EVEREST DIARIES PLATINUM SOUVENIR

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A S E C R E T A R I A T ' S W O R L D P U B L I C A T I O N Quality Feed For Superior Results KENSINGTON PRODUCE

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P : + 6 1 ( 0 2 ) 9 6 6 6 7 7 5 5 W : W W W . K E N S I N G T O N P R O D U C E . C O M . A U Everest Diaries Platinum Souvenir 2019

Welcome,

I have always loved magazines. I read the articles, stare at the photos, and study how text and image combined to create in my imagination stories, people, and news events. I notice the headlines and white space and typography and savour the whole experience found in those pages that carry me into the wider world. A Editor-in-chief Pallavi Shevade magazine could be picked up, put down, returned to at will. Creative Director Ritesh Jamkhedkar The greatest magazines tell stories enabling the reader’s Senior Editor Archana Bansode thoughts to travel far beyond the carriage of paper and Editorial Assistant Prajwal Jain ink. Market Researcher Pooja Agarwal Fashion GÁLA by Ameera In this year’s edition of our The Everest Platinum Souvenir, we tell the stories of leaders of the racing industry connected 2019 The Everest runners. We have crucially asked all those we spoke to about why they EDI TORI AL OFFI CE believe theirs is the horse that will cross the finish line Post Box 124609 , Dubai, UAE first. Whether it's the pedigree or the physical form and potential or their current standings, there is always a +44 203 286 8458 | [email protected] reason to see them why their horse will win. Everest Diaries is published by 's World Magazine Robert Frost said: “Something we were withholding KrisMedia Network made us weak / Until we found it was ourselves.” Each of these horses has no reason to withhold themselves. www.everestdiaries.secretariatsworld.com They race to win, every time, irrespective of the size of their cheering squad. So its an opportunity to love every one of these beautiful sprinters as they line up next Saturday at Randwick.

Enjoy Reading PShevade

Pallavi Shevade Editor-in-chief

Everest Diaries | October 2019 4

VIN COX: SCALING THE EVEREST, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Founded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin She has shown us in her training and in Q) In a previous interview, you have Rashid Al Maktoum, is a recent barrier trial that she is in great explained that you enjoy getting considered to be one of the leading form and it’s our belief that she offers involved in day-to-day stable affairs breeding operation and us an outstanding chance in this great alongside the more visionary aspects horseracing teams in the world race. of your current role. And people in spanning across four contents. As racing circles around are Managing Director of Godolphin Trekking, one of our other fast Group willing to swear that they have Australia, Vin Cox has taken several One winners is also ‘Everest Ready’. never seen your smile falter. What decisions which have increased We’ll take aim at the Schillaci (Gr.2 has been a notable cringe-worthy Godolphin's profile in the Southern Stakes race held at Caulfield moment during your Godolphin Hemisphere including taking a slot in racecourse) and try to secure second tenure? the A$14 million The Everest. slot in The Everest. A) As you know, I previously worked Everest Diaries speaks to Vin Cox Q) Why did Godolphin decide to get with Magic Millions. When I first started about The Everest, future plans for involved in The Everest as a slot with Godolphin, we purchased Godolphin Australia and much more: holder? Are you able to share what Exhilarates at the Magic Millions Gold plans are afoot when it comes to Coast Sale. Exhilarates went on to win Q) Godolphin has confirmed that renewing your affiliation with The the A$2 million 2YO Classic during the multiple Gr.1 winner Alizee is to run Everest in the next round? Magic Millions carnival in outstanding in Godolphin’s The Everest slot. What fashion. On the day I was surrounded made this mare perfect for the A) We decided to get involved as we ( by old friends from Magic Millions and Richest Race On Turf in the world? Godolphin Australia) had several new friends and colleagues at potential contenders for this race. We Godolphin. I had tears in my eyes as I A) We are in the fortunate position of very fortunate to have been awarded having a choice of quality runners for the slot and we would very much like to watched Exhilarates. The Everest, each of which would have get involved with The Everest again. I been a great chance in the race. It have never seen anything like this in my It was a cringe-worthy moment to be wasn’t a simple decision, but in the end thirty years in the racing industry. It is crying, but it was a tremendous Alizee is a high-class mare who has a fantastic concept, with great theatre moment at the same time for me as part shown excellent form when fresh. and excellent coverage. of the Godolphin team.

Everest Diaries | October 2019 6 Q) Next year is the 25th anniversary We aim to grow opportunities by Q) Who would you consider your top of the race. Are increasing our high-profile stallion racehorses at Godolphin Australia? you able to share any plans for the prospects. forthcoming DWC race meeting? A) We are excited about all our horses. We breed 120 foals every year, and we Hartnell at 9YO continues to race at A) Even this year we were keen to send are continually searching for the next the highest level, which is very our horses to Dubai. We hope to look at , Megdalia d’Oro, or the next commendable. Then we have horses least one or two horses for the 2020 . like Avilius, Alizee, Osborne Bulls, World Cup. We have Osborne Bulls as Exhilarates and Trekking. a speedy sprinter who could potentially Breeding and racing horses at the compete in the sprint races. Then we highest level is done through sustained Q) Godolphin Australia has had an have Avilius who could be on the long- passion and sustained learning and distance program. We will analyse sustained love for pedigrees. It doesn't unbelievably fantastic year under things closer to date as happen by accident. your guidance and captaincy. What always. are some of the goals on your bucket Q) You have recently persuaded list for Godolphin by the year 2030? Q) How many racehorses does H.H. Sheikh Mohammed to invest in Godolphin have in Australia currently Godolphin Australia by buying more A) 2030 is still a long way off, but I and of them how many are presently horses. What is your vision around would like to see Godolphin Australia actively racing? Could you please tell these purchases? take home a Cup, a Cox us a bit more Godolphin Australia Plate, a The Everest trophy, a Caulfield and your current stable stars? GrAa)h aWme ea Mre aspepeki Wngi thto Nborovaedmenb eourr FlighCt u/p. stallion profileG brya hpmrovei dMinga pApustralian A) We have a total of 700 horses breeders access to successful We won the Golden Slipper earlier this across our 7 Godolphin sites in bloodlines from around the world. year and would like to win all the elite Australia. Of those, 300 horses are in Godolphin will continue to make Australian races. various stages of training, almost yearling purchases during the exclusively under James Cummings' Australian yearling sales to improve the care. quality of our bloodlines.

Hartnell CF Orr Stakes / Godolphin bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 7 We would also like to send our horses to international races such as the Dubai World Cup Carnival, Royal Ascot and even onward to America.

Furthermore, as you know, Godolphin is powered by the Darley stallions, and we would like to stand the most commercial stallions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Q) And finally, who is your favourite horse of all time? And why?

A) I would have to say it was Manikato. He was a large, strong chestnut gelding. I saw him race when I was about ten years old. As a 2YO the Australian Racing Hall of Famer won the Blue Diamond Stakes & Golden Slipper Stakes double. During his career, he won 5 successive , 4 Futurity Stakes & 11 races, earning A$1,154,210 Vin Cox Darley in his lifetime. I was at a very impressionable age at the time, and I Vin Cox / Godolphin believe Manikato is the horse who inspired me to go into the racing industry.

Kiamichi winning the 2019 Golden Slipper

Everest Diaries | October 2019 8

F E A T U R E S

Redzel As Yearling / Triple Crown Syndications

Everest Diaries | October 2019 10 CHRIS WARD: AIMING FOR THE THREE-PEAT

During the 2014 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale, the Ward brothers purchased a Snitzel colt for a mere A$120,000. Today that gelding is a dual Group One and 2-time The Everest Stakes winner with earnings of A$15,644,000. He is known in global racing circles as one of the fastest horses on turf on the planet. Redzel is his name.

