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Sheamus Mills, one of the most respected and charismatic bloodstock agents in the world speaks to The Impact about his 2020 yearling purchases, shares the name of his favourite horse and so much more. He has been known in the industry to have an Oracle-like ability to pick the ‘best ones’ from the choicest of select-sale catalogues. Mills advised breeder Paul Lansky on the breeding of his dam Geblitztto Coolmore Australia owned stallion Declaration Of War which resulted in the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare an uncommon elite Australian-bred stayer. As his Twitter feed Mills offers some highly engaging answers even when asked about the NSW Sprint Carnival which is a no-no for a proud Victorian horseman.
Enjoy Reading!
Q: What were your top 3 purchases over the 2020 sales season? What was your experience like with digital sales programs this year?
I have had really good feedback on the yearlings I purchased this year although of course, it's very early.
Hopefully, that maturity will come in time as the prices on them at present are unsustainable for that type of stock. Something would have to give - the service fees drop etc - or a lot of breeders would walk away from the game if those prices are the new normal.
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Q: What do you look for when you buy prospective broodmares? Pedigree, Confirmation, Past Performance - How much do these play a part in your decision making?
A: First thing I look for is type. No matter your budget, type rules in this country and no matter what sale you are presenting at, the best type in the sale will outsell the best bred. Of course, you would like to get both pedigree and type, but I will go for the best type for my budget every time over the best breed for my budget.
As you go up in budget you can tick more of the boxes regards pedigree and race performance. There is a level at which a mare’s pedigree will restrict you from what sale her progeny will make but once you are above that into a commercial space, it's the type that will get you into the better sale and typically a higher price.
Q: Typically, how many broodmares do you buy in a year? How many did you buy this year? And what kind of mares were you looking to buy?
A: Normally would buy up to 20 but that trend is decreasing as I have bought fewer mares but increased the individual spent. I certainly still operate among all price points but a couple of clients who would previously have bought a mare on their own are looking to spread their risk so have teamed up and are buying together.
We are looking for commercial mares across the board. We like good covers that suit the mare physically. Mares that are well grown with good length plenty of room to carry a foal. Plenty of quality and good movers.
Q: What is your ‘mantra’ for success in the bloodstock industry?
A: Work hard. You can never do enough research, never see enough horses and never think you are ahead of the game.
Q: Where do you see the NSW racing industry heading during the Spring Carnival?
I'm a proud Victorian (normally) but see the sport of horse racing as a national sport which I think is overlooked by many administrators. The Everest is a fantastic concept that is really bringing new eyes to our sport, so NSW is doing a great job in that space. I think racing is strong across the board in New South Wales but I think every state can strengthen their own product while pushing the national interest at the same time - they do not need to be mutually exclusive.
Q: Given your history with the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner, what are your top 5 choices for 2020 Melbourne Cup contenders?
A: Always plenty of water to go under the bridge at this time of year and bookmakers are the only ones who benefit from trying to pick the winner in August. But for the sake of throwing some darts, I will pencil in Russian Camelot as my top pick. He's progressive and will get in well. Danny knows what it takes to win the Cup and has the right facilities to do it.
Others that I consider interesting are Verry Elegant, Delphi, Le Don De Vie and hopefully Vow And Declare can be in the mix too.
Q: Name your most favourite horse and why?
A: Super Impose is my favourite horse of all time for sure. He is the horse that changed my interest in the sport from a punter into wanting to make a career of it.