Ringside with TB GenerationZ KATRINA PARTRIDGE
Coolmore, Arrowfield, Yarraman Park, Raheen, Magic Millions, Sledmere, Twin Hills. They are household industry names as are the people that own and manage them. What, however, of the next generation? You’ve seen them: one minute barely tall enough to peer over the sale rostrum as they stand alongside one of their parents, then blink and they are old enough to be inspecting yearlings or leading them through the ring and before you know it they are answering the phone or greeting you with a smile because (where on earth did that time go?) they are now running the farm or jockeying for a high level sporting or political career. We sat down with nine children: Charlie Mitchell (14), Charlie Magnier (13), Rupert Tait (13), Jamesolan (13), Jack Murphy (12), Bella Bowditch (10), and Frank (10), Johnny (9) and Fred (6) Messara. Their thoroughbred lineage is impeccable. We wanted to know what they knew of their surname’s history and the company name associated with it.
84 / GENERATION Z
We wanted to know if Mum or Dad ever embarrasses them. We wanted to understand their hopes and dreams, what famous person they would love to meet, and what chores they hated. What became apparent during the course of each interview was that whilst entirely unique each child positively shone with their enthusiasm, insight, intellect, love of sport, a refreshing thirst for knowledge, a ‘real’ personality, warmth, and belief in the future. They were incredibly engaging and what really made them stand out was their extraordinary early understanding of what their generational thoroughbred DNA represented. Each knew and understood the substantive brands they were a part of. Many were (day-to-day) absorbing and appreciating what their parents do each day.
They understood the value of hard work, they were active learners when there are horses and farming involved: about life (and loss), and appreciating what distance (compared to city life) can have on both opportunity and also family relationships. The custodian role that their parents (and grandparents) play in these children’s development was integral. It is this experience that educates the next generation in the language of the thoroughbred; a language many of us take for granted. Vitor Belfort is credited with the quote ‘Legacy is not what I did for myself. It’s what I’m doing for the next generation.’ It is perhaps a trite saying - but the future of the Industry is in good hands. Watch this space ...
