News

Quick Questions - Simon Vivian

11th May 2009

Stallions - Graeme Kelly - Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Victorian-based Inglis auctioneer and bloodstock consultant Simon Vivian is one of the most respected identities in the Australian thoroughbred industry. Graeme Kelly from Stallions spoke to him about the Great Southern Sale at Oaklands on May 18, 19,20 and 21 as well as other matters.

Q.: What prompted the move of the Great Southern Sale from June to May.

A.: The Inglis Sydney and Melbourne Mixed Sales effectively swapped dates, which gave Melbourne Premier yearling vendors eight to 10 weeks break between sales. The change of dates also gave Easter yearling vendors the same period of time to prepare for their next Sydney sale. Additionally, the Melbourne weather is usually a little more comfortable in May.

Q.: There is another strong entry this year.

A.: Yes, but we did anticipate more entries in the weanling section. That said, we are happy with the offering and the interest in the sale is most encouraging.

Q.: Which vendors have supported the sale most strongly

A.: Large drafts have been nominated by Erinvale, Eliza Park, Darley, Lindsay Park and Little Plains with studs such as Chatswood, Kingston Park, Makybe, Park Lane, Woodside, Swettenham and Independent Stallions also showing great support for the sale.

Q.: This year’s weanlings are the product of the 2007 equine influenza devastated breeding season

A.: This has resulted in a significantly reduced number of New South Wales-sired youngsters coming to the sale but a number of high profile Victorian-based sires such as Al Samer, Bel Esprit, Dash for Cash, God’s Own, Keep the Faith and King of Roses have substantial drafts. As well as that our first season sires Artie Schiller, Churchill Downs, Econsul, Gonski, Primus and Written Tycoon are strongly represented. We are delighted with the variety that the 94 sires represented present.

Q.: Are you expecting interstate and international buyers at the Great Southern Sale.

A.: Inglis markets every one of our sales aggressively, locally, nationally and internationally. In addition to having buyers from every state of Australia in attendance we understand we will have guests from New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Korea, the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and China at Oaklands.

Q.: Do the Inglis Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sale figures indicate a change of sentiment in the market.

A.: Firstly, we were delighted with the result of the sale and especially pleased for our clients, who supported the sale. It does illuminate the fact that every sale has its own particular idiosyncracies that requires individual attention and our marketing department did another great job targeting a genuine and vibrant buying bench. The market is still very sensitive to the economic crisis and we endeavour to market each sale individually so as to get the best results.

Q.: Given that you are based at Oaklands, how do you see the Victorian breeding industry.

A.: I feel the industry is best assessed in two halves – the racing side and the breeding side. Like many I consider the Victorian racing industry to be, “pound-for-pound”, the best in the world on an annual basis. The spring and autumn carnivals are exceptional but it is the great strength and depth of the non-carnival racing throughout the State that provides such a sound foundation, enhanced by extremely skilled trainers and jockeys.

On the breeding side of the industry, I think every Victorian-based participant would agree that we need to improve our stocks to become commercially competitive. There is plenty of expertise amongst the people, but the shortfall is in the overall qualty of the stock. In asessing stallions we can boast that great sires like Encosta de Lago, Flying Spur, Danehill Dancer, Testa Rossa and Danzero have stood in Victoria but have now departed. We do have a really encouraging array of young stallions that range from freshmen through to horses with current three-year-olds that gves us plenty of confidence looking to the future. However, I strongly believe our greatest weakness is that we have an aging broodmare herd that needs to be reinvigorated with an injection of younger fillies from active and commercial families. A diligent and commercially sound approach to upgrading the Victorian broodmare herd would see a dramatic change to how our breeding industry is perceived, both nationally and internationally. The current market is offering fillies and mares at prices well below what they would have realised in the past few years, so now is a very good time to step in and buy.

Q.: How long have you been in the industry

A.: I started in Adelaide in 1977 and, like many, got my grounding under the guidance of David Coles. Since then I have been privileged to work closely with a number of leading industry figures such as Peter Heagney, Duncan Grimley, Damon Gabbedy, Mark Pilkington and Denis Roberts.

Q.: How did you come to join Inglis.

A.: I have been great mates with Peter Heagney for many years and although we have worked independently we have auctioned together extensively over the last 30 years. I was working for Magic Millions as their Victorian-based representative from 2001 to 2004 and during that period Peter had asked me a couple of times to come and work with him at Oaklands. I greatly enjoyed by years at the Magic Millions but eventually Peter’s persuasive powers won me over and I have now been at Inglis for five years, during which time the company has continued to develop a great team of people.

Q.: So you have time for activities outside the industry.

A.: I really enjoy sports and love AFL in the winter – coming from Adelaide I strongly support the Crows, which can make life a little awkward living in Melbourne. I also particularly enjoy cricket in the summer as well as other sports such as tennis, swimming, golf and motor sports. I get a buzz out of gardening (mainly when the job is finished!) and I try to grow a few veggies. And, there’s a grandson to play with!