (AUS)

Allez Wonder (AUS)

28 145

Ch. B.

C C F

More Than Ready (USA) More Than Ready (USA)

199

B/Br. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Malapert (AUS)

245

Foxwedge (AUS)

Moonboat (AUS)

324

All Too Hard (AUS)

Poppetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure (GB)

340

Ch.

More Than Ready (USA)

Purple Blood (AUS)

361

All Too Hard (AUS)

Ready Miss (AUS)

641

Ch.

Zoustar (AUS)

Assertive Sound (AUS)

367

Br.

More Than Ready (USA)

Red Queen (AUS)

710

All Too Hard (AUS)

Chakvetadze (AUS)

375

All Too Hard (AUS)

Rightly So (USA)

798

Ch.

Sebring (AUS)

Electric Dreams (AUS)

Rock Me Baby (AUS)

816

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

Extension Of Time (AUS)

383

All Too Hard (AUS)

www.vinery.com.au 02 6543 8333, Adam White: 0414 800 918, Conor Phelan: 0437 842 856 Scone, NSW

Conor Phelan (L), Adam White (C) & Peter Orton (R) with the All Too Hard x Tartufi colt

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Wattle Grove Ian Macpherson ANDREW REICHARD

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Ian Macpherson and his partner Varda Green own and operate Wattle Grove Thoroughbreds at Berrima in the lush NSW Southern Highlands. We spoke to Ian What is your favourite movie? It’s Cat Ballou starring Lee Marvin and Jane Fonda What is the best advice you have received about horses? You should be kind to your horses, because they never forget. They never forget how they are treated. What is the most daring thing you’ve done outside of racing horses? That would be hot air ballooning in Turkey. A situation where you have no conrol. What was the last picture you took with your phone? Our daschund entertaining himself with the cat. What is your favourite drink? XXXX Gold or French Champagne, toss up. What event would you like to have witnessed? I would like to be able to somehow watch the big wave riders like Laird Hamilton. The waves are absolutely enormous and the riders are extraordinary.

How would you summarise your draft this year?

Who do you rate the best horse you have seen, live or on TV or both?

Varda and I will be offering five forward strong colts and three attractive fillies, they are all racehorses. Each yearling we are offering is by an exciting young sire, whether it’s So You Think sire of La Diosa the best filly in New Zealand and also of Inference, who was very unlucky in the Victoria Derby or Foxwedge and Dream Ahead, two emerging young stallions or a hot, hot stallion like Hinchinbrook, we couldn’t be happier.

For me it’s definitely Secretariat, the best and by far the best looking. I was lucky enough to see him in the States and would go down to just watch him in his yard, he was something to behold.

2017 draft

What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? We’ve had a great year, we’ve seen two horses we sold in association with Peter Ford do us proud. Firstly Mahuta by Flying Spur has gone on to stardom, winning the $1m Magic Millions Guineas this year and now has six wins and over $1.75m from just 13 starts, whilst the other is the Star Witness gelding Dr Listening who has had a second and two wins in Hong Kong from just four starts for around HK$1.3m.

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

115

Epaulette (AUS)

Irgunette (AUS)

247

Ch.

Dream Ahead (USA)

More Than Royal (AUS)

473

Shamus Award (AUS)

Sonnenblume (AUS)

560

So You Think (NZ)

Veronica Franco (NZ)

566

Br.

Unencumbered (AUS)

Vintage Quality (AUS)

704

B/Br. C

Eurozone (AUS)

Cavita (AUS)

706

Foxwedge (AUS)

Celebrity Appeal (AUS)

729

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Continuously (AUS)

Wattle Grove Ian Macpherson: 0404 839 453 Berrima, NSW

We’ve enjoyed good sales at Magic Millions during the past year, well above expectations.

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Widden Stud Antony Thompson What is your favourite movie?

What is special for you about horses?

I only see movies on planes nowadays or with the kids and do not have a fave movie as such. I enjoyed watching old school comedy Coming To America, drama’s like American Sniper and recently saw a quirky Kiwi film Hunt for the Wilderpeople which was good.

I’ve grown up with horses my whole life and still am amazed at the different personality traits and characteristics they show. Each horse is unique but in general, the thoroughbred is a kind & gentle animal. The way a maiden mare displays an instant bond with a newborn, the way a yearling wants to just run & play, the determination you see in the stallions which you saw in them as racehorses - these are things that are special to me about horses.

