There is something about the serenity of the New Zealand landscape that simply mesmerizes you with its. Out of these serene locales Waikato happens to be my personal favourite. Whether is the marvellous Waikato River or the majestic Mt. Ruapehu. This land never ceases to amaze me, every single time.
What these scenic locales and abundant resources also bring with them is the apt resources that are important to breeding champion thoroughbreds.
Due to this fact, between these various serene views are based many of the stables that perform very well when it comes to Breeding and training of these horses. Windsor Park Stud is among the top names from those farms. We are always looking for reasons. As to what makes one farm better than the other. What is that difference-maker? More often than not the answer to those questions is the people. The team that works behind and even at the forefront of any scene.
Rodney Schick is that name behind the success of Windsor Park Stud, from the selection of horses to the day to day operations of the stable and that dedication has led the Windsor to become one of the tops draws at the Karaka sale every year. They have an amazing looking set of horses this year and we are very hopeful for the draft. However, we wanted to know what is going on in his mind. He obliged.
Q: Once again you have one of the largest drafts coming into this sale. Can you tell us about your yearlings that are heading into the market? Why do you think their sale prices are going to be knocked out of the ball-park?
A: This year we have yearlings by three freshman sires heading to the sales. Turn Me Loose, Rageese & Vanbrugh are all top-performing racehorses in Australia and we’re really pleased with the types they have produced. We have also a very exciting sire Charm Spirit who is doing an excellent job at stud, leaving 4 individual Group winners in his first crop so far so will be well sought after. We also have yearlings by a nice mixture of yearlings by other sires such as back to back Horse of the Year Mongolian Khan. We also have yearlings by Savabeel, Hinchinbrook, Darci Brahma, Iffraaj – all proven stallions.
Q: How long have you been coming to this sale and what was the most expensive horse you have ever sold at this sale?
A: We have been selling at Karaka from day 1 in the late eighties. The best horse we have sold out of Karaka is 10 x Gr.1 winner SO YOU THINK.
Q: What are you most looking forward to for the yearling season ahead?
A: Catching up with everyone and showing off the horses that our team have worked so hard on prepping.
Q: Who is your favourite racehorse of all time, and why?
A: MIGHT AND POWER – as we bred & sold him. He gave so many people such pleasure and was a beast on the racetrack.
Q: For each sale that you sell at, do you set specific goals and targets each year, such as the number of yearlings sold, average sales value per yearling, minimum sales value etc? If yes, could you please tell us a bit more about your process?
A: The most important thing for us is to sell athletes that go on to be good racehorses. But we love having a good clearance rate and a good total at the end!
Q: How do you plan your matings? How well in-advance are they planned?
A: A lot of work goes into our pedigrees and matings. We are very lucky to have a very good team working on these. Headed by Steve Till (our very own Yoda), the team plans well in advance, ensuring each mating takes in to account physical, mental and the pedigree of the horses.
Q: Please tell us a bit about the recent racing successes of your graduates from this sale?
A: This season’s Moonee Valley Gr.2 winning filly FASCINO (Charm Spirit) went through our draft and sold at Karaka as did stakes winner PLAY THAT SONG and Gr.1 Australian placed SAVVY OAK. Australian stakes winners NAANTALI & GRAND CHANCELLOR, EURO ANGEL & KINGSGUARD, HELENA BABY, VOLKSLIGHTNING
Q: With the bush fires raging and the lack of availability of green grass and water for horses in Australia, what impact do you think this will have on the breeding & racing industry in New Zealand in 2020 and 2021?
A: New Zealand always boasts a great environment for growing horses and we will continue to achieve the success we have always had. My thoughts are with all those affected by the horrendous fires, something no-one wishes to experience.
Q: Who is your most favourite horse in the world and why?
A: I have had many favourites over the years and ones that have had huge effects on our family. However, at the moment I am having a lot of fun with my new off-the-tracker, Gr.3 winning gelding, KINGSGUARD. He’s got an awesome temperament & I’m enjoying riding with my family.