Based out of the quaint town of Ohaupo, one of the biggest stables in the Southern Hemisphere, “Leanach Lodge”, does not need any introduction. There is barely anyone in the business that would not recognize this famous stable at the first mention.
Behind some of the most resounding success stories is the ideology of the people behind it. Leach Lodge screams of the uncompromising dedication to quality that Ross Mackay brings to his daily activities of the business. The gradual rise of the training centre is a testimony to the mix of unrivalled business planning and an undying passion for the sport.
This year as well Leanach Lodge intends to present one of the biggest drafts and well Ross graced us with some time to answers a few questions about the intricacies of running a highly successful stable.
Q: You are bringing one of the largest lots to this year's edition of the Karaka Ready2 Run sale. Could you tell us more about your 2019 draft? Please tell us more about your highlight lots as well.
A: This year I will ultimately present eleven 2yos. All sound, correct, well educated young horses prepared with their future careers in mind, rather than a race against the clock prior to sale day.
I have a variety of bloodlines amongst the draft which should result in horses for all budgets.
A clear standout on pedigree would have to be lot 274, a Reliable Man-Bak DaPrincess colt.
Heis a half brother to Ecuador (who himself was a million-dollar earner and placed 2nd to Winx in an Epsom Hcp Gr1) and Ponderosa Miss (winner of the Gr1Easter Hcp).
He is also out of a half-sister to Bak Da Chief Gr2 winner and dam of current NZstar, Te Akau Shark, who recently ran a great race for 3rd in Australia’sWeight for Age championship race the Cox Plate.
Q: Which was the most expensive horse you ever sold?
A: The most expensive horse I ever sold was Starcraft - Vortex for A$360,000 at the Ready To Run Sale Rtr 2016. The lovely strong Chestnut colt was purchased at the Magic Millions' yearling sales as a turnover prospect. The timing was right as Starcraft was having a great run in Hong Kong, with horses like Blizzard being competitive at their best level. Ricky Yiu, blizzard’s trainer purchased this colt after he ran down extremely well in 10.62. Unfortunately, a training accident prevented him from making it to the races. Sale ring success doesn’t always guarantee race track success.
I've sold horses like Sheezallmine, winner of her first three races, who was purchased for a lowly sum of A$1000!
TeAkau Shark could have been purchased out of Leanach Lodge’s 2016 yearling consignment for A$70,000.
Q: Whatis the process by which you hand-pick your drafts for pre-sale preparation? And what does the process involve?
A: ultimately boils down to two things. Firstly, I believe the horse has to be suitable for end-user. The question here is whether I believe is capable of winning races? Secondly, how suitable is the horse for the sale I intend to attend. So the key questions for me at that point are - Does horse have appeal to the eye? Is the horse's conformation correct enough to pass pre-sale inspections?
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect horse! But I do feel I can find a middle ground between the client’s expectations and market reality...
Q: Leanach Lodge is one of the top agistment and sales preparation facilities in NewZealand. How did you get involved with Leanach Lodge?
A: Leanach Lodge was established in 2008. After spending time working in Australia and Ireland I had decided it was time to return home. We took our first group of yearlings to sale in 2009 and have presented yearlings with NZB ever since.
2014 was the first year we presented horses. It is a sale unrivalled in its success internationally and was certainly something we needed to be involved in.
We focus on providing a safe environment, combined with high-quality feed to allow our young horses to develop to their full potential. Also, a policy of co-operation rather than pressure is a major focus of mine when working with the horses, as it is my belief the mental strength of a horse has a huge influence on their desire to be a racehorse.
I was hooked on horses from a young age after watching a 2yo horse owned by my father named Kabot, storm home from last to win a race. Maybe I remember more the emotion/joy/exhilaration the race brought out in my father than the race itself. For me, that's all it took!
Father, Ian Mackay a practising Vet for 30+ years in Cambridge. He has been a big influence on Leanach Lodge as my mentor, provider of veterinary care and where possible the cheapest labour unit we have.
Q: Which is your most favourite horse in the world and why?
A: It's very hard to name a favourite as the list of horses I admire is very long... If forced to pick, probably Sunline. Her performances to win 2 completes, win the HK mile and her great run for 3rd in Dubai would clearly put her at the top of the list for an Nz trained horse