April Stable Interview: Malibu Racing Stables (Holly)
Apr 18, 2016 13:16:34 GMT -5
S u N f r O s t ~ likes this
Post by Isabelle on Apr 18, 2016 13:16:34 GMT -5
APRIL STABLE INTERVIEW WITH MALIBU RACING STABLES (HOLLY)
As spring is arriving, I made my way to Malibu Racing Stables, operated by Holly Montgomery. This smaller stable is growing fast, and will definitely be a future force on the tracks. Not to be underestimated, MRS is branching out new bloodlines with breeding stock, and I am very encouraged by the progress I've been seeing from Ms. Montgomery and her beautiful stable.
Isabelle: Thank you for your invitation to MRS, Ms. Montgomery. I am so curious to how your stable has been developing this year. Could you tell me how and when did MRS begin? What principles was it founded on?
HM: When I began I started out with Vista Ridge Stables. Came into some rough times and was basically MIA. MRS began towards the end of Y15. I have a new staff who is very supportive. They have helped me regain my confidence and helped me get back into the spotlight.
Isabelle: Could you go into a few details for me about the stable? How many horses do you have in your racing roster for season 16, how much bloodstock is in your breeding barns? Stables seem to be bloating up their youngstock after the recent changes made to racing guidelines, are you doing the same?
HM: My Y16 racing stock consists of 11 horses, 2 of which are leases from Oceanic View and North Diamond Manor. I currently have 9 studs and 8 broodmares. I currently have one homebred. The rest of my foals are from outside stock. I went a little overboard with my Y16 babies with 12 weanlings but I wouldn't trade them for the world. It will be my only year of having so many. The coming years won't have but not even 10.
Isabelle: What does MRS focus on, any particular surface, furlong lengths, or bloodlines? Besides winning of course, what sort of objectives and goals do you have?
HM: I seem to have more dirt horses and milers. I just want to focus on giving my horses the best racing experience they can have. I work with each one individually so I can get them to perfect their racing style. Every horse is unique in their own special way.
Isabelle: Please explain the basic roster you hold, do you like to campaign racers for a few years or hold them on longer? Do you prefer racing or breeding more, and what are your future plans for bloodline stock?
HM: There will be some I see better as breeding stock. It really just depends how they fair. All horses will be retired by the middle or end of their 5 year old season. Just really depends how they do on the track. If I can see them continue improvements, they will stay on the track longer. I try to get them all to their full potential.
Isabelle: In what areas does your staff shine, are they any you would like recognize? How long have you worked with them, and are you looking to expand your staff? Could you give us some insight on being a businesswoman?
HM: My jockeys are the main stars in the barn. But all of the MRS staff plays a huge part in the success of our horses. If I do take in more horses, I will hire some more members, but I am perfectly comfortable with who I have now. I like to keep things simple and stay focused in every way I can.
Isabelle: What would you consider the greatest assets of MRS in terms of staff, training, facilities and general operations, not including the horses? Are there any areas you want to improve upon or things you feel uniquely give you an edge over other stables in the area?
HM: I just need to improve in my training techniques. I know the wins will come and I have champions in my future. I just need to mature mentally to be the best that I can be.
Isabelle: What makes you passionate about MRS, Ms. Montgomery? What drives you in your career and how does MRS support that? How do you give back to MRS what you feel you receive from it?
HM: It has to be my horses. Racing is my passion and it's the horses that keep me going. It's getting up every morning and heading out to see what my four legged babies are up to. It's the excitement that drives me.
Isabelle: Has MRS won any stable awards? Do you have any HOF or BHOF horses in your barns? What are some examples of accomplishments you are proud of?
HM: No awards for us yet but I know there will be some in the future. No HOF or BHOF horses either but I know with due time it will all come someday. Just seeing my horses mature and progress along with each race gives me a jolt of accomplishment.
Isabelle: I generally like to go through the older barns first, to get a feel for the more established portion of the racers. Could you highlight your two older competitors?
HM: I have Celestia and Ground Zero. I acquired Tia from a sale. There was just something about her. I knew I had to have her in my barn. She's only been out of the running in one start. She would much rather have the company of humans than horses any day. Ground Zero I got from Ripley. I noticed he had been tossed around a lot from farm to farm. I have to say he has his forever home here at MRS. I plan on racing them both into their 4 year old seasons and come Y18 we will go from there.
