A quickfire round with James Mitchell from Mitchell Bloodstock
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2020?
James Mitchell: Just the fact we continued to race throughout 2020 in spite of COVID-19, I think, is miraculous and a credit to all participants.
TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?
JM: Getting Rufus our puppy, he's been a great source of fun and entertainment.
James Mitchell (left) and Gerry Harvey
TDN AusNZ: What is the best thing about Magic Millions in January?
JM: Atmosphere, excitement and top-class yearlings. Everybody loves getting to the Coast in January. Etsu is a fave of mine although not good for those hard of hearing.
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?
JM: Hellbent and Capitalist.
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
JM: Angus Gold, circa 1985.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of the decade? Domestic and/or international.
JM: Beat The Clock.
Beat The Clock (blue sleeves)
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of the year?
JM: Sweet Reply, watch out for her in the autumn.
TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this decade? (not solely racing related).
JM: It pains me to say but the dominance of the All Blacks over the past 10 years has been nothing short of remarkable. World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, and they keep unearthing new gun players every year. Pretty special!
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most under-rated stallion in Australasia?
JM: Spirit Of Boom, there are some beauties going to Magic Millions!
Spirit Of Boom | Standing at Eureka Stud
TDN AusNZ: What is your New Year's resolution for 2021? Can you remember your 2020 resolution?
JM: Continue to grow Mitchell Bloodstock and provide clients with the best horses we can within their budget.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2021?
JM: Very impressed by Lindy Maurice's program to get young people involved in the industry and teach them the various professions available, more young participants can only be a good thing and growing these programs is so important. Also a jockey school in NSW, European jockeys are having a field day out here.
