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12 Questions With Arqana’s Thomas Leffray

What was your first job in the Thoroughbred industry?

I did an internship at Haras de Montaigu about 10 years ago during my school holidays.

The biggest influence on your career?

I have always had the chance to work for great people all over the world that always pushed me to go forward in the industry. Ballylinch Stud has been one of them. I learned everything there, about horses and all industry. They gave me every opportunity to learn.

Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?

It must be Allaho. For a tiny family breeding operation, he is an impossible dream coming true, he has changed our lives.

Who will be champion first-season sire in 2023?

I think Calyx could do well. He is the first son of Kingman to stand at stud and he was an impressive winner of the Coventry S. He comes from a very good Juddmonte family and is closely related to the champion Native Trail.

Greatest race in the world?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is incredible for anyone who loves National Hunt racing. Nothing compares to the Cheltenham Festival.

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

The master Willie Mullins. I would like to understand all the things he has to think about in a day, but also watch all those champions working at Closutton.

Emerging talent in the industry (human)?

Mark Byrne, the nicest and most interesting young talent. Always smiling and good fun.

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

The G1 Fillies Mile winner Commissioning. She won impressively first time out and has the pedigree to go on next year.

Under-the-radar stallion?

A french National Hunt stallion call Karaktar. He is the sire of the unbeaten 4-year-old hurdler in France Il Est Français from his first crop.

Friday night treat?

During winter I always enjoy a nice cheese board with a strong red wine in front of a nice fire.

Guilty pleasure outside of racing?

Rugby, I started it not that long ago, but I really enjoy the atmosphere. I am getting ready for World Cup in France.

Race I wish I had been there for…?

The 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup. That was some battle between Long Run, Kauto Star and Denman.

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Mario Gussago Appointed to Arqana Bloodstock Team

Mario Gussago has joined Arqana's bloodstock team, the sales company announced on Wednesday. Among his duties will be to support the inspection teams in France, England and Italy. Prior to starting his role at Arqana, Gussago, 31, spent five seasons as a travelling head lad to Marco Botti in England. After his stint for Botti, he gained additional experience as an assistant to trainer Roger Varian.

Said Arqana Bloodstock Director Ludovic Cornuel, “We are delighted to welcome Mario to the Arqana bloodstock team. His solid experience in racing and with trainers across Europe are important assets to continue to strengthen our team. With this recruitment and the forthcoming arrival of Pierre Le Courtois in charge of Management Information Systems, Arqana has once again shown its wish to keep improving the quality of its service.”

“My experience with trainers in England have given me a solid knowledge of racing and the industry in general,” said Gussago. “I am delighted to be able to join the Arqana team, which is one of the largest auction houses in Europe, where I will now be able to experience the sales from behind the scenes. I would like to thank Eric Hoyeau, Freddy Powell and Ludovic Cornuel for giving me this opportunity and trusting in me to take up this new challenge.”

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Thomas Leffray Joins Arqana

Thomas Leffray has joined the Arqana Bloodstock team, where he will focus on horses-in-training and the National Hunt sphere, the sales company announced on Monday. The Irish National Stud graduate, who earned a BTSA in ‘Production Animales’ in Laval, began at Haras de Montaigu, before joining Haras d’Ombreville. Leffray then worked at Dromoland Farm in the United States, Ballylinch Stud in Ireland, and a year in Australasia at Waikato Stud and Newgate Farm. He was most recently involved with the stallions at Coolmore in Ireland since the beginning of 2020.

“We are delighted to welcome Thomas to the Bloodstock team,” said Arqana Team Bloodstock Director Ludovic Cornuel. “His many past experiences in France and abroad, as well as his good knowledge of sales, will enable him to adapt quickly and strengthen our team. Thomas will work in collaboration with Dominique Boulard on assembling the horses in training catalogues and will also be involved in the visits of young horses, particularly those in the National Hunt sphere. Finally, Thomas’s addition to the team demonstrates Arqana’s commitment and its eternal quest to improve the quality of its service.”

“I’m passionate about breeding and sales, and I am delighted to join the Arqana team,” added Leffray. “My travels over the last few years and my training at the Irish National Stud have enabled me to participate in the biggest sales in the world and to deepen my knowledge of breeding. Joining the Arqana team is a logical next step for me and I am very happy that this opportunity has presented itself.”

The post Thomas Leffray Joins Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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