What an exciting five months it has been for Alex Kingston,widely experienced horsewoman thoroughly enjoying her time as manager of the newly established B2B Thoroughbreds.
Set up by successful owner Ricky Surace, B2B has its base at Mittagong in New South Wales Southern Highlands. Ideally located just 90 minutes or so from Sydney, it is being built with knowledge and passion.
An enthusiastic breeder keen to expand his broodmare band, Surace loves visiting his horses and as his equine portfolio increased so did his desire to have his own farm.
And Kingston could not be happier that she was chosen to oversee his operations.
“Ricky is so keen to learn and to be a part of it all and he wants everything done right,” she said. “And you could not meet a nicer man, he has been absolutely fantastic to work with.”
The 2020 Magic Millions will be the first for B2B Thoroughbreds and it is a select draft that they head to the Gold Coast with; four colts by popular stallions hailing from proven high class families.
We had a chat with Alex Kingston in the lead-up to the sale…
What appeals to you most about the MM sales and race series?
Every one is a lot more relaxed than at other major yearling sales, every one seems to be in a holiday mood on the back of Christmas and New Year. With the sun and the beach people feel as though they are on holiday though it is not really one for us as we are still working hard! The sales attract those early two-year-old types and every one looks forward to seeing them.
How would you sum up your farm and the service you offer?
We are a private farm and always will be. Ricky chose the area due not only to its rainfall and soil quality but also due to its proximity to Sydney so that he can visit and spend time with his horses.
How many mares did you breed with in 2019, who is the best known?
Around 30 including Savanna Amour (a four times Group winning Love Conquers All mare who has been served by champion stallion Fastnet Rock), Elle Lou (Group Three winning Snitzel mare who, after foaling a good-looking I Am Invincible colt has visited Cable Bay) and Maybe I (the stakes placed Red Ransom mare who this spring produced a sister by Sebring to Surace’s two times Group winning colt Ringerdingding, subsequently served by Written Tycoon).
How would you summarise your draft this year?
It is a neat draft and the pedigrees are certainly there…
Lot 21 bay colt by Star Witness from Vintage Strike (by Smart Strike): Surace was one of the owners of Star Witness and this fellow is a son of an imported daughter of the Coolmore Classic-Gr.1, 1500m winner Bollinger (dam of the Group Two winners Villermont and Friesan Fire) whose dam is the Golden Slipper Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m heroine Bint Marscay. What a prolific family this is, one that has also produced the Group One gallopers Filante, Benicio, Stella Cadente, Kenny’s Best Pal and Ortensia.
Lot 471 chestnut colt by Starcraft from Leone Chiara (by Lion Hunter): his Group Three winning dam is a proven high class broodmare, her eight winners from nine to race including the Blue Diamond Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m and Ascot Vale Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m winning successful stallion Star Witness (also by Starcraft), the triple Group Three winner Nostradamus and the Group One placed three-year-old Lady Lupino.
Lot 516 brown colt by Sebring from Maybe I (by Red Ransom): son of a Group Three placed dual city winner who has already produced the Sandown Guineas-Gr.2, 1600m and Carbine Club Stakes-Gr.3, 1600m winner Ringerdingding and the stakes placed recent winner Salome. His third dam is the dual Group One winner Flitter.
Lot 731 chestnut colt by Capitalist from Scarlet Billows (by Street Boss): first foal for a Maybe Mahal Stakes-Gr.3, 1400m winner whose grandam is the SA Sires’ Produce Stakes-Gr.3, 1600m winner Smytzer’s Rivalry.
What would you choose as your animal sidekick if you were in a movie?
A dog of course!
What is your favourite saying?
I don’t really have one but every one tells me that I say “Rightio” and “Obviously” a lot!
If you could shop for free at one store, which would you choose?
Any saddlery.
Do you think that children born today will have better or worse lives than their parents?
Very different, I think our lives will be better due to things like climatic change and technology; it is harder now for kids just to be kids. I have children and worry about the future for them.
