In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Godolphin Australia's Head Of Sales, Alastair Pulford.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?
Alastair Pulford: Anamoe’s Sires' Produce S. followed by his win in the Caulfield Guineas.
TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?
AP: Time spent with my 2-year-old grandson Jack Lindon.
Alastair Pulford with his grandson, Jack Lindon
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
AP: International travel. We plan to go to inspect an outstanding group of young stallion prospects including Palace Pier, Pinatubo and Essential Quality early next year.
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?
AP: I’m delighted with the way the Harry Angels look. They appear to be very sharp.
TDN AusNZ: Which first-season sire to stud did you send mares to this season, and why?
AP: As a small cog in the Godolphin matings wheel I was very content with the matings we chose for our newcomers Bivouac, Ghaiyyath and Earthlight. All three have good reason to succeed at stud.
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
AP: I’d have liked to been Charlie Appleby on Epsom Derby Day or Breeders' Cup Day 2021.
Charlie Appleby
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?
AP: Anamoe. A Superstar in the making.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
AP: I’m very keen about Too Darn Hot. A champion by a champion from a Group 1 winner. Similar to Dubawi, Galileo and Deep Impact amongst others. And to add strength his grandparents are all Group 1 winners. I don’t think you could get better credentials and his foals look the part.
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?
AP: Spirit Of Boom is not really underrated but I think he’s only going to get better in the next few years.
TDN AusNZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?
AP: That’s very subjective and in any case I probably prefer race performance and pedigree over looks. We aren’t trying to win the hack class at the Royal Easter Show, we are trying to win the Championships at Royal Randwick.
TDN AusNZ: What's the best book you read in 2021?
AP: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway.
TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why.
AP: The Godolphin Flying Start program invariably unearths some super young talents. This year’s group is no exception. I’ve known Angus Robertson since he was at kindergarten and am delighted but not surprised at the way he impresses everyone he meets.
TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this year? (not solely racing related).
AP: Rachel Blackmore’s win in the Grand National.
TDN AusNZ: What's the first overseas trip you will be taking for fun post-COVID?
AP: I can’t wait to get back to the South Island of New Zealand to go fly fishing.
TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during this year's lockdowns, aside from work?
AP: Many things. I did a bit of art, rebuilt stables at home (started them in 2020 lockdowns) plus various garden projects. Plenty to occupy me.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
AP: I’d like to see a practical national program that transitions our retired race horses into the many various equine disciplines that thoroughbreds readily adapt to. A lot of good intentions and initiatives are about and these need to be coordinated to achieve the best outcome for every horse.
TDN AusNZ: What's your 2022 New Year's resolution?
AP: I want to sculpt a life size bronze of my over enthusiastic Kelpie. (This was also my 2021 New Year’s resolution).
