In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Chris Russell, Inglis' NSW Bloodstock Manager and Auctioneer.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?
Chris Russell: Good mate Simon Miller getting a stakes treble in Perth was great to see so I’ll run with that.
TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?
CR: A barra fishing trip mid-year was tough to beat.
Chris Russell | Image courtesy of Leigh Holtsbaum
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
CR: Hoping that we have an uninterrupted sales season for a change!
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your yearling inspections?
CR: I’ve probably been most impressed by the Harry Angels. Being a Champion sprinter himself, he looks to have thrown that kind of horse which should be well-suited to Australia
TDN AusNZ: Which first season-sire are you most excited about, and why?
CR: Harry Angel for the reasons outlined above.
Harry Angel (Ire) | Standing at Darley
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
CR: Sebastian Hutch. Would give myself a payrise first thing and then give him the rest of the day off so he knows what it feels like. The other person would be Grant Burns… those who know him well would know why.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?
CR: Eduardo. He’s probably underrated but is such a tough horse that races on speed and just keeps bobbing up at the highest level. He debuted in June of his 4-year-old year and is now an 8-year-old and racing in such great form, he serves as a great reminder of what a benefit time and patience can be for a horse.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
CR: Written Tycoon. Started from the bottom and had to do it the hard way.
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?
CR: All Too Hard.
All Too Hard | Standing at Vinery Stud
TDN AusNZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?
CR: Exceedance, of the new brigade.
TDN AusNZ: What was your favourite horse to auction this year, and why?
CR: Celebrity Queen at the Chairman’s Sale. No real reason other than she made the most!
TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?
CR: Just churned through Ted Lasso pretty quickly and was a good watch. That or Yellowstone.
TDN AusNZ: What's the best book you read in 2021?
CR: The 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling catalogue of course!
TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
CR: We have a great bloodstock team here at Inglis and most would know Brett Gilding, Will Stott, Harry Bailey and Jin Tian and the great ability they have. The real ‘up-and-comer’ of the team though is Britt Hussey. Britt has been a fully fledged member of the team for a couple of years now based in Melbourne having been helping the team in an admin role for a few years before that. She is a great person, has a terrific work ethic and thirst for knowledge and has a very bright future in the industry.
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think will take out 2022 first-season sire honours?
CR: Weight of numbers would probably see it being either Merchant Navy or Russian Revolution. Maybe in that order.
TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this year? (not solely racing related)
CR: Ash Barty winning Wimbledon just noses out the Aussie swimmers at the Olympics.
TDN AusNZ: What's the first overseas trip you will be taking for fun post-COVID?
CR: I have a brother that lives in Colombia, a sister that is living in London but moving to Thailand and I am desperate to go to Japan so one of those three would probably get the nod.
Chris with his family | Image courtesy of Chris Russell
TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during this year's lockdowns, aside from work?
CR: Was glued to the TV for the period the Olympics coincided with it!
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
CR: I think some of these pop-up races are great but the interstate rivalry has seen some getting over the top. Maybe spread some of that money around the grassroots level.
TDN AusNZ: What's your 2022 New Year's resolution?
CR: Probably keep it simple and take off the few kilos that will no doubt have been put on over the festive period.
