In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with TDN AusNZ Connections Cast host, Gus Roland.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?
Gus Roland: Wyong's first meeting with racegoers, post lockdown!
TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?
GR: The first cold beer at the Bayview Hotel (once again, post lockdown!)
Gus Roland
TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
GR: I always love the Magic Millions period through to the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper series, seeing the sport's stars regenerate is tremendous. How good is 2-year-old racing!
TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?
GR: Got to say, my own progeny are the only young animals I have seen of late. Jury is out on their sire.
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
GR: Michael Wallace, he has had a whirlwind few years, experiencing heights as high as anyone and interfacing with some extremely interesting people. Yet, he now has endless possibilities on his own terms, heading into the future, what a balance.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?
GR: Probabeel. An ageless weapon of a mare, who possesses extreme ability, but an underrated warrior's spirit. Lovely looking horse, too.
Probabeel (NZ)
TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?
GR: Pierro, loved him as a racehorse, love him as a sire, a bit of a throwback to Sir Tristram in terms of the versatility in quality that he throws.
TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?
GR: Top Echelon. Capable of throwing horses at the highest level, plus a consistent source of city-class warriors. Available for the price of a coffee in Double Bay.
TDN AusNZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?
GR: King's Legacy has always been a babe.
TDN AusNZ: What was your best purchase in 2021?
GR: My cocker spaniel, Harry.
TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?
GR: Yellowstone.
TDN AusNZ: What's the best book you read in 2021?
GR: Overtime by John U Bacon.
TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why.
GR: To torture a phrase, behind every good bloodstock agent... I have known Lauren Dunning for a while now and it was great to reconnect as she helped to prepare the Connections Cast European Mare Sale special, in her capacity working with Damon Gabbedy at Belmont Bloodstock.
Damon Gabbedy and Lauren Dunning | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think will take out 2022 first-season sire honours?
GR: Russian Revolution is going to be hard to stop, especially in the 'by winners' category. Would love to see The Mission hang on for stallion maker, Paul Perry.
TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment of 2021? (not solely racing related)
GR: Ash Barty winning Wimbledon.
TDN AusNZ: What's the first overseas trip you will be taking for fun post-COVID?
GR: Italy, specifically Bologna, to Osteria Francescana, mamma mia!
TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during this year's lockdowns, aside from work?
GR: Home school, reading.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
GR: More positive internal feedback when welfare measures are implemented. The lip service paid to welfare improvements too often becomes criticism when those improvements start to impact people's day-to-day activities.
TDN AusNZ: What's your 2022 New Year's resolution?
GR: Be kind and don't sweat the small stuff.
