Cover image courtesy of Swettenham Stud

Excitement is rife at Adam Sangster’s Swettenham Stud, since the operation announced that the beautifully bred Lofty Strike will begin his stud career at the picturesque Nagambie property.

As the son of the four-time Champion Sire Snitzel and the G1 Golden Slipper victress Overreach, a daughter of another Champion Sire Exceed And Excel, Lofty Strike ticks the three Ps: Pedigree, Physique, and Performance.

Understandably, the reception has been positive since the announcement, especially after prospective breeders watched his swagger when parading at the Great Southern Stallion Parade in May.

The Thoroughbred Report chatted with Swettenham Stud’s General Manager of Operations and Nominations, Sam Matthews, about some of the mares the stud is supporting, including Lofty Strike, Toronado (Ire), and Wooded (Ire) this season.

“Lofty Strike has been inundated with mares, especially since his parade at the Great Southern Stallion Parade. Breeders were certainly taken by him, and the response has been enormous,” Matthews told TTR AusNZ.

“For a $22,000 (inc GST) stallion, the quality of mares lining up for him is sensational. The good number of mares that he will cover is important, but it's these good mares visiting him that will give him a boost.”

Amongst the mares Swettenham has purchased for Lofty Strike is The Amazing Tahlia (Equiano {Fr}). She won three races and is from the Fastnet Rock mare Demasheen, who was a dual winner as a 2-year-old.

Demasheen has been a fabulous producer; her five named foals have all been winners. They include De Sonic Boom (Spirit Of Boom), a victress of the G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies), who was sold at this year’s Inglis Chairman’s Sale for $725,000.

Her other stakes winner, Laverrod, is by Swettenham’s very own superstar Toronado (Ire). He has won the Listed Hareeba S. and seven races in total.

“We recently purchased an Equiano mare named The Amazing Tahlia, a mare that carries the Swettenham brand. She is a half-relation to Toronado’s stakes-winning $792,000 earner Laverrod, as well as Group 3-winning 2-year-old De Sonic Boom, who recently sold off the track for $725,000.

“She will visit Lofty Strike this season as he will greatly complement her with his speed and scope. The Redoute’s Choice sire line has had a fair bit of success with mares carrying Equiano’s grandsire Royal Applause, including the Group 1 winners Giga Kick and Alabama Express.”

Toronado (Ire) mare Energy Within, a four-time winner, is another mare set to visit Lofty Strike. Energy Within is a daughter of the G1 Robert Sangster S.-placed Hidden Energy (Dehere {USA}).

“After visiting Wooded for her first two years at stud and producing a lovely colt by Wooded that sold for $60,000 at the Inglis Great Southern Sale, Adam Sangster’s mare Energy Within will now head to Lofty Strike,” Matthews said.

“She is a daughter of Toronado, out of the Group 1-placed mare Hidden Energy. The Toronado mares we have on the farm are producing incredible types; this mare particularly did a great job last season.

"As she’s an outcross mare and the High Chaparral blood nicks well with Snitzel, this mating is a no-brainer. I have 100 per cent confidence this pairing will produce a ripping foal.”

Swettenham Stud will also support Lofty Strike with another daughter of Toronado, Queen Air. She was placed in the G1 VRC Oaks and was fourth in the G2 Wakeful S. and the G2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic.

Queen Air is from the family of Shared Reflections (Umatilla {NZ}), who won twice as a 2-year-old, including the G3 Sweet Embrace S., and was fourth in the G1 Sires’ Produce S.

“Another Swettenham Stud Toronado mare visiting Lofty Strike is the G1 VRC Oaks-placed Queen Air. Not only will she be giving our new stallion Lofty Strike the best possible start at stud, but Lofty Strike will also give Queen Air a terrific boost to her career at stud. He has plenty of scope, substance, and quality, which is important when mating a maiden mare.”

Rounding out some of the mares to visit Lofty Strike in his debut season is Admire Pink (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), who was stakes-performed in Japan. Her dam, Studentessa (Arg) (High Yield {USA}), won the G1 Palermo G.P Jorge de Atucha in Argentina.

“We also recently purchased a Japanese King Kamehameha mare, Admire Pink, who is a stakes-placed daughter of a Group 1 winner. She will head to Lofty Strike, as the Japanese blood nicks well with Snitzel.”