Isabelle: I see you are campaigning two of your own and two lease Thoroughbreds this season. Can you give us some insight into their records so far? What sorts of plans do you have for them?
HM: Like I had said with my 3 year olds, Celestia and Ground Zero, I will race them up until Y18. Then I will see where I go from there. Now for the two I have leased, I'll be honest, I didn't think I'd get anywhere with either of them. They weren't running the way I had hoped and I realized it just took them some time to get accustomed to my training style. It's still early in the season so hard to tell how things will end up.
Isabelle: On to the juveniles, the wild cards. Could you let us know how you feel about their start up careers? I am impressed with Regal Rose, could you let us know a bit more in depth about her?
HM: I am very proud of all of my juveniles. Catastrophic was the one who I thought would really start the year off with a bang, but she's been doing fairly well. She has never been out of the money and I know who first win isn't too far off. Shuttershock still has some growing up to do. He's finally gotten that 3rd place finish. He's starting to turn around since he became a dual surfaced horse. I believe I will point him to more turf races and he should be flawless. Now as for Regal Rose, she certainly surprised me. I knew she had it in her. It was just her insecurities that got the best of her at first. She is a very energetic filly. This juvenile season will lead into a stellar 3 year old season for her.
Isabelle: Do you have a favorite yearling and weanling that has begun to stand out, either from birth or as they are maturing? I've noticed you've been creating some brand new lines, unique to MRS. Thoughts on the direction this is going?
HM: I love all of my yearlings and weanlings equally. The yearling who really seems to be the strongest has to be Moonshine. He is a big colt. He is a true stand out to me. Yes I haven't been running my yearlings in a lot of prospect races, but I feel this colt will enter his Y17 juvenile season in incredible shape and definitely pull in some early wins. As for my weanlings they're all special in their own unique ways. They have all been maturing quite rapidly. Can't wait to see what will come of them. As for my new lines. They have been coming along quite well and can't wait to see what they can do on the track come Y17.
Isabelle: As you are newer to the breeding world, could you go into more depth on what you are trying to produce? Do you have any favorite bloodlines you'd like to incorporate into MRS?
HM: I'm really hoping to have a wide variety of lines in my stock, but I'm mainly focused on expanding my own bloodstock. With the addition of my created lines, I am excited to bring on some homebreds and still incorporate outside lines as well.
Isabelle: Ms. Montgomery, is there a certain special horse around here that perhaps hasn't won major races or bred exceptional foals necessarily, but holds a special place for you or for MRS?
HM: I was beyond happy to bring in True Italian. He doesn't have a lot of foals to his name and with only a few more seasons at stud left, I'm hoping to make an impact with him. I do have two covers for him planned with two of my mares for Y17. Looking forward to seeing what will become of those foals. I plan on getting in a few more foals from him too.
Isabelle: Please let us know which horse has made the greatest contribution to MRS and why.
HM: For my racehorses, I have been completely happy with Ground Zero and Regal Rose. They are both on fire now and I see them reaching some achievements this year. As for my breeding stock, my stud Malibu King has really set the start of my own homebreds. I am hoping other farms gain some interest in him and he can get some outside breedings.
Isabelle: Which horse are you personally the most proud of, and why?
HM: Regal Rose. This filly is phenomenal. You would never guess that she's only a two year old. She has matured so much just in these first couple months then most horses do in a year. She really has a bright future ahead for her. She has made me extremely proud.
Isabelle: Do you have any special plans for the rest of this season, either with racing or breeding terms? Has there been any particular successes on the track that you're proud of?
HM: I'm just gonna hold back, enter my horses into the right races, and see how they do. Next year I'm hoping to join in on the Triple Crown scene. May focus my horses onto the Breeder's Cup. May not happen this season, but there's always next year.
Isabelle: Although you are newer to the racing world, do you have any suggestions or advice for those older than you, those who are your peers, and those up and coming stables who are just getting into the business?
HM: Just stay focused on what's at heart. These are our babies and we run them to the best of expectations. For the newer stables, don't get bummed if you're not throwing in any wins. Just be patient, keep entering your horses, get them to gain their confidence, and they will prosper for you.
Isabelle: Which stable do you admire the most, and why? Do you have any particular business friends that have inspired you or lifelong friendships that have supported you?
HM: Oh gosh, I admire Cavallo and Intrepid Racing. I would kill to have the variety of lines she has in her line up. But really I admire them all. Yes we are all competitive on the track, but off the track I am happy with the friendships I am making. I am always open to make friends and I know that all of these girls are here as support.
