In today's instalment of 2022 Rapid Round, we feature a quick-fire round with top-ranking Fortnite player Will Bourne who is also the Bloodstock Manager for Ciaron Maher Racing.
TDN AusNZ: What is your background with horses and particularly the thoroughbred?
Will Bourne: My first memory working with horses was with my father David 'Butch' Bourne in his racing stable. I started mucking out boxes and learnt to ride out from a young age.
Will and David 'Butch' Bourne | Image courtesy of Gabrielle Nutt
TDN AusNZ: What was your first job in the breeding industry?
WB: My first job in the breeding industry was with Godolphin Australia based at the Northwood Park Stud in Euroa. I was part of the nominations team for five years.
TDN AusNZ: What pathways led you to become the bloodstock manager for Ciaron Maher?
WB: Following high school and working in my father's stable, I worked the sales season for Arthur and Harry Mitchell at Yarraman Park. I attended Marcus Oldham with an Associate Degree of Agribusiness and spent three months working in grain trading before joining Godolphin.
TDN AusNZ: What is it like working for Ciaron Maher Racing? Can you describe a normal day working with Ciaron and David Eustace?
WB: The team is amazing to work with, I am very lucky working for two very motivated and innovative trainers. I will never take for granted the trust Ciaron and David have in me, they give me the support and confidence to do the best job I can.
Seeing the decisions Ciaron and David make day to day when training and the way they look at situations is a privilege. There is a downside working with the team - I can’t really leave work at 5.30pm on Tuesday afternoon when I can still see David in his office, knowing he started at 3am.
I don’t have a set routine, the only consistent daily task would be watching race and trial replays from Australia and New Zealand. It is important to stay on top of the tried-horse market, you never know where your next horse could come from. I would speak to them both at least three or four times a day.
Will Bourne and Ciaron Maher | Image courtesy of Inglis
TDN AusNZ: What is your role at the current Magic Millions National Sale this week?
WB: Last year we purchased three weanlings for the racing stable, there was a perfect storm of dispersals from Gilgai, Aquis and Shadwell Stud supporting the Sale. We took the opportunity to purchase horses six months earlier than we historically would have. Looking at the pinhook results, I would like to think we found extremely good value with the horses we purchased, potentially saving our clients money.
It is enjoyable having a small racing team on the Gold Coast of quality horses targeting the big races during the Brisbane racing carnival. Ciaron also has his own draft of five race fillies currently in work that will be sold next week, this is to enable them to stay in the system and race in the coming weeks following the Sale. We will also be looking to purchase a few tried racing prospects that have potential upside for the Sale.
TDN AusNZ: What advice would you give to an aspiring person wanting to work in the industry?
WB: Gain as much experience in the racing and breeding industry. It is very important to have a good understanding and foundation of both sectors of the industry. The ability to join the two is very important.
TDN AusNZ: Would you prefer to sell a top lot or be in the winner's circle?
WB: I am very competitive and love to win, I would say winner's circle. Although competing in the sale ring is exciting bidding but you have to remind yourself that winning the battle of purchasing a yearling (spending big money) is not actually winning.
Will Bourne, Gabrielle Nutt, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
TDN AusNZ: What stallion do you love on type?
WB: Kermadec. In my opinion he is one of the best-looking horses, it is not surprising that Guy Mulcaster purchased him as a yearling, and at the time he looked like big money at $260,000. Kermadec has had moderate success to date but sticks in my mind as a true athlete with strength and is a great mover.
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a bucket list of industry events you would like to tick off?
WB: I would love to attend the Cheltenham Festival in England.
TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during last year’s lockdowns, aside from work?
WB: During the multiple COVID lockdowns in Melbourne it reignited my love of the gaming consul Xbox. Sam Cavanough introduced me to playing Fortnight, I am currently ranked 48 in Australia and regarded as the unofficial Australasian Champion.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
WB: As an industry I believe we need to recognise our competitors, not each other but the sporting sphere and the different codes.
