Photo: Supplied
This week in Dunstan Horsefeeds Meet the Breeder, we catch up with Fraser Auret of Grandmoral Lodge Racing who bred and sold the latest Hong Kong sprinting sensation, Ka Ying Rising. We managed to do a couple of Q&As with Fraser's 11yo son Milton who is NZTBA's youngest member!
Tell us the story of Ka Ying Rising?
We trained the mother, Missy Moo, to win five races. She was a talented racehorse, but didn’t reach her full potential due to soundness issues in the back leg. Upon her retirement the owner didn’t want to breed. We were doing some work with Windsor Park and settled on Shamexpress as a suitable mating.
The resultant foal was called rocket by the children and has turned out to be exactly that, now named Ka Ying Rising.
How did you get into thoroughbred breeding?
My parents Nigel and Adaire Auret have successfully bred horses for over 40 years. I’d kept away from it just due to being too impatient, but it is safe to say I have been catching the bug in recent times.
How many mares do you breed from?
This year we have got an American stakes winner in foal to Unusual Suspect, Marietta Lane, a stakes place Zed mare that was a stable favourite has been served by Swiss Ace, and a Pins mare that has just had a beautiful Shamexpress colt.
Do you breed to race or breed to sell? If sell, how do you decide on what to retain and what to sell?
I am a complete amateur, it is very much just a hobby with the intention to race.
Do you seek advice on your breeding decisions?
Yes I do, only from my 11 year old son, Milton, who is obsessed with racing.
Best breeding advice you have received?
Send a fast mare to a fast stallion and hope for the best.
What do you love about the thoroughbred breeding industry?
I love that it is a level playing field and good horses can literally come from anywhere.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry as a breeder?
In my opinion there is no better time to be involved and give breeding a go. New Zealand has always punched well above our weight in terms of international success, and with the reduced foal crop, supply and demand tells you that it’s a great time to be involved.
If you could make one mating with any mare and stallion (past or present), what would it be?
I would Knight Raid to Entreaty – I’m pretty sure the offspring called Phar Lap went alright.
Finish this sentence: The best part of being a thoroughbred breeder is…
Watching the beautiful foals develop into equine athletes.
Interview with 11yo Milton
Why do you love the thoroughbred breeding industry?
It is a rewarding industry and the thrill of being able to get a horse you bred to the races is amazing.
Do you have a favourite stallion you like to follow?
Shamexpress because most of his horses are fast.
If you could make one mating with any mare and stallion, what would it be?
I would get Missy Moo and send her to Shamexpress to try get another Rocket.
