Bred For It

It’s Episode 34!

With the Derby just around the corner, what can the pedigrees tell us about the leading contenders? Which horses are likely to stay the trip and who looks bred to thrive at Epsom?

To explore the Derby picture in greater depth, Jess is joined by part-owner Kevin Blake to discuss his Derby hopeful James J Braddock. A highly respected breeder, broadcaster and key member of the Joseph O’Brien team, Kevin shares his insight into the colt’s powerful pedigree, his Derby credentials, and his wider thoughts on this year’s fascinating Classic field.

Jess also brings you an exclusive interview from Coolmore, with a special focus on Castlehyde Stud following a memorable Irish Guineas weekend. Castlehyde’s resident sire Starspangledbanner enjoyed a remarkable Guineas double through Gstaad and Precise. Clare McInerney from the nominations team offers an inside look at this important division of the Coolmore operation.

It's Episode 33!

The first Classics have been and gone and Jess begins by highlighting the pedigrees that triumphed at Newmarket and Longchamp as well as a nod to a dam who achieved a stakes double with a speedball sprinter and a classic miler.

Jess digs into a story that has peaked plenty of interest - that of the 2024 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Starlust returning to training in the UK after a year as a stallion in Australia. Despite getting 70 mares in foal, why have owners, Dr Jim & Fitri Hay pulled the plug on his stallion career? What does his future hold? Find out the thinking from Alex Cole, long standing racing and bloodstock manager to the Hay team.

Adam Sangster shares the story of Sweetenham Stud located in Victoria, Australia. Listen as he delves into the challenges and rewards of standing northern hemisphere bred stallions in Australia. He gives us an insight into the journey for Diego Velazquez who will shuttle to Sweetenham from The National Stud later in the year.

It’s Episode 32!

It's breeze up fever, but what does the landscape currently look like after the first two European breeze-up sessions?

Jess reflects on the action with leading consignor Cormac Farrell. What were the key takeaways, and what do they tell us about the market as the season begins to take shape? All while Cormac's headline breeze-up graduate from 2025 DISTANT STORM now heads towards the 2000 Guineas as a leading contender. We hear his remarkable story.

Jess catches up on the data driving the future of the breeze ups with Stephen Davison of Pythia Sports with the driving question, how are analytics shaping the future of the bloodstock industry?

This episode is dedicated in loving memory of John Fleming.

Brought to you in association with VV Rouleaux.

It's Episode 31!

The international racing scene is littered with equine and human talent and in this special Australian focused episode, Jess speaks with two members of the industry who have chosen New South Wales to set up their racing and bloodstock endeavours. 

Louis le Metayer, a French native has run Astute Bloodstock for over 10 years. He shares his thoughts on the Australian and European bloodstock industry, the advantages of being a European in Australia and his hopes for Mr Monaco in the Sydney Cup. 

Irish born and globally trained Jack Pilkington shares his perspective on setting up training in Hawkesbury, NSW and delivers a refreshing insight into buying yearlings and finding his edge in an ultra competitive landscape. 

Brought to you in association with VV Rouleaux.

It's Episode 30!

A Festival review through a breeding lens.

Jess Stafford is joined by breeding expert and journalist Amy Lynam to analyse the stallions, pedigrees and production lines behind the 2026 Cheltenham winners.

We assess which sires boosted their standing, which lines continue to deliver elite jumpers, and how Irish and French breeding models are shaping the modern National Hunt horse.