First job in Thoroughbreds?
Works for Thorloe Thoroughbred, sales support. My first job is still my current job!
The biggest influence on your career?
My dad–he taught me everything I knew and encouraged me to follow my own path in the industry.
Clare Balding was a huge inspiration growing up. I’ve been obsessed with her presentation style since I was a kid.
All-time favorite racehorse, and why?
Enable on the Flat – she does every dance; she has tapped a global following and she has been perfectly trained by an absolute genius. Plus, her victory over Crystal Ocean in King George became the race of a lifetime for me.
Storms fly over jumps. I followed him during my college years while I was in Ireland. He was electrocuted when he crossed the hurdle and seeing him and Ruby Walsh at their best gave me goosebumps.
Who will be the first season male champion in 2023?
I’m a huge fan of Soldier’s Call as a racehorse, and I love his progeny when it comes to sales. Sadly, we didn’t get to buy one, but I think they’ll soon grow and be as healthy as its lord, who will run through brick walls to find Archie Watson, especially at two years old. .
The greatest race in the world?
Arc de Triomphe Award. People all over the world want to win it and often the best horse in the world does too – as this year has proven.
If you could be someone else in the industry for one day, who would it be and why?
Ryan Moore. It will be interesting to ride like him and see what he sees every day. He’s known as someone who doesn’t do a lot of interviews so knowing what’s really going on from his perspective would be a really cool thing to do.
Emerging talent in the industry (people)?
Billy Loughnane. Four wins in a week last week (early December) and far exceeds his age. Well spoken and very enthusiastic, it is a pleasure for me as a host.
Name a horse TDN should have created a Rising Star, wouldn’t it?
Mostabshir.
The horse under the radar?
Triple Threat, a young National Hunt stallion based in France. He is the son of Monsun who has had several runners in the UK/Ireland but the ones we have seen have been very good. Willie Mullins bought her 4-year-old for €120,000 at a recent Arqana Sale for Rich Ricci called Mister Policeman.
Friday night treatment?
A pint of Guinness in a cozy pub.
Guilty pleasure outside of the race?
See Gogglebox for updates on Sunday night.
I wish I was there…
Shishkin v Energumene in this year’s Clarence House Chase in Ascot. Amazing. I was working not too far from Ascot and could feel the atmosphere where I was watching on a small TV.
Post 12 questions: Jess Stafford appeared first on TDN | Purebred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Videos | Purebred Breeding and Auction.
