Cover image courtesy of Starblue Consultancy
Favourite moment – racing, sales or breeding related for 2025 (or early 2026)?
Salty Pearl winning the G2 Fillies Classic on Cox Plate Day. She was a horse we selected in collaboration with Ciaron Maher’s team. It was a great example of disciplined decision-making, strong communication and trust across all parties, and the result reflected that teamwork perfectly.
Salty Pearl winning the G2 Fillies Classic | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
If you could be someone in the industry for a day, who would it be and why?
James McDonald on a Group 1 day. There’s nothing better than being on the best horses, in the biggest races, making split-second decisions under pressure, that’s the pinnacle.
James McDonald | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Who was the first horse that played a role in you being hooked on the sport?
Dalakhani winning the 2003 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, ridden by Christophe Soumillon. It was a dream race, an exceptional horse, a world-class jockey, on the biggest stage. I was at racing school in Chantilly at the time, and that moment really sealed the dream for me as a kid.
Who is your favourite broodmare sire?
Fastnet Rock. A proven, reliable formula that consistently produces quality and toughness across generations.
The late Fastnet Rock | Image courtesy of Coolmore
What is your favourite track to attend the races?
Flemington - history, scale and atmosphere all in one place.
Do you have any raceday superstitions?
None. I firmly believe that what’s meant to happen will happen, preparation matters more than superstition.
Name an emerging talent in the industry, and why?
Zac Lloyd. He’s an outstanding apprentice who consistently makes the right decisions under pressure, something that can’t be taught easily. His composure, race awareness and work ethic suggest he’s destined for a big career, and he’ll only continue to improve.
Zac Lloyd | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
If you had to pick one horse most likely to win the 2026 G1 Golden Slipper?
Hidrix.
Hidrix | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
What is your favourite sport and team that you follow?
Horse racing and the racing teams Starblue supports.
