Bruce Perry’s long-standing involvement in the bloodstock industry was a done deal from the outset.
The die was cast when the Masterton-based identity was born into a racing family and never considered an alternative career path after growing up on the outskirts of Feilding where parents Herrick and Judy owned and operated Highden Stud.
“They were breeders and at the end stood Hula Town, who they also bred, so I got the bug very early on,” Perry said.
At the end of his high school education, he worked for 12 months for the late Joe Yorke, a respected breaker, pre-trainer and bloodstock agent, before furthering his experience in Australia at Widden Stud and with leading trainer Neville Begg.
Perry then travelled further afield to Europe and on his return worked at Haunui Farm before settling in the Wairarapa with wife Anna, whose parents owned and operated Riddlesworth Stud.
“In 1987, I set up my bloodstock business and I had a lot of help from Ginger Tankard and Ken Sheeran, who were Waikato Bloodstock at the time, and a number of Australians like Kieran Moore,” he said.
“It was a lot of hard work and I came into it just before the sharemarket crash, so it was interesting times and very few people buying horses.”
In the early 2000s, Perry met Lib Petagna and they have since enjoyed a highly successful association with Perry managing the Wellington businessman’s bloodstock portfolio.
“Lib was involved with Clean Sweep, who won the 2000 Guineas in 2004 and I managed Ambitious Owner for a Hong Kong client, and he ran second,” he said.
Petagna, who now also owns Elsdon Park, has been involved in multiple Group One winners with Perry sourcing many of his elite level success stories.
Earlier this year, Bruce Perry Consultancy was launched and runs independently from the bloodstock side of the business.
It offers impartial advice to breeders, owners, farms, and prospective investors.
“I try and support new people and those already involved with insights, views and different opinions,” Perry said.
“There’s definitely a place for it and it’s been well received. As bloodstock agents, we see all sides of the industry, and I try to help navigate people through it and make a success of it and not repeat the mistakes we all make on the journey.”
Perry has served as President of the Masterton Racing Club, the New Zealand Bloodstock Agents’ Federation, a councillor on the NZTBA, the NZTR Members’ Council and a Board member of NZTM.
Daughter Becca has also followed in the family tradition and is fully immersed in the industry.
“She works part-time for me and is the main principle in her insurance business, Taylor Perry Consulting, which she took over from Cherry Taylor, and they’ve got a very good client base,” he said.
Q & A
Do you remember the first horse you bought?
“It was Rising Gown, a broodmare I bought in a private deal and she went on to leave three winners.”
Do you have any sale day superstitions?
“No, I’m not superstitious and just go about the business and trust my gut feeling. If there are any doubts then walk away, that’s rule number one.”
Best horse you’ve ever bought or being associated with?
“On the world stage, it has to be Ambitious Dragon. On his day, he was as good as any horse in the world.”
Best value for money purchase?
“Ambitious Dragon again, he won more than $10 million and was a $50,000 purchase and Lucia Valentina won over A$4 million, and she was a $60,000 purchase.”
Do you have a favourite nick/cross when sourcing yearlings?
“Not really, but I do love the Last Tycoon blood.”
Favourite sire?
“Being involved in the purchase of Savabeel was pretty special and I’ve got huge satisfaction out of the purchase of Per Incanto with Sam Williams.”
Most memorable day at the races?
“Without a doubt it was being at Randwick on Champions’ Day when Lucia Valentina won the Queen Elizabeth and Sofia Rosa won the Australian Oaks within the space of an hour. Lucia was a $60,000 buy and Sofia Rosa was $65,000.”