Chris and Michael Ward both owned Q) Did you expect him to do as well A) I think we felt more pressure in the successful financial businesses before as he did in the horrendous first year of The Everest. The build-up younger brother Chris, followed his downpour last year. Or did you have was enormous as it continues to be passion and set up racehorse your heart in your hand for a every year now but back then we syndication company Triple Crown moment there? didn’t know what to expect. Now we Syndications 17 years ago. Brother have experienced that for a couple of Michael, of Roseville, followed and A) He had a little hiccup about a month years as have our owners, so we are a together they have built their company before the race which had us worried bit more relaxed with it whilst still being into one of Australia’s most successful for about forty eight hours but he extremely excited to be a part of it syndicator businesses with champion quickly came good and was building again. We are also so fortunate to have Redzel as their stable star. particularly well into The Everest. So, won both runnings of The Everest so we had a lot of confidence that he was far, so really, anything is a bonus from Everest Diaries speaks to Chris Ward here. a real live chance to win it again. When about the upcoming Everest, where the the heavens opened up and the Snitzel colt will be aiming for a three- torrential rain came, it only enhanced Q) What has winning The Everest peat. our confidence as we knew it would twice in a row, felt like and what would be winning the Everest crown only detract a tiny bit from Redzel’s Q) Where does the name ‘Redzel’ for a third time mean to you? chances, but it may dent the chances come from and how did you decide of a few other runners. His versatility to go with this name? A) Amazing. simply amazing. The on all track surfaces is a big Everest is a juggernaut and went from advantage. A) After we have formed a new not existing to immediately being an syndicate of owners for a new horse, enormous event in year 1, which is Q) Redzel is aiming for the three- we ask them all to submit some name unheard of. For mine, and for differing peat which has landed the spotlight suggestions. We then ask all owners to reasons, it is right up there next to the on yourselves. Obviously, Redzel vote on these names to find the most as far as the pinnacle doesn’t know it but has there been popular name to then register. On this of our . occasion, it was Redzel which simply any extra pressure on yourselves or represented the ‘Red’ colours of Triple the trainer as a result of this public Crown Syndications and the ‘zel’ comes interest? from his sire Snitzel. Everest Diaries | October 2019 11 The Melbourne Cup has the incredible A) The ownership group is a great mix tradition and history but Australia’s of people from all different parts of the staying ranks are not our best asset, country who didn’t know each other whilst The Everest is new and brash, beforehand but are now like a big and it caters for sprinters and we all family travelling from carnival to know Australia’s sprinters are carnival and sharing this great absolutely world-class. I think it may experience that Redzel is giving them. have been the highest-rated sprint race in the world over the last couple We have people from all walks of life of years. who share the common passion for the

horse. They include Police Officers, a To win the inaugural The Everest felt like a massive achievement for our Doctor, a Teacher, a Pharmacist, a whole team and a dream come true. couple of Restaurateurs, a Concreter, a Retiree, an ex-New South Wales To win The Everest again in the second cricket coach, an IT specialist and an year was surreal. The most enjoyable importing/exporting businessman. aspect is being able to share in moments like that with our owners, the Q) As Triple Crown, have you Snowdens, McEvoys, along with our considered buying an Everest slot in family and friends. the next round?

We now share those experiences for A) We would be interested in the rest of our lives and they can never partnering with the right person for be replicated anywhere else. that.

Q) In terms of the pedigree, performance, physical condition & Q) What is your process when you competition, why do you feel Redzel buy a horse and what are the sales is best placed to win The Everest this you frequent? year too? A ) We attend all the major sales. We Chris & Michael Ward after Redzel won spend a lot of time working through all the NSW Champion Sprinter award / A) So far, he looks to have returned in the pedigrees before we even get to Triple Crown Syndications magnificent order. His trials have been the sales. This gives us a very large list first class and he is feeling really well. of horses that we believe are Q) What are the plans for Redzel genetically capable of making it to the after The Everest? He is the proven two-time champion of top level. the race so we know when he is at his best he can beat anyone over the A) Following The Everest, there is We then go & inspect all the horses 1200m at Royal Randwick. every chance that we will take him physically (both on-farm and at the down to Melbourne for the Group 1 sales complex) to narrow it right down He is a front running horse who makes VRC Sprint down the straight at to minimise the potential risks & his own luck and it doesn’t matter Flemington. increase our percentages of success by whether it is a dry or wet track for him. identifying the best athletes.

Q) Who are your other Triple Crown There is still a lot of water to go under stars? Q) The decade is almost over. What the bridge but our confidence is is on your bucket list of things to do building every week as we get closer to A) Past Group One winners include before 2030? the race. Peggy Jean and Hot Snitzel but the A) We are always looking to evolve current horses include the likes of The bottom line is, that we know he is a what we are doing. One race that I Military Zone who is currently targeting live chance to do it again and that would love to knock over is the Golden would be out of this world! the new A$7,500,000 Golden Eagle, Slipper, preferably with a colt. We Brave Song, Missile Mantra, Dothraki have competed in that race many times and Moss Trip whom all have some lofty but to date, it has eluded us. So, we goals for the Spring Carnival. have set about trying to make it happen. Q) Could you tell us a bit more about the Redzel ownership group? Everest Diaries | October 2019 12

F E A T U R E S

Mr. Yuesheng Zhang with Catch me. Yulong Investments

Everest Diaries | October 2019 14 YUESHENG ZHANG: GOING FOR ‘RED' GOLD, AGAIN

In the Chinese culture, the colour Red, corresponding with fire, symbolizes good fortune and joy. Once again Everest slot holder Yulong Investments has partnered with Triple Crown Syndication and defending champion Redzel, fondly called ‘Red’ to those who know him.

Yulong Investments is owned by Mr. Q) Did you expect Everest to gain In future, we will continue to attend Yuesheng Zhang, well known in the the level of popularity that it has? this big event. I have no idea when we racing circles for his expensive Will you continue to remain a The can win the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup, but purchases in Australia and promising Everest slot holder in the future too? we will keep sending our best horses to runners around the world. Yulong also the Dubai World Cup Raceday. hosted the first public auction of A) I felt so thrilled when ATC published in Mainland China. news about The Everest. The Q) Why did you choose Australia for Thoroughbred industry your sizable racing industry Everest Diaries caught up with Mr. has developed quite well in Australia, investments? Zhang to discuss his love for and its influence has spread across the horseracing, his Everest slot and their whole world. Yulong has more than 200 A) The temperature, environment, and Everest runner and much more: racehorses in Australia, and Yulong will atmosphere in Australia are (most) remain the Everest Slot holder forever. suitable for Thoroughbred horses to Q) How did you get involved with grow, and the Thoroughbred horseracing, and Q) Are there any Everest contenders industry is extremely developed. what are your plans for Yulong from the current field who give you Investments in the next ten years? a cause for concern? In the future, China and Australia Thoroughbred racing industry will have A) The reason I got involved with A) I think Santa Ana Lane is the most frequent interactions; their integration Thoroughbred horse racing was that active competitor in The Everest (2019) is more manifested and advantageously the experience (I had with them) when this year. I was watching his race complement each other. I was young. record, and he performed quite strong. Q) Which is your favourite racehorse I grew up with horses. After traveling Q) What are your plans for the of all time? and learning about the Thoroughbred Dubai World Cup in 2020? horse racing industry around the world, A) is one of my favorites horses. I am fascinated by the culture the A) In the last 4 years, each year we She is a legendary horse, Chris Waller passion of Thoroughbred horse racing. have been sending our (most) qualified found her talented and trained her Thoroughbred horse racing is an racing horses to The Dubai World Cup well. elegant sport and faces a high-level racemeeting. group of people. Those are very attractive. Everest Diaries | October 2019 15

F E A T U R E S

Hinnerk with Hartnell taken at in Agnes Banks NSW

Everest Diaries | October 2019 16 ADVERTISING FEATURE

HINNERK HUEPPE: HAPPY HORSES MAKE HEALTHY RACEHORSES

Hannover Lodge, owned and run by Hinnerk Hueppe, is a thriving thoroughbred facility based in Wilberforce, an hour out of Sydney, NSW, close to all the major city tracks.

