1) Horse you are most looking forward to seeing this season?
DC: While the outstanding Irish 2-year-old colt in 2015 was Air Force Blue, the horse in that category that I'm especially looking forward to seeing this season is Blue De Vega (Ger). He comes from the up-and-coming stable of Michael O' Callaghan and really progressed in his three runs. On his debut in Dundalk, he was well fancied but everything went wrong in the race and he finished an eye-catching third. His next run at Naas was most impressive, barely off the bridle he won eased down. This indicated that more was to come and his new Qatar connections were not disappointed as he won the G3 Killavullan S. with the minimum of fuss. A son of Lope De Vega (Ire), his pedigree would suggest that he should improve again at three when he's stepped up in distance. He finished 2015 as one of Ireland's best juveniles and he should make a major impact internationally in 2016.
2) A stallion who could feature prominently (doesn't have to be first season)?
DC: In an era where the commercial emphasis is all about 2-year-old speed, I'm selecting a stallion to follow that goes against the grain. The horse in question is Maxios (GB). He has all the qualities the should mark him out as a stallion for the future. By the late great Monsun (Ger) out of the outstanding Niarchos mare Moonlight's Box, his pedigree is simply world
class. He danced the dance on the racecourse, running 18 times. He showed durability running and winning eight races from ages two to four. Maxios succeeded twice at the highest level, undoubtedly his best run was over a mile in the G1 Prix du Moulin where he beat the top-class Olympic Glory by five lengths. An outstanding looker, his first crop of foals were very well received and from 12 to sell he averaged over €70,000. An excellent return for a covering fee of €10,000.
3) Positive change you would like to see for the industry in 2016?
DC: Our industry considers itself as an international sport and a major attraction for owners is competing to determine the best of the best. However, where major differences exist in terms of racing surfaces, medication rules and rules of racing our sport is international in name only. My wish for the sport is a standardisation of our rules so that the real unqualified champions can be determined in our sport, the Sport of Kings.
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