Cover image supplied
1. Best value stallion in the country?
Hellbent - always loved the sire line and had good success with Vinnie. Can get you a top class colt or filly, currently has the classy Savvy Hallie. Will only get better and better over the next few years.
Hellbent | Standing at Yarraman Park
2. Most exciting new stallion for 2025?
Wouldn’t say there is a new stallion that I’m jumping out of my seat to breed to, and from a yearling buyer perspective I would be waiting to see who will be crowned Champion first season sire before I jump on.
3. Breeding more, less, or the same as last year?
Breeding more and higher quality mares.
4. Best breeder in the country?
Gilgai Farm, Rick Jamieson.
Rick Jamieson | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
5. Best judge of a weanling/yearling?
Myself… without a doubt!.
6. Best pound-for-pound trainer?
Chris Waller. Systems are everything, most enjoyable experience I’ve had with any stable in racing, great team around him, always going above and advising the best for his owners.
Chris Waller | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
7. Most talented young person you’ve come across recently?
Wouldn’t say he is young at all but William Freedman, incredible talent, stable is growing every year and alongside father Richard they will continue to succeed.
Also Mitch Ralph from Arrowfield, incredible horse knowledge in all areas, loves a stat and has a huge passion for Maurice.
Mitchell Ralph | Image courtesy of Arrowfield
8. Redistribute prize money across races, or happy as is?
With our current stocks more than happy to leave as it is, but in a year where it’s not as strong please redistribute.
9. Tariff on imported horses - great idea or misguided protectionism?
Not a great idea at all, however it isn’t in our control, will undoubtedly affect that market and many people's business.
10. Your best mate in the business?
Too many people to just choose one, Glen Barker and Benny Vassallo are family to us.
Peter O’Brien and Brian Clarke from Segenhoe are great mates and invaluable to B2B as a business.
Nick Taylor, Mitchell Ralph, Sean Driver, Will Freedman and Mitch Beer are all some of the funniest people I’ve met.
Gallery: Ricky Surace Jnr's picks for best mates in the business
