DISCOVER ARROWFIELD – Q&A with JENNY SASSIER
Jenny Sassier has worked with thoroughbred horses since the age of 14, beginning with eight seasons of yearling preparation at Haras des Capucines in her native France. She then studied horse management, stud accounting and equine reproduction, and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology & Physiopathology before working at vet clinics and leading studs around the world, including Coolmore America and Darley Japan. Jenny joined us in July 2013, is now Arrowfield’s Foaling Manager, and helping to prepare our 2017 yearlings.
What is it about any particular foal, weanling or yearling that makes you pay special attention to them?
I really like it when foals are curious, and come up to look at what you’re doing. My favourite foals this year are just like that: the Alverta filly & the Star Fashion colt, both by Deep Impact, and the Animal Kingdom-Flowerchild colt.
Photo: Deep Impact x Star Fashion colt
What are your favourite all-time (so far) Arrowfield-sold filly and colt, and why?
My top filly is Group 3 2YO winner Honesty Prevails (by Redoute’s Choice) – I love her dam Flavoured, and the filly was always a standout, very curious and friendly as a foal.
My favourite colt so far is the Redoute’s Choice-Anadan colt we sold at the 2016 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. He had a great attitude, always playful, but never mean. I really liked him. [Named Misty Lad, this colt won his first trial in September and finished mid-field on debut in the ATC Breeders’ Plate LR].
Photo: Misty Lad pictured as a yearling and racehorse
Q3 – What’s the best part of yearling preparation?
When we go to the sales and the work on the farm is finished, the horses are healthy and look good, and we’ve done all we can. Then it’s up to the buyers!
Q4 – What’s the toughest part of yearling preparation?
The first week after the yearlings come in for their prep, separated from their friends and with a new team of people and a new set of expectations. Everything is new in those first 10 days, pulling manes, washing, it’s all a bit crazy, then it settles down.
Q6 – What’s been your favourite Arrowfield-connected success in 2016?
Watching our Inglis Melbourne graduate Azazel win a Listed Race on debut. He was bred in partnership with the Aga Khan Studs and everyone was thrilled with that win.
Photo: Azazel winning on debut
And your favourite non-Arrowfield racehorse or racing moment in 2016?
My holiday this year included a visit to Dubai for the World Cup – fabulous horses and a fabulous experience.
Q7 – What are your picks from Dundeel’s first crop of yearlings?
The Sport Chic colt at Inglis Classic, and the colts out of Moorea and Sylvaner in our Inglis Easter draft – they’re all very attractive types.
Q8 – Name your personal favourite current Arrowfield yearling.
The Not A Single Doubt-Daralara filly for the Inglis Classic Sale – she’s compact with a very strong hind-quarter, Not A Single Doubt has suited the mare very well.
Q9 – And your overall favourite other horse on the farm?
My favourite is Hollow Bullet, she’s a very sweet mare, very good-looking too, and when she fostered a foal a couple of seasons ago, she did it very easily. [Hollow Bullet, winner of the 2004 VRC Oaks G1 & 2005 Storm Queen Stakes G1, foaled a Snitzel colt in 2016 and is in foal to Not A Single Doubt.]
Q10 – Finally, where is your favourite place on the farm, and why?
I like running up the hill to the Guesthouse, I can see the whole Stud from there, it’s a great view of a very good farm!
