Bred For It

Episode 29 – The 'A' Road to Cheltenham With the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival underway, Jess speaks to two guests with major hopes for the week.  First, we hear from Chris Dawson of Nunstainton Stud, home to Dragon Dancer, whose son Haiti Couleurs lines up in the Gold Cup. Chris explains how he acquired Dragon Dancer from France, the pedigree influences that convinced him to pursue the stallion, and what Haiti Couleurs’ success has meant for Dragon Dancer’s growing reputation. Jess is then joined by bloodstock agent Marcus Collie, who shares the story behind purchasing leading Triumph Hurdle contender Minella Study. Marcus discusses the physical and pedigree traits that made the horse stand out and gives an insight into how he sources talent in an increasingly competitive market. Along the way, Jess uncovers a fascinating pedigree link connecting both Minella Study and Dragon Dancer - through Kirsten Rausing’s renowned ‘A’ family, a distinguished Flat dynasty now making its mark on the Cheltenham Festival stage.  

It's Episode 28! With the countdown onto the Cheltenham Festival, the French-breds are set to dominate once again.  So what’s the secret? In this episode, Jess Stafford speaks to Céline Gualde who runs Cap Orne Stud in Normandy and sits at the heart of French breeding as Secretary of the French TBA on the committee of France Galop and President of the National de l'Obstacle Show.  From AQPS to “bred to race” thinking, this is a deep dive into why French-breds keep delivering on racing’s biggest stage as Jess and Celine unpack the structure, culture and stallion philosophy behind France’s National Hunt success. Plus, find out what Celine really thinks about the British & Irish purchasing powers landing the very best French NH stock! 

It's Episode 27!  *WATCH NOW on YOUTUBE* For Episode 26 of Bred For It, we do something a little different with our first-ever audio and visual episode. I’m joined by Classic-winning owner, breeder and Rebel Racing founder Phil Cunningham in Meydan, Dubai. Phil's colours lit up the track last season with major sprint victories including the Stewards’ Cup and an extraordinary Ayr and Silver Gold Cup double but his success spans three decades going back to the extraordinary English & Irish Guineas winner Cockney Rebel.  The on-track success has taken Phil rapidly from hobby owner into the bloodstock world: owning mares, producing homebreds and, most notably, standing his horses Cockney Rebel and Rajasinghe as stallions. But as Phil explains candidly in this episode, that experience has fundamentally changed his outlook. So what is it really like to go from hobby owner to Classic winner and why has Phil decided he’ll never stand another stallion again? Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tbrwr-F4tOc This podcast is brought to you in association with VV Chapeaux the unique hat brand of VV Rouleaux - Situated in London's chic Marylebone Lane, VV Chapeaux is the place to top off your raceday style. 

It's Episode 26! A new year brings fresh stallion momentum to two of the most influential and forward-thinking studs in Britain. In an exclusive interview, Jess speaks to David Redvers of Tweenhills Stud, who lifts the lid on the decision to add King Of Change to the roster. He explains the strategic thinking behind the acquisition, the partners involved, and how a near-miss stallion buy ultimately strengthened his belief in backing proven stallions. Continuing the theme of ambition and expansion, Jess catches up with David Futter of Yorton Stud, who discusses bringing Cracksman onto his roster. David outlines why Cracksman is perfectly suited to a dual-purpose role, the challenges that come with it, and the enthusiasm driving his growing team. The conversation also revisits David’s journey in sourcing the late Blue Bresil, the return of the Goffs Yorton Sale in 2025, and the optimism and opportunity he sees ahead for British National Hunt breeding in 2026. This podcast is brought to you in association with VV Chapeaux the unique hat brand of VV Rouleaux - Situated in London's chic Marylebone Lane, VV Chapeaux is the place to top off your raceday style. 

It's Episode 25! Jess reflects on the loss of leading National Hunt stallions, emerging sires making their mark, and key developments shaping the global breeding landscape. Jess is joined by legendary Auctioneer John O'Kelly to reflect on his final sale at Tattersalls, alongside stories and insights from more than 30 years at the heart of the sales ring Harriet Jones of Consign Ltd gives her account of the remarkable €2.6 million Arqana sale of Half Sovereign, the pressures of consigning and establishing their name in the industry.   This podcast is brought to you in association with VV Chapeaux the unique hat brand of VV Rouleaux - Situated in London's chic Marylebone Lane, VV Chapeaux is the place to top off your raceday style. 

