Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
In today's installment of 2022 Rapid Round, we feature a quick-fire round with Kitchwin Hills' Studmaster Mick Malone.
TDN AusNZ: What was your first job in the thoroughbred industry?
Mick Malone: Scone Yearling Sale working for Pitt Son and Keene.
TDN AusNZ: How long have you been in your current position? What does a normal day look like for you?
MM: 22 years, a bit of variety: phone, farm, office. Wherever I’m needed throughout the day.
TDN AusNZ: What path led you to where you are now?
MM: Jackarooing around southern Queensland and western NSW. I loved riding, breaking in and rodeoing. Realised the thoroughbred industry was a way of fulfilling my love of horses and creating a career, never did I imagine how lucky I’d be.
TDN AusNZ: What has been the most memorable or notable moment in your career?
MM: I’d have to say Melbourne Cup Day 2019. Vow And Declare won the Cup, never been prouder or felt more Australian! Born, bred and raised by our amazing staff, extremely rewarding for all involved.
Vow And Declare, winner of the 2019 G1 Melbourne Cup | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
TDN AusNZ: What do you love most about your job?
MM: The horses and the people.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse from the past 12 months?
MM: I have to say Eduardo. A fighting spirit that you don’t often see, trained by a great bloke (Joe Pride) and gifted horsemen, part-owned by a great friend and amazing form analysis Gino Loiero.
TDN AusNZ: Which first-season sire are you most excited about, and why?
MM: Hellbent is knocking on the door and looks to have a bright future, Russian Revolution certainly looks like he’s here to stay.
TDN AusNZ: What are you most passionate about within the industry?
MM: Young people and exposing the opportunities that exist in our amazing industry.
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far at the yearling sales?
MM: I’m a fan of all things Snitzel and I’ve been very impressed with Trapeze Artist's progeny, they look runners to me.
Snitzel | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
MM: Without doubt it’s Snitzel, we’ve had terrific success both buying and breeding from him. Sound, tough, Aussie speed that always finishes on top!
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?
MM: All Too Hard.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite mare or family, and why?
MM: Kisma, 10 foals for nine winners including two Group 1 winners (Red Tracer and Shellscrape), a multiple Group 2 winner, Group 1 placegetter (Counterattack). Twenty-three-years old this year and back in foal to Snitzel, a marvel, I love her!
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a maiden mare whose foal you are looking forward to meeting?
MM: Akari. Purchased on behalf of Neil Werrett in foal to Vinnie. As nice a mare as you’ll find and a pedigree to match.
TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
MM: James Hetherington, up and coming auctioneer and will play a big role in our industry for years to come.
James Hetherington | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
MM: It will never happen, but a more united approach as an industry. We are so fractured when it comes to future decisions and outcomes. We talk as one but so often divide when it counts.
TDN AusNZ: With the breeding season fast approaching, whose first foals are you most looking forward to hitting the ground, and why?
MM: Graff. We obviously stand him, but I’m so impressed with him as an individual that I’m sure he’ll impress us with his progeny. The only other son of Star Witness at stud, and Star Turn is showing real signs of a stallion going places.
TDN AusNZ: What is your favourite time of year, sales season or the breeding season?
MM: Both!
Graff | Standing at Kitchwin Hills
TDN AusNZ: Name one person in the industry who has been your biggest mentor?
MM: The late David Lamond, huge knowledge of the industry and gave me the opportunity, forever grateful.
TDN AusNZ: What is the non-racing thing you are most passionate about?
MM: Family and everything Australia has to offer, especially barramundi.
