In today's instalment of 2022/2023 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Suman Hedge of Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA).
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2022?
Suman Hedge: For me it was hard to go past Cody’s Wish winning the Breeders Cup Mile. The story of this horse being named after Cody Dorman, a 16-year-old with a rare genetic disorder, who met the horse after his Make a Wish was granted was very touching and what our sport is all about!
TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?
SH: Crowds back at the races, particularly during the Melbourne spring carnival. The atmosphere was electric and it was great to see owners able to enjoy their horses again and live their big moments.
Suman Hedge | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
SH: I think we have some exciting young horses that we have purchased and really looking forward to the likes of Elliptical, Extremely Lucky, Zoukerino, Millane, Arugamama and Wakanjeja coming back and seeing what they can achieve in the autumn.
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?
SH: I am not a fan of pre-sale inspections and try to avoid them unless I have to go for a specific client. Each to their own but I find them more a hindrance than a help.
“I am not a fan of pre-sale inspections and try to avoid them unless I have to go for a specific client. Each to their own but I find them more a hindrance than a help.” - Suman Hedge
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
SH: I’d say James McDonald. It would be pretty cool to get to be the best rider and get to feel the excitement of riding these incredible athletes. Being him you have a great chance of winning as well!
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?
SH: A filly called Wakanjeja, I paid only $40,000 for her at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale (Highway Session) and she is showing some promise. It's nice when any horse you buy wins races but when they are cheap it is particularly pleasing and feels more of an accomplishment. She is the best mover and I really love her.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
SH: I’m terribly biased but it has to be Zoustar. Being so closely tied to him after buying, racing and selling him and still holding a breeding right it's been so incredible to see his rise up the ranks. He has achieved a lot both here and is starting to do some good things in Europe which is giving me a lot of pleasure and makes me very proud.
Zoustar | Standing at Widden Stud
TDN AusNZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?
SH: I find it very hard to split So You Think and Lonhro, both are stunning.
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?
SH: I’m a big fan of Dundeel, I know he’s not a cheap stallion but I think he has upside and will continue to rise. He leaves progeny that I really like, they are often very athletic and move particularly well. Almanzor has made a big impression on me, I love the types he leaves and he has started very well, he could be proper.
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think will take out 2023 first-season sire honours?
SH: Trapeze Artist left some nice types throughout the sales series and has had a few pop up at the trials that look talented.
TDN AusNZ: What was your best purchase in 2022?
SH: Hard to split the Dundeel x Caesar’s Princess colt (now named Et Tu Brute) and Sioux Nation x Tahnee Tiara filly (now names Socks Nation) both bought at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. Both nice, athletic, good-walking types that have started out well with their respective trainers.
Gallery: Images courtesy of Inglis
TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?
SH: Peaky Blinders was outstanding, also enjoyed Ozark and True Detective.
TDN AusNZ: What's the best book you read in 2022?
SH: My ADD makes reading a bit of a challenge so I don’t read much beyond catalogues. I might try audiobooks next year as it feels a bit pathetic to not read anything.
TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry and say why.
SH: Sam Freedman has the world at his feet, smart, hard-working, composed and an excellent communicator. I would imagine there would be challenges being the child of a champion trainer, but he has taken it all in his stride and is a credit to his parents who have done a great job.
TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment of 2022? (Not solely racing related).
SH: Nature Strip winning the King’s Stand S. at Royal Ascot. It was so pleasing to see this wonderful horse show the world his champion qualities. This horse is part-owned by my close friend Damian Slocum and hence has always been close to my heart. Always nice to beat the Poms!
TDN AusNZ: What has been your favourite post-COVID trip this year?
SH: Really haven’t been anywhere for a holiday as it's just been very hectic with work. I am looking forward to returning to New Zealand in the new year to attend the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale in Karaka. I haven’t been there since 2019 because of COVID so can’t wait to get back.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2023?
SH: The sales companies only allow genuine bonafide buyers purchase from online and live sales. Phony, unknown or unregistered buyers purchasing bloodstock only creates a murky landscape and opens up opportunities for misconduct.
TDN AusNZ: What's your 2023 New Year's resolution?
SH: Just to keep working as hard as possible, be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