It's Episode 24: As December settles over Newmarket and the foal and mares’ sales draw to a close, the Sceptre Session delivered real fireworks with Porta Fortuna and Barnavara topping the headlines, while stallion farms opened their doors to showcase the sires shaping future mating plans. With the Flat sales winding down and the National Hunt scene beginning to heat up, this episode brings you a blend of both codes: with both guests looking to unearth the next champion in their sphere. This week’s guests: • Jerry McGrath – on National Hunt breeding, the type he looks for, and where future staying stars emerge across Britain and Europe + his thoughts on the Constitution Hill dilemma.  • Oliver McKeever – on the breaking-in process on the flat, how raw talent shows itself early, and what sets a future flat superstar on the right path. * Head to the Bred For It instagram page for an exclusive look at Oliver breaking in his mentioned yearling! 

It's Episode 23:  With the 2026 stallion fees out, Jess breaks down the key headlines: major new arrivals at Coolmore and Darley, Juddmonte boosting their mid-market, and Diego Velazquez adding depth to Britain’s middle tier. But behind the big numbers sits a far tougher landscape for everyday breeders. To dig into that reality, Jess is joined by Philip Newton, Chair of The Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Listen in as he addresses the falling foal crop, pressure on owner-breeders and the need for real structural change.

It's Episode 22:  Jess catches up with Claudia Fitzgerald, Bloodstock Manager for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, to uncover the Australian approach to Newmarket: why Tattersalls continues to be a rich source of value, the unique type of horses the UK breeds that the team is so eager to take Down Under, and what tops Gai’s hit list when she sets her sights on a new recruit. Then it’s all eyes on Del Mar for Breeders’ Cup week, where small breeder Kelly Thomas of Maywood Stud is living every breeder’s dream. Hear her remarkable story of breeding not only Gstaad, who heads to California to fly her small stud’s flag on the world stage, but also Vandeek, one of Europe’s outstanding juveniles. It all began with the mare Kelly bred herself who she bought back to breed from at just £800. From Newmarket to Del Mar, this episode celebrates the global reach of bloodlines and the people turning small beginnings into world-class success stories.

It's Episode 21: What were the biggest stories from the major 2025 sales sessions? Who were the biggest buyers, the best characters and the special horses that set new records? Jess has the insight from another absorbing couple of trips from Goffs Orby at Kildare Paddocks, Ireland to Tattersalls Book 1 at Newmarket.  Jess catches up with delighted pinhooker and breeder Dave Weston of Flinstone Bloodstock, who reflects on selling a standout Wootton Bassett filly for twice her foal price. And with the shock of Wootton Bassett’s untimely death still rippling across the industry, Jess hears his remarkable breeding story from proud breeder Colin Bryce of Laundry Cottage Stud.

It's Episode 20: After an eye-opening trip to America, including a visit to Lexington, Kentucky for the world-renowned Keeneland Sales, Jess shares her insights into what makes this premier auction such a standout event. The 2025 September Sale set remarkable new records, with more than 4,500 yearlings sold for staggering prices. Jess is joined by leading bloodstock agent Jamie Piggott, who reflects on the rich history of Keeneland, what sets it apart from other sales, and the qualities that make its yearlings so distinctive. Jess speaks to leading bloodstock agent Jamie Piggott as to what sets this sale apart, the history associated with it and what makes a Keeneland yearling different to the yearlings you might find at other auction houses. Jess also catches up with Ramiro Restrepo of Marquee Bloodstock to hear about his unconventional path to becoming a Kentucky Derby–winning agent and his role in Netflix’s Race to the Crown—and how it has helped inspire the next generation within the industry.  

It's Episode 19: The story (so far) of Diego Velazquez: Jess unpacks how a shrewd move brought the iconic Sangster–Magnier partnership back to the winners’ enclosure — a tale of good timing and inspired bloodstock business. Jess is joined by Joe Bradley of The National Stud, who explains the significance of Diego Velazquez joining their stallion roster for 2026 and what it really takes for a racehorse to make the leap into stallion duties. Plus, trainer Jamie Insole reflects on the first European yearling sale of 2025 at Arqana in Deauville, the type of yearlings he’s looking to buy, and how he found himself celebrating on the winners’ podium with Team Diego Velazquez.

Episode 18: Goodwood Festival once again proved that the so-called ‘under the radar’ stallions can shine on the big stage, with progeny of Expert Eye, Ulysses and Without Parole all hitting the scoresheet. Eve Johnson Houghton was one of the meeting’s standout trainers, landing two winners including Zavareti’s Vintage Stakes triumph — another example of her sharp eye for yearlings. In this episode, Eve shares her sales-ring strategy, what she must see (and can’t have) in a pedigree, and the auctions that have delivered her biggest results. Jess also speaks to Paul Curran, European representative for Yulong Investments, about their headline acquisitions of Shaquille and Soldier’s Call, how they fit into Yulong’s global stallion portfolio, and the future for fan favourite Carl Spackler.

