This week we chat to Bruce Sherwin from Raffles Farm, Waikato, NZ who bred Prise de Fer who recently won the Captain Cook Stakes
How many mares do you breed from? The COVID crunch saw principal Dato Yap (Raffles Dancers Pty Ltd) sell Raffles Farm last September and divest virtually all of his broodmares - 30 mares down to just 2 at our new property Frontier Farm. Frontier Farm clients and myself have bred 10 broodmares in NZ this season.
What else do you have in your bloodstock portfolio (youngstock, racehorses etc) Bits and pieces of everything really. Proportional ownership provides so many opportunities. I help Tony Pike with his Pike Racing syndicate purchases and keep a small % share each year. Shares in another 7 racehorses outside of that. 5 broodmares in various partnerships. 3 here and 2 in Australia. And a piece of our resident stallion and “hobby” project – former Macau champion The Alfonso.
Do you make your own mating decisions or seek advice from others – if others who? Invariably a group decision between the partners involved. All care, no responsibility!
Do you have a favourite cross? O’Reilly holds a very special place. After Blimey O’Reilly (2007 Waikato Guineas) we then had star 3yo filly Shamrocker (Australian Derby and Australian Guineas) and then bought Sacred Falls for Raffles. O’Reilly’s broodmare stats are exceptional, and we have two premium broodmares by him at present.
Proven stallion or new season sire? Open-minded, depends on the mare, her profile, and plan.
Best breeding advice you have received? Never be afraid to ask questions, there are so many good people in this industry who can and will help.
Who do you admire in the thoroughbred breeding industry? Sir Peter Vela. Pencarrow Stud, NZB, as well as his governance rolls. And many unheralded behind the scenes efforts to aid participants and breeders. I am sure he was proud of the World’s Best Jockey announcement last week!
If you could own any broodmare (past or present), who would it be. Danalaga (dam of NZ Oaks winner More Than Sacred) is an all-time favourite. The kindest horse I have ever dealt with. She is a gem.
If you could spend a day learning the tricks of the trade on any farm in the world which would it be? Tough question. A bit of this, a touch of that. Our NZ grounding is not to be underestimated – learning the value of a day’s work, often covering a broad spectrum of tasks, and working to a strict budget. Great life lessons. NZTBA and benefactors provide some terrific overseas opportunities these days and should be congratulated for the work in this space.
Finish this sentence: The best part of being a Thoroughbred breeder is … If you work hard, you have a chance to beat the averages.
