Music Magnate and his Baker
10,000 Doomben (2017) winner Music Magnate is nominated for the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint in the Dubai World Cup racecard. The plan to take on some of the world's best sprinters in Dubai after Music Magnate's impressive return to racing at Royal Randwick with 1200m Christmas Classic. The son of Written Tycoon has recovered from surgery to remove bone chips in his fetlock joints, this past year.
SW in conversation with Bjorn Baker, champion trainer, racing guru on social media, erstwhile pharmacist and owner of Music Magnate.
Q – Why Dubai? Why did you decide to consider Dubai when there are so many other choices available?
A – There are a number of reasons why I elected to bring Music Magnate to Dubai. Firstly, the timing was excellent. Secondly, he prefers a good track and Dubai has a superior track. Thirdly Music Magnate is better when he is fresh. And finally, the world’s richest raceday is in Dubai
Q – Have you chosen a jockey?
A – His regular jockey Blake Shinn will be riding him. Melbourne Cup winning Shinn is currently one of the leading jockeys in Australia. He is looking at taking his career international. So the timing fits perfectly.
Q – What is the Dubai plan for Music Magnate?What are your plans for Music Magnate post the Dubai World Cup?
A – He will be running a couple of trials prior to his travel. The first trial will be held this Monday at Rosehill. The next one will be held in early March. We ship him to Dubai ten days before the event. By the time he is in Dubai, we believe he will be completely trained and near his best form. He will be ready for his Al Quoz sprint run.
After the Dubai World Cup (2018) we will bring him back to Australia. After a bit of rest we will start planning for his 2018/2019 campaign.
Q – Do you have any horses you are wary of so far?
A – Haydock, who is considering a Dubai run, is a very well performing horse. There is also Fatinah (Aus) who is already racing in Dubai and has a good chance. These are just some potential Australian runners. We haven’t fully explored the field of international runners. It is still very early.
Q – Could you tell us a bit about your background?
A – I grew up in rural New Zealand. My father is one of New Zealand’s top rated trainers and he was just inducted into the Hall of Fame last week. He has had over 15 Group 1 winners and a total of over 1500 winners in his career. I originally trained as a pharmacist and practiced the profession in Sydney, London and Dublin. It was during that time, when I visited Dubai and watched Invasor win in the Dubai World Cup. A New Zealand bred horse also won the stayers race that night. I worked with my father for five years, of which three were as a training partner. Since then I relocated to Sydney and now train at Warwick Park. We have over 80 horses from local and international owners.
Q – Tell us a bit about your family and your plans for the future?
A – My wife and I have two children. My son is seven and my daughter is two. I thoroughly enjoy racing in Australia and intend to continue to train here. The facilities in Sydney are fantastic and the Racing NSW have very forward looking plans to grow racing in the region and internationalise it, as they did by introducing The Everest.
Q - How did you come to buy Music Magnate?
A – We purchased him in the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sale for NZD 42,500. It was a great purchase!
Q – What is your favorites racing moment with Music Magnate?
A – I would have to say that it would be unequivocally the 10,000 Doomben win. It was my first group win and because it was with Music Magnate it was really special.