Toronado on the rise

Toronado, the most expensive stallion on the Swettenham roster, remains at $88,000 (inc GST) for the upcoming season. He has enjoyed another sensational season on the track, including the Group 1 winners Bois D’Argent (GB) and Victor The Winner.

“Toronado’s book continues to improve in quality year-on-year,” Matthews said. “This year, Adam Sangster will support him with his four-time stakes-placed mare Decent Raine, who is currently in foal to our superstar son of High Chaparral.”

The daughter of Dissident won three races and was placed in the G3 Northwood Plume S., the G3 Scarborough S., the Listed Reginald Allen H., and the Listed Twilight Glow S. She was covered by Toronado (Ire) in her maiden season last spring.

“The focus isn’t on breeding as many Toronados of our own as possible, as we want to share the success with our clients, and we don’t want anyone getting bumped because we’ve got our own to cover.

“It’s hard to name all of the incredible mares lining up for Toronado, but it must be noted that elite breeders Three Bridges, Murray Thoroughbreds, B2B Thoroughbreds, Torryburn, Gilgai, Longwood Thoroughbreds, Gerry Harvey, Daandine Stud, Gilgai Farm, Peters Investments, Victor Lee, Glentree, and Musk Creek Farm are among those with multiple mares booked to Toronado this season.”

Among the mares served by Toronado last season are the multiple Group 3 winner Annavisto (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}), the well-related Group 3 winner Baccaret Baby (Casino Prince), Atlantic Jewel’s (Fastnet Rock) half-sister Commanding Jewel (Commands), also a winner of the G1 Thousand Guineas, and Tuscan Queen (Fastnet Rock), victress of the G2 Western Australian Derby and the G3 Champion Fillies S.

Excitement builds for Wooded

Returning to Swettenham Stud this season is Wooded (Ire), a son of the sire sensation Wootton Bassett (GB). A victor of the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, Wooded’s first runners have hit the track in the Northern Hemisphere.

He has been represented by 13 runners, three individual winners, and four placed runners. New Way Baby (Ire) has won twice, while Slava Oukraini (Fr) and Sardaigne (Fr) have also been winners.

“Wootton Bassett’s fastest son, Wooded, is returning to Swettenham for 2024. He already has 2-year-olds hitting the track in Europe and he’s off to a fast start with three early winners. Those winners, being out of Olympic Glory (New Way Baby), a son of Choisir; Dream Ahead, (Slava Oukraini), who is a son of Diktat; and Charm Spirit (Sardaigne), a son of Invincible Spirit, have given us great confidence that he will suit a wide range of Australian mares, as we have plenty of Choisir, Dream Ahead, and Invincible Spirit line mares down here.”

Visiting Wooded this season is Bralca’s Gem (Fastnet Rock), a half-sister to Energy Within, who is being served by Lofty Strike.

“Although Energy Within will be visiting Lofty Strike this season, her half-sister by Fastnet Rock, Bralca’s Gem, will be heading back to Wooded. Bred by Adam (Sangster) and sold as a yearling for $675,000, Adam bought her back specifically for this stallion as the Fastnet Rock blood is ideal for Wooded, and her sister (Energy Within) had produced a magnificent foal by our son of Wootton Bassett.”

At A Glance

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Of the 239 foals offered, 231 were sold at a clearance rate of 96.7 per cent. The aggregate for the foal session was Yen 14.421 billion (AU$132million) while the average was Yen 62.428 million (AU$575,149) and the median Yen 42 million (AU$387,836). Between the two sessions, there were 64 lots to sell for Yen 100 million (AU$921,645) or more.

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Nobody made quite as big a splash as American-based owner Mike Repole, who bought five yearlings here on Monday and added two foals to the haul on Tuesday. That played a massive part in a record number of lots [12] being secured on behalf of foreign buyers. The previous best was eight in 22 while the figure stood at just four last year.

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Three foals by the unbeaten superstar Flightline sold for a combined Yen 470 million (AU$4.3 million) as a series of big-name Japanese buyers fought hard for the progeny of the Lane's End stallion.

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Harry Sweeney of Paca Paca Farm offered the first ever foal anywhere in the world by Baaeed (GB). Trained by William Haggas on behalf of Shadwell, the European Horse Of The Year in 2022 won six Grade 1s all told. Lot 400 fetched Yen 56 million (AU$516,000) to Cosmo View Farm Ltd.

