In today's installment of 2022 Rapid Round, we feature a quick-fire round with Torryburn Stud's General Manager, Mel Copelin.
TDN AusNZ: How long have you been in your current position? What does a normal day look like for you?
Mel Copelin: I have been the stud manager at Torryburn since 2014 (working under the general manager till 2016) and been the general manager since April 2016.
TDN AusNZ: What has been the most memorable or notable moment in your career?
MC: The 2019 Coolmore Classic quinella with Dixie Blossoms and El Dorado Dreaming – being so closely involved with both mares, it will always be a special moment.
TDN AusNZ: What do you love most about your job?
MC: The horses.
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a maiden mare's foal who you're looking forward to meeting this season?
MC: A Torryburn homebred mare, Willowheart, in foal to King’s Legacy – it’s a super pedigree on paper and hopefully on type.
Willowheart | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and describe why?
MC: Already emerged but Annabel Neasham is an amazing horsewoman. I’ve been lucky enough to see her at work close up and the team she surrounds herself with.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
MC: More transparency with the tracing and rehoming of ex-racehorses – there are positive measures already but I think we could do more.
TDN AusNZ: With the breeding season fast approaching, whose first foals are you most looking forward to seeing, and why?
MC: Wootton Bassett - I love his sire and really hope he will excel in this Hemisphere. He will be good value if it works.
TDN AusNZ: What is your favourite time of year, sales season, or the breeding season?
MC: Breeding.
Mel Copelin and Dr Cecilia Cortina
TDN AusNZ: Name one person in the industry who has been your biggest mentor?
MC: Definitely my repro vet and friend, Dr Cecilia Cortina – we’ve been through all the ups and downs together and she’s there at any hour of the night. On a whole, the majority of the industry have been hugely supportive and given me a lot of helpful advice along the way.
TDN AusNZ: What is the non-racing thing you are most passionate about?
MC: Young womens' rights to education in developing countries.
