Tony Martin has very high expectations from Heartbreak City.
Recently having won The Ebor, Europe's richest flat handicap, Heartbreak City is pitted against the best in The Melbourne Cup which is one of the world's richest turf races.
Tony tell us more about his plans over the next few crucial weeks as well as about his world of top class horse racing.
Q - Hows Heartbreak City doing over these pre-Melbourne Cup days? Tell us a bit more about your other horses in training.
A - Heartbreak City is currently doing well in pre-export quarantine in Newmarket. We have a number of other horses who will run at home in Ireland of course. We have Quick Jack aimed at the Prix Royal Oak in France and Laganore looking likely for the Premio Lydia Tesio in Rome also.
Q - Any changes you are concerned about for Heartbreak City?
A - The climate and ground change is of course a slight concern but nothing that I am significantly worried about.
Q - How is Heartbreak City expect to perform against the current lot of 1st acceptances? Any key horses causing concern? What are your expectations around the Melbourne Cup?
A - I believe Heartbreak City will be competitive. He is a quality horse with so much potential. He really is something special. I don’t think any of the current entries are to be underestimated, but in saying that, I’m confident in Heartbreak City and his ability. It will be an exciting and competitive race across the board. All I can do is prepare my horse and hope he shines on the day.
Q - How are you feeling about going to Australia for the Melbourne Cup? What has been your experience so far?
A - This is my first time heading to Melbourne. I’ve always watched Australian racing with great interest and I am very excited to have a horse I know can be competitive. I’m very much looking forward to attending the races also. The staff in Racing Victoria have been brilliant in assisting with all the arrangements.
Q - Where do your horses take you next after The Spring Carnival?
A - The plan for Heartbreak City is to return to Ireland following the Melbourne Cup. He will have a break at my yard. I have no hard or fast plans at the minute, for him, we are concentrating solely on the Melbourne Cup.
Q - How do you see yourself in the future? What's your vision?
A - My life has always revolved around horses, from riding, breaking, and training. Going forward I would hope to continue doing what I love and, with a bit of luck, make regular appearances in the winners enclosure. It’s a very exciting time at the moment for me and the team at Arodstown, I have a string of nice quality horses, great owners and a brilliant team. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Q - What's your favourite part about being in the Thoroughbred racing space?
A - The people and the horses. The Racing industry is built up of so many great characters. I couldn’t imagine working in any other industry or at any other job.
Q - Who are your all-time favourite five horses?
A - Nijinksy, Lescargot, Davids Lad, Bog Warrier & Heartbreak City
Q - Do you have plans to visit any special places in to dine, shop or visit in Melbourne?
A - This is my first time to Melbourne. I am relying heavily on poor Jane in Racing Victoria for guidance and assistance on where to go and what to do but I’m in very capable hands. I’ve no doubt she will steer me in the right direction.
Q - What are your other interests, other than racing?
A - I follow the GAA at home, I would be a big Meath football and hurling fan.
Q - Are you planning on staying in Melbourne or exploring the countryside as well?
A - The racing is my main interest to be fair, it’s the same everywhere, it’s all about the horses. I am very excited to attend the Spring Carnival and experience the atmosphere in Melbourne which I’m told is second to none while the festival is on.
Q - Please tell us a bit more about your family?
A - I have two sons, Jamie and Tommy. Jamie is the eldest and he is a care worker for the elderly. He has arranged for trips to our yard in Arodstown a few times now with a crew of elderly people he works with. He is a great young lad with such compassion and empathy. He is also a brilliant horseman and is a regular at hunt chases and trials. Tommy is still at school and is a great sportsman, mad about his football and rugby. Both the boys have become great young men, who I am so proud of.
Q - Who is expected to come watch you racing?
A - We have a group of family and friends travelling over as a support crew for the horse and the team. The owners of course will be in attendance and they will guarantee a great experience. I’ve a number of family members and friends coming along to support us. Unfortunately the majority of our team need to stay at home and keep the show on the road. The effort of everyone at Arodstown in the run up to this has been eye opening. The dedication of the staff and their efforts has been exceptional and, despite the time difference and being half way around the world, I’ve no doubt in my mind that we will have half of Meath awake and cheering us on.