Hannover Lodge, owned and run by Hinnerk started his horse training as a Upon returning to Sydney, he Hinnerk Hueppe, is a thriving young boy competing in showjumping continued to ride trackwork at the city thoroughbred facility based in at a high level in Germany. After tracks while he worked towards Wilberforce, an hour out of Sydney, finishing school, he continued to ride. realising his new dream to find a quality NSW, close to all the major city He went on the complete a Business set-up to and starting his pre-training tracks. Economics degree, as well as a farm. butchers’ apprenticeship,and worked Hinnerk named the farm as a tribute to at his parents bussiness where he During this time he built valuable his birthplace Hannover in Germany. gained valuable insight into logistics, relationships with trainers and suppliers Given the impressive facilities, when procedures, and human relations. in the industry. With a natural eye for you enter the driveway one could excellent racehorses and a strong easily mistake this farm for a long- Upon movinng to Australia, he took up network within the top tier of Sydney’s established facility. However, the farm a job training horses for a successful racing elite, Hinnerk was fortunate was only setup in June 2017. Warmblood horse breeder, and it was enough to be involved in bloodstock at this time he was introduced to the purchases. Nestled on an undulating 120acres of Thoroughbred industry. He started out green landscape, Hannover Lodge riding some trackwork at a prestigious In fact two of his earliest selections cares for 100 horses on any given day. pre-training facility that evolved into a went on to become Group-placed The farm is dedicated to "preparing the management position over several horses. His first ever selection, Man of elite racehorse” offering pre-training, years. During this period he developed Choice, was broken in by Hinnerk and breaking-in, rehabilitation, and spelling. a keen interest in training and trained by Luke Price. Man of Choice managing young thoroughbreds. His was placed in the Gr.1 Champagne Hinnerk firmly believes in the fact that hunt for knowledge to find the best Stakes, competed in the Melbourne happy horses are always better ways to develop a top racehorse saw Derby and placed in the Gr.2 Phar Lap athletes. Therefore, he prides himself him move to Scone for a racing Stakes. In 2015 he was also nominated on the level of care and attention he manager position, where he worked for the Country Horse of the Year. pays to each horse that comes his way, with his first successful Ready to Race with an incredible memory for detail. draft for the Inglis sales.

Everest Diaries | October 2019 17 Man of Choice holds a strong place in As he’s been building Hannover Lodge 2019 has seen Hannover lodge have it's Hinnerk’s heart and is now retired at he has held onto a vision of diversifying busiest breaking-in season yet. Hannover Lodge with plans to have him his business, with the help of other Moreover, for the second year running as a riding horse for the future. professionals, to keep it interesting, the farm will present a draft at the stay in step with industry growth and Inglis Ready to Race sale at Warwick Hinnerk is enterprising by nature with create longevity in his career. farm in October. Hannover's 2019 propensity for problem solving. He is highlight Lot is #112, an eye-catching currently working with collaborators on He maintains an active interest in the athletic type colt by Mossman out of a variety of ideas. selection and purchase of quality Never (Tale of the Cat, USA). bloodstock, from yearlings through to In particular, he is currently working on tried horses for his clients, with the Hinnerk has known the colt since it was a product designed to assist in the intention of spending more time on this a weanling and he just continues to prevention and management of particular aspect in the future. impress to date. common skin conditions that tend to occur in horses in work. A key initiative for Hannover Lodge is The draft is already double the number to acquire a second property within the of horses from 2018. The future is Another product they are working on next five years to set up a dedicated looking very bright for Hannover is the establishment of a digital rehabilitation facility to offer his clients Lodge. program tailored for individual a more comprehensive service. businesses to assist in the training and Watch this space… management of staff.

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Everest Diaries | October 2019 18

BOB PETERS: THE QUEEN AND I

Arcadia Queen, owned and bred by prominent West Australian horseman Bob Peters is pegged as one of the favourites to win the A$14 million Everest title. Everest Diaries speaks to Australia’s top horseman about The Everest, his passion for racing & breeding, the industry and much more

The star filly is expected to attempt an Q) What are the plans for Arcadia Most of our better racehorses trace ‘The Everest-Golden Eagle double. Queen after The Everest? back to the following mares – Antique, Arcadia Queen is touted by the oracles Lady Ashford, Miss Margaret, So of the Australian racing industry as a A) After this race hopefully Arcadia Stunning (GB), Flaming Heart and worthy successor in the wings to the Queen will run in The Golden Eagle two Reflected Image. mighty Winx herself. weeks later. Q) Which stallions do you currently Q) What is special about Arcadia Q) Enticing Star was confirmed for have shares in? Do you breed for Queen’s pedigree line? an Everest run. Why did you decide specific races or distances? to retire her? A) Arcadia Queen is from a family we A) We have shares in Pierro, have been developing over many A) Although there was no pressure Vancouver, Xtravagant (NZ), Animal years. Arcadia Queen is from Arcadia, from the Chris Waller Racing syndicate Kingdom (USA), Dundeel (NZ) and the first daughter of Antique who we to withdraw Enticing Star from the Tosen Stardom (JPN). We aim our raced with some success and had Everest mix, in the best interests of the programme mostly to producing sound produced for us quite a few fillies that horse I have decided to retire Enticing racehorses that can perform at all we have raced and have joined our Star. The run on Saturday at Rosehill in distances. We do not breed to aim at broodmare band. the Golden Pendant was below par and specific races. indicated to me she doesn’t want to be Q) As an owner, breeder and a a racehorse. We do not breed a lot of sprinters – horseman, why do you believe most of our breeding is more toward Arcadia Queen is best placed to win Q) Which mare-line would you say is middle distance horses. However we The Everest? your favourite and which has been are very excited that Arcadia Queen the most successful? How do you has showed her potential in sprinting A) Arcadia Queen is lightly raced. She plan matings? has so far, shown herself to have Q) Why is Thoroughbred breeding & above average ability. The testing A) Our breeding program is based on racing so close to your heart? uphill Randwick straight should suit her families that we have developed over style of racing many years through as many as 5

generations. Everest Diaries | October 2019 20 A) The interest in the breeding of horses comes from my early introduction to working horses and from a lifetime of riding horses.

Q) Please tell us more about your beautiful homestead?

A) We purchased our current farm 27 years ago and have been working on improving it ever since then. It is ideally placed being close to Perth on the edge of the Darling Scarp with a safe, high rainfall and is well drained.

Q) The decade is almost over. What is on your bucket list of things to do before 2030?

A) Before 2030 I would like to win an Everest, Cox Plate and , along with as many stakes races as possible. Bob Peters with Arcadia Queen/ Photo - Paddy Sweeney, Nine News Perth

Bob Peters with Arcadia Queen / Pierre Huembs

Everest Diaries | October 2019 21 SANTA ANA HEADLINES THE EVEREST ARMADA

The William Street Syndicate has already won a Melbourne Cup, two Caufield Cups, a Queensland Guineas and a Newcastle Gold Cup. The Everest Trophy seems to be missing from their trophy case, but only just for the moment.

Spanish play right look de Vega Eventually however, they ran out of The 44 members of the current group headlines Spanish play right lope de street-names and got creative with the own 55 shares and those in Santa Ana Vega has inspired many an artist, but it names by making a play on the names Lane include three people who have will surprise is quite a few to know he in the horse’s pedigree. But all the never owned a horse before. In total, has also inspired a racing syndicate. horses owned by the syndicate still the group will be represented by about carry the suffix ‘Lane’. 90 people on the course at Royal Young Vega enlisted in the Spanish Randwick. The eldest member is 90 and Navy in 1583. He saw action at the Clemenger, Joint Manager of the William Street still contains one of the Battle of Ponta Delgada. One of the William Street Syndicate says he three founders, Robin Clements. lead ships of that Armada was named sincerely enjoys the process of naming Santa Ana. the horses. A newly purchased horse Santa Ana Lane was an A$80,000 buy has been named Trump Lane. for Justin Bahen at the 2014 Melbourne Over 500 years later a good-looking Premier Yearling Sale, from the colt sired by Lope Vega out of a mare “He is sired by Starspangled banner, so Rosemont Stud draft. Initially the son of called Fast Fleet was purchased by a there was the American connection. As Lope de Vega was trained by both Lee Justin Bahen for a racing club called Donald Trump is the current US and Anthony Freedman. Later, the William Street Syndicate, started in the President, we decided to go with a play former left Australia for the golden late 1970s. Influenced by the Spanish his name,” he said. (Trump Lane is an shores of Singapore and Anthony writers’ colourful life named the colt unraced 3YO who is currently being continued to train Santa Ana lane Santa Ana. And as the colt was trained by Anthony Freedman.) himself. Freedman believed in Santa christened Santa Ana Lane Ana lane and was convinced that he “Since the beginning, we’ve had a could be a Group One-winning horse. Initially the creative syndicate couple of horses every year. We tend members, would name their horses to have a good horse every decade. They have their own ideas as to why after the narrow lanes around William These days all our horses are identified Santa Ana Lane is the best horse in this Street, where the club house was and purchased by Justin Bahen,” said year’s Everest lineup. located. One of their horses was the Clemenger. famous double Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Gurner's Lane.

