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Former rugby league star and owner of BRT Andrew Dunemannwears many hats – an owner, a bloodstock agent, a syndicate principal, broodmare band owner and soon-to-be Thoroughbred farm owner. And it all began with a chance meeting with premier racehorse trainer, Tony Gollan.
Dunemann was still playing rugby at the time. He was due to leave for a game with England when his friend Jeremy Schollas told him they were going into, “this thing”.
On his return, Dunemann discovered that "thing” was Temple Of Boom, a young racehorse who had his first start in January 2009 and won the Magic Millions Prelude at the Gold Coast who retired a racing hero after amassing almost A$2 million in prize money.
Temple Of Boom had given Dunemann and Schloss a taste of success, which they enjoyed. Thereafter they bought into the ownership of Temple Of Boom's younger brother Spirit Of Boom, who famously edged out his older brother to claim the Gr. 1 Doomben 10,000 in 2014. Dunemann and Schloss both won and placed second in the historic race. Spirit of Boom was retired in 2014 to Eureka Stud with earnings of A$2.4 million. Dunemann and Schloss both retained shares in Spirit Of Boom.
Under his own venture, BRT Bloodstock Dunemann recently purchased two extraordinary pin-hooking prospects at Inglis’ Australian Weanling Sale – a Written Tycoon filly for A$90,000 a Russian Revolution colt for A$80,000.
Dunemann chats to The Impact about his purchases, the industry and the challenges faced by the industry and more.
Q: BRT Bloodstock was one of the top 10 individual buyers at the Easter Yearling Sale (R2). Could you please tell us about your plans for those horses?
A: The plans for the horses purchased from the Easter 2 catalogue are to race, whilst the horses purchased from the weanling sale are to Pin-hook through the yearling sales next year
Q: In the past, what has been the most successful horse you've purchased at this sale? Please tell us more?
A: I have never purchased from this sale but have from Inglis Premier and Inglis Classic
Q: What was your experience like with digital sales programs this year? How many other sales have you bought this year?
A: The experience with digital sales has been good with transparency becoming increasingly important. I purchased at Inglis Classic, Inglis Premier and QTIS March Sale
Q: As a top bloodstock agent, owner and syndicate principal what do you look for when you buy horses? How do you shortlist the horses you are looking at buying? Typically how many horses do you buy in a year? Do you have a price range you don't exceed - come what may? What sales are a 'must-attend' for you every year?
A: I look for value and also a big factor is the way the horse moves. I lean on pedigree and look to buy yearlings with proven crosses. I shortlist on pedigree first and use Arion which is an outstanding source of information. This year I have purchased 13-14 horses and that is spread across all spectrums including weanling, yearlings and broodmares
Q: What is on your bucket list for BRT Bloodstock and your other ventures?
A: A big year is ahead with the yearlings of my Broodmare Company Boutique Thoroughbreds heading to the yearling sales. This will be the first yearlings sold for the company which was created 16 months ago. Another big move will be purchasing a farm in Scone. It is the centre of the breeding industry in Australia and a move down there will be beneficial for our broodmares. I also look forward to presenting drafts across the majority of sales next year
Q: What do you predict are the three biggest changes that will drive the industry this year and going on for years to come?
A: The key changes I predict for this industry are:
Q: Name your most favourite horse and why?
A: Whilst having been in the ownership of 3 x Group 1 horses my current favourite is a little horse named Spiritomo. She is tiny but has a big heart. From only 3 starts she has recorded 1 win and 2 seconds.
NOTE: All photos are Credited to BRT Bloodstock.