In today's instalment of 2022/2023 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Sally Williams, racing and bloodstock manager for Tony Fung Investments.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2022?
Sally Williams: I felt privileged to be on track at Keeneland when Flightline won the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November - extraordinary performance from a champion with an amazing atmosphere.
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
SW: I absolutely love the autumn carnival in Sydney. Rosehill in March and Randwick in April - best time of the year.
Kacy Fogden and Sally Williams | Image courtesy of Darren Tindale
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you on your Magic Millions inspections?
SW: I’ve really been quite taken by the Exceedances. They are quality, athletic types who are collectively very impressive.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of 2022?
SW: One of our own - Williamsburg. He’s got the best temperament of any colt I’ve had anything to do with and the most incredible constitution. He won three stakes races this year and was placed in a Group 1 as a 2-year-old. I’m confident he will be a most deserving Group 1 winner by the end of the autumn.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
SW: Snitzel, he’s a fairly obvious one but he is just a constant source of top-class horses. His colts and fillies are continually there winning the best races on the big days.
Snitzel | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think will take out 2023 first-season sire honours?
SW: Trapeze Artist, hopefully, with a healthy contribution from our filly Facile.
TDN AusNZ: What was your best purchase in 2022?
SW: Watch this space, don’t want to jinx myself so won’t name names but hopefully you will know who it is in the next few weeks!
TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?
SW: Emily In Paris - well worth the watch for the fashion and Paris sights.
TDN AusNZ: What has been your favourite post-COVID trip this year?
SW: I spend a lot of time in the UK so I’ve been one of the few people who have managed to travel throughout the pandemic. It has been a bit of a nightmare though with travel exemptions, quarantine, COVID tests and too many cancelled flights to mention. So it’s just been amazing to have the border open and ease of travel return. The best part has been that my English boyfriend (UK bloodstock agent Matt Houldsworth) has been able to spend and work half the year in Australia after not being able to get in for almost two years.
