The son of Tosen Stardom has already secured the Chris Waller spot in The Everest. Owner Jamie Lovett of Australian Bloodstock speaks to Secertariat’s World in an exclusive interview about Brave Smash.

 

Q: What made you first look at Brave Smash and Tosen Stardom after you decided to make a foray into the Japanese racehorse market?

A: Initially we had been buying horses from Europe but the market was becoming very competitive. There were too many buyers from Australia buying wrong horses at inflated prices. It was wildly accepted that Japanese horses are very good horsesto buy, if you had the contacts.

 

Katsumi Yoshida (CEO of Northern Farm) had Tosen Stardom. Hehad brought him down to Sydney for the championships. We had a relationship with Katsumi. We sold him a number of good quality fillies from Europe in the past. Based on this relationship and we started this conversation with him about buying Tosen Stardom after he was scratched from the Queen Elizabeth Cup. Those discussions were successful and we acquired 50% of Tosen Stardom with Katsumi.

 

We raced Tosen Stardom and were able to win group one races with him. He eventually became a successful stallion too. It was then that we started to look more closely at the Japanese market. It was around the same time that The Everest concept was launched.

 

We thought there might be a sprinter out there who could be perfect for The Everest. Knowing that Japanese prefer their staying horses, there could be a one out there who could be turned into a sprinter. When he arrived Darren (Weir) was very happy with him and his speed. We targeted The Everest.We were fortunate to secure a spot with ATC. Eventually, he came third in the race. That was just an amazing set of circumstances.

 

We are lucky that he has secured the slot with Chris Waller this year. Brave Smash has also gained the confidence to win group one races.

 

Q: Your intuition played a very big role in the selection of Brave Smash?

A: Yes, initially there was a lot of risk involved. But we are fortunate to have a lot of loyal customers who backed us all the way. Eventually, Brave Smash went on to earn A$800,000 from The Everest running third and then from his Gr.1 Futurity win. So the risk paid off well.It showed that we are on the right track.

 

Q: What do you remember most about those initial days with Brave Smash when he first shipped over? How has he changed?

A: Darren Wiertrains of the beach which is a unique style for Australia. Brave Smash has developed different muscles making him a lot stronger, especially his hind quarters.  He is not a big horse, but the shortened pace has improved his racing style as well. This year, he will be going into The Everest fresh. That wasn’t the case last year. We feel that you will see the best of him in this year’s edition of the Everest.

 

Last year we felt he was coming to the end of his preparation just before the race. We were so happy to see him run so well. This year, we hope to keep him fresh, which will allow him to give his best.

 

Q: What kind of a personality does he have?

A: He is a very lovely and kind. He is easy to handle. He takes to his craft. He doesn’t let outside influences affect his race. He always tries and is a genuine horse.

He has the temperament which makes him very easy to travel. When we decide to retire him, I am sure he will make a great stallion, because he has the temperament for it.

 

Q: What are your plans for Brave Smash post The Everest?

A: At this time, the plan is to take him to the Melbourne Spring Carnival. And then we hope to get an invite for the Hong Kong International Races 2018 in December. And we hope to take him there.

The horse will tell us how far he’s ready to go.

 

Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com