In this edition of the OTI Gazette, we speak with jockey Declan Bates, who managed to win not one, but two Group 1’s within a week during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
We discuss the racing industry in New Zealand as well as their recent Ready to Run Sale, look at our upcoming runners over the weekend, recap the Melbourne Cup Carnival and get to know one of our owners a little better. We also introduce a grey colt with Phillip Stokes, who is a half-relation to one of our very talented fillies.
All that and more!
A CHAT WITH DECLAN BATES
“It’s something I would love to do (ride overseas) but I’m very focused on my career in Australia and maintaining the relationships I’ve built here. I think any international experience you can get is good to improve your riding and profile so if an opportunity presented, I would definitely consider it.”
THE TRANS-TASMAN LOVE AFFAIR
“While there is some argument that our breeders compete with each other, the irony is that often, as we have just seen at Karaka’s Ready to Run Sale, Kiwis will pin hook weanlings and yearlings from Australia, educate them in New Zealand, then sell them back to Australians. Such is the fluidity of trading between the two countries.”