Isabelle: Do you have any last comments you'd like to say about yourself, your staff, the horses, or MRS itself?
HM: Just be on the lookout. We will prosper. MRS is out to succeed.
Well Ms. Montgomery, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you, your staff, and your amazing Thoroughbreds at MRS. It was so exciting to hear about you're making a comeback in the racing world and we hope to see you around for many, many racing seasons to come. I know you'll get a lot of interest when your homebreds and unique lines begin to hit the breeding world, we can't wait to see you shine!
As spring is arriving, I made my way to Malibu Racing Stables, operated by Holly Montgomery. This smaller stable is growing fast, and will definitely be a future force on the tracks. Not to be underestimated, MRS is branching out new bloodlines with breeding stock, and I am very encouraged by the progress I've been seeing from Ms. Montgomery and her beautiful stable.
Isabelle: Thank you for your invitation to MRS, Ms. Montgomery. I am so curious to how your stable has been developing this year. Could you tell me how and when did MRS begin? What principles was it founded on?
HM: When I began I started out with Vista Ridge Stables. Came into some rough times and was basically MIA. MRS began towards the end of Y15. I have a new staff who is very supportive. They have helped me regain my confidence and helped me get back into the spotlight.
Isabelle: Could you go into a few details for me about the stable? How many horses do you have in your racing roster for season 16, how much bloodstock is in your breeding barns? Stables seem to be bloating up their youngstock after the recent changes made to racing guidelines, are you doing the same?
HM: My Y16 racing stock consists of 11 horses, 2 of which are leases from Oceanic View and North Diamond Manor. I currently have 9 studs and 8 broodmares. I currently have one homebred. The rest of my foals are from outside stock. I went a little overboard with my Y16 babies with 12 weanlings but I wouldn't trade them for the world. It will be my only year of having so many. The coming years won't have but not even 10.
Isabelle: What does MRS focus on, any particular surface, furlong lengths, or bloodlines? Besides winning of course, what sort of objectives and goals do you have?
HM: I seem to have more dirt horses and milers. I just want to focus on giving my horses the best racing experience they can have. I work with each one individually so I can get them to perfect their racing style. Every horse is unique in their own special way.
Isabelle: Please explain the basic roster you hold, do you like to campaign racers for a few years or hold them on longer? Do you prefer racing or breeding more, and what are your future plans for bloodline stock?
HM: There will be some I see better as breeding stock. It really just depends how they fair. All horses will be retired by the middle or end of their 5 year old season. Just really depends how they do on the track. If I can see them continue improvements, they will stay on the track longer. I try to get them all to their full potential.
Isabelle: In what areas does your staff shine, are they any you would like recognize? How long have you worked with them, and are you looking to expand your staff? Could you give us some insight on being a businesswoman?
HM: My jockeys are the main stars in the barn. But all of the MRS staff plays a huge part in the success of our horses. If I do take in more horses, I will hire some more members, but I am perfectly comfortable with who I have now. I like to keep things simple and stay focused in every way I can.
Isabelle: What would you consider the greatest assets of MRS in terms of staff, training, facilities and general operations, not including the horses? Are there any areas you want to improve upon or things you feel uniquely give you an edge over other stables in the area?
HM: I just need to improve in my training techniques. I know the wins will come and I have champions in my future. I just need to mature mentally to be the best that I can be.
Isabelle: What makes you passionate about MRS, Ms. Montgomery? What drives you in your career and how does MRS support that? How do you give back to MRS what you feel you receive from it?
HM: It has to be my horses. Racing is my passion and it's the horses that keep me going. It's getting up every morning and heading out to see what my four legged babies are up to. It's the excitement that drives me.
Isabelle: Has MRS won any stable awards? Do you have any HOF or BHOF horses in your barns? What are some examples of accomplishments you are proud of?
HM: No awards for us yet but I know there will be some in the future. No HOF or BHOF horses either but I know with due time it will all come someday. Just seeing my horses mature and progress along with each race gives me a jolt of accomplishment.
Isabelle: I generally like to go through the older barns first, to get a feel for the more established portion of the racers. Could you highlight your two older competitors?
