1) Horse you are most looking forward to seeing this season (and why)?
KR: I am most looking forward to seeing Archipenko (Kingmambo)'s now 3-year-olds perform, but I am too superstitious to single out any special one! The 2016 European Flat season will prove if I'm right in my optimism that Lanwades' Archipenko, with a group 1 winner in his first small crop and with 13 individual 2-year-old winners in 2015 can again provide a top-notch performer this year.
2) A stallion who could feature prominently (doesn't have to be first season)?
KR: As for stallions, I am (unoriginally) very much looking forward to seeing Frankel (GB) (Galileo {Ire})'s first crop perform this year and of course, the first foals on the ground by Lanwades' Sea The Moon (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). It will be interesting to see Lanwades' Leroidesanimaux (Brz) (Candy Stripes)'s penultimate US-bred crop perform there as 3-year-olds this year. That crop included 2015 2-year-old stakes winners Francesco Blue, Bootlegger's Wife and Expected Ruler plus a host of other winners. They all look likely to progress further at three and to add to Leroi's reputation and current produce earnings of well over $23 million.
3) Positive change you would like to see for the industry for 2016?
KR: We have already had a hugely positive piece of news in the British Government's announcement of a new funding system for racing, to replace the sadly obsolete Levy. It is to be hoped that, when the new system is implemented, special attention will be paid to raising prize-money levels at base level, especially in maiden races. If this comes to pass, the industry will be hugely grateful to its present leaders and to those politicians who have been assisting with this issue.
Other positive news is the increased efficiency with which equine biosecurity is being addressed nowadays; this will be of great help to safeguard the health of Thoroughbreds (and other horses) worldwide. In a slightly longer perspective, the redevelopment of two of the world's foremost racecourses, Longchamp and the Curragh, is surely very positive for the industry in its entirety.
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