Written by Oz Wedmore
Following on from the conclusion of the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, the Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) held its first continued professional development (CPD) day on Wednesday.
The inaugural event brought together a range of leading industry professionals from a variety of fields for a series of talks and discussions, headed by an address from FBAA President Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock.
“The FBAA is continually working hard to raise the standard of our members and ensure we are the leaders in the bloodstock agency field both in Australia and internationally in terms of integrity and best practice,” Rounsefell said.
Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock, President of the FBAA | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
After reporting record participation from its members over Book 1 at January’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale - when 23 members were involved in 163 purchases (21 per cent of the total sold and 25 per cent of gross) - the results from the Easter sale were also positive for the Federation. There they were responsible for 18 per cent of quantity and 15 per cent of gross.
Gary King, Senior V.P. at TDN and co-owner of TDN AusNZ, was the first speaker of the day, and added his global perspective on the Australian industry.
“I don’t think you’d ever see this in other jurisdictions, it’s just impressive to see you [blooodstock agents] all sitting down in one room working together for the benefit of the industry. It would be very easy, because the industry is so strong here, to just rest on your laurels - yet you still have such an international outlook, wanting to improve.”
“... it’s impressive to see you all sitting down in one room working together for the benefit of the industry...” - Gary King
“What would you take to America?” asked Godolphin Australia's Managing Director Vin Cox, who was MC for the day.
“Everything, pretty much,” King laughed. “You have a population here of people that are very interested in the sport which is the envy of the world.
“The Australian industry is so vibrant and is built on such strong foundations,” King reflected, before going into detail about the strengths and challenges facing participants in the U.S. and Europe.
The CPD continued throughout the day, with talks from lawyer Hamish Esplin, veterinary surgeon Dr Jonathan Lumsden of Randwick Equine Clinic, Chris Burke from IRT and a workshop on enhancing the client experience.
Jonathan Lumsden of Randwick Equine Centre addresses the members
The Federation were then treated to a tour of Randwick’s Course Proper by James Ross, executive general manager racing and wagering at the Australian Turf Club, which was preceded by an interesting panel discussion.
With the panel consisting of veterinarians Dr Chris Lawlor, Dr Greg Nash and trainers John O’Shea and Peter Snowden, much of the discussion involved the interpretation of x-rays and scopes at yearling sales.
When Cox asked each of the panel to name one conformation trait they like to see and another they avoid when looking at yearlings, Snowden brought laughter from across the room when he quipped that he was less fussy since seeing I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) in person.
Vin Cox and the panel - Peter Snowden, Dr Greg Nash, Dr Chris Lawlor and John O'Shea
However, perhaps the most interesting points arose around the issue of transparency at sales.
“I would much prefer to have a set of x-rays available for every horse in the sale,” O’Shea told members. “Vicky (Leonard, founder of the Kick Sales Platform) started it, but we need transparency across the board.
“... at the moment, if you haven’t done the due diligence and you’re sitting there in the ring, you won’t bid.”
