Cover image courtesy of Blake Ryan Racing
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related for 2025 (or early 2026)?
Ka Ying Rising winning the Everest. What he did travelling here and everything it entailed showcased the race to the world and with the build up re the trial etc, he made the race an event.
Ka Ying Rising (NZ) winning the G1 The Everest | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
If you could be someone in the industry for a day, who would it be and why?
I’ll split 12 Hours as John Size, 12 Hours as Henry Field.
To have access to the knowledge of training, bloodstock, and business those two possess would be unbelievable.
Gallery: Who Blake Shinn wants to be for a day
Who was the first horse that played a role in you being hooked to the sport?
Not a single horse, but an era.
I was 6yo at the 1992 Cox Plate and 12yo at Might and Power’s, with every great horse in between. To be blessed to grow up at that age watching all of those in that era, if you didn’t get hooked then there isn’t blood in your veins.
Who is your favourite broodmare sire?
Exceed and Excel.
Exceed And Excel | Image courtesy of Darley
What racing book would you recommend?
Robert Sangster - Horsetrader.
What is your favourite track to attend the races?
Rosehill.
Rosehill | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Do you have any raceday superstitions?
I like watching races from the same spot at every track.
Name an emerging talent in the industry, and say why?
Will Gardner from Inglis. A product of their internship who I think will be a long term asset to the team.
Will Gardner | Image courtesy of Inglis
If you had to pick one horse that you think is most likely to win the 2026 G1 Golden Slipper, who is it?
They seem to be taking turns, and the next fortnight will shed more light, but I’ll say Warwoven is the best we’ve seen so far.
What is your favourite sport and team that you follow?
NFL - Dallas Cowboys.