Lot 364, who was consigned by Northern Farm, is out of the German Oaks winner Serienholde (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), and was bought by prominent Japanese-based owner Toshihiko Tabata.

The overall stats left JRHA chairman and Shadai boss Teruya Yoshida describing trade as “incredible” before going on to explain his pleasure at seeing more foreign buyers in attendance.

Nobody made quite as big a splash as American-based owner Mike Repole, who bought five yearlings here on Monday and added two foals to the haul on Tuesday. That played a massive part in a record number of lots [12] being secured on behalf of foreign buyers. The previous best was eight in 22 while the figure stood at just four last year.

Yoshida said, “It was an incredible auction--a very strong market. There were a lot of active buyers who were keen to bid over the past two days. This year's Japanese Derby winner Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) is a graduate from this sale and we also had a Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) finish very close in the Kentucky Derby. That was one of the big reasons why buyers were very active in this sale. I am very grateful for, not only the buyers, but all of the vendors associated with the horses sold here. They did a great job in preparing them in excellent condition which brings the success of the auction.”

He added, “I am very pleased that Mike Repole bought a lot of horses during the foal and yearling sessions. He is now applying to become a licensed owner in Japan, so maybe we will see those colours running in this country shortly. Maybe next year we will have more owners buying horses here. We will have foals by Equinox (Jpn) and Titleholder IJpn) and I am sure that will attract plenty of people. I hope we will have more good horses coming out of this sale and that our graduates can continue to perform on the world stage.”

While proven sires like Kitasan Black and Epiphaneia (Jpn) dominated over the two days, Japanese Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jon) certainly lived up to market expectation. Of the 25 horses offered by Contrail over the two days, they all found buyers, creating a massive aggregate of US$15,503,826 (AU$23,017,536). That works out at an average of US$620,153 (AU$920,523). Phenomenal stuff for a young stallion.

Yoshida concluded, “The offspring of Contrail is exceptional. They are not big horses but, because they have such quality, they look bigger than they are. They have good quality and you can see that there is a lot of potential.”

Flightline foals prove popular

Three foals by the unbeaten superstar Flightline sold for a combined Yen 470 million (AU$4.3 million) as a series of big-name Japanese buyers fought hard for the progeny of the Lane's End stallion.

Two colts--Lots 419 and 436--made Yen 210 million (AU$1.9 million) apiece, to owners Tetsuhide Kunimoto and Masahiro Noda respectively, while a relatively new owner to the game Tatsuya Nakagoshi paid Yen 50 million (AU$460,000) for another.

Kunimoto's red and white silks have been carried by many good horses, including Grade 1 winner Shonan Nadeshiko (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) while Noda needs no introduction given he is the man behind this year's Japanese Derby winner and poster boy for this sale Danon Decile.

Yahagi to train big-money Epiphaneia colt

Japanese St Leger-winning owner Toshihiro Hirosaki is dreaming of Derby glory in his home country with the Epiphaneia foal he purchased from Shadai Farm for Yen 370 million.

Unlike Ask Victor More (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who was trained by Yasuhito Tamura when landing the St Leger in 2022, the Epiphaneia will go into training with Yoshito Yahagi when the time comes.

“This is the best foal in this catalogue so I am very pleased to be able to buy him,” the owner said afterwards. “Of course, the dream is to win the Japanese Derby with this foal.”

Big things were clearly expected from lot 384, who is out of G1 Acorn Stakes winner Carina Mia (Malibu Moon), a US$2,600,000 (AU$3.8 million) purchase by Shadai Farm at Fasig-Tipton in 2021. Carina Mia is reported to be in foal to superstar Equinox (Jpn).

Talking points

It’s not just the European mares who are big in Japan. Monday’s sale-topping yearling by Kitasan Black hailed from the former Aidan O’Brien-trained Galileo (Ire) mare Delphinia (Ire) and the Coolmore crew would have taken plenty of credit by how some of its stallions have been performing here this week as well. A St Mark’s Basilica sold for US$435,000 on Monday and the only foal by his stud mate Wootton Bassett (GB) was knocked down for Yen 52 million (AU$478,000).

