The TTR Ten - Sales Edition with Suman Hedge

Cover image courtesy of Inglis

Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related - for 2025?

Difficult to split Schwarz winning the Group William Reid or Linebacker winning the G1 Randwick Guineas. Having selected and purchased both with my old mentor John O’Shea they were equally special.

Gallery: Favourite moments of Suman Hedge for 2025

Which first-season sires are you most excited to see at the 2026 yearling sales?

For me Anamoe is the stand out. At his fee he is going to have to be very good to keep the fickle buying bench happy, but he certainly has all the ingredients to be a good stallion and has had great support from the best breeders in Australia.

Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?

I think Jack Turnbull is very impressive. Ciaron Maher has a knack of finding and developing talent and Jack looks to me to be a trainer in waiting if and when he decides to take the plunge.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Concentrate on what you do well, surround yourself with the very best people and let them do their jobs! In our industry too many people want to do everything, rather than give up a little control and sacrifice some ego for a better outcome.

What positive change would you like to see in the industry?

I think everyone agrees we need a united industry so if we could find a way to stop the disruptive and factional tactics I think that would be positive. But it requires some significant changes in administration.

Swap jobs with anyone, who, and what would you do?

I wouldn’t swap with anyone. Working in an industry which I’m truly passionate about is a privilege. The opportunity to meet successful people from all fields and learn from them and to work with the most beautiful animals in the world makes me feel incredibly lucky.

What’s been the most challenging moment in your career, and how did it shape you?

For a long time just getting respect from peers/trainers given I was a racing outsider was challenging and left a rather large chip on my shoulder. I still remember any negative comments or experiences and use it as motivation to beat any doubters.

Is there a particular horse you think about often? Why?

Zoustar, that horse literally changed my life. He’s given me some industry credibility and from a practical perspective he helped my wife and I buy our first home.

What has been your favourite day at a racecourse?

2013 Golden Rose win by Zoustar, this was his 1st Group 1 and my first from a yearling I selected.

If you could change one thing about the perception of horse racing, what would it be?

I think some people still need to be educated that it’s not cruel.

As with anything, there are bad people who don’t respect horses enough, but people generally find this sport because they love animals.

From my experience, people treat horses with incredible love and respect, we need to keep showcasing this at any opportunity!