A quickfire round with bloodstock agent Bruce Slade
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2020?
Bruce Slade: Captivant was a big debut win for Newgate and a nice way to kick off Capitalist's stud career. That win meant a lot and brought out the best in me down the home straight. Alpine Edge winning the Listed Phelan Ready on Saturday as the first purchase in tandem with Toby and Trent Edmonds was a special feeling too.
TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?
BS: For Tash and I, this would have to be the birth of of our third child on August 31. Harlow Anne Slade, a little sister for Macarthur and Rhodes.
TDN AusNZ: What is the best thing about starting the year with Magic Millions on the Gold Coast? Do you have a restaurant to recommend?
BS: The friendship and camaraderie in tandem with the fierce competition of the racetrack and the sales ring. That creates a special buzz. An ocean dip, morning or night, is a great way to start or end a hot day too.
A new restaurant on the Gold Coast that I recommend everyone try is Maggie Choo on the main Broadbeach strip next door to Koi. Cool vibe and great tasting Asian fusion food.
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?
BS: I will put my hand up and say I am totally biased even if I think I am trying to be objective. I think the first-crop Russian Revolutions are a strong line of athletes with clean limbs and very light on their feet.
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day. Who would it be, and why?
BS: On a sale day probably Steve Davis. I reckon he gets to have the most fun and I just love watching him in full flight.
Bruce Slade
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of the decade? Domestic and/or international.
BS: Pierro is the best racehorse I have been around. He is still my benchmark.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?
BS: Vanna Girl has taken Edmonds Racing, her owners and followers on a fantastic ride this year.
TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this decade (not solely racing related).
BS: Winx and the people who surrounded her. How she was trained, managed and made accessible to every day Australians.
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?
Pierro | Standing at Coolmore
BS: Our analysis says there are a few when comparing yearling sale prices. Pierro is one.
TDN AusNZ: What is your New Year's resolution for 2021? Can you remember your 2020 resolution? Did you achieve it?
BS: I set goals every year but basically it boils down to being grateful for the life I have been given, being present with my family and friends, and making the most of every second of this short time on earth we have been given.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2021?
BS: An industry commitment to taking back control of the messaging around thoroughbred welfare in our sport. This means knowing the facts (pros and cons) and communicating them (and solutions) effectively to the mainstream via a relevant marketing strategy. I find I am having more and more conversations with every day Australians around this issue.
