Cover image courtesy of Cornerstone Stud
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related for 2025 (or early 2026)?
Following Shiki’s 2-year-old career in the last 5 months has provided the farm with a real sense of satisfaction and the dream for further success in the Slipper is very much alive.
Shiki winning at Gold Coast | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
If you could be someone in the industry for a day. Who would it be and why?
I would like to experience the life of Dean Harvey……. for 24 hours only! To be totally impervious and utterly relaxed to the pressures of a trading portfolio like his would be liberating. He is wired very differently to me!
Dean Harvey | Image courtesy of Inglis
Who was the first horse that played a role in you being hooked to the sport?
Dancing Brave, Pat Eddery and the ’86 Arc De Triomphe. A field of Champions came together and he gave them wind burn.
Dancing Brave | Image courtesy of British Racing Hall Of Fame
Who is your favourite broodmare sire?
This may be just a positional, but I take enormous delight in the market being proven incorrect. Bivouac's most exciting 2-year-old is Big Sky that is out of a Red Dazzler mare! Ole Kirk’s best is Ole Dancer, who is out of a Husson mare. Yes it is a factor, but thankfully there is soo much more to the equation…. Plus, I can’t afford Street Cry, Exceed & Excel or I Am Invincible mares and have to box smart and prove the market wrong.
Bivouac | Standing at Darley
What racing book would you recommend?
Juddmonte’s last 30 years of yearly printed mare pedigrees. Good breeding is more than just choosing the best stallion to generate a return in the sales ring. It is a breeding philosophy that utilises the input of the trainers, the stud managers and some breeding theory to produce the very best race horses.
What is your favourite track to attend the races?
I like Oakbank. A Country track with history and beautiful vista to enjoy a beer that isn’t priced to take away the enjoyment of it!!
Oakbank Racecourse | Image courtesy of Country Racing SA
Do you have any raceday superstitions?
Put your socks on before you put your shoes on.
Name an emerging talent in the industry, and say why?
Aaron Bain. Fearless and driven with a business mindset that makes me jealous. He has a carefully recruited team that will have him shaking the industry up in the coming years. Furthermore, his work ethic is relentless and he deserves every piece of success that is forthcoming.
Aaron Bain | Image courtesy of Aaron Bain Racing
If you had to pick one horse that you think is most likely to win the 2026 G1 Golden Slipper who is it?
Shiki.
What is your favourite sport and team that you follow?
Angaston A5’s cricket team. We lack a decent bowling attack and have a batting lineup that rolls over like a bunch of drunken sailors….. But if we do get through 40 overs, the beers and the punting on “Pikey in last” make it the most enjoyable way to spend a Saturday!