What one single event would you have liked to witness? Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, to see that you would believe anything is possible If you could acquire one particular new skill, what would it be? Become more IT savvy... How IT savvy are you? See above! What is your favourite drink? A cold Corona after a long day at the sales & a nice Hunter Valley Red in the winter.

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What has been your best moment at Magic Millions, sales or racing? Not necessarily a moment but the last 5 years have been particularly memorable for Widden graduates at the Magic Millions. As a vendor we’ve supplied TWO Magic Millions 2yo Classic winners (DRIEFONTEIN & LE CHEF) in addition to an Australian Horse of the Year, DISSIDENT who was a first crop son of our Champion sire Sebring. Other recent highlights include Group 1 winners STRATUM STAR and this season’s Group 2 winners, Group 1 placed 3yo colts STAR TURN and SEABURGE.

SALE

What have been the highlights for your farm this past year? In the 2014/15 racing season 10% of Australia’s Group One races were won by horses born & raised at Widden. Last racing season we were again the leading vendor of Group 1 winners - YANKEE ROSE, PRIZED ICON, STRATUM STAR and VANBRUGH all saluting at the highest level. Results like those in the last couple of season are simply no coincidence. I believe it’s a testament to the systems and practices we have in place here. We are certainly conscious of the sale ring when raising horses here but ultimately, stick to a clear and strategic focus on producing an athlete that will handle the harsh & tough environment of the racetrack. We don’t cotton-wool and I strongly believe horses raised at Widden have a huge advantage. How would you summarise your draft this year?

2017 draft Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Ch.

Zoustar (AUS)

Farasha (NZ)

471

Br.

Zoustar (AUS)

Fast Talker (AUS)

493

Ch/Gr. C

Starspangledbanner (AUS) Street Storm (USA)

Ch.

Dawn Approach (IRE)

Gibraltar Moon (AUS)

512

Your Song (AUS)

Tango Amigo’s (AUS)

Sebring (AUS)

Goldlago (AUS)

536

Shamardal (USA)

Tragic Moment (USA)

Choisir (AUS)

Hidden Message (NZ)

591

Smart Missile (AUS)

Zefta (AUS)

Star Witness (AUS)

Hilton Head (AUS)

595

Charge Forward (AUS)

Zumanity (NZ)

137

Stratum (AUS)

Keyarna Blue (NZ)

603

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Acorker (NZ)

169

Pierro (AUS)

Lilakyn (NZ)

691

B/Br. F

Zoustar (AUS)

Cabernet (AUS)

228

Stratum (AUS)

Mischief N Mayhem (GB)

713

Br.

Shamus Award (AUS)

Chaotic (AUS)

250

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Mosoru (AUS)

725

B/Br. F

Zoustar (AUS)

Combat Kitty (AUS)

258

Ch.

Star Witness (AUS)

My Dear Friend (AUS)

766

Ch.

Snitzel (AUS)

De Lightning Ridge (AUS)

303

Ch.

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Pearl Goddess (NZ)

767

Your Song (AUS)

De Sweet Soca Song (AUS)

322

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Polska (AUS)

773

Star Witness (AUS)

Dinkum Diamond (AUS)

333

Zoustar (AUS)

Princess Emmy (NZ)

788

Zoustar (AUS)

Dream ‘N’ Believe (AUS)

378

Snitzel (AUS)

River Thames (AUS)

806

Sebring (AUS)

Epona Princess (AUS)

386

B/Br. C

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Rock Princess (AUS)

809

Br.

Shamus Award (AUS)

Essie’s Pride (AUS)

402

Ch.

Foxwedge (AUS)

Royal Pageant (AUS)

860

B/Br. F

Eurozone (AUS)

Soft Landing (AUS)

406

Nicconi (AUS)

Rubirose (AUS)

865

Sepoy (AUS)

Spoleto (USA)

410

Choisir (AUS)

Sacred Voyage (AUS)

901

Your Song (AUS)

Apamene (AUS)

429

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Secord (AUS)

911

Your Song (AUS)

Bisutti (AUS)

438

Star Witness (AUS)

Shaqira (GB)

988

Br.

