‘I look for statistical outliers when stride, time and pedigree don’t align as expected’ - Jamie Piggott

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With the European two-year-old sales season fast approaching, we've hit up a host of leading industry names in our Behind the Breeze-Up Scene Q&A series. Our third instalment is with up-and-coming bloodstock agent Jamie Piggott, who has sourced stakes winners La Bellota and Pearl Fortune from previous years’ breeze-up sales, as well as the unbeaten Champonie.

1. Which of this year’s breeze-up sales are you most looking forward to?

I love the Craven. Not only due to the success of sourcing Pearl Fortune and Champonie out of it last year but because, to me, it signals the beginning of my favourite time of year, both at the sales and on the track. There’s a mix of excitement and nervousness watching that first breeze with the uncertainty of whether you’ll be able to meet the market with your orders.

2. Which of this year’s first-season sires do you think will show up well at this year’s breeze-ups, and is there an under the radar name you’ll be keeping an eye on? 

Wesley Ward has a Golden Pal filly who’s showing promise. We were impressed with her at Keeneland Book 3 and I own a small piece with Riley Ward and Sheikh Fahad. He’s just named her Shining Moment. I vividly recall Golden Pal in the paddock at Keeneland before he ran against Ubettabelieveit in the Breeder’s Cup. To say he was imposing would be an understatement. I’ve seen some smart Persian Forces over the past few weeks and Dylan Cunha has a sneakily forward Stradivarius filly.

3. Put these factors in order of importance when assessing a two-year-old's breeze: two-furlong time, stride length, style of breeze, pedigree 

Style of breeze is the most important factor for me, my shortlist relies quite heavily on that. I would add in temperament next. Charlotte, who assists me at the sales, keeps a close eye on their behaviour before and after the breeze. It’s frustrating to have to spend three months getting the hang of a horse after the sale. 

Stride length, breeze time and pedigree remain important and I often look for statistical outliers when these three factors don’t align as expected. Statistical outliers often lead to overlooked value. Pearl Fortune was one of those.

Jamie Piggott: "I often look for statistical outliers"Credit: Alisha Meeder

4. To what extent do you think data shapes the modern-day breeze-up market? 

It’s hugely influential, but ultimately if you don’t have a horseman who’s able to analyse that data then it’s essentially useless. 

5. What kind of market conditions are you expecting at this year’s breeze-up sales? Do you think the conflict in the Middle East will have a significant bearing? 

It’s a concern for vendors, as all have raised the subject during my early inspections. However, I’m consistently impressed by the resilience of the breeze-up market. There’s a strong demand for runners and, whether due to my recent successes or not, I’ve received more orders than ever.

6. Who from the breeze-up world do you most admire and why? 

I’ll borrow a quote from an interview with Alex Elliott: “Anyone who survives in this game is doing well.” That resonated with me.

Champonie: an unbeaten and "heartwarming winner" found at the breeze-ups by Jamie PiggottCredit: GROSSICK RACING 07710461723

7. What’s your favourite breeze-up sale memory?

At the sales: sprinting down the hill to buy Manaccan out of the ring. He was the final lot of the Guineas Sale. Pressure was on that day.

On the track: a freezing Wednesday night at Newcastle in February. Champonie won her debut against experienced competition. She was Jayne Heslop’s first ever runner, whilst surrounded by her family. The filly was bought by her husband Mark as a Christmas present. Lovely people who love the sport. A heartwarming winner for sure.

8. The one that got away?

Bracken’s Laugh at the Guineas Sale in ’23. He cost 200,000gns and I underbid him for Newsells Park Stud. He was a sizeable Zoffany with real presence and Graham [Smith-Bernal, Newsells Park owner] was keen on his stride. He achieved a rating of 108 for Richard Hughes.

9. If you could change one thing to improve the breeze-up sales season, what would it be and why? 

Arqana clashing with the Chester May festival. As wonderful as it is to be in Deauville at that time of year, I’ve had winners at that meeting and have never been able to attend. First world problems!

James Delahooke: the iconic agent was a "great mentor" to Jamie PiggottCredit: CAROLINE NORRIS

10. If you had to let another agent buy you a breezer, who would you choose and why? 

James Delahooke could source a smart horse from any sale on the planet. When I began inspecting foals I asked him if I needed to adapt my eye. He simply stated “A nice horse is a nice horse”. No truer words from a great mentor. He’s greatly missed.

11. Who would play you in a film about your life? 

I’ve been told I look like Eddie Redmayne… I’ll take it. Charlie Hunnam is a proper gentleman. I named a horse after him in Australia and we spoke over email. The colt even won on his birthday!

Eddie Redmayne...or Jamie Piggott? Credit: Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag

12. Who would your three ideal post-sales dinner guests be and which restaurant would you eat at?

I’m not a great foodie but I do enjoy an entertaining dinner. Unico in Newmarket is always a fun experience. As I’m not a foodie I’d choose three guests who know their way around a wine list. Mark Richards has attempted to teach me virtually everything about Southern Hemisphere reds. Graham Smith-Bernal has an extraordinary wine cellar in Italy, as well as his own vines at Newsells. Kia Joorabchian’s restaurant Babbo stocks some exceptional bottles. I also happen to know that there’s a case of Sassicaia at Unico with his name on it!

Catch up on our recent Q&As:

‘Buying Cachet will always be my favourite memory…even if I broke the pedigree rule’ - Jake Warren jumps in the breeze-up Q&A hot seat 

'Most of us can spot the obvious horses but we don’t necessarily have the budget' - Mark McStay in the breeze-up Q&A hotseat 

'It was one of the most thrilling victories I’ve ever shouted home' - Tattersalls' Orlaith Nangle in the Q&A hot seat