It's Episode 17:  It’s Glorious Goodwood week and Jess shines a spotlight on the value sires ready to make their mark and highlights how year on year the Festival creates the perfect proving ground for stallions standing outside the commercial elite. With the first European yearling sales less than a month away, bloodstock expert Nancy Sexton, fresh from Japan’s JRHA Select Sale, explores how Japanese breeders are rewriting the global playbook — from Sunday Silence’s enduring legacy to the new generation of stallions making waves. Nancy also reveals why the Japanese approach to putting on a sale is something the rest of the world could only dream of emulating.  

It's Episode 16:  With the fantastic Royal Ascot meeting of 2025 still fresh in our minds, Jess looks back on the bloodstock success stories, the unlikely winning stallions and the blue bloods that triumphed over the five days. Jess catches up with bloodstock supremo Anthony Stroud fresh from celebrating Ombudsman success in the Prince of Wales Stakes. Anthony talks securing the son of Night Of Thunder from his friend and co-breeder James Hanly.  Jess and Anthony look ahead to a weekend to savour for Anthony where his breeding passions collide with his business ventures with Ombudsman looking to take the Coral Eclipse whilst Estrange, bred by himself alongside James Hanly & Trevor Stewart takes her place in the Lancashire Oaks. Jess takes you through the sales dates that are coming up over the coming months and updates you on the first season sire table at the mid way point of the year! 

This podcast is brought to you in association with The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. Ahead of the five biggest days of international flat racing at Royal Ascot, Jess sits down with Barry Mahon of Juddmonte to discuss the operations leading hopes at Royal Ascot 2025.  Jess and Barry chat through the pedigrees that make up their stars of 2025 including Field Of Gold, Lead Artist & Kalpana as well as the Juddmonte stallions including Frankel & Kingman who will be well represented throughout the week.  Don't miss some fantastic insight into the star Juddmonte families represented at Royal Ascot as well as the under the radar types hoping for a big run in the handicaps. 

It's Episode 15! An Epsom Derby special as Jess delves into the profiles of the key Derby contenders for the 2025 renewal. Who, on pedigree, will handle the Derby test and who might struggle? With the Derby looking like one of the most open line ups for years, Jess asks leading stallion master and managing director of Ballylinch Stud, does the Derby still matter to breeders? John discusses his stallion New Bay, his progeny credentials in this years race and the expectations for the stallions going forward Plus, don't miss the unexpected Derby contender who was bred for the Point-to-point field and has ended up in the world's oldest classic. Al Wasl Storm's breeder Gavin Wallace joins the podcast! 

Its Episode 14:  In an exclusive interview with Mark Byrne of Coolmore, we hear about the cornerstone broodmares such as Lillie Langtry, Rhododendron and Immortal Verse and their importance to the global breeding powerhouse.  You will hear about the mating process for the broodmares, the key decision makers & the qualities that make a brilliant mare and the stallions they are using. Plus Mark exclusively shares with Bred For It listeners that recently purchased racemare BELIEVING will be covered by Frankel and race in foal at Royal Ascot.  With the flat season in full swing, we hear from trainer Jamie Insole on the challenges of training two year olds and the rollercoaster story behind his first two year old runner + some up and coming two year olds to follow! 

It's Episode 13: With a superb weekend of International flat action, Jess digs into the breeding of one of the headline acts of the 2000 Guineas - Ruling Court. Jess speaks to Norman Williamson of Oak Tree Stud about buying him as a yearling, breezing him at the 2024 Arqana Sale & turning him into a 2.3million euro sale topper. Jess finds out how important it is to see the son of Justify follow up on the racetrack and Norman gives his insight into keeping in close contact with Charlie Appleby since the horse has been in his care. With the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, Jess picks the brain of Ren Carothers "the Pedigeek" on the main bloodstock angles going into the eagerly anticipated Run For The Roses. 

It's Episode 12: Its Breeze Up Season and with consigners and buyers reading themselves for a busy sales period, Jess asks the people that make it happen why this type of sale has become such an attractive source of buying horses.  Jess speaks with leading consignor Rodgie Kavanagh of Glending Stables who was responsible for the breeze up post boy and champion racehorse, Vandeek. Rodgie discusses the road to establishing Glending, how he sources the correct yearlings to breeze and the preparation they go through to get to the sales.  Leading racehorse trainer and key buyer at the breeze up sales, Jamie Osborne also joins the podcast to discuss his breeze up graduate Heart Of Honor, his unique buying strategy and what 2025 looks to bring him and his team. 

It's a special edition of the Bred For It Podcast!  Jess is in Meydan for the Dubai World Cup and sits down with FanDuel Host and Analyst Christina Blacker to discuss welfare standards and improvements to safety in America, breeding and declining foal numbers, broadcasting about horse injuries and her roles with Light Up Racing & The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Christina also shares an insight into the journey her husband Dan Blacker has been on training the Champion dirt sprinter, Straight No Chaser for the ownership platform, My Racehorse.