Ric Wylie Bloodstock
TDNAusNZ: Where are you from and what is your earliest racing memory?
RW: I am Melbourne born, but raised in Adelaide. My first racing memory is of the Great Eastern meeting at Oakbank as a five year old, it was a regular family outing throughout my childhood. I can still remember the joy and anticipation of watching the horses some 55 years later.
TDNAusNZ: Can you tell us a bit about the work you do, and what you love most about your job?
RW: The work I do is primarily advice through consultancy.
Clients from around the world employ me to give advice or appraisals on future purchases, existing portfolios, and stud farm management.
I love that I get to work for a wonderful group of clients, who, have over time become great friends.
I find the consultancy business model suits me. While you may not make as much as commission agents, it allows for a steady, if not spectacular, cash flow.
Ric Wylie
TDNAusNZ: Which is your favourite racehorse of all time? Why?
RW: Octagonal (NZ). I was able to be part of his buying team at Crown Lodge, then followed his great career with them.
It was a John Hawkes, Trevor Lobb, headed by Jack and Bob Inghams' empire in those days.
They are still great friends and mentors to me to this day.
TDNAusNZ: Which racehorse, ever, do you think was the best type?
RW: Phar Lap (NZ). While not having seen him in the flesh, photos and news-reels of his size ,balance and stride strike me.
TDNAusNz: Was there a first season sire that jumped out at you at the sales this year?
RW: Kermedec (NZ). I thought they looked a line of athletic natural runners, a lot like he was!
Kermadec
TDNAusNZ: What was your favourite weanling, yearling or mare purchase this year?
RW: Galaya (Ire), for Kevin Hickman’s Valachi Downs. A Galileo (Ire) mare in foal to Redoute's Choice, she is from a strong family at the time of purchase, but now Magna Grecia (Invincible Spirit {Ire})has now taken the page to a new level.
TDNAusNZ: What stallion do you consider to be ‘under the radar’ and why?
RW: Sacred Falls (NZ), he has excellent athletic yearlings, who have pleased their trainers in their two-year-old preparations so I expect him to have a strong season with his first crop three-year-olds.
TDNAusNZ: Which stallion, ever, do you think was the best type?
RW: Frankel (GB). My work at Juddmonte allowed me to see him regularly, throughout his development in their system, and Sir Henry Cecil’s intuitive training. It is a great pleasure to see him succeed at the level he has, with a great deal more to come... I suspect!
TDNAusNZ: Who do you think is a rising star within the industry? (person not horse).
RW: Jim Carey, the new Stud Manager at Newgate, he has a passion and knowledge for this industry that cannot be bought or made. The team at Newgate and under Henry Field's operation, I believe, are on the cusp of great things.
TDNAusNZ: If you were an Everest slotholder, who would you pick?
RW: I have been lucky enough to be at the first two runnings, and cannot rule out Redzel to complete a three-timer as the race and track conditions in October suit him.
Redzel is Ric's pick for The Everest
TDNAusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry?
RW: As an 'Aussie' living in New Zealand, I would like to think that the Messara Report is actioned effectively. In Australia, a balanced racing schedule where state versus state rivalry is put behind the greater needs of industry unity. There are 52 weeks of the year to use wisely and we could have a product to market globally every week.
TDNAusNZ: If you weren’t in this industry what would you do?
RW: After 43 years working in this industry, it is hard to think of alternatives... But a sheep and beef Farmer in Victoria’s Dunkeld area has always appealed to me. It is one of Australia's forgotten gems and I can never understand why thoroughbred breeders have not utilised it more.
