Cover image courtesy of Swettenham Stud
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related - for 2025?
Getting Toronado back to full health topped everything - seeing the big boy back to his usual self definitely lifted the spirits around the farm.
Toronado (Ire) | Standing at Swettenham Stud
Which first-season sires are you most excited to see at the 2026 yearling sales?
I’m keen to see the progeny of Snitzel sons In The Congo & Best Of Bordeaux.
We’re thrilled with our boy Lofty Strike’s first foals, Sword of State is off to a flyer and Coolmore have Switzerland & Shinzo coming through.
I’m sure a couple of them will turn out to be superstars in due course.
Gallery: Sons of Snitzel that have Marcus Heritage excited
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
Inglis’ new recruit Darcy Schostakowski & Greg Eurell’s assistant trainer Lachlan Currie - both hard working, enthusiastic and curious, which will take them a long way.
Gallery: Marcus Heritage's pick for emerging human talent in the industry
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Surround yourself with good operators, and hammer them with questions.
What positive change would you like to see in the industry?
A more user friendly Stud Book experience that makes it easier and practical for new breeders to step into the industry.
Swap jobs with anyone, who, and what would you do?
Luke Wilkinson - everything he touches turns to gold, and still plenty of time for golf.
Luke Wilkinson | Image courtesy of Kia Ora Stud
What’s been the most challenging moment in your career, and how did it shape you?
Working in racing stables during the Covid years. 13 working days in the fortnight and no social life outside of work, the industry lost some pretty handy workers because of it once the world opened back up.
Helped me decide horse training wasn’t for me!
Is there a particular horse you think about often? Why?
Gracious Prospect. He was the old man's first handy horse, won a few at Flemington and I have loved racing ever since. He’s a good servant for Riding for the Disabled nowadays.
Gracious Prospect | Image courtesy of Sportpix
What has been your favourite day at a racecourse?
Hopefully, I haven’t had it yet. But any day with good people and a winner is much enjoyed.
If you could change one thing about the perception of horse racing, what would it be?
The narrative that we don’t all love our horses. The mainstream media have a bit to answer for regarding public perception on our great industry.
