Cover image courtesy of Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related - for 2025?
Watching Apocalyptic win the Flight Stakes for Michael Freedman. He raved about her as an early 2-year-old and for her to come back after a mishap as a 2-year-old and do what she’s done as a 3-year-old was fantastic.
Apocalyptic | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Which first-season sires are you most excited to see at the 2026 yearling sales?
Probably Artorius and Best Of Bordeaux. Artorius we bought as a yearling at Magic Millions, with Anthony and Sam Freedman and my wife Kacy bought and trained “Bob” so it’s exciting they both have their first crops selling this year.
Gallery: First-season sires Julian Blaxland is excited to see in 2026
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
Magic Millions' Annie O’Rourke is very sharp. She’s a great addition to their team. A lovely person too, and will no doubt go a long way in this industry.
Annie O’Rourke | Image courtesy of Godolphin
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The person you marry is the most important decision of your life.
What positive change would you like to see in the industry?
I’d love for prizemoney to be spread across maiden races more and for first time owners. It’s too top heavy for feature and pop up races. The reality is most horses might win a maiden if they’re lucky so a more even spread would be great to make the industry more sustainable for all.
Swap jobs with anyone, who, and what would you do?
James McDonald. But I am 6.2 and weigh 90kgs, so it’s simply not going to happen. I’ve accepted that.
James McDonald | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
What’s been the most challenging moment in your career, and how did it shape you?
Building Newington Farm from the ground up. Certainly the most challenging but definitely the most rewarding thing I’ve ever been a part of. It’s been a team effort between my wife, myself and our partner Stewart Wilson.
There are so many more aspects to it than being a Bloodstock Agent but I think it’s certainly made me a better agent in the process. Patience and compromise, staff management, weather. I have a much greater appreciation for the whole industry and what people have built as a result of Newington Farm.
Is there a particular horse you think about often? Why?
Beneteau. He was the perfect yearling in my opinion. He’s a benchmark against horses at the sales for me. Plus what could have been with him. But one must look forward and not back! .
The late Beneteau | Stood at Arrowfield Stud
What has been your favorite day at a racecourse?
Probably Sunlight winning the Magic Millions. I’d run second in the race with a filly called She’s Meaner 10 years prior. My first job after University was at Magic Millions when I was barely shaving and it’s been a second home for me for years, so it was pretty cool. Plus, I watched it alongside my future wife!.
Sunlight | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
If you could change one thing about the perception of horse racing, what would it be?
Horses love to run and horse people love their horses. They’re treated like kings on the whole and I’d love for more people to understand that. Most people in this industry could make a lot more money (and have an easier life) doing other things, but they love horses and that’s why they are in this game.