The only foal by first-season sire Gun Runner in the sale commanded Yen 300 million (AU$2.76 million) to Y’s Consignment Sales, another anonymous buyer, who is understood to manage an investment company. He was consigned by Shunsuke Yoshida and is a half-brother to Grade I Arkansas Derby winner Angel Of Empire (Classic Empire).

Harry Sweeney of Paca Paca Farm offered the first ever foal anywhere in the world by Baaeed (GB). Trained by William Haggas on behalf of Shadwell, the European Horse Of The Year in 2022 won six Grade 1s all told. Lot 400 fetched Yen 56 million (AU$516,000) to Cosmo View Farm Ltd.

The following lot provided a smattering of stardust with a Kitasan Black filly out of French 1,000 Guineas winner Dream And Do (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) selling for Yen 200 million (AU$1.84million).

While most of the racing on the JRA circuit is on turf, there is still some love for dirt racing in this country and the programme is expanding. Owner Yuji Hasegawa's blue and grey colours have been carried by a number of Group performers on dirt and, in Lot 333, a colt by Logotype (Jpn), he bought an obvious prospect to go down that route Yen 115 million (AU$1.06million) The colt is full-brother to Omega Guinness (Jpn), one of the best dirt performers in Japan.

Cover image courtesy of the JHRA

Leading the way in regards to Australian interest at the sale were two sons of our Group 1 winners - Lot 433 by Kizuna (Jpn) out of the G1 Golden Slipper S. and G1 Moir S. heroine She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain) and Lot 481 by Rey de Oro (Jpn) out of the G1 Robert Sangster S. winner Driefontein (Fastnet Rock).

Sold by Northern Farm to Hirosaki Toshihiro for 210,000,000 Yen (AU$1.934 million), She Will Reign’s colt by a G1 Japanese Derby winner is a half-brother to the Group 2 placed winner Danon Tornado (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}).

She Will Reign is a full sister to the G2 Silver Slipper S. winner Time To Reign out of a granddaughter of the Silver Slipper S. winning G1 AJC Oaks runner up Sunshine Sally (Cheraw {Ire}).

Driefontein’s colt by a Japanese Derby and G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) winner is a half-brother to the five times winner Chuwa Heart (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry). He sold for 26,000,000 Yen (AU$239,693) to Haramura Masatoshi.

Driefontein is out of the Listed Creswick S. winner Follow Gold (Export Price {Fr}), also grandam of the Listed Hawkesbury Ladies Day Cup winner Black On Gold (Sebring).

The G1 ATC Derby and G1 Australian Guineas winner Shamrocker (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) made her way to Japan in 2013 where she has produced three winners. Her lightly raced unplaced daughter Trifolium (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) was Lot 543 sold by Northern Farm to Tsukada Yoshihiro for 26,000,000 Yen (AU$239,661).

Shamrocker is a full sister to the G2 Doomben Roses winner Bohemian Lily (NZ) and the G3 Taranaki Cup winner Vernanme (NZ) and a half-sister to the G1 Auckland Cup winner Rock Diva (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn).

Horlicks’ family back in Japan

Another with strong Australian connections was Lot 412, a Contrail (Jpn) half-brother to the multiple city (Brisbane and Sydney) winner Rock Amore (Fastnet Rock) out of the Flemington winner Nicamorae (More Than Ready {USA}) - half-sister to the Group 1 gallopers Nicconi and Niconero (Danzero) from the prolific Froth (NZ) (Faux Tirage {GB}) family.

A family which enjoyed one of its best moments in Japan - the record breaking G1 Japan Cup win recorded by the wonderful grey Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}). Amaba Reiji Farm sold this colt to Haruki Satomi for 54,000,000 Yen (AU$497,422).

Earlier in the day Kuwata Bokujo sold a Saturnalia (Jpn) colt - Lot 316 - to Yokoi Yoshiaki for 27,000,000 Yen (AU$238,716). His stakes winning dam Asuka Biren (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}) has as her third dam the Group 3 mare Truly Special (Ire) (Caerleon {USA}) - grandam of the G1 ATC Oaks and G1 Empire Rose S. winner Collette (Hallowed Crown).

Not long after that a Indy Chap (Jpn) colt out of the Australian bred mare Gienah (Redoute’s Choice) - Lot 327 - was sold by Northern Farm to Mirai Racing for 70,000,000 Yen (AU$644,965).