Everest Diaries | October 2019 22 “The horse has now matured. He had "There were only a few horses that “The timeline is very tight. If he goes to some trouble with his feet. We have could have done well in such (Royal) Ascot, he will have to stay in now learnt the best way to shoe his conditions. Redzel was one of them.” England, due to the quarantine feet and hence fix the issue with his restrictions." feet. And he loves to eat, so he can After our horse recovered, he came gain weight easily. back to Melbourne for the Gr.1 VRC "Which would make it difficult for him Sprint Classic (AKA Darley Classic held to get back to his training for next We now fully manage his food, even on the VRC Stakes Day), which he year’s Everest.” when he’s in the paddock. We have won,” said the proud owner fondly. learned that he doesn’t need a lot of The William Street Syndicate has lead up runs. So, the way we train him 2019/2020 plans for the Lope De Vega already won a Melbourne Cup, two is a bit different now,” said the son are firmly in place. After The Caufield Cups, a Queensland Guineas seasoned horseman, Clemenger Everest, he heads back to Melbourne and a Newcastle Gold Cup. to reclaim his VRC Sprint Stakes’ title Reminiscing about Santa Ana Lane’s and then to Hong Kong for the Hong The Everest Trophy seems to be missing last year’s Everest performance, Kong Sprint. from their trophy case, but only just for Clemenger’s voice takes a serious and the moment. disappointed tone, “Last year it was Eventually, they have to decide pouring all week of The Everest. And a between trips to Royal Ascot for the few hours before the race itself it English summer or to start training for started bucketing down. It was so bad The Everest 2020. that had it been another raceday, they would have cancelled it."

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Everest Diaries | October 2019 23 F E A T U R E S

Everest Diaries | October 2019 24 ADVERTISING FEATURE

MICHAEL HAMBLY: DELIVERS HIGH QUALITY FEED FOR SUPERIOR RESULTS Michael Hambly is the third-generation owner of Kensington Produce. His grandparents Rex and Roma Hambly started the business in 1955, originally located on Anzac Parade, 'Kensington'. They have continued to supply the industry with high-quality horse feed. Today seven out of the ten top trainers in Australia use Kensington Produce for all their requirements.

Michael Hambly chats to Everest So my family decided to sell that place Q) Kensington Produce supplies most Diaries about their history, their endless and moved into a purpose built of the top thoroughbred trainers in pursuit of high-quality feed for their warehouse, which we currently the state. What is the secret behind customers and their plans operate out of now located at your success? Banksmeadow in the Eastern Suburbs Q) Could you please tell us more of Sydney. A) The secret of our success is the about the history of Kensington wealth of knowledge we have gained

Produce? by operating for nearly 65 years as Our prime location places us 10 minutes well as our willingness to go above and from Randwick Racecourse and 15 Kensington produce will celebrate 65 beyond for our customers. minutes to the M5 to service the outer years of trading next year. Sydney racecourses. Q) You recently travel the length Rex Hambly initially started his career and breadth of Australia. Please tell at the race track as an apprentice Q) What kind of feed do you supply? us why? jockey at the age of fifteen. He A) We supply grain sourced from eventually obtained his jockey license irrigated farms in the Riverina. The A) Each season brings with it new at 21 years old. After riding his share of grain is brought back to our challenges with this current one being winners, weight became an issue and Banksmeadow warehouse and no different. We pride ourselves on then transitioned at 25 years old to processed through our state of the art sourcing the best produce hand- become a licenced racehorse trainer at purpose-built in-house Mill. Thus, we selected from regions that had the best Randwick. After five years as a trainer, package the freshest quality into 25kg growing conditions. I am confident that he realised that the industry needed bags, bulka bags, or portable 1-tonne despite this season’s VERY tough high-quality feed suppliers. Eventually, Silo's ready for delivery to our conditions that Kensington Produce will be able to uphold its reputation and Hambly established himself as the customers. supply a highly satisfactory product. leading produce merchant. At that time, there were over 60 retail outlets We also supply other premium premix in the local area. Over our 64 years of service, we have brands such as Mitavite, Hygain, developed an extensive network of Barastock, Coprice, Prydes, and As their presence and standard of growers allowing us to deliver our high Southern Cross Feeds and can even quality in the stock feed industry grew quality produce in an abundance. customise feed into small 500kg it meant acquiring a bigger warehouse. batches at customer request. Everest Diaries | October 2019 25

Farmers want to work with us as we are honest and deliver fast transactions on agreements, allowing for peace of mind come harvest time. Our farmers can focus on doing what they do best and harvesting only the best quality crop for our customers.

Q) Please tell us a bit more about the Kensington Produce legacy?

A) From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a part of this family legacy. "Kenso," as we refer to it, has seen three generations of Hambly's operate through its doors, and I look forward to continuing that tradition.

Each generation of Hamblys has assisted in helping Kenso adapt to the current market place and develop the brand further, making it the successful business it is today.

bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 26

F E A T U R E S

Sunlight winning the Gr.1 Stakes / Widden Stud

Everest Diaries | October 2019 28 DAVID REDVERS: SUNLIGHT'S 'RAW AUSTRALIAN SPEED'

David Redver's co-owned Sunlight will represent slot holder Max Whitby's interests in the A$14 million Everest. Tony McEvoy's 4YO charge has amassed career earnings of A$4,383,950, with 10 wins from 17 starts.

Group One winning Sunlight, is like a Q) In terms of Pedigree, Q) How did you get involved in the beam of light, capable of cutting Performance, and physical condition, industry? was not for horses, what through the competition. The 4YO mare could you tell us why Sunlight is best would have been the next best is owned by Qatar Racing's H.H Sheikh placed to win The Everest this year? career for you? Fahad, along with Loretta Fung, the wife of another Everest slot holder A) Her pedigree is all raw Australian A) I grew up with ponies and then Aquis Farm and seven other women. speed and her performances have hunting and after 3 months planting proven her to be top class. Tony will trees in Australia aged 18, realized that Everest Diaries chats with David have her in prime condition with several any career I was to follow had to Redvers Qatar Racing's racing and prep races lined up en route to have involve horses. bloodstock manager about the her peaking for the Everest. daughter of Gr.3 winning mare - Solar I spent the remaining months of my gap Charged. Q) What are the plans for Sunlight year working in polo and hunting yards after The Everest (2019)? before landing a job at Rockleer Stud Q) Could you please tell us about near Bathurst, where I realized that my your Sunlight journey? A) We have seen that she thrives on future lay with bloodstock. racing. She is very powerful, but a bit A) We bought her dam; Solar Charged stuffy so needs to get on the track. All When I came home, I reversed my at the Magic Millions breeding stock these things are yet to be discussed, plans to join the army and went to work sale in partnership with Antony however H.H. Sheikh Fahad and I on stud farms in the UK to gain as much Thompson of Widden as she was would love to see her at Royal Ascot experience as possible before returning exactly the type of mare that we all felt next year where she would be tough to home to convert the family farm into would help get Zoustar up and running. beat. I think she is capable of the Tweenhills people know today When we came to sell Sunlight as a emulating Choisir and by yearling, we all liked her so much that winning the King Stand and the retaining a leg with Tony McEvoy at the same seemed the perfect outcome.. When we meeting, but what happens after that is came to sell Sunlight as a yearling, we all (whether she is to continue racing or all liked her so much that retaining a leg be retired) open to discussion. with Tony McEvoy seemed the perfect outcome. Everest Diaries | October 2019 29 Q) Can you please tell us a bit more A) H.H Sheikh Fahad and I watched As a rule Hannah Wall (my assistant of about your history with Al Thani him win the Coolmore and went to see the last 14 years) will have put ratings family and how you were introduced him with Antony the next morning. We and prices etc in my catalogue. to them? were blown away by the physical presence of the horse and bought into She will then go around the stock in A). I was introduced to H.H Sheikh him there and then. Since that moment front of me. I will look at what she has Fahad by a friend of my sister’s in 2010. we have backed him at every turn and left on & we will then second look he has never let us down. I genuinely together. Once we are happy that we I had just landed at Karaka and believe he is one of those rare, great have seen everything, what remains on received an email saying there was a stallions that will leave his mark on the the list will be shown to HH Sheikh young Sheikh who wanted to meet me breed. Fahad or another client. to discuss buying a couple of racehorses. Q) When you prepare to visit the In Australia we generally use the sales with serious intent to buy, Widden team as a sounding board as I I was to meet him at the Lanesborough what is your process? have huge respect for both Hotel in four days and I scrambled AntonyThompson & Ryan McEvoy’s back in the nick of time and the rest is A) We don’t really get the opportunity opinions, whilst in the US we sound out history! to go around the farms and pre-inspect Fergus Galvin and Adrian Regan. yearlings as we fly in to Sydney or Q) Congrats on standing Zoustar this Brisbane with just enough time to see year. What was the secret to this the yearlings 2-3 times before the sale coup? starts.

