In today's instalment of 2024/2025 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Ash Richards of Intel Bloodstock (FBAA).
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related - for 2024?
Ash Richards: It’s been a super year for Intel Bloodstock, from celebrating winners to securing horses in the ring. But without doubt, our favourite moment in 2024 was being accepted and inducted in to wear the FBAA badge. This was a long-term dream that became a reality for me this year.
Ash Richards | Image courtesy of Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia
And favourite non-racing moment?
AR: Watching the development of my son Ben James Richards first year. It is always a special year, their first year. When my son Ben James Richards wakes up from a sleep, he is always so energetic and bouncy and it reminds me of how precious and innocent life can be.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
AR: Maintaining and harnessing relationships is absolutely key to any business.
Which first-season sires progeny are you most excited to see hit the track?
AR: The Home Affairs progeny have quality and class and are packed with substance. You would be hard pressed to see another first-season sire who puts as much substance into his foals as this stallion does. Stay Inside progeny are neat sharp horses, not tall but they have good hip and shoulder size with good angles. Pinatubo, forward horses who look early, with movement and again substance. Pinatubo had speed, was a Champion 2-Year-Old with an excellent mental attitude as a young horse and represents a form of value if you are looking to secure a forward 2-year-old type.
Home Affairs | Standing at Coolmore Australia
Which sire do you consider a value sire? Fee <$50k and not a first-season sire.
AR: Castelvecchio, I was a fan of him as a racehorse and purchased a couple by him as weanlings with his first crop, encouraged clients to breed to him, and recently sold one privately. So as a supporter early it was looking ominous with his opening crop at two, but when they hit their spring 3-year-old season, they just took off. With even luck he could have a Victoria Derby and Thousand Guineas winner with his first crop. If you want a Guineas, Derby or Oaks horse, he is great value under $50,000.
Which yearling purchase in 2023 are you most excited about?
AR: Split decision between King’s Coronation and Big Swinger. Both beautiful big-framed horses with massive stride length. From their imposing physical structure, to their incredible athleticism & prowess, their spring was good, but I’m tipping their Autumn campaign in 2025 will go from good to great with natural maturity.
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
AR: Biased answer as I work very closely with team Hayfields Racing (Charlotte Littlefield and Julian Hay) their stable has really hit the ground running this season. They are planning meticulously with their training, doing the 1 per cent tinkering all the time, and putting a huge focus into recovery and this is ultimately being seen with their results. They have secured their best yearlings this year and I believe their results will continue to prosper.
Charlotte Littlefield and Julian Hay | Image courtesy of Hayfields Racing
Favourite day at a racecourse?
AR: Some great moments back in the day on the punt at the track. But certainly, favourite day on a racecourse was when Atlantic Spirit won her first race over a couple of spruiked horses at Geelong in 2023. To be there and celebrate that win with her owner with a celebratory hug was special. The owner backed Intel Bloodstock in our first year of operation at the 2022 Vobis Gold Sale where she topped the sale, so she holds a special place in our hearts that mare.
What positive change would you like to see in the industry?
AR: Incorporating a clear and direct path into the racing and breeding industry through VCE with further study through university and Tafe as an option.