Gienah is a half-sister to the Group 3 placed Zarzali (Hussonet {USA}), dam of the German based stakes placegetter Zacape (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) from the family of the unbeaten champ Zarkava (Ire) (Zamindar {USA}).

The four times Group 1 winner Montefelia (Kermadec {NZ}) had a relation sell from Maekawakikaku Co to Xanthus Bloodstock for 42,000,000 Yen (AU$386,940). This colt by Kitasan Black (Jpn) shares the same third dam - the Listed Oaks Trial S. winner Ausherra (USA) (Diesis {GB}) - as Montefelia who retired to stud last year, served by Alabama Express.

Gosford winner produces a good result

Lot 361, a 46,000,000 Yen (AU$423,755) purchase for Haramura Masatoshi from Shadai Farm, is out of the Gosford winner Achondrite (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) whose half-sister Akari (Snitzel) won the Listed Desirable S. at Flemington.

Lot 383 also has an Australian stakes winner in her pedigree, the Saturnalia half-sister to the stakes placed Carrick A Rede (Jpn) (Kizuna) having as her third dam the dual Group winner Beauty Is Truth (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) whose son The United States (Ire) won the G1 Ranvet S., the G2 Moonee Valley Cup and the G2 Crystal Mile.

Also by the G1 Japanese 2000 Guineas winner Saturnalia was Lot 394 sold by Orion Farm to Yoshimasa Ema for 28,000,000 Yen (AU$257,964). His Group 2 winning dam Enola Gay (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}) is out of a full sister to Kooringal Stud’s Listed winner The Brothers War (USA).

Through the ring shortly after was Lot 401, a Northern Farm filly by Kitasan Black sold to Rodeo Farm for 200,000,000 Yen (AU$1.84 million). A daughter of the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches winner Dream And Do (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), she hails from the prolific Fanfreluche (Can) (Northern Dancer {Can}) that has enjoyed such great success in this part of the world courtesy of the likes of Flying Spur, Encosta De Lago and Home Affairs.

Lot 471 was sold by Okada Stud to Cosmo View Farm for 18,000,000 Yen (AU$165,944) . The son of the G1 Pennsylvania Derby winner Red Hot Charlie (USA) is out of a two times winning half-sister to the G2 Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry). And Lot 475 sold by Pearl Thoroughbred to Kurimoto Mamoru for 15,000,000 Yen (AU$138,301) hails from the same family as the Listed VRC St Leger winner Cool Chap (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Sold for 50,000,000 Yen (AU$460,973) by Northern Farm to Ishikawa Tatsue was Lot 495, a colt by the multiple Group 1 winner Bricks And Mortar (USA) out of a two times winning half-sister to the G1 W.S Cox Plate winner Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry). Also from this family was Lot 523 sold by Shadai Farm to Haramura Masatoshi for 19,000,000 Yen (AU$175,126).

Maurice and Admire Mars prove popular

A number of stallions standing in Australia in New Zealand had foals sold, kicking off with Arrowfield Stud’s Maurice (Jpn) who had eight youngsters sell.

The highest priced of those - a 44,000,000 Yen (AU$405,561) colt (Lot 369) sold by Niikappu Hashimoto Farm to Tsunefumi Kusama - is a bay out of the dual Group 3 winner Fairy Polka (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}).

Next best for Maurice was Lot 360 sold by Northern Farm to the Silk Horse Club for 40,000,000 Yen (AU$368,681). The bay colt is out of the dual Group 1 winner Sobradora Inc (Arg) (Include {USA}) who earned the title of Argentina’s Champion 3YO Filly.

Meanwhile Lot 337, a chestnut filly out of a two times winning half-sister to the G3 Nisai S. winner Bell Lap (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry) was sold by Shunsuke Yoshida to Takeshi Yamaoto for 39,000,000 Yen (AU$359,485).

Another Japanese shuttler to Arrowfield is the multiple Group 1 winner Admire Mars (Jpn) who - having been represented by his first three winners last weekend - also had a number of weanlings go through the ring.

And he enjoyed early success courtesy of Lot 343 sold by Northern Farm to Nakamizu Hideki for 120,000,000 Yen (AU$1.105 million). The chestnut filly is a half-sister to the Listed winner Desierto (Jpn) (Drefong {USA}) from the family of Duramente (Jpn).

