In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Sheamus Mills.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?
Sheamus Mills: I really enjoyed the whole spring carnival this year. Not sure why but even with restrictions, etc., it felt "old school" to me and I think it connected with the public much more than in recent years. There were some elements that I think captivated the public a bit and hope can be replicated into future years.
TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?
SM: Is there other stuff on?
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
SM: Probably a couple of things. Getting back on the sale circuit and reconnecting with people and the horses is high on the list. Sounds corny but my job is my hobby and passion, so I've missed that. The other would be seeing our young horses and headline acts back on the track. Had a terrible run of injuries and issues wipe out the spring pretty much for us except Daisies so look forward to them returning.
Dean Harvey and Sheamus Mills
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?
SM: If I look at my shortlist so far for Magic Millions it's very diverse.
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
SM: Peter V'Landys. So I could ring every major shareholder in the industry and invite them around for a few beers and a round table discussion on how we are going to make the racing industry rival the AFL or NRL in the leisure space. Then I'd tell them if I change my mind later don't listen to me and sign whatever needs to be signed before the day is out.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
SM: Must sit on the fence with this one as I'm as fickle as the market is with stallions I'd admit. If you have a good run with one you fall in love but it doesn't take a lot to get divorced if things go wrong. Written Tycoon was probably my last one given the involvement with Odeum and Literary Magnate but it could change pretty quickly.
Written Tycoon | Standing at Yulong Stud
TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?
SM: Still have Breaking Bad as the title holder but plenty of good shows in 2021 - particularly sport documentaries such as The Last Dance, Untold Stories, Drive To Survive, Losers or Team Foxcatcher.
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think will take out the 2022 first season-sire honours?
SM: I'd lean towards Hellbent. Just look ready made to me and there are enough of them to achieve the task. Russian Revolution will be hot on his heels though and Merchant Navy to come late in the season and fill a place.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
SM: National programming. It may seem light years away from fruition but days like Caulfield Cup/Everest have shown that a multi-state approach can work for everyone. No state needs to "own" a particular time of year and once that notion is digested, I think it's a quick hop, skip and jump to something that can benefit the industry as a whole. It's genuinely achievable.
TDN AusNZ: What's your 2022 New Year's resolution?
SM: Find another hobby.
