"The yearling was sired by the shuttle stallion Lope de Vega, but he had more of a Fastnet Rock look about him"
"He had very good confirmation and was perfect for the budget I had from the William Street Syndicate."
"Today a similarly attractive horse will cost anywhere between A$150,000 to A$200,000."
"I secured him for A$80,000," says Bahen about Everest contender Santa Ana Lane, whom he purchased on behalf of the William Street Syndicate.
Syndicate Principals, Micheal Clemenger and Michael Ramsden place all their trust in Bahen's ability to find the diamond in the rough.
Justin has been involved in the bloodstock industry since the early 1990s. Based in Hong Kong, he prides himself on ‘unparalleled knowledge of the subtleties of the major Asian racing markets.'
At the time of the interview, Justin was in the UK, heading to the Baden Baden sales in search of stayers for the Australian market.
"Australia breeds the best sprinters in the world, but I am hoping to find some top quality stayers in Germany for our longer distance races."
"I am constantly travelling. I attend most of the Australian sales and 2-3 Northern Hemisphere sales."
"I work on my own, so there is a lot of groundwork. The more horses I can see, the more diluted the list."
Although many bloodstock agents and trainers swear by confirmation, Bahen is quick to step back and profess his preference for yearling ‘Type' instead.
"If I like the Type, I am forgiving in confirmation."
"For me (when buying horses at sales) its always Type first, then Pedigree and then the cost."
"Although no horse is perfect, The obvious one will be the most expensive. So I always prefer to go by type and can on occasion, forgive conformation faults."
Bahen was brought up in a Hotels/Pubs owned by his father, and his grandfather was a bookmaker in Australia. However, eventually Bahen relocated to Hong Kong, and he now calls HK ‘home'.
Published In The Everest issue 7 Vol 3
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