In the first instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Cornerstone Stud's Bloodstock Manager, Sam Pritchard-Gordon.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment this year?
Sam Pritchard-Gordon: I think Incentivise winning the Makybe Diva really fuelled the spring and it set it up as one for the ages; we all felt he was a good horse following his Queensland campaign and the manner of that Flemington win was an intravenous injection that placed the spring carnival front and centre.
Sam Pritchard-Gordon | Image courtesy of Cornerstone Stud
TDN AusNZ: Favourite non-racing moment?
SPG: Hearing that Pat Cummins was unable to start the second test and Broad and Anderson were starting for England… that elation of opportunity was very short-lived!
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?
SPG: The end of the Ashes.
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
SPG: Royston Murphy, I’ve always had a thing for Treen.
Royston and Catriona Murphy
TDN AusNZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?
SPG: I can’t wait to get around the studs again, but Impending is one that stood out for me prior to COVID. His movement and balance was hypnotic and I really do hope his progeny can inherit his ability. However, it's Frankel that tops the chart in every respect; Physique, movement and presence. His superiority in the breeding barn is fast catching up with what he did on the track!
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most under-rated stallion in Australasia?
SPG: If only the sales ring success didn’t have to frame the decisions for the commercial stud farm like Cornerstone, you could have a lot of fun mating for the track. A stallion like Magnus is pre-potent and consistent, whilst a horse like Love Conquers All really has managed to impart his genetics and overcome some moderate opportunities.
However, at the more expensive end, I would say that Pierro will stand the test of time and will help to project that particular sireline into the future. Needless to say, it would be remiss to forget Sir Prancealot, given he has already sired five Group 1-performed sons and daughters and will certainly emulate that down here.
Magnus | Standing at Widden Victoria
TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
SPG: Sam Freedman. Thankfully he didn’t take on board any advice from me when I worked for his father and has become a highly engaging trainer and is a great advert for our industry.
TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during this year's lockdowns, aside from work?
SPG: Having purchased a farm on my arrival into SA, I have duly started to breed Murray Grey cattle. The online auction house “AuctionPlus” coupled with the local Mt Pleasant market is my new obsession and nothing gives me as much joy as calving time in August and September.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
SPG: Speaking candidly, everyone who gets asked this question, always seem to revert to the need for a unified industry that has a harmonious relationship between Principle Racing Authorities, for the common good of the industry as a whole. I also strongly adhere to that, not just for the “Pattern” and “a growth for all” but also finding a way to educate and to give our industry a multi-generational future beyond my lifetime.
We have to continue to be highly innovative to counteract the perception our industry generates and find additional ways to sway the opinions of the young and halt the likes of NSW Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi harnessing “that woke opinion” to further their progression.
TDN AusNZ: What's your 2022 New Year's resolution?
SPG: Trying to patch up my relationship with Royston Murphy, following my answer to question four.
