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New Zealand-based bloodstock agent and consultant to a variety of major players Bruce Perry, speaks about what clients are looking for in 2021, what sires are expected to lead demand, his favorite horses and things that made him smile in what has been a tough year.
Q: What is your process from the time the catalogue is released to the sales days?
A: I aim to see as many yearlings as possible between then and when the yearlings arrive at Karaka. At Karaka, I will complete the remaining first inspections and then focus on those that made the second look list.
Q: How many horses do you expect to buy at the 2021 edition of the Karaka Yearling Sale and generally across the yearling sales season?
A: I would hope to buy around 10 yearlings at Karaka. Outside of Karaka, much will depend on travel restrictions but normally I would like to buy another 5 to 10.
Q: Which sales are you planning to attend over the next few months after the Karaka Yearling Sale?
A: Definitely, Inglis Easter and possibly Melbourne Premier.
Q: Which sires do you expect to see do well in the 2021 edition of the Karaka Yearling Sale/ the 2021 yearling sales ingeneral across different levels of pricing?
A: Savabeel will obviously, be number one but there are a number of other New Zealand based sires that should be well sought after including the proven Ocean Park, Tavistock and Per Incanto. There are also a number of first season sires such as Almanzor who should be in demand.
Q: Please tell us more about your top-performing purchases from this sale? What makes this sale special?
A: Lucia Valentina was a pretty special purchase from Karaka. She was purchased on behalf of Lib Petagna for NZ$60,000 and went on to win Group One races and over A$4 million in stakes. One of the best things about Karaka is the overall soundness and athleticism of the yearlings. It’s a great place to find horses that can perform as of late 2YO’s and train on to be high-class 3YO and older horses.
Q: Given the resilience shown by the industry in this very difficult year, could you tell us what trends you are expecting in ownership groups during 2021 and how that has shaped your buying plans for 2021 as well?
A: Australian racing has remained vibrant so I think there will still be a strong level of investment. However, with many buyers not being able to attend the sales in person I am sure there will be some excellent opportunities so that’s something we will look to take advantage of.
Q: Who is your favorite racehorse (self-owned or any other, past or present) and why?
A: Ambitious Dragon. At his best, I doubt there was a horse in the world that could beat him but more importantly he had an amazing presence about him that you could not only see but also feel. Q: What would you say has been your most successful personal and professional achievement this year? A: It’s obviously been a tough year, but it’s also given me time to reflect on the business, industry and how we can be better. Part of that review process has resulted in my daughter Becca coming on board which is exciting and is a massive positive.