In today's instalment of 2022 Rapid Round, we feature a quick-fire round with Ziva Mullins who has recently been appointed to the role of Bloodstock Consultant at Inglis.
TDN AusNZ: What led you from the emerald isle to the sunshine shores of Australia?
Ziva Mullins: I arrived to Australia on a working holiday, I originally came out here with the view to find a job but also to travel. I didn’t travel but did find a job! The rest is history.
TDN AusNZ: What was your first job in Australia?
ZM: I worked for Arrowfield Stud, at the time I was employed at the Bellerive Farm and worked in the foaling unit.
Denis Griffin and Ziva Mullins at the old Inglis Newmarket Randwick complex in 2015 | Image courtesy of Inglis
TDN AusNZ: What pathways led you to be a bloodstock consultant at Inglis?
ZM: I grew up very much involved with horses. My grandfather managed Galway Racecourse so we spent a lot of time frequenting that particular festival and a lot of my dad’s family were involved in National Hunt racing as jockeys and trainers.
In Ireland, I didn’t have much of a spark to be involved in the industry other than attending the races but I loved horses. I rode, did a bit of showjumping, pony club and so when I came out to Australia it was an easy vocation. I was quickly hooked on the excitement of seeing quality horses at Arrowfield, riding the journey from foaling down to million-dollar yearlings. I realised that thoroughbred flat racing and breeding in Australia was much more lucrative than riding show jumpers or even being involved in the National Hunt back home in Ireland.
The bloodstock side has been a steep learning curve, the physical type of a flat racing thoroughbred is vastly different from a National Hunt horse. Obviously, a lot of National Hunt horses are not fast-maturing where the horses here are the complete opposite, you are looking for a youthful, strong-type physically. It took a while to learn the differences.
TDN AusNZ: Does your tertiary studies complement your work in the bloodstock field?
ZM: I studied Equine Business at College and also studied Sociology and Counselling. It has been a huge benefit to me in a variety of different ways, as you can imagine. I have an analytical mind to assess and understand why things happen, why does this horse move well or not. I believe those two courses relate back to the why. Particularly sociology, it is more about human social development and building relationships.
TDN AusNZ: Following the announcement that Spendthrift Australia would be closing, did you receive support from the industry?
ZM: I was overwhelmed by the support, the one thing the Australian breeding industry sets itself apart from the rest of the world is its community. If you show initiative and work hard, people rally behind you quickly. Personally, I have been fortunate to have many people offering advice, opportunities and it has led to my new position with Inglis.
Over the last few months, I feel like I have completed a mini Godolphin Flying Start. I have worked for vendors, buyers and sale companies - it has been invaluable and a testament to our communities generosity and career opportunities.
Ziva Mullins whilst working at Arrowfield Stud | Image courtesy of Ziva Mullins
TDN AusNZ: What advice would you give to an aspiring person wanting to work in the bloodstock industry?
ZM: Work hard. Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. If you can, get to know people who are willing to teach you. Research programs and pathways. Most people in the breeding industry would help, don’t be afraid to ask.
TDN AusNZ: What is your inspection process? Do you research the page before seeing the horse?
ZM: For me, movement and physicality of the horse is most important. Coming to Australia I didn’t have a massive amount of knowledge researching pedigrees, having a traditional equestrian background you are looking at the physical. The pedigree is important but if they don’t have the right shape for the job the pedigree is less important.
TDN AusNZ: What are you passionate about within the industry?
ZM: I would like to see more young people involved in the industry. More opportunities in racing and breeding, building pathways and supporting initiatives to encourage participation.
TDN AusNZ: Who do you admire in the industry and why?
ZM: Two people I admire are Fionnuala Timmony and Vicky Leonard.
Vicky is very driven and passionate about our industry. She is very willing to help people progress. You can ask her any question and she will give you an honest answer.
If I could be someone for the day, it would be John Messara. Inhabiting his brain for a day would be incredible.
John Messara | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a bucket list of industry events you would like to tick off?
ZM: Dubai World Cup! My brother lives there, it would be a wonderful experience and family catch up.
TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during last year’s lockdowns, aside from work?
ZM: WORK! Although I do love to cook and baking my own sourdough bread.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
ZM: Unification between the states.