Qatar Racing team L-R are me, Hannah Wall, Peter Molony, Kevin Darley and Bryony Rusbridge. / David Redvers bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 30

PETER BROWN: OBSERVING WHAT’S NEEDED, EVERYTIME

The Knights Templar was the custodians of the Holy Grail. And Peter Brown is a knight from another era who has been appointed the custodian of the Cobroft line.

Brown heads the prominent horse- As a realisation of the dream, Brown I wanted to make sure that she is not breeding family's trust, which he hopes has succeeded in two milestone sensitive about that area. The bridle to take to the world stage through In achievements. Firstly, he has managed had to go over her head. Her Time - a 7YO mare passed in as a to sell 50% of her share to Orbis yearling with an A$40,000 reserve and Bloodstock from Hong Kong. Secondly, So I pat her head every time I go to now the winner of over A$3.1 million. he proud owner’s mare has been see her. She puts her head down for selected once again to contest the her rub, every time she sees me,” says In an interview with last year’s Everest Richest Race On Turf In The World. the owner with a sense of joy. Diaries, Peter Brown had said that “he was just doing his job for close friends, Brown’s philosophy for his horses is The 2018 Everest was stressful for the late John and Denise Cobcroft.” “observe what's needed”.He Brown for several reasons. The then remembers Tommy Woodcock, “the Newcastle trainer Ben Smith was John Cobcroft was a prominent NSW great strapper of Phar Lap.” Woodcock suspended just a few weeks before The owner-breeder &a former Quirindi and Phar Lap were inseparable; He Everest following a cobalt-related raid Jockey Club president. His father raced often slept beside the beast and legend on his stables. Gr1 AJC Derby winner Caranna & the has it that Phar Lap would not accept Cobcroft family has bred dozens of food from anyone else. At the time there would have been a lot winners. of pressure on Brown to keep the slot Phar Lap died at the age of six in holder and the media happy. But he In Her Time, is a favourite contender California in 1932 with his friend by his was focused on his mare’s safety and for the A$14 million Everest. She was side. comfort. considered unlucky not to get a start in the 2017 Everest race and went on to Brown has his own personal rituals with In Her TIme was moved seamlessly to win the consolation, the Sydney Stakes. In Her Time. “I always make it a point the care of premier Newcastle trainer to pat her head, between her ears. She Kris Lees, who also trains other 2018 Last year she was seventh amidst was injured on her head as a foal by a Everest contenders - Graff and Le pouring rain in a wet sloppy track. stable door. Romain.

Everest Diaries | October 2019 32 Brown knew the trainer since he was a “I was always taught that horses have After The Everest, she is headed for boy, but more importantly Lees’ stable to want to run for you. A happy horse the high profile sprint races in is very close to where In Her Time’s picks up on what you want.” Melbourne and thereafter to Hong erstwhile trainer Ben Smith’s stable was Kong for the Hong Kong International located. “Confidence between man and horse Sprint in December. comes with association & consistency “She is now stabled just twenty yards of environment,” concludes the happy Once she is back from Hong Kong, she from where she was earlier,” he said. owner. will be rested and then sent back to “Her environment hasn’t changed. Her Melbourne for the Autumn Carnival. track work rider is still Cameren Swan. “She is the most beautiful, kindest & most intelligent mare.” All in all Peter Brown seems to have the Swan an ex-jockey and he has been Everest win by the scruff of the neck! track rider ever since she started “She is a treasure, very determined. racing. And Kris Lees’ looks after her Once the saddle goes on she goes for a (In Her Time) like there is no tomorrow.” run. And when she is at the track, she wants to win,” said he. “She is around people she knows. Her routine is unchanged. She loves her Her year is intricately planned out. routine.” “This is her last year as a racehorse," “They take her for a swim and extra- says Brown. He is confident, the mare long walks. They pick green grass for 'will let him know'. her and they spoil her like a Queen.”

Kris Lees - Cameren Swan (IHT Trackwork rider) Peter Brown (owner) - Corey Brown / Kriss Lees Racing bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 33 WIDDEN STUD: LET THE SUNSHINE IN

Australian thoroughbred breeder Antony Thompson bred Group One winning Sunlight was bred on the iconic Widden Stud. They continue to retain a shareholding in the 4YO bay mare through his wife, Katie Thompson along with Aquis Farm owner Tony Fung’s wife, Loretta Fung, among others.

A$14 million The Everest contender As with all the matings planned at Few stallions sire a 1-2-3 in any race, Sunlight was bred at Antony Thomson's Widden, the paring was a well thought however, Zoustar achieved the feat Widden Stud with two other partners - out plan, “Solar Charged’s pedigree (with his first crop) in a Group One, the Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Bloodstock, Dan really appealed to us. She had when Sunlight & Rae Fletcher of Telemon Stud influences of Red Ransom, & held off the outstanding colts Zousain Bletchingly that we felt was going to and Lean Mean Machine down the “Together we purchased Sunlight’s dam really compliment Zoustar. “ Flemington straight 1200m. Solar Charged at the 2014 Magic Millions Broodmare Sale. Widden & “When you look at what has worked “Interestingly, I recently read that Qatar Bloodstock had recently with the 's sireline – Zoustar sits just below in the purchased a major interest in Northern the branches in her pedigree just Apex Ratings (A; ‘elite’ Runners) for Meteor’s dual Group One-winning colt matched up perfectly.” Australia," Zoustar," said Thompson. Currently, Zoustar is a leading shuttle "That’s a great indication of the level of “We're committed to secure some high- stallion in both Hemispheres. He high-class performers Zoustar is class mares for his first season at stud. shuttles between Widden Stud and producing and a very exciting statistic Solar Charged was a brilliant 2YO who David Redvers’ Tweenhills Stud (UK). given it’s formed off just one crop to won the Stakes as a 2YO assess,” by 5 lengths and was a leading chance “Zoustar is a phenomenon really. He in the Golden Slipper.” has quickly filled the void left by the “When Sunlight won the Magic Millions early passing of his Champion young 2YO Classic we would perhaps have to “We identified her as an ideal mare for sire Northern Meteor. credit the early maturity of her mother Zoustar on all our key requirements; however when she won the Coolmore type, pedigree & race performance.” Having been crowned Champion Stud Stakes as a 3YO she reminded us

Australian First Season Sire for 2017/18, very much of Zoustar who of course “It was all very straightforward from has established an unassailable lead as won the same race in brilliant fashion.” there. She conceived on the first cover this season’s Champion Australian 3yo and her resultant foal, born & raised at sire with earnings over A$7m (over Widden would turn out to be none A$1m more than Snitzel who is 2nd on other than Sunlight.” concluded owner- breeder. the list).”

