In today's Q & A, we feature a quick-fire round with chief racecaller Darren Flindell, the voice of Sydney racing since December 2015 following 16 successful years calling in Hong Kong.
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding-related - for the 2022/23 season?
Darren Flindell: Anamoe provided numerous memorable moments on the track, but his George Ryder win at Rosehill this year was one of my favourites. He was entitled to be beaten after the wide run but found a way to win.
Which sire do you consider a value sire? Fee <$50k and not a first-season sire.
DF: Brave Smash $33,000 at Yarraman Park Stud.
What young sire (less than three crops) do you think will one day be Champion Sire?
DF: I really enjoyed calling The Autumn Sun to some outstanding victories and there is a lot to like about his progeny so far. They look types versatile at various distance ranges which could ensure the Arrowfield stallion is one day a Champion Sire.
Which yearling purchase in 2023 are you most excited about?
DF: The Justify x Sunlight colt, now named Dawn Service, who was purchased for $1.4 million by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in conjunction with Kestrel Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, is one I'm looking forward to seeing soon. The Justifys are doing really well and Sunlight was such a great sprinter, who nearly pinched the Golden Eagle over 1500 metres at her only attempt at the longer trip.
Dawn Service as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
What, if any, is your greatest current-industry concern?
DF: Much has been done in recent years to boost Country prizemoney and status and there should be a focus that such innovations are done in the intended spirit of being for the Country participants.
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
DF: Clearly apprentice jockey Zac Lloyd has been the best emerging talent in some time and was acknowledged with this, being crowned the winner of the Bart Cummings Medal. To outride his metro claim in less than 12 months is an incredible feat considering how much time was spent on the sidelines through suspensions. Being the son of and managed by Champion Jockey in Jeff Lloyd, Zac has the hallmarks of being the next Darren Beadman, who is now his mentor.
Zac Lloyd | Image courtesy of IGB Photos
If you had $10 million to invest in an industry initiative, what would it be and why?
DF: The future of our sport relies on good staffing. This money would be well spent on ensuring the next generation are well-educated and remunerated so there is a desire for local youth to make a career out of racing. In addition to financial incentives to keep young people in the game, perhaps other forums of engagement within the industry for recognition and enjoyment. Robbie Dolan in recent years has shown us there are hidden talents out there and a Racing's Got Talent promotion could unearth many more.
