Cover image courtesy of Trish Dunell
In today's Q & A, we feature a quick-fire round with Robert Wellwood, trainer at Kingsclere Stables.
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding-related - for the 2022/23 season?
Robert Wellwood: It would have to be Prowess winning the G1 Vinery Stud S., nothing better than taking some Aussie prizemoney home!
Which sire do you consider a value sire? Fee <$50k and not a first-season sire.
RW: I really like Ace High. I think the High Chaparral blood works really well here in New Zealand and we have had a number of his progeny through the stable that we like.
What young sire (less than three racing crops) do you think will one day be Champion Sire?
RW: I think Almanzor is a big chance of making it, he has had a number of horses running in top-class races and they will only get better with time.
Which yearling purchase in 2023 are you most excited about?
RW: Hard question as we haven't done much with them yet but the Tarzino x Showileo filly, purchased at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale for NZ$240,000 from the draft of Westbury Stud, impressed us her first time through the stable.
Tarzino (NZ) x Showileo (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
What, if any, is your greatest current-industry concern?
RW: I think in general the industry in Australasia is very positive at the moment. Of course, there are always things that could improve but I feel with all the positive things that have happened (particularly in New Zealand) over the last few years it's best to focus on the positives.
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
RW: Bevan Smith, mostly due to his ability to grow a moustache, however, he seems to have some ability buying horses too.
If you had $10 million to invest in an industry initiative, what would it be and why?
RW: I would love to use it to support the NZ Academy. It is a training academy that is doing a great job of training and attracting the next generation of staff to our industry. They have done a great job thus far but i’m sure they could do with further support.
