In today's instalment of 2024/2025 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Kelly Van Dyk, Director at Prima Park.
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related - for 2024?
KVD: So many great moments for 2024! It’s been a great year. Training my first winner was definitely a highlight of my career to date. Selling our Exceed And Excel (ex Allez Bien) colt for $600,000 at the Inglis Ready2Race sale was definitely up there as well!
Kelly Van Dyk | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
KVD: One door shuts and another door opens. Every time I’ve ever been worried about something or something hasn’t gone my way something better has been waiting in the wings.
Which first-season sires progeny are you most excited to see hit the track?
KVD: Hello Youmzain. We have a homebred filly that we really like and are getting ready to hopefully be at the races early next year.
Hello Youmzain (Fr) | Standing at Cambridge Stud
Which sire do you consider a value sire? Fee <$50k and not a first-season sire.
KVD: Ardrossan. We have bred a cracking colt by him this year. He can get you results in the sale ring and looks to have a promising 2-year-old heading towards the Karaka Millions in Toretto.
Which yearling purchase are you most excited about?
KVD: We purchased a Nicconi colt from the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in 2023 and subsequently sold him at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run sale. He’s called Copartner Benny and has looked very impressive in his trials to date. Keep an eye out for him when he starts in Hong Kong!
If you could be someone else in the industry for a day. Who would it be?
KVD: Ciaron Maher - to be surrounded by his incredible operation and facilities and learn from everyone and everything!
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
KVD: Dom Sutton, looks to be a talented young trainer on the rise!
Dom Sutton
If you could change one thing about the perception of horse racing, what would it be?
KVD: That it is cruel. Would love everyone to be able to see how loved and cared for all the horses in our care are.
What’s been the most challenging moment in your career, and how did it shape you?
KVD: So many challenges! This industry certainly keeps your feet on the ground and humbles you.
What’s the one question you wish people would ask you but never do?
KVD: Anything and everything! You only learn by asking questions. Everyone’s background in the industry is unique. If you ask the questions you never know where it might lead or what you might learn.