Everest Diaries | October 2019 34 Thompson was very impressed from the Sunlight was the belle of the 2017 The syndicate consisted of a group of beginning of this beautiful filly. Magic Millions Yearling Sale ball. woman that included my wife Katie Thompson and Dan Fletcher’s wife, “She was a filly we rated highly right “She was sold at the 2017 Magic Rae." from the moment she was born. She has Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast clearly defined characteristics of both and was of course from the first crop Twelve months later this lucky group her sire & dam which I feel is important. of Zoustar. “ were fortunate enough to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and also win “As she progressed through to her “Zoustar’s progeny have been received the rich A$500,000 ‘Racing Women’s yearling preparation it was evident exceptionally well and this filly was no bonus, a wonderful initiative by Magic there was a real willingness & different. " Millions to introduce more women into determination within her and it’s been a racehorse ownership.” pleasure to see this on display when Tony McEvoy in particular just kept she racing.” coming back to look at her and “What a ride since it has been for subsequently purchased her for everyone involved,” concluded “Notwithstanding her brilliance, I love A$300,000 in conjunction with Julian Thompson the way she pins her ears back and Blaxland representing Aquis Farm." fights when challenged in a race – like the Silver Slipper Stakes as a 2YO or In the days after following her her Group One wins in the Coolmore purchase, Tony syndicated her among Stud Stakes & Newmarket Handicap.” stable clients.“

(L-R) Sam, Amy, Antony, & Katie Thompson Widden Stud

Everest Diaries | October 2019 35 JUSTIN BAHEN: THE ART OF PLAYING THE GAME GENTLY

"I have to like the horse immediately, or else it is rare that I would buy it. And I liked this one," said Bahen of the yearling he purchased for the William Street Syndicate whose current career earning stand at A$5 million.

The year was 2014, and the location At the time of the interview, Justin was "Although no horse is perfect, the was Inglis' Oakland sales complex. Lot: in the UK, heading to the Baden Baden obvious one will be the most expensive. 257 had caught the eye of Justin sales in search of stayers for the So, I always prefer to go by type and Bahen, one of the world's premier Australian market. can on occasion, forgive conformation bloodstock agents. faults." "Australia breeds the best sprinters in "The yearling was sired by the shuttle the world, but I am hoping to find some Bahen was brought up in a hotel/pub stallion Lope de Vega, but he had more top-quality stayers in Germany for our owned by his father while his of a look about him" longer distance races." grandfather was an Australian bookmaker. However, eventually "He had very good confirmation and "I am constantly travelling. I attend Bahen relocated to Hong Kong. He was perfect for the budget I had from most of the Australian sales and 2-3 now emphatically refers to Hong Kong the William Street Syndicate." Northern Hemisphere sales." as ‘home'.

"I secured him for A$80,000," says "I work on my own, so there is a lot of "My father was a professional Bahen about Everest contender Santa groundwork. The more horses I can sportsman, and I played football at a Ana Lane, whom he purchased on see, the more diluted the list." young age." behalf of the William Street Syndicate. Although many bloodstock agents and "In my twenties, I was involved in the "Today a similarly attractive horse will trainers swear by confirmation, Bahen finance and hospitality industry. cost anywhere between A$150,000 to is quick to step back and profess his A$200,000." preference for yearling ‘Type' instead. However, in my early thirties, I decided to take a different approach." Syndicate Principals, Micheal "If I like the Type, I am forgiving in Clemenger and Michael Ramsden place confirmation." "I was too heavy to be a jockey and all their trust in Bahen's ability to find too lazy to be a trainer." them diamonds of the first water to win "For me (when buying horses at sales) locally and eventually it’s always Type first, then Pedigree around the world. and then the cost."

Everest Diaries | October 2019 36 "But I love this industry, and I wanted Bahen has use all his experience and to concentrate on something I love." skill while buying horses for his top- profile clients. "I got into the bloodstock industry while also working in the finance and "It's a game to be played very gently.” hospitality sector." Michael Clemenger, Managing Principal of the William Street syndicate which "I knew I had to be successful early so owns Everest Contender Santa Ana that I could do this full time. I have Lane, firmly believe in Bahen. been involved in this industry for 19 years, of which 16 years I have been And Bahen firmly believes in hard working on it full time." work, “I am a great believer that if you apply yourself a hundred percent, one Justin Bahen makes the bloodstock can be very successful," concludes the business sound like a cakewalk, yet he bloodstock maestro. agrees when this journalist says, it's both an art and a science.

There are thousands of horses on offer each year, finding a racehorse capable of winning at Group level is like Justin Bahen searching for a needle in a haystack.

Justin Bahen with Santa Ana Lane / Justin Bahen bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 37 CARMEL SIZE: BACKING THE GREYS TO THE TOP OF THE EVEREST The colt Carmel Size 'just had to have ' headlines this year's A$14m The Everest. He self confessed obsession for horses is what drives one of Hong Kong's foremost bloodstock agents. Classique Legend is heading to The Everest and is also eyeing off the Golden Eagle.

The legend goes…. Q) What attracted you to Classique A) At this stage of Classique Legend's Legend in the first place? preparation, I wouldn't be prepared to Carmel Size discovered an say he can win the Everest ,as the extraordinary yearling at the Inglis A) As a yearling he was well balanced horse still has to continue to make the Classic Sale (2017). Bred by Tyreel and walked with ‘attitude' like he quantum leap from his explosive first Stud, the Not A Single Doubt x owned the place, he was a bit of a racing preparation and step up to Pinnochio colt (Lot 73) was knocked character too, and I bonded with him another level again. down to Size, (who was acting on before I'd even purchased him. behalf of Mr. Bon Ho), for A$400,000 Classique Legend’s return to racing as during the sale's first Gold Ribband Pre-auction I knew for sure he was a 4YO in the Group 2 Shorts, has given session. only ever going to come home with me, me confidence that he can be more whatever the price. than competitive. The colt was the sale topper sold by Tyreel at that sale. In a subsequent I choose and purchased the horse for Mr. Ho and I purchased the Slot in the interview with Linda Monds, the co- Mr. Bon Ho and knew there was a risk; hope that Classique Legend could make owner of Tyreel, she remembered I may have had to go well over budget that natural improvement and I believe Carmel Size saying to her, after the to secure him when it came to bidding that we are on track to have a chance sale, that she ‘just had to have him.' on Classique Legend. to be among the prize-money earners in what has become, one of the most The yearling was Classique Legend, But I just knew I had to trust my exciting races in the world. To be and today, he is one of the favorites in instincts and secure him and everything honest the 2019 Everest may be too the third installment of the A$14 million else would sort itself out soon for Classique Legend at this stage Everest race. The lightly raced 4YO of his development, but I know that as has thus far, earned A$867,500 in his Q) Given your lifetime association a seasoned 5YO in 2020 Everest, he’d career with three wins from 5 starts to with Thoroughbred horses at the his name. highest level, what was it about him, be right up to the mark. which made you decide that THIS We spoke to Carmel Size about their was the horse who could win 2019 Everest slot, their extraordinary horse The Everest? and her Everest plans:

Everest Diaries | October 2019 38 The opportunity we were presented Q) When you prepare to visit the At the age of about 5, I was clueless with, to try him this year is one of those sales with serious intent to buy, about racing, however, whenever the once in a life-time moment and rather what is your process? opportunity arose, I just wanted to than wonder what if, we decided to follow dad around the stables. My ‘roll-the-dice’ and not die wondering! A) I usually start with the commercially parents wonderfully took us to the successful stallions but place great races from a young age, and my Q) What are the plans for Classique emphasis on the dams that have visited earliest memories are watching races Legend after The Everest? those stallions. I'm a fan of duplicated opposite the winning post always bloodline nicking that some pedigree cheering the ‘grey' horses on A) Providing that Classique Legend crosses can toss-up. whoever's stable they were from (how comes through The Everest, sound and ironic is that now, Classique Legend, is happy, the plan is to progress to the The first five days of inspections are a ‘grey'). I've been horse obsessed for A$7.5 Million Golden Eagle over 1500m, crazy for me it's like sorting out a 50 years, continuing to learn new which is a race in his own age group to jigsaw puzzle, and I have to remind things every day and never had any be run at Rosehill on 2nd November myself of that every sale I attend, but, other thoughts about anything but a 2019. I believe that Classique Legend to be honest the horses I normally buy, career that didn't involve horses. will be ideally suited by the 1500m find me and the ones I purchase off journey. radar are horses I find crisscrossing the Q) The decade is almost over. In sale yards during inspections. addition to winning The Everest, Q) You have decided to take on the what is on your bucket list of things role of a co-slot-holder. What were Q) Could you tell us how you got to do before 2030? your reasons to go for it? involved with horses? If was not for horses, what would have been the A) I'm not a bucket list person, I look A) In order to convince Mr Ho that next best career for you? forward to each day and the purchasing a Slot some 5 months out challenges it can toss-up with horses no from the race and certainly well before A) My father is the Hall of Fame two days are the same. I desire to we knew if Classique Legend had Trainer, Neville Begg. From a very continue to be involved with horses progressed to the next level. young age, whenever I visited his until the day I drop, and if I can mentor stable I was absolutely fascinated with or encourage anyone along the way to I felt that if I demonstrated to him, I these majestic animals. be the best they can, then that will was prepared to back my ‘wild, satisfy me. random' idea, of having a ‘shot' at the race, that he'd come on board and agree to proceed.

