Photo: Bruno Cannatelli
This week in Dunstan Horsefeeds Meet The Breeder, we catch up with Bruce Wallbank, a Pukekohe-based small breeder who bred Snow Patrol to win a stirring edition of the Gr.2 Hyland Race Colours Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Tell us the story of Snow Patrol?
There's quite a story behind this horse, Snow Patrol.
We purchased the mare from Raffles Farm privately, and she was pregnant with this foal.
My son Mark was fond of the O'Reilly’s and their bloodlines, so we decided to get her. We collected the mare from Raffles Farm, and after 2 days, we noticed she was undershot by about 2 inches. Our vet confirmed this, and we were aware that O Rocker needed special care.
The mare gave birth at Haunui, and we asked Mark to inform us if the foal had the same issue. When we received an email notification, there was a photo showing Snow Patrol's perfect gums.
He was a big first foal.
After weaning, Mark Chitty took him and prepared him for the yearling sale. He was unsold at $50k, so we became partners with Mark. He always believed in the colt and said if he didn't sell well at the ready-to-run sale, we would race him under Mark Chitty and us.
The exceptional ones sell, and he stood out at the sales under Lilly White's care and guidance.
We bred O’Rocker to Sweynesse and had another colt. Mark Chitty prepared him for sale, and he was sold privately and has now gone to Hong Kong.
How did you get into thoroughbred breeding?
I have been involved with thoroughbreds all my life. From the age of 10 with my Dad’s horses riding track work and road work every Sunday - we would ride the 5 mile road trip, walk and trot.
Some of my dad’s horses were Mavis Earl and Embassy to name just a couple.
How many mares do you breed from?
We have a broodmare band of four mares and as age is creeping up, we are cutting back to two mares next year. We also train a couple .
What else do you have in your bloodstock portfolio (youngstock, racehorses, stallion shares etc)
Our 4 foals this year are:
Three colts - An Ace High, a Circus Maximus and a Wrote .
One filly by Proisir who is a full sister to Midnight Mass, she is a stand out .
The Ace High colt and the Proisir filly will be sold at the sales .
Do you seek advice on your breeding decisions?
Haunui has been a great help to us, and we are grateful to them as most of our foals have Mark’s Haunui brand on them.
Also Patsy Riley, who in partnership with Raelyn and my son Mark, we race some of our horses (such as Lilly Thunder) with them.
