Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related for 2025 (or early 2026)?
Breeding the Quinella in the 2025 VOBIS showdown when McGaw beat Befuddle, unfortunately Befuddle was the only one in my colours that day but it was still a huge thrill.
McGaw winning the VOBIS Platinum Showdown | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
If you could be someone in the industry for a day. Who would it be and why?
To be a jockey, say Damien Lane or Mark Zahra, to feel the thrill of riding a quality racehorse like Tentyris and experiencing the surge when he lets down and sprints that hard down the straight.
Gallery: David Azzopardi's picks to switch with for a day, images courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Who was the first horse that played a role in you being hooked to the sport?
Super Impose is my all time favourite , his multiple wins in the Epsom and Doncaster Handicaps were freakish with the topweight.
The late Super Impose | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Who is your favourite broodmare sire?
Sebring has been a great broodmare sire for us, we always pay attention to a mare that is by Sebring. Savabeel is also starting to really produce for us as a broodmare sire as well, with our unbeaten Veyepee being out of a Savabeel mare.
Gallery: David Azzopardi's picks for favourite broodmare sires
What racing book would you recommend?
The first book I read on punting was Dr Turf’s Guide to Better Punting, an oldie but a goodie!, also Bart Cummings - My Life is fantastic as well.
What is your favourite track to attend the races?
Caulfield is always a favourite of mine, but winning a race at Flemington is what 'dreams' are made of.
Flemington | Image courtesy of Victoria Racing Club
Do you have any raceday superstitions?
Not really, what will be will be!
Name an emerging talent in the industry, and say why?
Ethan Brown has already emerged, but there are no limits to what he can achieve as a Group 1 jockey. Logan Bates is an apprentice with a very good racing brain, he makes good decisions in a race, well spoken and can ride at 52kgs, so he has a good future ahead.
Ethan Brown | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
If you had to pick one horse that you think is most likely to win the 2026 G1 Golden Slipper who is it?
It’s a tough year but I can't go past Hidrix.
Hidrix | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
What is your favourite sport and team that you follow?
Soccer has always been my favourite/ Having played it for 25 years at a high level, and Manchester United has provided me with lots of great memories in the past, I have even watched them play live in a Champion League Final at Wembley Stadium.
