1) Horse you are most looking forward to seeing this season?
AOB: It's impossible not to be excited about Air Force Blue (War Front). I'd say there's no doubt that he's the best 2-year-old we've had and we're very happy with the way he has come through the winter. He's got size, he's got scope – he's just a very special horse. I'm also greatly looking forward to another son of War Front in Hit It a Bomb. He's another very talented racehorse.
2) A stallion who could feature prominently (doesn't have to be first season)?
AOB: Excelebration (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) was a very good horse for us a few years ago and I really like what I've seen of the 2-year-olds we have from his first crop. They're doing everything right so far. I see Power (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) was quoted at 16-1 to be champion first-season sire last week. Judged on the ones we have here that looks to be a huge price.
3) Positive change you would like to see for the industry in 2016?
AOB: Irish Champions Weekend was a great initiative and has been very well supported in its first two years, both by trainers from at home and abroad and by the racing public. It would be great to see a similar promotional drive behind the Irish Classics. We're seeing sizable prize-money increases for the best races all around the world so good prize-money is key to attracting the best horses.
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