Five minutes with... Linda Monds

Linda Monds - Tyreel Stud

TDN AusNZ: Which is your favourite racehorse of all time? Why?

Linda Monds: There are so many but I would have to say Phar Lap (NZ) (Night Raid {GB}) from the past. He created history for racing that lives on to this day and will forever. Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) from current times and for personal reasons Aethero (Sebring) and Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) due to my connection with both of these brave boys. They both have outstanding ability that we have not even had the pleasure of seeing yet.

TDN AusNZ: Do you have a favourite day on a racecourse? Why?

LM: My favourite days are when we have a runner that we have bred ourselves, it does not matter what racecourse.

TDN AusNZ: Could you tell us how you got into this industry, about your job now and what you love most about it?

LM: I was exposed to racing through my Dad and Mum. They loved the horses and from before I could walk they introduced me to the love of the animal. I own and operate Tyreel Stud and my role within this business is varied. I manage all office work, breeding season duties from foaling alarms to foaling to vetting and everything else that comes in between. I am also fully qualified on the mower and in the garden. I spend a considerable amount of time researching to invest in the right mares for our farm and also in selecting matings for our broodmare band.

TDN AusNZ: Who do you believe to be a value sire for the upcoming breeding season? Why?

LM: A value sire is an interesting term and it depends in what context it is used. I believe there is value in Exceed And Excel, but he is not ‘cheap’. I absolutely love this sire and he can breed you an outstanding racehorse. Return on investment can be very good.

If we were looking at lower cost, I believe So You Think (NZ) is good value.

If you were looking to ‘punt’ a stallion, I believe there is plenty of value in Hellbent given the types he is producing and the mares that have been covered by him over the past couple of years. He just could be the next best thing.

TDN AusNZ: Is there a stallion that you consider to be under the radar?, and why?

LM: Under the radar could quite possibly be All Too Hard, Foxwedge and Star Witness. I am sure that statement will have critics, but all three have produced good performers and will continue to.

TDN AusNZ: Which stallion, ever, do you think was the best type?

LM: I Am Invincible – he is gorgeous and throws that on to his babies. I also could look at Lonhro all day!

TDN AusNZ: Which first-season sire do you believe is most exciting?

LM: Microphone and Exceedence, if they are anything like their dad they will be very exciting moving forward.

Pierata, Yes Yes Yes and Brutal will also be ones to have on the radar.

TDN AusNZ: What was your favourite weanling, yearling or mare purchase this year?

LM: So far I have not put my hand in my pocket to purchase this year but the Chairman’s Sale might change that, we will have to wait and see what happens. My favourite mare purchase of all time would have to be Pinocchio (Encosta De Lago) for obvious reasons.

Gallery: Linda's favourite mare purchase of all time, Pinocchio, pictured with her 2018 So You Think (NZ) colt who sold for $1.1 million at this year's Inglis Easter Yearling Sale

TDN AusNZ: Who do you think is a rising star within the industry? (Person not horse).

LM: Our industry is full of rising stars and I could not possibly pin point just one. We are so fortunate to have so many dedicated, passionate, hard working and knowledgeable young and older people in our industry who are striving to achieve and have the right attitude to do so.

TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry?

LM: I would like to see our industry change the way we breed. I would like to see stallion’s books reduced to a moral number and more careful selection of breeding due to certain characteristics – I don’t have a solution for this change to occur, that would have to be left to the wider audience.

TDN AusNZ: If you weren’t in this industry what would you do?

LM: I would be still working my 8am - 5pm office job to earn a living but I would also be playing some sort of sport to keep myself busy. I would also definitely be spending more time with my boys and their hobbies. I try not to stand still too long.

TDN AusNZ: How are you keeping busy in isolation?

LM: Isolation has not changed much at all for me. It has made me realise that I live a very isolated life already. It is just same same.