Rapid Reflections with John Sunderland

In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with the Stud Manager of Woodlands Stud, John Sunderland.

TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?

John Sunderland: There were many special moments on the racecourse this year (2021) including a great year from Anamoe, but Willowy winning the G1 VRC Oaks was very special. She had a significant bout of pneumonia as a weanling, went on to win two signature races over Melbourne carnival within five days while still only a 2-year-old. Great team effort across the board.

TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?

JS: Because it is so hard to do, Ireland's deserving win over the All Blacks in rugby at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. A very proud and memorable moment for Irish sport.

TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

JS: Getting back to some sort of normality post COVID, getting back to the races and hopefully taking my children back to Ireland in July.

TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?

JS: It is always nice to get out and about to see sale yearlings and obviously there was some lovely yearlings by proven stallions out there. I was very impressed with the Harry Angel yearlings, they are such nice-moving, athletic horses with great minds and temperaments. I can’t wait to see them hit the track.

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

JS: Bob Peters, he is one of the best breeders not only in Australia but around the world. It would be great to get into his insights into thought process of choosing stallions.

TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?

JS: Verry Elleegant, what an exciting superstar. She has taken on all-comers over a variety of distances and has continued to step up this year.

TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?

JS: Exceed And Excel. He has been such a successful stallion across the globe over so many years and he is just such a beautiful horse to deal with and be around.

TDNAus NZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?

JS: I Am Invincible is such a lovely horse to look at and throws such nice physical types too.

TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?

JS: Friends - Always makes me smile.

TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why.

JS: I think she has already emerged but Annabel Neasham has achieved amazing things in a short period of time as a trainer in her own right.

Also, Tess O’Connor who has switched from another industry, worked for us at Woodlands for two years, has just received a scholarship for the Irish National Stud course 2022. She has a very bright future.

TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this year? (not solely racing related)

JS: Racing: When Brett Prebble and James McDonald embraced after crossing the line in the McKinnon S. after J-Mac had just beaten his idol Brett Prebble for most wins over Melbourne Cup carnival - great sportsmanship.

Non-racing moment: The Olympics or Dylan Alcott achieving the Golden Grand slam in tennis, he is a legend on and off the court.

TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?

JS: A real focus by the collective breeding and racing industry to stay up to date with modern day society. As well as continuing to look after the welfare of our horses, we need to obtain, train and retain people to come and work in this wonderful industry that has so many different career paths. Historically, we have been very poor at it, but modern generations demand we look after and reward our existing people with education and qualifications that are available. This will also attract new people into our industry with pathways that have been put in place.

TDN AusNZ: What's your 2022 New Year's resolution?

JS: Say it every year, but learn to play the guitar.