Needless to say, that line of thinking worked!!

Q) What advantages do you hope The Everest will provide over the next few years?

A) The Everest puts racing in New South Wales on the World Stage.

The race transcends racing purists, in only its third year, it's rivalling the Melbourne Cup in recognition, drawing huge crowds, many of whom, may have never been racing before.

Amongst the newcomers I hope that the Everest ignites their imaginations and we see a new generation of future owners, participants, and loyal fans.

bridal | september 2019 42

Mr Bon Ho,Kerrin McEvoy,Carmel Size Mr Les Bridge

Everest Diaries | October 2019 39 F E A T U R E S

Peter Le Grand with wife Anne /

Everest Diaries | October 2019 40 PETER LE GRAND: SCALING THE EVEREST FROM MELBOURNE

Hall Of Famer Peter Le Grand is Chairman of the historic Melbourne Racing Club, home to ‘The race Which Stops A Nation.’ Under his purview, the MRC has decided to take become a The Everest slot holder. We speak to Le Grand about the MRC slot, their plans for The Cups and much more

Q) How the MRC has gained the slot Q) What are MRC’s long-term plans Q) How is the Melbourne Racing and what advantages do you see in for this slot and this collaboration Carnival shaping up? this partnership with ATC? with ATC? A) We expect it to be the best ever. A) We discussed the vacant slot that A) We will review our participation at We have a New York theme across all became available. We wanted to the end of the Spring carnival. This is our activations. ensure that the financials of our for one year only at this point in time. investment added up. We saw it as an Q) Who is your favourite racehorse opportunity to enhance the Schillaci Q) Please tell us a about the high- of all time and why? Stakes and to also provide a vehicle for quality international nominations A) . She was simply our involvement with the ATC. I have a which the MRC has received for The outstanding. She won 3 Melbourne good relationship with Matt McGrath Cups? Cups, ran second in the Caulfield Cup and others and I personally wanted to A) We have some really good from the outside barrier 18. Then won a put an end to this cross state poor internationals coming to compete from Cox Plate, , Sydney commentary. the 143 nominations. Cup, The BMW, the Memsie & the . She was by far the Q) Why did you choose the Schillaci Mer De Glace from Japan is a very best. Stakes as MRC’s sprint of choice? good horse. William Haggis has the A) It was the logical race from which Irish bred Raheen House and Saeed Q) Which is the best book you have the winner will be a competitive Bin Suroor has nominated Red Galileo read recently and a movie you have representative of the Melbourne who is no slouch. really enjoyed recently? Racing Club. A) I am reading a book on former We have lots of others who are from trainer Rick Hore-Lacy at the moment Q) In terms of Pedigree & Physical the Northern Hemisphere but trained which I am enjoying. I love reading Condition what is the type of horse now in Australia and two that come to books by Daniel Silva, a wonderful spy you would like representing the MRC mind are Capt Cook with Chris Waller thriller writer. Recently I went and saw slot. and Django Freeman with Rob Downton Abbey with my wife and A) The one that can run the distance Hickmott. loved it. I love the character played by and get home first. the wonderful Dame Maggie Smith.

Everest Diaries | October 2019 41 GRAHAME MAPP: PIERATA & THE HISTORIC HOBARTVILLE CONNECTION

Pierata, one of the favourites tipped to win the A$14 million The Everest, was bred at the historic Hobartville Stud, owned by Grahame Mapp

Mapp, who is a passionate breeder of Named Ashokan, he went on to win the She has also consistently produced thoroughbreds, is Chairman of the Group 3 Skyline Stakes for 2-year-old’s quality foals,” said Mapp. Mapp Group of Companies which before an injury. Her later progeny by comprise an extensive portfolio of listed More Than Ready also sold very well Mapp, who is very interested in and private equity investments, and produced City winners,” said pedigree analysis himself, explains the commercial properties and feature Mapp.. fortuitous mating of November Flight films. He is also known for his and Pierro. philanthropic work for children’s Pierro retired to stand at Coolmore causes. Stud in 2013. He was an outstanding As with Pierro himself and also racehorse, by far the best of his era, in November Flight, there is not a single Pierata’s dam, Group Three winning- my opinion. He won 11 Stakes races pedigree feature in this mating that I November Flight is one of Hobartville's including 5 Group Ones from 14 starts would highlight, rather there are many top broodmares descended from the as a 2YO and 3YO. He was undefeated excellent features which have together Mr. Prospector line on the sire side and in 6 starts as a 2YO including the produced another outstanding the Golden Slipper winning Century Golden Slipper.” racehorse in Pierata, who now has the Miss on her dam side. credentials to be a successful sire as “Pierro also has a strong pedigree to well,” explained the seasoned breeder. Hobartville breeds with a number of back up his outstanding racing ability, successful families including that of its being by who himself was an There is a very interesting relationship foundation mare Light Of Peace outstanding racehorse, winning 25 between his foundation mare Light Of descended from the famous First Lady, Stakes races including 11 at Group 1, Peace and her predecessor, the famous which has produced many black-type from 26 starts and has proven himself First Lady. winners at Hobartville over the past 40 to be a very successful sire.” years. “Thoroughbred writer Jennifer “I was keen on Pierro’s prospects as a Churchill wrote a very informative “November Flight’s first foal, a colt by sire, and in consultation with Mick article about our and her family which More Than Ready, was the standout at Malone of Kitchwin Hills Stud I decided was published in Country Life magazine the 2011 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale to send one of our better mares to him. in about January 2012.” where he sold for more than November Flight has the conformation A$800,000." & the pedigree.

Everest Diaries | October 2019 42 “Before then, I had no idea that Light Of Peace, whom I purchased from when he trained her daughter Clear Apollo for us, was directly descended from the imported mare First Lady.

“First Lady was the dam of outstanding Australian Thoroughbred racehorse and sire, Grand Flaneur, who won 9 successive races including the AJC Derby, the VRC Derby, the Cox Plate, and the Melbourne Cup before retiring undefeated to stand at Hobartville Stud in the 1880/90’s. Amazing!”

“What a coincidence! Almost 100 years later I purchased Light Of Peace, sent her to Bletchingly, and she produced Star Watch to win the 1988 Golden Slipper and himself become a successful sire,” concluded Mapp.

Pierata will be representing the Grahame Mapp With November Flight interests of his new owner and slot holder Aquis Farms.

Grahame Mapp with his Group 1 winner and Australian steeple Star “Toulouse Lautrec”, who was a crowd favourite. bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 43 TOM MAGNIER: FOURTEEN MILLION WITH JUST TEN SOVEREIGNS Coolmore Australia Principal Tom Magnier manages an expansive portfolio of expensive bloodstock and racehorses in Australia. As the son John & Susan Magnier with legendary Irish trainer & Coolmore’s founder Vincent O’Brien, he was always meant to have a horseman’s heart and business magnate’s mind.