Fighting Sun (AUS)

Lajourn (AUS)

Early days yet but we couldn’t be happier with our group which are in preparation now for the sale. We feel we have great variety in the draft and I’m supremely confident buyers won’t be disappointed on the types we will present. It’s an exciting year for us in 2017. Not only are we celebrating our 150th year but we will be launching the first crop yearling by our Champion 3yo’s SHAMUS AWARD (Snitzel) and ZOUSTAR (Northern Meteor). These were clearly the two standout 3yo’s of their generation. Both dual Group 1 winners, both by champion stallions and both won the sire making races such as the Coolmore Stud Stakes, Australian Guineas, Golden Rose & W.S Cox Plate.It has been 5 years since we launched the first crop yearlings of

Sebring & Northern Meteor (two stallions who have gone on to achieve enormous success) and with Shamus Award and Zoustar it feels very much like deja-vu.In summarising, our 2017 Magic Millions draft is quality personified. From this group, I have no doubt we will continue our great record for producing champions from this sale as stated earlier.

Zoustar (AUS)

Solar Charged (AUS)

www.widden.com 02 6549 9999 Widden Valley, NSW Anthony Thompson: 0427 470 507 Derek Field: 0408 492 495 Ryan McEvoy: 0439 802 837 Matt Comerford: 0424 742 672

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SALE

Yarraman Park Harry Mitchell KIRSTEN MANNING

When asking the question “if you won the lottery what is the first thing you would buy?” and when receiving, without hesitation, the answer “horses” you know the person you are speaking to is a real racing person! Such as Yarraman Park’s Harry Mitchell who, after a lifetime of dedicated involvement with thoroughbreds, is still as passionate about them as he has ever been. What is special for you about horses? I relish the challenge of the whole industry but fundamentally it’s the love of the animal. Watching them progress from foaling through yearling preparation and following them through always gives great pleasure.

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What one single event would you have liked to witness?

What have been the highlights for your farm this past year?

I would not have minded being there to see the celebrations at the end of WWII. And on a horse note, I would love to have seen Frankel race.

2016 has been a catalogue of success for our Stallions – we have been very lucky to have both horses achieving such outstanding results on Australian racetracks culminating with 5 group and listed winners over the Melbourne Carnival.

Have you got a favourite pair of flash shoes? I have a very comfortable pair of Guccis which I have had for years. What is your favourite sport outside of racing? I’d have to say golf. I do not get a lot of time for it but I like to play the occasional game even though I am very bad at it. What do you do to keep fit? I work! And I try to get a bit of exercise a couple of times a week. How would you summarise your draft this year? It is an extremely consistent one. We don’t really have a stand-out but there a quite a few who are going to bring good money. Of course the majority are by our own stallions I Am Invincible and Hinchinbrook and they are a very nice, even bunch.

2017 draft

Are there enough opportunities for young people to enter the thoroughbred industry? Yes, certainly there is a lot more open to them than there was when I was starting. And we need to keep developing young people. Darley have done a great job with their Flying Start programme, what an amazing opportunity that is.

Lot

Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

B. or Br. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Gypsy Dollar (AUS)

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Harlem Heat (AUS)

117

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Is Amazing (AUS)

138

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Khepri (NZ)

206

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Maritess (AUS)

211

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Meliora (AUS)

223

Epaulette (AUS)

Milieu (AUS)

239

Smart Missile (AUS)

Miss Vandal (AUS)

242

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Mizzle (USA)

248

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Morinda (AUS)

252

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Most Secret (AUS)

281

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Octavia (AUS)

351

Br.

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Radiant Star (AUS)

391

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Romany Flyer (AUS)

504

Zoustar (AUS)

Swooning (IRE)

581

I Am Invincible (AUS)

You Can Dance (AUS)

613

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Alalunga (USA)

628

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Andromache (NZ)

655

Ch.

Love Conquers All (AUS)

Bareena (AUS)

722

Snitzel (AUS)

City Of Song (AUS)

756

Zoustar (AUS)

Danish Spy (AUS)

771

Smart Missile (AUS)

Devoirs (AUS)

784

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Double Malt (CAN)

850

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Salila (IRE)

926

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Chickasaw (NZ)

www.yarramanpark.com.au 02 6545 1961 Arthur Mitchell: 0412 495 687 Harry Mitchell: 0412 280 576 Scone, NSW

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