In today's instalment of 2022 Rapid Round, we feature a quick-fire round with Claudia Miller the sales and bloodstock manager at Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing.
TDN AusNZ: What is your first memory related to horses?
Claudia Miller: My first memory related to horses was not industry related - my dad took me to my first riding lesson at Centennial Park when I was 10 years old. I had a smile from ear to ear the entire time and I knew from then I was hooked.
Claudia Miller with Tilianam (NZ) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
TDN AusNZ: What was your first job in the thoroughbred industry?
CM: My first job in the industry was a strapper and stable hand for Gai Waterhouse.
TDN AusNZ: What pathways led you to become the sales and bloodstock manager at Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing?
CM: I started with Gai when I was 17. I knew absolutely nothing about the industry and truthfully, I never thought of having a career in racing, but I needed a job whilst I was studying. I was a strapper and stable hand for a year, and shortly after I started riding the racehorses in the morning which is where my love for the industry began. Yes, the early mornings were tough, and the lifestyle was something I had to get used to, but I loved trackwork and being so hands-on with the horses.
I rode trackwork for four or five years before I moved into the office. I started with the basics, getting to know the ins and outs of the business. Helping with the stable doors cards, adding horse weights into the system, editing the website. Anything I could get my hands on. I quickly transitioned to assisting with the daily horse updates, pre and post-race reports, creating content and writing pieces for the website. Once I became more confident in my role and more familiar with the owners, along with countless hours working alongside Gai at the sales, I naturally transitioned into a sales and bloodstock role which I really enjoy.
Claudia Miller (left) riding trackwork
TDN AusNZ: Which racehorse, ever, do you think was the best type?
CM: I might be biased, but I would say Pierro. I can’t fault him physically and he has the most amazing temperament. I am blown away every time I see him.
TDN AusNZ: What was the most impressive racing performance of the season?
CM: Think It Over in the Queen Elizabeth.
TDN AusNZ: What is your most memorable purchase working for Gai and Adrian?
CM: My most memorable purchase would have to be our recent Sydney Cup winner, Knights Order (formerly known as Knights Errant). It was my first trip to the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale in 2018 and I was assisted by Johnny and Susie McKeever. It was a strong sale, but we were patient and we waited for Knights Order to pass through the ring which was on the last day of the sale. I remember sitting in the sales arena looking at my watch thinking, ‘I’m going to miss my flight home if I don’t leave now,’ but thankfully we were able to secure the one we wanted, and I made my flight in the nick of time. It has been an incredible ride with Knights Order. His Sydney Cup win meant a lot to everyone in the ownership group and for some, it was their first Group 1 so it was very special.
Knights Order (Ire), winner of the G1 Sydney Cup | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
TDN AusNZ: When inspecting yearlings, what are your top three must-haves?
CM: I like to see well-developed forearms, a strong shoulder and powerful hindquarters with good gaskins. Temperament is also a BIG ‘must-have’. If they don’t have the right temperament, you are already on the back foot.
TDN AusNZ: What advice would you give to an aspiring person wanting to work in the industry?
CM: Start from the ground up and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. It is a great industry with a plethora of opportunities, and it’s worthwhile putting the time and effort into finding what best suits you.
Bruce Slade, Claudia Miller and Adrian Bott in action at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
CM: Katie Page. Katie is a hugely successful businesswoman and what she has done for racing, particularly women in racing, has taken the industry to a new level. She is incredibly inspiring.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
CM: It was a real shame that the equine courses at Richmond Tafe were axed this year as the courses provided a safe pathway into the industry. It is important for those who are starting out in the industry to be well trained and have the necessary foundations to work safely and competently with the horses. I would love to see an equivalent to the British Racing School in England be set up here in Australia. There is a huge demand for it within the industry.
