As one of the most important bloodstock farm in New Zealand, Bruce Perry Bloodstock has made their mark on the thoroughbred scene since 1987. Under the watchful eyes and direction of the founder Bruce Perry, this farm has become one of the hotbeds for providing multiple world-class services. Catering to a number of local and international clients, Bruce Perry Bloodstock comes to us with that super mix of knowledge, consistency and financial back up that they need to spread their wings. In every sale, they are on camp to keep an eye on. For they, are known to be very tactile with their decisions and everyone knows that. Everyone wants a piece of the knowledge that they carry and that on a good day can put them in the position to dictate the sale.
Bruce Perry, at the top of everything that happens at the firm, is an enigmatic figure himself. He believes that it takes a special kind of inkling towards the thoroughbred world to be able to make it in this business. Just money in the bank would not do you any good if you haven’t gotten this rooted in your heart. In addition to the knowledge and skill that take years and decades to develop. Bruce’s purchase of the most expensive horse is no surprise to anyone. However, we wanted to know more about his plans for the horse and a few other things.
Q: You purchased the most expensive horse last year, at the classic yearling sale. What was special about the horse? What is in store for this yearling? Where will he go and who will be training him?
A: He was a lovely mover with a wonderful presence about him and he had a great temperament. He has been named Midland and won a trial recently under the care of Kris Lees but was feeling his shins so is enjoying a short break. He is a very laid back character and a great doer so we are looking forward to the day when he loses a few kilos and wakes up but at this stage, we are more than happy with where he is at.
Q: From all your 2019 purchases, which other horse purchased, where you are most pleased about?
A: We are really pleased with the progress of an I Am Invincible colt called Kinloch who has trialled. He was a very athletic yearling and has continued to progress the right way. With a bit of luck, he will debut in Autumn. We also have a couple of Savabeel’s who are shaping up well in NZ but will be taken along quietly.
Q: When you go to the sales how do you plan your purchases? What’s involved and who from your team is involved?
A: I work through a catalogue prior to the sale and list those that appeal for a variety of reasons. Once on the sale grounds I do a quick inspection of those lots and if they move well and appeal I will go back a second time after which I usually end up with a pretty short list which I will look at again. I often then go back a few more times before they are sold and if at any point I have any doubts I will take them off the list which sometimes even happens as they walk in the ring. As a rule I look at the yearlings on my own which is something I prefer as it allows me fully concentrate and be guided by my own instincts and judgement.
Q: What’s the most expensive and most successful racehorse you’ve made at this sale? (they could be the same horse or different ones)
A: I have only been to the sale for the last two years so Midland is the most expensive. The previous year I purchased a Deep Field colt now called Rigel who was placed then gelded. He is due back in the John O’Shea stable shortly. The other purchase was a Star Witness colt now called Controlthewitness. He was a 50k purchase and has won 4 including his last 3 for Kris Lees.
Q: Which sales will you be attending during the season?
A: I have just got back from the Magic Millions and head to Karaka next week. After Karaka I will be off to the Inglis Classic, the Inglis Premier in Melbourne and then Inglis’s Easter sale.
Q: With the success of a homebred stayer like Vow and Declare have you been asked to secure any top-quality stayers?
A: Not specifically but in saying that I usually buy some yearlings that on paper and type look middle-distance horses so there is always the hope that they will go on and develop into genuine Cup horses. The difficulty we have is qualifying them for the big Cups. You basically have to run first or second in a Derby to get enough weight which is what Vow and Declare did. We had Crown Prosecutor win the NZ Derby last year but unfortunately, he went amiss on the eve of the Caulfield Cup. Plenty of yearlings are bred to be quality stayers, so it really comes down to patience to ensure they are at their peak physically but we then need better pathways to qualify with a fair weight. Lightly raced European horses seem to have more opportunities to qualify which allows them to run with fresh legs, whereas a number of our horses have to peak early in an effort to gain a start. Thankfully Vow and Declare weren’t one of those and Danny O’Brien was able to give him the perfect preparation.