12 Questions | Horse Racing Free Tips

12 Questions: Alayna Cullen

What was your first job in the Thoroughbred industry?

Runner at Middlelane Farm.

The biggest influence on your career?

That would have to be my grandparents and three aunts.

Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?

Wigmore Hall. He was a proper character and whenever he is brought up in conversation there is a warmth in the memories shared.

Who will be champion first-season sire in 2023?

Hard one to call but I think Too Darn Hot. I was impressed with a lot of the stock by first-season sires at the yearling sales so I think it will be an interesting year.

Greatest race in the world?

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. We have been so lucky to have witnessed the last few years' renewals in particular.

If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?

This is tricky as there are many people I would love to get an insight on but I'll go with John Gosden. If only to find out what is really going on in his head when he wins a Group 1 because he is quite the picture of tranquility on the outside.

Emerging talent in the industry (human)?

Alex and Shane Power of Tradewinds Stud.

Horse TDN should have made a Rising Star, and didn't?

To be fair the team don't miss many but The Platinum Queen.

Under-the-radar stallion?

Australia.

Friday night treat?

Newmarket Kebab.

Guilty pleasure outside of racing?

A lie-in.

Race I wish I had been there for…

Frankel's Juddmonte International.

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12 Questions: Sinead Hyland

What was your first job in the Thoroughbred industry?

Stud secretary at the Irish National Stud.

The biggest influence on your career?

I've been very fortunate to have had so much support in my career, too many to name but whom I am very grateful for. But especially Pat and Hugh Hyland, Bobby O' Ryan, and of course my Dad.

Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?

Without a doubt, Sea The Stars. He was born here at the INS in 2006, the year I started, and from when he left us as a yearling to join John Oxx, culminating his racing career in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, he was a thrill to watch. We all felt a little part of his journey.

Who will be champion first-season sire in 2023?

I would love to see Phoenix Of Spain win but realistically Ten Sovereigns.

Greatest race in the world?

The La Touche Cup at Punchestown.

If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?

Having hung up my charity racing boots (two back surgeries later) I'd have to say Frankie Dettori, on the Magnificent Seven day.

Emerging talent in the industry (human)?

Having chaired the YITBA, the new panel of the ITBA Next Generation led by Orla Donworth is organising some great events and really bringing the talent of the future together.

Horse TDN should have made a Rising Star, and didn't?

Lucky Vega.

Under-the-radar stallion?

Acclamation.

Friday night treat?

We call it 'Pizza Party Friday Night', a get-together with friends and their families, nothing beats it.

Guilty pleasure outside of racing?

Glass of wine and an episode of Yellowstone.

Race I wish I had been there for?

Rachael Blackmore's win in the Grand National on Minella Times.

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12 Questions: Emma Berry

First job in the Thoroughbred industry?

Racing editor of Horse & Hound.

Biggest influence on your career?

Julian Muscat, my editor during three gloriously happy years at Pacemaker, for steering me on the path of righteousness towards the Flat and (almost) away from National Hunt racing.

Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?

Dereham. He'll never be a champion but he gave me my happiest moment of 2022 when winning on our home course at Newmarket. He's the last foal of the first racehorse I ever rode and he's by my favourite stallion, Sir Percy, so he's extra special. In the major leagues it will always be Montjeu.

Who will be champion first-season sire in 2023?

I'm really hoping that Masar, like his sire New Approach before him, will take a lot of people by surprise with his first-crop runners.

Greatest race in the world?

The Derby. Need you ask?

If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?

I have enormous admiration for Camilla Trotter and I'd enjoy spending (more than) a day poring over some of the smart pedigrees and mating plans she works on for her clients. She's an unsung heroine.

Emerging talent in the industry (human)?

Harry Davies, who has an extraordinarily cool, tactical head on young shoulders and (sorry to sound like his great aunt) lovely manners.

Name a horse TDN should have made a Rising Star, and didn't?

Bradsell.

Under-the-radar stallion?

Isfahan (Gestüt Ohlerweiherhof). He got a German Derby winner and German Oaks runner-up in his first crop and offers increasingly rare access to the Mill Reef line.

Friday night treat?

Fish and chips while watching Luke Harvey and Jason Weaver on Get In. I'm a cheap date unless I am coerced into swilling Champagne by my dangerously-near neighbour Nancy Sexton.

Guilty pleasure outside racing?

Beating friend and co-breeder Bob Nastanovich at Pitch, the card game he taught me.

Race I wish I'd been there for…

The finest race report of all time was written by John Oaksey under the pen name of Audax in Horse & Hound, recounting Mandarin's epic victory in the 1962 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris under a swashbuckling ride by Fred Winter.

Oaksey ended his magnificent account with the line, “I have never seen a comparable feat, never expect to–and can only thank God that I was there.” I only wish I had been there too.

If you haven't read it, I urge you to click on this link and defy you not to be in tears by the end of it. As a piece of writing about horseracing it will never be bettered.

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12 Questions: Jerry Horan

First job in the Thoroughbred industry?

My first job in the thoroughbred industry was working for local Baltinglass trainer John Lennon during Transition Year in school where I rode out and tried to hang on for dear life!

Biggest influence on your career?

My parents. They don't know much about horses but never held me back and always supported me to drive on and give it a go.

Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?

Sea The Stars. He was an iconic specimen during my teenage years watching racing. He danced every dance and is passing his brilliance on to his stock.

Who will be Champion First-Season Sire in 2023?

I'd do a reverse forecast with Advertise and Soldier's Call. Their yearlings looked fast and had class about them. I'm a little biased in saying that as I have an interest in the sire Alkumait, a son of the great Showcasing, who I think could be the next coming. I think 2023 could be the year where that Showcasing line takes off.

Greatest race in the world?

The Arc would have to come out on top but I haven't been to the Melbourne Cup yet.

If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?

John Magnier as he has seen so many aspects of the horse business and a range of other investments for a period of time with many positive and negative changes worldwide and still gets it right and has built a super team behind him.

Emerging talent in the industry (human)?

Recent to the pinhooking circles, the Brickley brothers have punched way above their weight, have grafted in all aspects of the business for a couple of years for high class operations and are now reaping the rewards. There's also an army of young breeze-up lads and ladies who are top-class horse people and are producing the goods on the racetrack.

Horse TDN should have made a Rising Star, and didn't?

Lezoo.

Under the radar stallion?

Cracksman.

Friday night treat?

Dinner, Dundalk Friday Club, few pints and a bet.

Guilty pleasure outside of racing?

I usually don't get to finish a movie as I fall asleep watching it to have a guilty pleasure!

Horse you're most looking forward to over Christmas or in 2023?

I'm excited to see what G1 Darley Dewhurst winner Chaldean can do as one of the leading Guineas contenders for 2023.

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