Another good result for Admire Mars was Lot 473 sold by Northern Farm to Charles-De-Gaulle for 58,000,000 Yen (AU$534,739). The bay colt is the second foal for a half-sister to the G1 Woodward S. winner Yoshida (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry) and the Group 3 winner Sanctuaire (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}).

Lot 502, also by Admire Mars, fetched 41,000,000 Yen (AU$377,879) to the bid of Kondo Junko. Sold by Northern Farm, the chestnut colt is out of a half-sister to Paths Of Glory (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) who raced well in Australia - winning the G3 ATC JRA Plate and the Listed Wyong Gold Cup.

Coolmore Stud’s highly regarded shuttler Wootton Bassett (GB) was well represented by Lot 345, a colt sold by Champions Farm to Hirosaki Toshihiro for 52,000,000 Yen (AU$479,366). He is out of the stakes placed Forever Be (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) whose dam is the Listed winner Nature Spirits (Fr) (Beat Hollow {GB}).

Also of interest for Coolmore was Lot 355 sold by Kimura Hidenori to DMM.com for 40,000,000 Yen (AU$368,698). The half-brother to the stakes winner Water’s Edge (USA) (Candy Ride {Arg}) out of the stakes placed Sandra (USA) (Bluegrass Cat {USA}) is a son of Justify (USA).

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

Zac Lloyd is a rising star in the Sydney jockeys’ room. His talent and work ethic have endeared him to the powerhouse operation Godolphin, who signed him as an apprentice to Head Trainer James Cummings.

Currently, he occupies fifth position on the New South Wales Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership and recently broke his Group 1 duck on the Bjorn Baker-trained Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard) in the Stradbroke H.

Despite his many successes, including riding four winners on Saturday at Randwick, featuring the Listed Winter S. on Godolphin’s Tamerlane (Golden Horn {GB}), Lloyd remains humble and focused on improving his craft.

The Thoroughbred Report caught up with Lloyd to discuss his career to date, future goals, and ambitions.

In the blood

Riding racehorses is in Lloyd’s blood. He is the son of global superstar Jeff Lloyd, who rode over 5500 winners and 87 Group 1 winners across several countries. Meanwhile, Lloyd’s brother Jaden is also a successful jockey and recently relocated from Queensland to New South Wales.

As Lloyd explains, it was always natural for him to follow in his dad and brother’s footsteps: “I’ve always wanted to be a jockey from the time I was a kid to now. It has always been what I wanted to do.”

Initially apprenticed to Gold Coast-based trainers Toby and Trent Edmonds, a father-and-son duo who recently split with Trent Edmonds moving to Victoria, Lloyd began his career early. “I started my apprenticeship with Toby and Trent Edmonds when I turned 15. I was allowed to ride at the Gold Coast Turf Club while I was still in school, and that’s where it started.”

While serving a suspension in Queensland, Lloyd elected to take a working holiday and ride work for Warwick Farm-based Annabel Neasham in Sydney. There, he connected with legendary hoop Darren Beadman, who now serves as Godolphin’s Assistant Trainer.

“I got suspended in Queensland, so I headed down to Sydney to ride trackwork for Annabel Neasham, who I knew. I saw Darren Beadman, who I knew from Hong Kong, and he obviously works for Godolphin now. So, I just spoke to him and asked if he could watch my replays and if he thought I could maybe become an apprentice in Sydney. I got a call two weeks later from Godolphin saying I’d been approved and could start.

“It’s very rare to be an apprentice for Godolphin, and I think I’m the first or the first in a very long time. Obviously, it’s a bit different to a normal apprenticeship; I’m more apprenticed to the company rather than just a trainer. But it is amazing. It’s a really great job to have.”

When Lloyd first told his dad, he didn’t pay much attention to the idea until Lloyd showed him the proof. “I came back and told Dad my idea. I could see he wasn’t too convinced. However, once I got the role, he was very excited because he knew the opportunities I could get.

“He was a bit nervous, and so was I. You don’t know how you’re going to go in Sydney; it’s probably the best jockey room in the world. But all’s well that ends well.”

Lloyd’s comment about the Sydney jockeys’ room is no understatement. Champion jockeys James McDonald, Kerrin McEvoy, Nash Rawiller, and Tommy Berry, among others, are regulars on a Saturday in Sydney.

