What made you interested in breeding horses?
My Dad always bred horses while I was growing up, he was right into it. He had four or five mares that he used to breed from that were his own breed. Nothing notable as he had more success training horses. (Vivienne’s Dad is former prominent trainer, Alan Kaye)
How has your career as a jockey and trainer influenced your breeding decisions?
I didn’t really push to be a jockey, Dad said I was at the right age and he pushed for it. I was 15 at the time and Linda Jones had been turned down and he said ‘no, the girls have got to have a go’ so he really pushed for it. I didn’t mind riding, I only had 30 rides and didn’t ride a winner but I was more interested in looking after the horses. I loved riding track work and anything with an issue, I looked after it and changed their work around. I think I was the first one to ride and then the first one to give up.
How does breeding a winner compare with training a winner?
It is really good! Gary bought her from the sales for my older sister Shannon and I. We wanted a grey horse, we left the sales and the next day Gary rung us and said he had bought us one. I really enjoy it but the hardest part is parting with them. Loosespender went through the sales, the Goldsburys, Beckham Lodge prepped him for me. When I had to put him on the truck, I cried.
How many mares do you breed from:
Just Spendaholic, she is the first broodmare I have ever bred from. We won three races with her and she is part of the family so there was no way I was going to get rid of her. I just get a real buzz out of having the one and pottering along. It is a great thrill watching them on tv winning.
What else do you have in your bloodstock portfolio (youngstock, racehorses etc)
I have Loosespenders half-brother who had two races but is about to start a new career as a show hack, I have his 2yo full-sister and a yearling colt by Belardo. Unfortunately, she lost her foal this year but she will likely head back to Turn Me Loose next year. All Spendaholic’s foal have turned out grey, no matter what I send her too, they all turn grey. She is white and has been since she was a 2yo, the real dominant white.
Why did you send her to Turn Me Loose?
Spendaholic went over ground and she was better on a wet track, I just had a feeling that he would work with her. She will go back to Turn Me Loose again this year.
Best breeding advice you have received?
Who do you admire in the thoroughbred breeding industry?
Anyone that gives it a go – the industry is very hard at the moment.
What advice would you give to someone entering the industry as a breeder?
You have got to do it to succeed. It is no good saying, “I should have done this and I should have done that.” You just have to get your head around it and go for it. To see the horse born, and then look out the window at it in the yard or paddock is just an amazing feeling.
Proudest moment as a breeder?
Loosespender winning the Waikato Guineas
