This week in Dunstan Horsefeeds Meet The Breeder, we catch up with Grangewilliam Stud NZ's Mark Corcoran. The farm has a long history of success and recently have celebrated Mischief Managed, who is by the farm's resident stallion Derryn, running third in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks.
How many mares do you breed from?
About 35 – 40 mares of my own.
What else do you have in your bloodstock portfolio (youngstock, racehorses etc)
Obviously we stand stallions Zed, Derryn and The Bold One. We own Derryn and are shareholders in Zed and The Bold One. I also have a young Derryn horse called Bourbon Road with Nick Bishara who is going well with a win and a third at his last two starts. I also have a share in a nice filly with Fraser Auret called Derryaire who we hope will head down to the NZB Airfreight Stakes. I have a little interest in Sophmaze with Allan Sharrock, and she won a stakes race at 2…….we work with those who have worked with us and bought horses off us.
Do you make your own mating decisions or seek advice from others – if others who?
It is ultimately my decision but I bounce ideas off my staff, bounce things off mates and my father John, we quite often have a chat, he is my sounding board as well.
Do you have a favourite cross?
Probably a nick that has worked really well is Zed crosses really well with Pentire mares. Obviously I am pretty keen on that double up of the Eight Carat blood with Zed as well after Verry Elleegant.
Proven stallion or new season sire?
For me, proven stallion
Best breeding advice you have received?
Don’t be too sentimental, you have to be a bit ruthless in this game. Don’t be too sentimental to the families that haven’t gone so well for a while.
Who do you admire in the thoroughbred breeding industry?
With who is around now, I would have to admire the Chitticks with what they have done and where they have come from. They have built up a fantastic broodmare band from their home-breds over the years.
If you could own any broodmare (past or present), who would it be?
Definitely Eight Carat
What advice would you give someone entering the industry as a breeder?
Try and get hold of the best mare that you can. And mate her as well as you can.
Proudest moment as a breeder?
I was really proud when Sophmaze won her first stakes race as it meant Derryn got a stakes winner from his first crop. It wasn’t necessarily the best or the biggest race to win but it’s the emotion and excitement of having your young stallion that you have invested so much in proving himself and putting himself out there.
The most exciting race to watch would have to be Verry Elleegant’s win the Melbourne Cup, although I never bred her, to have her perform on the world stage like she has and being by one our stallions is pretty special.
What do you look for when adding a stallion to your roster?
It is looking for something that will suit our client base as much as anything. It has got to be a horse that can be affordable and has pedigree and performance appeal.
Finish this sentence: The best part of being a thoroughbred breeder is…
Nothing quite like the buzz of watching one that you have bred win a good race.
