The venue was ideal and so was the timing.
Racing devotees flocked to the Inglis Oaklands Junction Sales complex in Melbourne on Sunday morning for Aushorse’s Racing Connections Masterclass to get some insider tips from leading trainers, Mick Price and Troy Corstens, Stonehouse Thoroughbreds’ Ryan Arnel and Inglis’ Victorian Bloodstock Manager, Simon Vivian.
The Masterclass preceded the 2017 Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale so tomorrow’s owners were able to get up close and personal with some of tomorrow’s racetrack stars.
“It was a great turnout and the attendees, naturally enough, were keen to get some insights from such successful trainers like Mick (Price) and Troy (Corstens),” Aushorse CEO, Tom Reilly points out.
“Both of them have had an incredible 12 months and Mick described the process around horses like Extreme Choice who was purchased for just $100,000 as a yearling and, within two years, had won over $1.7 million on the racetrack and been sold on, in a multi-million dollar deal, to stand at stud.
“Similar story with Troy as well: Awesome Rock and Montoya’s Secret were both sourced from yearling sales and each has won a Group One this season for a wide range of owners.
“Ryan Arnel, whose Stonestreet Thoroughbreds was selling yearlings later in the day, gave insight into what it takes to prepare a yearling for sale, while Simon Vivian, in fine voice as always, was tuning up for a busy afternoon of auctioneering.
“Our thanks too to the ever colourful, Matt Stewart, who emceed the event.”
Meanwhile, Corstens believes the turnout shows just how enthusiastic people are to get involved in the industry: “People asked some very interesting questions and it underscores just how keen they are to find out more about ownership,” Corstens enthused. “It can be fairly daunting for newcomers and it’s vital that they’re made aware of just how easy it is to get on board.
“Owning a winner – regardless of whether it’s at Flemington on Cup Day or on a normal Tuesday somewhere in the bush – is a huge buzz … I’ve seen it time and time again and it’s something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
“Full marks to Aushorse and Racing Connections for putting on the Masterclass and doing a great job in ‘showing the way’. Fingers crossed there are a few more winners out of Sunday.”
The Racing Connections Masterclass moves to Sydney next Sunday (30 April) where Golden Slipper winning trainer, Gary Portelli, and fellow leading trainers, Bjorn Baker and Adrian Bott, are special guests.
The Masterclass will be held in the Owners’ Pavilion at Royal Randwick and commences at 10am where refreshments will be provided. The event is free and those in attendance have the opportunity to win great prizes including a trip to the Hunter Valley with a tour of Newgate Farm and lunch at Darley, as well as a Australian Turf Club full membership. Keep your eye on our Facebook page for further information.
