William Inglis & Son Ltd was founded on the basic principles of honesty and integrity, its great success and longevity attributed directly to these simple but all-important ideals. Managing Director Mark Webster brings an extensive knowledge of print and digital media to the firm, having held a senior position with News Limited for the past eight years. Secretariat's World talks to him about William Inglis slot in the richest race on turf - The Everest.
Q Tell us a bit about Mark Webster – where were you born, where did you grow up and go to school and what were your early interests?
A I was born in Sydney and went to a government-run public school in the western suburbs. I loved playing all sports growing up, such as rugby league, cricket, basketball and tennis. I also enjoyed debating at school, working at McDonald's whilst studying and horse riding.
Q How did you develop an interest in horses?
A My father was a keen punter, he loved betting on horse racing every weekend and would often take our family to the races, mainly to Warwick Farm racecourse. I also loved riding horses from a young age, I'm not too sure why I just recall a love of horses by the time I started at school. I've been competing in western events on American bred quarter horses for the past 15 years or so and love the breed.
Q How did you choose Fell Swoop for the William Inglis slot? What are your hopes for him?
A We wanted to support a horse that had graduated from the Inglis sale ring. There were many to choose from, Fell Swoop was appealing as he has come very close to winning the Group One TJ Smith 1200m at Randwick the past two years. Noting the Everest is run over the same distance at the same track, that gave us confidence. We also liked the idea of backing a horse owned by everyday Australians and a young up and coming trainer in Matt Dale.
Q What can you tell us about the William Inglis business and what are your immediate plans for the future?
A Our company celebrated 150 years of business in 2017, we operate in Sydney and Melbourne. We have been the leading thoroughbred auctioneering firm in the Southern Hemisphere for all of that time, selling many great champions such as Black Caviar. Aside from our auction business, we operate as an insurance broker, a rural property agent and we provide finance, leasing and digital services. I truly believe Inglis is the most innovative thoroughbred auctioneering company in the world. Next year we will open our first luxury hotel and a new horse sales facility in Sydney to be known as Riverside Stables. It is $140m investment and will blow everyone's socks off.
Q Racing is a leisure pursuit for most. With so much on the go, what aspect of racing do you enjoy the most? What do you enjoy least?
A I love following the horses that my company has sold, and I love seeing our clients win races. Being alongside them at the track when they win gives me a great sense of achievement. There is nothing I don't enjoy about racing, but I do get annoyed when industry participants don't work together for the overall good of the sport.
Q What has been your greatest moment/sense of achievement as a racegoer/owner/ breeder?
A I feel my most proud moment is about to occur, as we complete the development of the new $140m Riverside Stables complex, including a luxury hotel. It's taken a huge amount of work since we started the process in 2008 to get to this point, many people who don't like change have taken a lot of convincing. I feel it's all been worthwhile and we now have great support.
Q What gets you out of bed in the morning? Is there any ultimate goal that will fulfil all your aspirations in the racing industry?
A I get out of bed because I have to be busy, I have been active and I love the people I work with at Inglis. I have been a CEO for the past 18 years, 10 at Inglis. I love setting goals and helping my people achieve them. Setting Inglis up for the next 150 years has been my main priority.
Q How do you see racing developing, or perhaps a better question might be, how would you like to see racing change and develop?
A I would like to see different racing jurisdictions work in a more cooperative manner for the common goal of improving racing.
Q And lastly, with racing a pretty all-consuming pastime, what are your interests outside of racing?
A I love competing on my quarter horses and hanging out with my children.
Published In The Everest Issue 7 Vol 3
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