 |
|
 |  |  |
Hunter-based Golden Grove Stud Farm Manager Grant Mackay has always felt a close connection to horses. Having being born into a racing-mad family Mackay didn’t really think about other career options.
Golden Grove Stud-bred and multiple Group One-winning Nature Strip are one of the many top-quality Thoroughbreds bred at Golden Grove, where the success is he often repeated mantra.
After being hard-hit by the drought in recent years, Golden Grove Stud is in the process of embarking on a plan to become a full-scale commercial entity. In a timely fashion, their most famous graduate – Everest Cup runner, Nature Strip was recently crowned as the world's best sprinter in the latest round of the Longines World's Best Racehorse
Mackay speaks to The Impact, keeping Nature Strip at the center of that conversation. Have a look:
Q: Could you tell us what Golden Grove Stud does differently?
A: Success is paramount at Golden Grove, so we tend to let our horses promote the farm. Whether it’s in the handling of a foal or the preparation of a yearling for sale, the old saying, that actions speak louder than words, is an important one because here at Golden Grove, attention to detail is everything. It’s the little things we do & the extra effort, that gives clients confidence in Golden Grove.
Q: Does Golden Grove Stud still own Nature Strip’s dam? Where is she now and could you tell us about his other siblings that have been successful at the track?
A: Strike line is owned by Ultra Thoroughbreds and is based at their Victorian Farm. Strike line also produced The Barrister, who won a Listed race and was sold to Hong Kong in 2015.
Q: Please tell us about the Nature Strip’s interesting breeding and then sales story?
A: Nature Strip was sold as a yearling at the 2016 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, in Melbourne.
Q: Please tell us more about yourself? When did you join the farm and your role at the farm as well as your involvement with the thoroughbred industry?
A: I joined Golden Grove in August 2017 and at the start of 2018, was promoted to Farm Manager. With my father having been a racehorse trainer all my life, it was inevitable that I would make a life for myself in the Thoroughbred industry. Add to this that my brother is also a trainer, you could say that it was in the blood. I have worked under some of the best and most influential people in the industry, educating young horses, preparing yearlings, working with stallions and even the early morning starts in the racing stables. I am privileged to work in an industry I love and have been able to learn from some of the best.
Q: Golden Grove Stud has had many graduates at the Group level. Could you tell us about your best graduates?
A: Nature Strip multiple Group wins, Li’lKontra – Gr.3and Stakes winner, Flying Award Group-level performer and Stakes winner
Q: Could you tell us more about the owners of Golden Grove Stud and more about the farm itself?
A: Golden Grove is owned by business partners, Viv Oldfield and Sean Buckley. They have both been part of the industry for many years and have bred some very talented horses. They also raced Cox Plate winner, Shamus Award. The farm is approx. 260 acres, with another 100 acres at a 2nd property. We operate with a small team, with all our employees involved in all roles on the farm. We offer permanent and seasonal Agistment, foaling, walk-ons, spellers, sales preparation, and education.
Q: What was your experience like with digital sales programs this year?
A: We have bought and sold using online sales platforms in the past and find that the whole process, very easy to use. Yes, there is nothing like being able to buy and sell at live auctions, however, with the current climate, the online platforms have been exceptional. The sales companies and vendors need special mention, with the professionalism shown, to produce a quality product.
Q: Where do you see the NSW racing industry heading during the Spring Carnival and the next sales season?
A: With the current climate, it is very hard to know from one day to the next. We are extremely lucky to be one of the few industries that have been able to continue to operate and this is largely due to the handling and implementation of strict protocols, to not only protect our people but also our industry.
Q: Name your most favorite horse and why?
A: Lonhro is by far my most favorite horse of all time. Having worked for Crown Lodge in the early 2000s, I was able to see this exceptional racehorse at his best and something I will never forget. He had a presence about him, a real specimen, and his will to win, was like no other. His victory in the 2004 Australian Cup, in my opinion, is the most memorable of his career.