Magnier: 'I call on the breeding industry to take on the racing industry'

You could have cut the air with a rowel spur, the tension was that high at White Park arena in Scone on Friday night.

Men and women who usually have nerves of steel on thoroughbred racetracks and in sales rings paced anxiously around the equine stadium, nervously waiting their turn to perform in the inaugural Wingman Autumn Spectacular Thoroughbred Stud Cutting Challenge.

The “jackaroo joker”, Mick Malone from Kitchwin Hills, didn’t quite seem his jovial self and sidled up to me on the fence rail to tell me how nervous he was.

“The power and aggression of these horses is unbelievable. I just hope I don’t fall off,” he said.

He then asked me if I had a spare piece of chewing gum. Apparently it prevents you from getting what the wily cutting folk call “cottonmouth”.

Clad in chaps and big stetson hats, Malone and his fellow riders, including Antony Thompson from Widden Stud and Coolmore’s Tom Magnier, huddled together like a team of football players receiving final instructions from their expert cutting trainer.

All the tension quickly eased when Newgate Farm’s Henry Field quipped: “The last time I wore chaps was at a bucks party in Vegas.”

The group erupted into raucous laughter as the comment served to remind everyone to cast aside their fiercely competitive spirits and just enjoy the ride. Literally.

And who wouldn’t on such magnificent, super charged horses.

Events at the White Park arena in Scone attracted a sizeable crowdCredit: ANZ Bloodstock News Staff

Field said: “Just to be riding again and back on top of a horse after so many years, and to remember why I got into the horse business in the first place, is fantastic because I love riding horses so much and it’s been the same for a lot of us.

“You get to a point in this business where you aren't around horses that much and that’s no good."

Like many, the Newgate boss was savouring the incredible atmosphere of a night that brought hundreds from the Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeding community together. Even trainers such as Michael Freedman travelled all the way from Sydney to be there.

It was a great diversion at the end of an intense few months of major yearling sales and autumn racing.

“It’s been sensational and such great camaraderie between the different studs and all the different people,” Field added.

After putting in one of the best runs of the entire competition on his borrowed horse Tramps Destiny, Coolmore’s Tom Magnier echoed Field’s sentiments.

“That’s one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done," he said. "For this to happen in Scone, our home town in the home of the thoroughbred, it’s great.

“We have all the farms here tonight. It’s great camaraderie and great for the game and everybody who lives up here, and also for retired racehorses."

While the gun Quarter Horses worked the cattle in dazzling displays of athleticism and cow sense, a retired horse carrying the Darley brand was excitedly playing his part in the night.

The spindly, dark brown gelding who raced as Badajoz was used as a turn-back horse. His job was to make sure the beasts kept their line for the cutter.

Tayla Gilmore, Godolphin’s community and industry programme officer, led them homeCredit: ANZ Bloodstock News Staff

The ride of the night belonged to Tayla Gilmore, Godolphin’s community and industry programme officer. Aboard the red-roan Playin With Pepto, the pocket-rocket and highly accomplished equestrian rider was foot perfect and earned the highest score of 79 to win.

Gilmore said: “It was so much fun. He did so well for me. He really got down low and when the cow was coming towards me he was really down low on his bumpers in front and looking at that cow. It feels amazing."

She beat Field and Magnier by just one point, the high-powered pair finishing equal second on 78.

Although he didn’t come out the winner, more importantly, Magnier believes the night was a win for the industry and he wants to see the event back bigger and better in 2022.

“It has to be an annual event and I call on the breeding industry to take on the racing industry," he said.

“It’s been a wonderful thing to come back here and see everyone riding and getting back to the grassroots and the passion for our industry.

“It’s been fantastic for relationships and to get people back in the saddle and highlight the passion we have for these animals."

Hats off to that!

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