In today's instalment of 2024/2025 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Mark McStay of Avenue Bloodstock.
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related - for 2024?
MM: Porta Fortuna who I purchased privately winning the Coronation S. at Royal Ascot for Donnacha O’Brien, Medallion Racing and her enthusiastic American owners!
Mark McStay
And favourite non-racing moment?
MM: Both my sons Charlie and Billy had their respective first days at their new schools in September - proud father moment
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
MM: My grandfather had a sign on his desk saying, ‘I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened!’ Think about it…
Which first-season sires progeny are you most excited to see hit the track?
MM: Home Affairs in the Southern Hemisphere and Palace Pier in Europe.
Home Affairs | Standing at Coolmore
Which yearling purchase in 2024 are you most excited about?
MM: A Dundeel Colt ex Abbey Marie named Inspired Legend in training with Les Bridge - purchased at Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale on behalf of Bon Ho.
If you could be someone else in the industry for a day. Who would it be, and why?
MM: Gai Waterhouse- she’s a living legend. To experience the incredible energy and enthusiasm she brings to everything!
Gai Waterhouse | Image courtesy of Inglis
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
MM: David Appleton - a very smart guy in the UK - he bought Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator.
Favourite day at a racecourse?
MM: The Tuesday of Royal Ascot or Yorkshire Oaks Day at the Ebor Festival.
What positive change would you like to see in the industry?
MM: In Australia - Racing New South Wales and the Victoria Racing Club to work together for the betterment of the sport and industry as an entire In the UK and Ireland, more prizemoney please!
Is there a particular horse you think about often? Why?
MM: Sea the Stars - he had it all. Gives me something to aspire to.
Sea the Stars | Standing at Gilltown Stud
What’s the best piece of unsolicited advice you’ve ever received at a racetrack?
MM: ‘To survive as an agent, my boy, you need to bid last’ - Cormac McCormack, a great mentor of mine.
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a week, who would it be, and what’s the first thing you’d do in their role?
MM: Colm Santry during the Magic Millions sale and avail of his expense account at social restaurants!