The Everest Diaries talks to Magnier He has made an outstanding start to his Q) How has Coolmore benefited about their 2019 contender, Ten stud career in the northern from being a ‘The Everest’ slot Sovereigns and much more. Hemisphere, however his progeny are holder? yet to hit the track in this part of the Q) What factors do you consider world. If Ten Sovereigns was to win, or A) The Everest has been an when choosing a horse for The run a good race in The Everest, it overwhelming success, increasing the Everest to represent Coolmore’s would be a great advantage to those profile of racing in Australia to a global interests? who have supported him at Coolmore audience and putting racing on the Australia in previous years. front pages of the newspaper. A) Although there are a number of factors that need to be considered, Q) What are your plans for Ten Coolmore is supportive of anything that ultimately, we are trying to find a horse Sovereigns if he races in The promotes our sport to a broader capable of winning an incredibly Everest? audience and expands the reach of competitive sprint race in a country thoroughbred racing in Australia. We that is famous for producing some of A) Ten Sovereigns will be trained for are unwavering in our support of The the fastest sprinters in the world. The Everest and any subsequent plans Everest as a slot holder, now and well will be made in consultation with Aidan into the future. Secondly, we also use it as a way of O’Brien and his team after the race. We promoting Coolmore stallions to a very have great faith in Aidan & his very Q) Now that most of the field is broad audience, which can be experienced team. We will be guided known, are there any concerns beneficial to our loyal clients that breed by them as to the plan following the about any of the other contenders? their mares to our stallions. race. A) It is a hugely competitive race and This year, in Ten Sovereigns we have a That being said, there are a number of all the runners are there on merit, so all representative for our very exciting options for him after The Everest which are major contenders. young stallion , who is must come into consideration, including currently standing his fourth season at the Gr. 1 & the Gr. 1 Coolmore Australia. VRC Sprint Classic, for which he holds entries in both.

Everest Diaries | October 2019 44 Q) Which would be the greatest Q) Given the fact that The Everest A) Racing in Australia looks to have a sprint race you have witnessed and concept has caught on like wildfire, very bright future. why? what do you make of the modernism, innovation and change at the heart The best Australian horses can A) Two races that spring most readily of racing in Australia? compete with the best anywhere in the to mind are Starspangledbanner’s win world, as has been shown over the last in the Gr.1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at A) The Everest looks to have captured decade in particular. Royal Ascot in 2010 and Merchant the imagination of the general public,

Navy’s win in the Gr.1 Diamond Jubilee which is a hugely positive result. Prizemoney is very strong and the Stakes, also at Royal Ascot 2018. spectacle of the best racing in It is in the best long-term interests of Australia is as captivating a sporting The former’s performance to make-all the sport to continue to see the and beat 23 rivals was incredible. From participant base grow and if concepts spectacle as one will find. memory, over half of the field had won like The Everest can help this happen, . at least 1 Gr.1. then they are fantastic initiatives. The more people that are drawn into our wonderful sport, the better. In the case of , he went Q) How would you predict the to Royal Ascot as a very young horse Southern Hemisphere will shape up I think these factors are important in and to beat a great field in the brilliant in the next couple of decades as a continuing to attract investment in the fashion that he did marked him down center for racing? Australian thoroughbred industry. as a special horse.

Ten Sovereigns Wins / The Sun bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 45 F E A T U R E S

Shane McGrath/ Aquis Farm

Everest Diaries | October 2019 46 SHANE MCGRATH: PIERATA LEADS THE EVEREST PACK Whilst the owners of Aquis, the Fung family, have only been involved in the industry for a short while, they have been operating Aquis’ other business portfolios in Australia for 30-odd years. Shane McGrath’s responsibilities include taking the Aquis brand to the next stratosphere

Shane McGrath, CEO of Aquis Farm, That judgement has since been Having since defeated the top three talks to Everest Diaries about their vindicated with Pierata recording from the 2018 The Everest as well as a choice of runner, their The Everest slot outstanding sectionals on his campaign host of Gr.1 winners we feel Pierata has and Aquis’ future plan. return in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes continued to improve and his stunning before stepping up to the 1100m of the victory in the Gr.1 at Q) Pierata will be the first son of Gr.2 The Shorts and defeating a field of Royal Randwick also highlights his true, Pierro to be confirmed to stand at Everest contenders, once again elite level ability. stud. Could you please tell us about recording outstanding fast closing Pierata and how you came to sectionals (33.31 for last 600m) when Q) Pierata’s performance in The identify him as a great stallion charging from off the pace. Shorts has proven his prowess. prospect and purchase him? What are your plans for him? Achieving a career best Timeform A) Pierata has been a horse on Aquis’ Rating of 126 in his last start win, A) Prior to retiring to Aquis Farm in radar for some time now. As Pierro’s Pierata has continued to thrive and 2020, the focus for Pierata will be on best sprinting-son, Pierata is the most improve throughout each and every this year’s The Everest, with an successful racehorse to date by his campaign, with both his trainer and international campaign also under exciting young sire, having won not jockey feeling that he’s back this significant consideration. only the Gr.1 All Aged Stakes in a fast campaign bigger and better than ever. time of 1:20.64, but he’s also captured Q) The role of an The Everest slot a further five black type races, with Q) Could you tell us why Pierata is holder, increased Aquis’ brand value over $3.6m in prizemoney earned. best placed to win The Everest this and brand recognition globally. year? Would you agree with the statement Q) What makes Pierata perfect for and if yes, why? The Everest? A) Successful by almost three lengths in the 2018 Gr.3 Sydney Stakes in what A) As an already established brand, A) The decision to race Pierata in the is considered The Everest consolation Aquis wanted to increase our Aquis slot for this year’s The Everest final, Pierata won that race in a commitment within the industry. was made after it was evident that the significantly better time than Redzel Gr.1 winner had continued to improve achieved when winning The Everest. throughout his campaigns, making it clear that the best was still to come. Everest Diaries | October 2019 47 By using this opportunity, we were able Q) Do you expect to see The Q) The decade is almost over. What to further create brand awareness and Everest's prize money continue to are your plans for Aquis by 2030? to reinforce that the investment of the grow higher up? Fung family is long term. A) Firmly established within the global A) The Everest has quickly established racing and breeding industry, we are As an outstanding platform to highlight itself as one of the standalone races on extremely proud of our achievements world class sprinters, The Everest the global race calendar, independent and progress to date. continues to feature the industry to the of its purse value. world, bringing racing to the forefront, With 14 stallions on the roster in a facet that is so important to the Q) Aquis has been active in both addition to the most exciting stallion longevity of the industry. high-profile international purchases prospect in the country, Aquis’ and racing at the top level. Are continual commitment to growth within Q) Would Aquis consider getting there plans to expand racing the market was highlighted earlier this involved in The Everest again as a operations? year with the set-up of our Victorian slot holder? farm at Seymour, adding another A) Mr Fung’s commitment to Aquis’ significant layer to servicing our clients A) As an initial slot holder, Aquis plans growth is evident in every facet of the to continue our commitment with The business, but none more so than within While 2030 is over ten years away, the Everest as we see it as an outstanding the racing division of the organisation. industry moves quickly and we need to concept. Having finished second in continue to adapt to changes, ensuring 2018 The Everest with Trapeze Artist, Through the acquisition of outstanding that Aquis remains a market leader in the hunger is there to go one better this stallion proposition, including Aquis’ the stallions we stand and in the time and we feel we have the best Spill The Beans, Mr Fung’s never- racehorse that carry our silks on race candidate. ending passion for growth is clear.. day.

Aquis Stallion Parade, Tony Fung, Justin Fung & Shane McGrath/Sharon Lee Chapman bridal | september 2019 42

Everest Diaries | October 2019 48

TURF FASHION

Brooch: Entrancing Love by Wallace Chan, Hong Kong A stallion and his mare, swift and free, run towards an enchanting perido – a token of undying love and admiration. The creator’s playful mind juxtaposes the big and the small, and places a pair of miniature horses in the embrace of a maple leaf which is colored by diamonds and garnet.

GÁLA by Ameera in collaboration with Evelyn McDermott Millinery presenting horse racing inspired Spring-Summer'19 collection, (Dubai) White oversized shirt-dress with volants and a faintly visible floral pattern, made from lightweight Indian pure cotton. It can be styled with a belt.

Longines Boutique, Sydney The Conquest Classic skillfully combines modernity with the refinement that defines the brand. Elegant and sleek, Longines latest creation is both resolutely feminine and boldly contemporary.