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Tyreel Stud’s co-owner Linda Monds has always sought to deliver quality and has been richly rewarded through both racetrack success and coups in the auction ring.
With Classique legend once again being selected to defend his title in the Everest Cup, The Impact speaks to Monds about what it means for her to have a horse she bred race once again on the world stage.
Q: Do you all plan to go to the Everest Cup this year to watch Classique Legend race?
A: We did not attend last year, instead we chose to spend the day with our close family and the entire Tyreel Team watching the day unfold on TV. This year we may do the same, although it also would be an honour to be present at an event that captures the attention of the entire world.
Q: What was Classique Legend like as a foal and growing up as he was prepped to sell as a yearling?
A: Classique Legend was a confident, bold individual. He was a character with a big personality. Mentally and physically he always had the X-Factor.
He was born with a natural muscle tone that screamed speed.
Q: What do you like about Classique Legend’s sire, Not A Single Doubt?
A: I believe I am the biggest fan of Not A Single Doubt’s. Since our first year at Tyreel Stud, we have supported this stallion. Unfortunately, he is now retired from breeding, but I am sure his legacy will live on for a very long time in the son’s he has produced that are now sires themselves and in the broodmares, he is the father of.
Q: Being a boutique farm, what does it mean to put a horse bred on your farm on the biggest stage in the world, for a second time?
A: Breeding, raising and selling a champion like Classique Legend is everything a breeder dreams of. To be able to produce a horse who will always carry our family brand and that has the phenomenal racing ability that Classique Legend has is something our family and the entire team at Tyreel Stud are extremely proud of.
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Q: Please tell us a little bit about you and Laurence and your background.
A: Laurence and I both came from families who had strong ties to farming and country life. Both our families were involved in breeding and racing at some point throughout the generations. We both have a huge love for animals, the land and the beauty of the Australian Outback.
We have raised two champions in our sons Ben and Blake who never cease to amaze me at how they have tackled life ‘head on’. They possess a strong work ethic, are kind, considerate, caring and are generally just lovely human beings. They have a determination to succeed in their own life.
Raising Ben, Blake and Classique Legend are possibly the most rewarding things Laurence and I could have ever done.
Q: Is there a stallion that you consider to be under the radar? If yes, why? Which stallion, ever, do you think was the best type? Which first season sire of 2021, do you believe is the most exciting?
A: I would not like to comment on any stallions that are ‘under the radar’ at the moment. We all know that at any time any one of them can shine through a ‘track star’. We are very lucky here in Australia to have the caliber of stallions on offer. I have always been a huge fan of Exceed & Excel, Not A Single Doubt, I Am Invincible, Lonhro, Redoute’s Choice they have been good to me, they have been good to our industry. I have inspected the first season sires and I am excited for all of them, they all have something about them that has attracted my attention. The likes of Anders, Kings Legacy, Farnan, Ole Kirk, Bivouac should be very exciting prospects.
Q: Which is your favourite racehorse and racecourse of all time?
A: My favourite racehorse could not be any other than Classique Legend, but outside of our farm I loved watching the journey of Black Cavier and Winx. The furour in which both horses created throughout their careers had a positive impact on our industry.
Q: Who do you think is a rising star within the industry? (Person not horse).
A: There are many people in our industry that deserve the ‘rising star’ title. Our industry is surrounded by people who are passionate, hardworking, determined individuals who have an undying love for their horses.
The stars are the handlers themselves.
The people who look after horses day in and day out are to be admired for their dedication to our athletes.
Q: If you were an Everest slot holder, who would you pick, if it were not for Classique Legend?
A: If circumstances were different, I would love to have seen Aethero (Classique Legend’s brother) come home to race in Australia. Things did not go according to plan in Hong Kong for Aethero, but one thing I know is that he had the enormous ability. We never got to see his full potential. I think Aethero would have loved the opportunity to take up a slot.
Q: What advice would you give to someone trying to make their way into the horse industry?
A: Work hard, remain honest, be tough, never let anyone else make your decisions for you, never leave any stone unturned and keep your finger on the pulse at all times. Be Brave…