By Adam Corndorf
After a few days here, the Magic Millions Sale reminds me of Del Mar: it has the same feel of being on the beach and the same relaxed holiday atmosphere. However, one difference from, say, the Keeneland Sale is having so many horses in one catalogue–to have them all on-site at once is a huge undertaking.
In general the Magic Millions yearlings seem very big and strong, although that may be because it's early in the year and I'm not expecting to see them look like that!
I'm very impressed with the Animal Kingdoms, their athleticism and their walks, and I see a lot of his traits in them. They have his unflappable demeanour which I think was such a big factor in his success. To win the Kentucky Derby, I always thought you had to have a horse that could handle the whole thing–150,000 people in a condensed situation, it takes a special kind of horse to deal with that, and it's important in Australian racing too.
The Animal Kingdom-Cat By The Tale filly, Lot 81, is very athletic and attractive, with a lovely walk and a real presence about her. I've had photos taken with her a few times now and she handles it all very well. She just has a really nice way about her.
Something I particularly enjoy about my work is travelling and getting to meet successful people in other countries. Yesterday I met former champion jockey and now well-respected Sydney trainer Ron Quinton, and this morning I went out to the track with champion Australian trainer Gai Waterhouse.
It was fun to see how Gai works. I didn't realise that she tends to train her horses on the dirt, so it's not totally strange to us, but it's very quick, very fast-moving and it's very early!
It's also interesting to see so many international buyers and visitors here. I've seen a good number of familiar faces, including John Moynihan and Elliott Walden, so it doesn't feel like we're so far away from home after all.
Away from the sale, Anita, Jane, Chappy and I have taken a couple of boat-trips and done a jet ski safari along the coast, and we're hoping to see a little more of the country if we can. But first, I'm keen to see the first Animal Kingdom yearlings go through the ring on Wednesday.
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