Bloodstock agent Ed Sackville, a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start and Highclere Stud, is hedging his bets by choosing “a son of Shamardal” to be leading first-season sire
Proudest moment of 2023?
Attending the Godolphin Flying Start 20-year anniversary event. I think I had completely failed to acknowledge what an amazing course the Flying Start is. It wasn't until I looked around the room and saw my fellow graduates that I appreciated the legacy the Flying Start has created within the Thoroughbred industry.
What is your biggest ambition for the new year?
To convert from my paper catalogue to an iPad. I think it will make lists and time management at the sales more streamline.
Give us one horse to follow and why?
River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). I don't think we ever really saw the best of him. He had a setback before the Morny and couldn't run in the Breeders' Cup. However, he looked very good at Ascot and ran with credit in the Middle Park having taken a strong hold.
And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on…
I'm going to go with young people. I am consistently impressed by the yearlings sold by Tradewinds, Evergreen and Aughamore. I think the young lads behind these studs do a fantastic job and have a great understanding of the industry.
Who do you think will be champion first-season sire this year?
It's very open this year and could be any one of them, so I'm going to choose a son of Shamardal.
And the best value stallion in Europe?
Chaldean (GB). He's a Guineas winner, a Dewhurst winner, a son of Frankel (GB) and an absolute beauty. What's not to like?
What's the one horse you wish you'd bought in 2023?
Big Evs (Ire) is a horse that really captured my imagination. He was so cool and consistent and capped the year in such fine style in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. The Juvenile Turf Sprint has added a whole new dimension to the Breeders' Cup two-year-old races and is something I'd love to win.
Biggest regret?
I wish I had spent a year working with a vet. I'd then spend less time asking them to translate vet reports into layman's terms.
Biggest influence on your career?
I spent 11 years working for John Warren and he put a tremendous amount of time and effort into educating me. I will be forever grateful to both John and Carolyn for giving me so much of their time.
If you could sit down for dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be and why?
Richard, Duke of York. I'd like to be able to ask him who killed him and his elder brother whilst they were imprisoned in the Tower of London. Everyone assumes it was their uncle, Richard III, but the jury is out. My second choice would be Ayrton Senna. I've just re watched the Senna documentary film and I'm fascinated by him and his success. My third choice would be a member of the Tattersalls staff. I generally find they are incredibly generous with their hospitality allowance and if I'm going out with a murdered Prince and a dead Formula 1 star I imagine they are going to want to go somewhere fancy, so it'd be nice for someone else to pick up the tab.
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