Garth Waterfield, SVP of Investors Heritage, shares his expertise from his many years in the horse industry. He discusses the different training methods among various countries, what he looks for in a winner, and some challenges that come with being in the industry.
Horse racing with industry experts
o Garth Waterfield has an extensive background in the horse racing industry, including his experience working on farms in Kentucky and studying at the Irish National Stud.
Training around the globe
o Garth shares his personal journey into the horse racing industry, highlighting his experience working on a horse farm and how it ignited his passion for the sport.
o He discusses the differences in training methods between Ireland and Kentucky, explaining how Ireland has a renowned program that focuses on bringing young horses along slowly to prevent injuries.
o There are also different training methods between Australia and Kentucky. Garth highlights that Australia treats their horses as herd animals, whereas Kentucky stables their horses. They “grow a different horse”, Garth explains.
o There is a unique breeding season in Australia, where stallions are shipped down for the second part of the year to breed mares, creating a world industry.
Buying and selling horses
o Garth explains what he looks for when buying a horse: athleticism, including balance, mental capacity, and focus during the parade or race.
o Speaker 2 seeks out horses with blinkers to help them focus straight ahead, rather than looking left or right.
o Garth highlights the challenges of making money in horse racing, with commercial breeders and stallion farms being the most successful.
Horse racing industry challenges and allure
o Garth believes the horse industry has progressed in terms of vet care, training, and healthcare, but there are still challenges and perceptions that need to be addressed.
o The majority of trainers are clean and want to do things the right way, but there are always bad actors in any industry.
o The thrill of horse racing comes from being there, experiencing the history and tradition, and the possibility of winning with the horses you choose.
o Horse industry is more than just racing, with various breeds, careers, and infrastructure, including veterinarians and horse farms.
Kentucky horse racing industry, jobs, and superstitions
o Garth highlights the economic benefits of horse racing in Kentucky, including jobs in breeding, training, and racing.
o Garth expresses hope for a positive future for the industry with recent corrections at Churchill Downs and other tracks.
o Garth believes there's always room for improvement in horse racing, but the industry is on the right track and needs to continue refining regulations.
o Garth has a superstition of betting on gray horses on rainy days, and also considers the jockey's reputation and track record when making betting decisions.
Kentucky Derby
o Garth shares personal memories of a horse he worked with, Tonalist, who won the Belmont Stakes and was purchased as a weanling by a venture with Lady Shamrock, who went on to win a grade one race.
o With the 150th Kentucky Derby coming up, Garth is hopeful to have good horses.
o John closes by joking that he’s going to have Garth help him win at the Kentucky Derby.
