TDN: What was you favourite racing moment of the year?
WH: Sea Of Class (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) winning the G1 Darley Irish Oaks. She showed her class and acceleration and was given a breathtakingly brave ride by James Doyle. It was an important win for us (every Classic is) and a huge win for Mrs. Tsui and her family.
TDN: Name a horse that stood out for you in 2018?
WH: Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire})'s destruction in the G1 Coronation was a superb effort. Roaring Lion (Kitten's Joy)'s G1 Juddmonte win was imperious, but Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) won all the races he contested–the million-pound bonus probably forced connections to campaign him aggressively, but he was well up to the task.
TDN: And an outstanding achievement by a breeder, owner or trainer?
WH: The outstanding training performance was by Sir Michael [Stoute]–the G1 King George was a brilliant race contested by two horses and jockeys who gave their all. As a spectacle it was magnificent.
TDN: What's your big hope for 2019?
WH: Frankellina (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Our Obsession {Ire}, by Shamardal). Remarkably the Oppenheimer family have never won the G1 Investec Oaks and whilst this filly has a long way to go, who knows where she could end up. Also our luck to change for Appletree Stud.
TDN: What's your new year's resolution?
WH: Personally–to lose some weight and eat less sugar, and sugar-based products. Professionally, to support the racecourses who continue to put their hand in their pocket and be less supportive of those who don't.
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