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John White’s memories of racing entwined with those of his grandmother – and of going with him to watch the Addington trots on a Saturday afternoon in the early sixties when the likes of Cardigan Bay were racing.
Here, he talks to The Impact about his debut to the world of Thoroughbreds and his deep-rooted experience with buying horses for Hong Kong racing, and his plans for the upcoming Karaka 2021 sales
Q: So first off, how did you get involved with the bloodstock industry?
A: After my grandfather sparked my interest in racing, I started helping out in stables at age 12 at Riccarton Racecourse with the likes of Bill Beck, John Barr, etc. I worked for Angus Armanasco at Caulfield in 1972 for a few months on a working holiday. Later, when I got married I worked at Blandford Lodge for a season and then went onto Jack Macky's Pirongia Stud. In 1978 I worked at Cambridge Stud. I looked after Sir Tristram for 5 of the 6 years I was there before going on to Allegra Park Stud as Yearling Manager for 6 years. Back then I was one of the first people to take yearlings to the Gold Coast Magic Millions of Sales. Eventually, I joined a firm involved in share trading. But when the sharemarket crashed in the late 80's I was made redundant.
I set up John White Bloodstock back in the late 90's and have a great clientele who are still with me now. I continue to work till date. I also manage bloodstock for my Hong Kong client who has been with me for over 3 decades with whom we have had over 140 individual winners in Hong Kong.
Q: Please tell us more about your top-performing purchases from this sale?
A: I have purchased a lot of good horses at this sale including, Hill Of Grace who is a Group One winner in Sydney
Q: What is your process from the time the catalogue is released to the day(s) of the sale?
A: I read the catalogue thoroughly and will have seen 90% of yearlings on the farm inspections by the time they start arriving at Karaka Sales ground where I will inspect the last 10%.
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 expect to purchase 4 -8 at Karaka. What future sales I attend will be in the lap of the Gods because of the travel restrictions for COVID19.
Q: Which sires do you expect to see do well at Karaka 2021?
A: Very good reports regarding 1st season sire Almanzor, right through to proven sires, the likes of Savabeel & Tavistock. Overall a great line up of very good Australasian stallions.
Q: Given the resilience showed 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: Buying plans for the sales will be left up to my regular clients, NZ , Australia & Hong Kong and if any NZ & Australian agents and trainers who need a conformation report and any other information I can help them with that
Q: Who is your favourite racehorse and why?
A: I bred and owned Neliska - winner of the South Australian Oaks (1984) which helped to set up myself and family. I would probably say from an earlier era the three S's - Show Gate, Sunline & Surround.