The TTR Ten with Ash Richards

Cover image courtesy of Intel Bloodstock

1. Best value stallion in the country?

Castelvecchio – world class sire line, beautiful, balanced horses, consistent symmetrical shaped horses, turn of foot and might have the best mare in the country.

Bred by one of the best farms in the country in Arrowfield.

2. Most exciting new stallion for 2025?

Storm Boy – if his foals inherit his shape and possess his natural muscle mass and prep up like him as a yearling, there will be some outstanding return on investment (ROI) off his tremendous value at just $16,500.

So, to me, that makes him the most exciting first-season sire.

3. Breeding more, less, or the same as last year?

Certainly, taking a more refined approach. So, breeding less, but more strategic in matings.

4. Best breeder in the country?

Gilgai Farm – Black Caviar, All Too Hard, Ole Kirk, Jameka, Lucky Bubbles, The Quarterback, Masked Crusader, O’Ole, Nepotism a farm that offers versatility in their model backed by quality.

5. Best judge of a weanling/yearling?

Weanling - Any FBAA agent or Paul Willetts.

Yearling - Any FBAA agent or Paul Moroney.

Gallery: Ash Richards' picks for best judge of a weanling/yearling

6. Best pound-for-pound trainer?

Chris Waller has a special aura about him and appears a very deep thinker. Closer to home, Charlotte Littlefield struck at just under 20% last season with her first Group 1 result in a prestigious spring handicap. Stable is loaded with young talent, so Charlotte is ready pound for pound.

Gallery: Ash Richards' picks for best pound-for-pound trainer

7. Most talented young person you’ve come across recently?

Split decision between Alison Brassil from Arrowfield Stud. Professional, excellent knowledge across the board and articulates exceptionally well.

Angus Robertson from Inglis, an outstanding auctioneer. Just bring that gavel down a bit quicker, please.

8. Redistribute prize money across races, or happy as is?

A more even spread would make it a more sustainable product for ownership and breeding. Pop-up races are great if you're lucky enough to have a runner, however top prize money earners in the current model don't hold the currency they once did.

Sires' tables graded through prize money don't necessarily tell the story. Getting that even spread is the key to sustainability.

9. Tariff on imported horses - great idea or misguided protectionism?

Far from a great idea. You can’t control what you can’t control, you can only adapt to the situation. The longer it stays, the more normal it will become.

10. Your best mate in the business?

Triple dead heat between Adam Henry (Widden Stud), best man at his wedding.

Julian Hay is a great mate from Marcus Oldham.

Todd Smart, we formed a great friendship at Colin Little's.

Gallery: Ash Richards' picks for best mate in the business