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Stud Manager Grant Mackay chats with The Impact about Nature Strip and how much the Everest Contender means to him and the team. Golden Grove Stud, the farm where the top-rated sprinter was bred is in the process of becoming a full-scale commercial entity.
The 259-acre property, near Denman, specialising in all areas of equine care. We offer seasonal & permanent agistment, servicing the Hunter Valley stallion farms as well as the spelling of racehorses. Mackay is excited about the opportunity to welcome new clients to Golden Grove for the upcoming season & beyond.
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 the third time?
A: It means a great deal to us. It rewards the team's effort and provides a real sense of achievement. During the broodmare sales this year, we purchased a mare that was a close relation to Nature Strip, she is currently in foal to Nature Strip’s sire, Nicconi. We are hoping that lightning strikes twice & we are looking forward to showcasing the yearling at the 2023 yearling sales
Q: How does it feel to know the world’s best sprinter in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings and the Australian Horse of the Year was bred at your farm?
A: It was amazing for us to see how far he has gone in the racing world but for him to reach the top of the Longines World Rankings was completely in a different stratosphere.
Q: Do you all plan to go to the Everest Cup this year to watch Nature Strip race?
A: As much as I would like to watch him racing in the Everest, it is right in the middle of the breeding season. And most likely, we will watch him on TV and stay on the farm at that point.
Q: What do you like about Nature Strip’s sire, Nicconi?
A: Nicconi is a real powerhouse and a lovely moving animal. You can clearly see Nicconi’s characteristics comes through in Nature Strip. Nicconi will be a nice edition to Victoria’s stallion ranks.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
A: I was born into the racing industry and watched my father training horses in Ipswich for the better part of five decades. I loved going to morning trackwork, sitting in the grandstand at the Ipswich racecourse without him knowing. But it was when I watched Let's Elope win the Melbourne Cup in 1991 on TV, that I decided I wanted to be involved in the industry. I left home at 16 & started work for QLD’s leading stud, Glenlogan Park. It was working at Glenlogan, that I knew that the breeding & sales side of the industry was where I wanted to be.
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Q: What did you think of the Everest concept when it first started?
A: I loved the concept from the start. We see top sprinters going head-to-head, in one single race, The Everest. I would really like to see the race get some sort of a Black Type attached to the race.
Q: Who is your favourite racehorse and stallion? Which stallion, ever, do you think was the best type? Which first season sire of 2021, do you believe is the most exciting?
A: My favourite racehorse of all time is Lonhro (The Black Flash). His win in the 2004 Australian Cup was one on those races, that gives you goosebumps. I believe first season sire, Ole Kirk is a stunning looking animal & will do a great job for Vinery.
Q: Do you have any comments about the death of Zoustar’s sire Galileo?
A: Such a striking animal, it is the end of an era, with the passing of Galileo. Sincere condolences to the Magnier family, the team at Coolmore & to the stallion crew that would have no doubt created a bond with Galileo.
Q: Which is your racecourse of all time?
A: Without a doubt that’s Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day.
Q: What is the one change you would like to see in the industry?
A: What I really want to do is see more young people enter the industry. We do have a lack of staff. I would like to see more young people get into the industry and hold on to them. The awards and recognition that we are seeing these days, are truly a wonderful way to encourage talent into the industry and retain them.
Q: Who do you think is a rising star within the industry?
A: We have a young lady working on the farm currently, she has been a part of the industry for three or four years now and I am really hoping that we can keep her in the industry. I think she is a rising star.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: Unfortunately, I do not get too much time to read & if I do, it is anything about nutrition or different methods or practices to help improve our horses. I am always looking for that edge over our competitors, that thing that sets us apart & gives our clients the results they are looking for.