'These farms in other parts of the world really have to be experienced'

Arthur Dobell, who recently joined Oliver St Lawrence to assist him in all aspects of his bloodstock agency, has been immersed in racing since childhood and has worked for a number of studs across the world. Here he takes our questions.

Tell us about your background in horses and how you got into racing . . .

Growing up I didn’t really spend a lot of time around horses, but my father is racing mad and used to take my brother and I racing almost every weekend for most of my childhood. I loved being on the racecourse and seeing amazing horses; one who really caught my imagination was Baracouda when he won the Long Walk Hurdle in 2003.

During my summer holidays I did some work experience with Epsom trainer Simon Dow, which really cemented in me that horseracing was something I wanted to pursue. After leaving school I spent a year at Highclere Stud, where I met Lady Carolyn Warren, who very generously set me up with a job at Arrowfield in Australia – there was no way back for me after that!

How do studs in Japan, Australia and Argentina operate compared to over here?

All studs have their own little differences, but what really struck me was the sheer scale of the operations in Australia and Japan especially. Both Arrowfield and Northern Farm are vast and all sections are divided up so well that it all runs like clockwork.

They both put something like 200 of the best-bred yearlings in the world through the sales ring each year and every single one of them is prepped to their absolute best, not to mention they have 500-odd broodmares and ten world-class stallions each. Operations in the UK tend to be smaller, and these farms in other parts of the world really have to be experienced.

What is it about bloodstock that you enjoy?

The most exciting thing for me is seeing the progeny of horses who were champions on the racecourse. I’m sure anyone with a passion for racing will tell you how attached they become to superstar horses in their racing careers, and to see their sons and daughters at the sales and then racing is a real privilege and something that always excites me.

Do you have a favourite sire, or one to look out for in the future?

Contrail is a really exciting proposition. He was an incredible racehorse, winning the Japanese Triple Crown and now the Japan Cup, and he would have been a serious Arc contender had he come over.

Contrail: hugely exciting stallion prospectCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

He’s by Deep Impact out of an Unbridled's Song mare and historically the American-Japanese cross has been hugely successful. Since the death of Deep Impact the position of Shadai supersire is still very much up for grabs and, as he will be the highest-rated son of Deep Impact at Shadai, I’m very excited to see what he achieves.

What will your role involve with Oliver St Lawrence?

I’m here to support Oliver in all aspects of the business, which involves at the sales and the selling of nominations, as well as helping to manage the racehorses he represents.

Separately, do you have clients of your own?

I have a few clients at the moment who mainly focus on yearlings, horses in training and mares operating at the lower and middle end of the market. They’re a very good starting point and I’m young and keen to expand my portfolio, both within the UK and internationally.

Could you nominate a horse (it could be a stallion, mare or racehorse) to look out for in 2022 . . .

I would say Akhu Najla, who is trained by Roger Varian and came a good second in a novice event at Leicester in October. He was still a bit babyish at the time but he’s superbly bred and a bright three-year-old campaign undoubtedly awaits him.

What did you make of the sales this year?

The market seemed to be very solid and it fed on through from yearlings to the foals, which is fantastic for the industry given what we all imagined a year ago.

Read more

Flintshire to stand at Haras de Montaigu in 2022

Coolmore and Juddmonte go toe to toe as Frankel colt brings 675,000gns

Sea The Stars filly from a hot family tops December Foals day two at 225,000gns

Time Test colt heads strong December Foal Sale opener at 75,000gns