In today's instalment of 2022/2023 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Cassandra Simmonds, race series and CRM systems at Magic Millions.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2022?
Cassandra Simmonds: Hitotsu winning the Australian Guineas first-up. Elite horse and elite training performance.
Watch: Hitotsu winning the Australian Guineas
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
CS: A truly international Magic Millions Carnival. It’s fantastic to be welcoming our overseas-based clients back to Magic Millions and Queensland for the first time on a full scale since January 2020.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?
CS: Alligator Blood. Class, heart and versatility.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
CS: Lonhro has always been a favourite. I was on course at Flemington when he won the 2004 Australian Cup defeating Delzao after being checked and impossibly held up. It still gives me goosebumps.
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?
CS: A toss-up between Rubick or Star Turn.
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think will take out 2023 first-season sire honours?
CS: Harry Angel.
Barry Bowditch and Cassandra Simmonds | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
TDN AusNZ: What's the best book you read in 2022?
CS: Stolen Focus by Johann Hari.
TDN AusNZ: What has been your favourite post-COVID trip this year?
CS: I was fortunate to get back to Croatia for a few weeks mid-year, which is one of my favourite places in the world.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2023?
CS: A functional Racing Australia where all PRAs and stakeholders work together to develop complementary strategies and investment in fundamental issues that promote long-term sustainability. Training/education and staffing, infrastructure, equine welfare and The Pattern amongst others.
We need our industry’s major players to be more vocal in support of a long-term national view above individual commercial interests.
