What was your first job in the Thoroughbred industry?
It was a school holiday job opportunity, after a family Christmas at home in Northumberland, when my brother, Tim, suggested I might like to come back to France with him and spend a few weeks working at the Haras de La Verrerie in Normandy where he was the manager. My parents thought this was an excellent idea as it would help me with my French, so one snowy morning we set off in Tim's Mini Cooper and slithered our way over the snowy hills of Northumberland to France.
The biggest influence on your career?
The stallion Nureyev, Sir Philip Payne-Gallwey and my brother, Tim, who, in 1980, when I was working at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky, called to ask me to return to France to look after Nureyev upon his retirement from racing. He stood at Haras de Fresnay Le Buffard for one season, before going to stand at Johnny Jones's Walmac Farm in Kentucky. Tim gave me a wonderful opportunity, the result of which allowed me to meet my wife Annie and then, thanks to Sir Philip, I ended up managing Spring Oak Farm (Oak Tree Farm) in Lexington, Kentucky.
Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?
Nijinsky most impressed me winning the Derby in 1970 and then to have helped out and been around him during my time at Claiborne in 1980 was so very special.
Who will be champion first-season sire in 2023?
I would love to see Cheveley Park Stud-bred Advertise be champion first-season sire, as I feel he ticks all the boxes on pedigree and performance having won three Group 1 races.
Greatest race in the world?
Having been involved with several owner-breeders who have mostly bred fillies to race, the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe would be the race for me, as it usually brings the best colts and fillies together to crown the racing year in Europe.
If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
Edmond Mahony, as I would love to know the inner workings of the hugely successful Tattersalls Limited Auction House.
Emerging talent in the industry (human)?
It is wonderful to see so many young trainers and agents getting involved in the industry and I feel the next generation are coming to the fore. I think Sam Haggas will prove a great innovator in the business.
Horse TDN should have made a Rising Star, and didn't?
Triple Group 1 winner Inspiral.
Under-the-radar stallion?
Of course, I have to say Ulysses, who is beautifully bred and who has really started his stallion career tremendously well having had Classic-placed Piz Badile, winner of the G3 Ballysax S., and runner-up in the G1 Irish Derby. In addition, Cheveley Park Stud's homebred Holloway Boy winning first time out in the Chesham S. at Royal Ascot for his connections proved Ulysses can get smart 2-year-olds as well as Classic prospects.
Friday night treat?
A quiet supper for two at Sticks 'n' Sushi before a West End show.
Guilty pleasure outside of racing?
Fly fishing for trout when the mayfly are hatching with my trusty 9′ CC de France split cane fly rod.
Race I wish I had been there for…
The Cheltenham Gold Cup when A Plus Tard won this year. I could not believe I lost my voice and then tested positive to Covid-19 on the Monday morning of Cheltenham week.
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