There is no doubt Darren Dance has an eye for a good horse! Darren manages Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, which specialises in thoroughbred racehorse syndication. One of AT Bloodstock’s most recent successes was when four year old mare, Platelet, posted a break through Group One win in the Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

At this week’s Warrnambool Carnival Edge of War placed third in the Warrnambool Class 1 Handicap, two year old Clairveaux won the Inglis Bonus 1200 and Shiny Buttons placed third in the prestigious Warrnambool Cup.

Then of course there was Jakkalberry who surged to the line to place third in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.

The Team at Bloodstock.com.au are very proud that Darren purchased both Platelet and Jakkalberry through our site.

We caught up with Darren after a successful day at Warrnambool to find out more.

When did Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd commence?

1997

What were you doing before you started your business?

I worked in retail for 25 years.

Were you always going to be involved in racing?

Yes, I grew up in Warrnambool and attended the races in western Victoria every Saturday and went to the May carnival every year.

What do you look for in a horse?

I firstly look for a correct individual that has good breeding lines. They have to be a good walker and have no faults. A proven sire and dam lines are important. I like then to have a good head, eye, shoulder and for the horse to be an athlete.

Which stallions do you think are good value this year?

Wanted, Foxwedge, Smart Missile, Toorak Toff, Denman, Strategic and Americain. Who is your pick for this season’s top first season sire at the sales and on the track? I love Northern Meteor’s stock.

Who has been the most influential person on your career?

I admired what Lloyd Williams has done with internationals and how Terry Henderson has run OTI and what they have achieved. My grandmother, a 50cent punter, was probably the one who got me interested in racing as a boy growing up.

Given your success, what words of wisdom/advice can you give to young people working in our industry?

It’s a great industry to be involved in with so many different facets that one can work in, from training stables, racing administration, sales and bloodstock companies, the media and stud farms. There are so many opportunities for young people in this industry and most just need a start or opportunity. Work hard, listen, learn and associate yourself with the successful people and you can be anything you want in this industry.

What does the typical day at Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock involve for you?

Starts at 6am and finishes at 6pm. Every morning starts with an hour in the office, then on the road to sales, trials, races or driving our truck to shift horses from the stud to pre-trainers or trainers. Then returning to the office in the evening to process reports to clients and other administration tasks. We work seven days per week.

How important do you think investing in international bloodlines is?

At this point in time we need to buy international horses for the staying races to be competitive. The time is right as the dollar is strong at the moment and they are affordable for us and they tend to be superior. We can race horses worldwide and bring them to Australia for the carnival and then return them to Europe /UK for their season- it’s great fun to travel the world with these horses.

Best horse you’ve ever seen?

I can’t split Frankel and Black Caviar.

What is your all-time favourite horse?

Mookta - our first group one winner.

Favourite race day?

Melbourne Cup day

If it wasn’t for racing, you’d be…

Lost!