In this series, the TDN catches up with European expatriats working in the Thoroughbred industry around the world. Today's installment features Terence Collier of Fasig-Tipton.
1) Hometown? The small village of Cobham in Kent, England.
2) How did you end up where you are now? You mean apart from the extradition! A blind date with a horse-mad girl, now my wife of 45 years.
3) What have you found to be the major difference between racing/breeding in America and your home country? When I arrived in America in 1976, there were a lot of differences. Now it is less so, apart from the sheer size of our breeding and sales industry here. England's breeding and sales–and I don't mean the auctioneers–are directed mainly by extremely competent DIY (do it yourself) operators and some professionals. In the States, it is the other way around–the breeders are not quite so hands-on and the sales are pretty much all agents acting on the part of others. As for the racing, a cold day at Aqueduct isn't very different from a wet day at Chelmsford. The Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup, the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot, we both do our big days very well.
4) Name one home comfort that you miss? The local pub.
5) Favourite sport or hobby outside of racing? Fishing and golf, if you will excuse the pun, are pretty much on par!
6) What would you say is your proudest accomplishment? Staying married and raising two wonderful children. Being looked up to, I hope, by five beautiful grandchildren!
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