Without a doubt, one of the great privileges of working in racing journalism is being close to the equine stars and hearing firsthand from the people who bred, kept, trained or rode them, as well as the countless people who watch around retired racehorses to take care of them and give them a meaningful life long after their last race.
Of course, I may be biased and I recognize that both racing and breeding face challenges. But I also believe that the people involved are in it above all else because of their love for horses and the unparalleled thrill they give us every day. Racing professionals should also be racing fans. Surely every member of our team is a fan, already counting down the days until the next turf season while keeping an eye on the growing winter all-weather program both at home and around the world.
Farewell to a stallion who absolutely deserves recognition
“It’s about the horses”: Ryan Moore, the reluctant superstar
It's simple to imagine that an hour-long chat with a journalist wouldn't be high on Ryan Moore's list of favorite pastimes, but the great jockey agreed to an interview with five-time Sports Journalist of the Year Paul Hayward. And if you didn't get it the first time, it's worth investing a few minutes of your time now.
“What happened to me would shake anyone’s confidence – but I got my bite back”
Mick Halford was very open when speaking to Brian Sheerin about the problems that have plagued his career in the past and how he has returned with renewed enthusiasm. A refreshingly sincere look at some of the difficulties of life as a coach.
“We are in heaven with a horse like Spillanes Tower – all of Ireland is behind him”
While we're on the subject of Irish coaches, here's another great interview with Brian Sheerin, this time with the inimitable Jimmy Mangan, who talks a whole lot of sense.
Nunthorpe hero Borderlescott and the story of Yorkshire's favorite son
Adam Houghton returned to his childhood racing fan on his beloved Knavesmire and told the story of two-time Nunthorpe winner Borderlescott, who visited the 23-year-old retired sprinter.
The last of the Galileos
Another well read story from February when we tracked down the 13 members of Galileo's final offspring. Could one of them give his overdue father one last Classic hurrah in 2025, like Auguste Rodin did for Deep Impact? Only time will tell.
From football to racing, Ferguson maintains a winning spirit
In February, Sir Alex Ferguson spoke exclusively to Emma Berry about his passion for breeding and how touched he was by the Manchester United fans who cheered him and his home-bred Spirit Dancer in Bahrain.
Gay O'Callaghan: “Gloomy Angel is like family – he means everything to us”
Brian Sheerin clearly had a crystal ball at his disposal when he decided to visit Yeomanstown Stud in July to speak to Gay O'Callaghan about his beloved home-bred stallion Gloomy Angel. He even managed to persuade Gay to do a video interview. Five months later, the gigantic gray horse is now the champion sire for the first time.
Invincible Spirit is retiring at the age of 27
In October the Irish National Stud announced the retirement of its stalwart Invincible Spirit. John Berry reflected on the significant influence of Green Desert's son, who turns 28 this Fresh Year's Day.
