Hometown? I am originally from Canterbury in Kent, UK.
How did you end up where you are now? My career in Thoroughbreds began in 1977 at Widden in NSW. I spent time in Newmarket as a stud manager in the early 1980's, then returned to Australia to work for John Messara at Arrowfield. I was an agent from 1991 to 2006, with Melbourne owner Lloyd Williams and Hong Kong racing being my principle clients. I became the stud director for Darley, when they expanded into Victoria with the purchase of Northwood Park at Seymour. I had previously been a consultant to them when they opened their doors in 2001. In 2008, I became managing director when Olly Tait left to run Darley America.
What have you found to be the major difference between racing/breeding in Australia and your home country? Australia has developed, over the past 60 years, their own style of Thoroughbred–fast, precocious and a racing system that is geared to 2- and 3-year-old racing. That is a combination of bloodlines and rearing techniques. The dominant bloodlines are drawn from stallions like Star Kingdom, brought to Australia in the 1950's and more recently Danehill. Both stallions were great influences for speed and soundness. Australian stud farms are largely broad acre farms–large paddocks and plenty of space for growing young horses–the only time a foal or yearling would see the inside of a box would be if they were sick or for educational handling. Otherwise they are out all the time which is fantastic for early development of wind and limb.
Name one home comfort that you miss? I miss the English pubs –particularly around Christmas time!!
Favourite sport or hobby outside of racing? I am an English football tragic so I enjoy watching the EPL–supporter of West Bromwich Albion since 1964!!! I am also an amateur cook and really enjoy cooking for friends and family.
What would you say is your proudest accomplishment? Winning the Golden Slipper and two Derbys for Lloyd Williams and getting my souffle to rise at the right time!!
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