Forging his own style

Last Saturday, Lloyd rode four winners: Clear Thinking (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) for Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, the Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained Brave One (Exceedance), Shezanalister (Star Turn) from Bjorn Baker, and the aforementioned Tamerlane in the Listed Winter S.

These four victories took Lloyd’s tally to 58 1/2 winners in the Metropolitan Premiership and over $10 million in prize money.

With a father who won on tracks across the globe, Lloyd senior had a unique riding style, one that Lloyd has not attempted to replicate. “Our riding styles are as far opposite as can be,” Lloyd laughs. “Dad had a very unique riding style. I didn’t even try to copy his style. So, in that aspect, we’re very different.”

However, Lloyd has listened to the advice his dad has shared over the years, moulding his work ethic and professionalism. “The best advice Dad gives me is just turning up to track work.

“Dad gives me a lot of great advice, and I talk to him every day. But the main thing is really to keep turning up, present yourself well, and people will give you opportunities. If you can, you’ll eventually make your way to the top, and even if you don’t get right to the top, you’ll get the job done.”

That Group 1-winning feeling

Lloyd admits it was a relief to get his maiden Group 1 victory on the board, and in no less than the $2 million Stradbroke H., the jewel in the Queensland carnival crown. As we all know, Group 1 wins aren’t easy to come by, whether you’re riding in them, training for them, or hoping to breed a Group 1 winner.

Many jockeys, trainers, owners, and breeders retire without ever tasting Group 1 glory. So, Lloyd is thrilled to call himself a Group 1-winning jockey, especially at such a young age.

“It was great to get the Group 1 off my back. I have had great opportunities in the past, but I just haven’t been able to convert. So, to show people I could get the job done in an elite-level race was fantastic and such a big relief for me.

“It has sunk in now that I’m a Group 1 winner, but I’m so excited for the opportunity to ride in another Group 1.”

When asked if there’s one race in Australia he wants to add to his CV, he pondered for a moment. “People have asked me this before, and I said, ‘Oh, anything will do.’

“But now I have won a Group 1, I think I had a really good ride in the Cox Plate last year on Militarize, and I just feel I didn’t perform as well as I would have liked. So, that race has played on my mind since. I’d love to have another go at the Cox Plate and ride a better race.”

Spotlight, no problem

Godolphin’s Tamerlane has won 10 races from 35 starts; his toughness has endeared him to Lloyd, who has a close association with the son of Golden Horn (GB). He also rates Michael Freedman-trained Insurrection (Russian Revolution) as another horse he admires.

His Group 1 winner, Stefi Magnetica, will always have a special place on the mantelpiece.

“Tamerlane would be up there. He and I have done well together; he’s been a good horse to me. Insurrection is another one from Michael Freedman. I really like him; he tries hard. He’s only little but he’s quick and gets the job done.

“Stefi Magnetica is obviously up there now, as she won a Group 1 for me. I’ve ridden plenty of nice horses, but those three I’m really fond of.”

With only a couple of weeks left until the start of the new racing season, Lloyd is looking forward to not just riding in more Group 1s and hopefully winning but also riding more winners across the board and improving his standing in the New South Wales’ Jockeys’ Premiership.

“I probably just want to ride more metropolitan winners than I did this season, however many that may be. I felt I’ve done well this season but also feel that I could definitely improve and ride more consistently.

“I went through a pretty cold patch in the middle of the season, so if I could negate that next season and just ride consistent winners, I’m sure I’ll be competitive up at the top of the ladder somewhere.”

Coming from a racing family and with his own deeds on the track putting him in the spotlight, it can be challenging for young apprentices, given the pressure, workload, and expectations from trainers, owners, and punters.

Lloyd has been no stranger to the stewards' room, with his will to win sometimes finding him on the wrong end of the stick. However, he has been taking steps to spend more time in the saddle than on the sidelines.

But one must wonder how he approaches the attention. Lloyd is nonchalant and takes it in his stride: “I actually find it all pretty interesting, especially people’s opinions and stuff like that. My parents always say ‘Avoid it, don’t look at it,’ but honestly, I don’t mind looking and reading what people say.

“You see some people criticising you, and that may turn into motivation, and of course, some people praise you, which is good. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I don’t think it's going to change the way I ride, and it hasn’t affected me in any way.”