HM: I have Celestia and Ground Zero. I acquired Tia from a sale. There was just something about her. I knew I had to have her in my barn. She's only been out of the running in one start. She would much rather have the company of humans than horses any day. Ground Zero I got from Ripley. I noticed he had been tossed around a lot from farm to farm. I have to say he has his forever home here at MRS. I plan on racing them both into their 4 year old seasons and come Y18 we will go from there.
Isabelle: I see you are campaigning two of your own and two lease Thoroughbreds this season. Can you give us some insight into their records so far? What sorts of plans do you have for them?
HM: Like I had said with my 3 year olds, Celestia and Ground Zero, I will race them up until Y18. Then I will see where I go from there. Now for the two I have leased, I'll be honest, I didn't think I'd get anywhere with either of them. They weren't running the way I had hoped and I realized it just took them some time to get accustomed to my training style. It's still early in the season so hard to tell how things will end up.
Isabelle: On to the juveniles, the wild cards. Could you let us know how you feel about their start up careers? I am impressed with Regal Rose, could you let us know a bit more in depth about her?
HM: I am very proud of all of my juveniles. Catastrophic was the one who I thought would really start the year off with a bang, but she's been doing fairly well. She has never been out of the money and I know who first win isn't too far off. Shuttershock still has some growing up to do. He's finally gotten that 3rd place finish. He's starting to turn around since he became a dual surfaced horse. I believe I will point him to more turf races and he should be flawless. Now as for Regal Rose, she certainly surprised me. I knew she had it in her. It was just her insecurities that got the best of her at first. She is a very energetic filly. This juvenile season will lead into a stellar 3 year old season for her.
Isabelle: Do you have a favorite yearling and weanling that has begun to stand out, either from birth or as they are maturing? I've noticed you've been creating some brand new lines, unique to MRS. Thoughts on the direction this is going?
HM: I love all of my yearlings and weanlings equally. The yearling who really seems to be the strongest has to be Moonshine. He is a big colt. He is a true stand out to me. Yes I haven't been running my yearlings in a lot of prospect races, but I feel this colt will enter his Y17 juvenile season in incredible shape and definitely pull in some early wins. As for my weanlings they're all special in their own unique ways. They have all been maturing quite rapidly. Can't wait to see what will come of them. As for my new lines. They have been coming along quite well and can't wait to see what they can do on the track come Y17.
Isabelle: As you are newer to the breeding world, could you go into more depth on what you are trying to produce? Do you have any favorite bloodlines you'd like to incorporate into MRS?
HM: I'm really hoping to have a wide variety of lines in my stock, but I'm mainly focused on expanding my own bloodstock. With the addition of my created lines, I am excited to bring on some homebreds and still incorporate outside lines as well.
Isabelle: Ms. Montgomery, is there a certain special horse around here that perhaps hasn't won major races or bred exceptional foals necessarily, but holds a special place for you or for MRS?
HM: I was beyond happy to bring in True Italian. He doesn't have a lot of foals to his name and with only a few more seasons at stud left, I'm hoping to make an impact with him. I do have two covers for him planned with two of my mares for Y17. Looking forward to seeing what will become of those foals. I plan on getting in a few more foals from him too.
Isabelle: Please let us know which horse has made the greatest contribution to MRS and why.
HM: For my racehorses, I have been completely happy with Ground Zero and Regal Rose. They are both on fire now and I see them reaching some achievements this year. As for my breeding stock, my stud Malibu King has really set the start of my own homebreds. I am hoping other farms gain some interest in him and he can get some outside breedings.
Isabelle: Which horse are you personally the most proud of, and why?
HM: Regal Rose. This filly is phenomenal. You would never guess that she's only a two year old. She has matured so much just in these first couple months then most horses do in a year. She really has a bright future ahead for her. She has made me extremely proud.
Isabelle: Do you have any special plans for the rest of this season, either with racing or breeding terms? Has there been any particular successes on the track that you're proud of?
HM: I'm just gonna hold back, enter my horses into the right races, and see how they do. Next year I'm hoping to join in on the Triple Crown scene. May focus my horses onto the Breeder's Cup. May not happen this season, but there's always next year.
Isabelle: Although you are newer to the racing world, do you have any suggestions or advice for those older than you, those who are your peers, and those up and coming stables who are just getting into the business?
HM: Just stay focused on what's at heart. These are our babies and we run them to the best of expectations. For the newer stables, don't get bummed if you're not throwing in any wins. Just be patient, keep entering your horses, get them to gain their confidence, and they will prosper for you.
Isabelle: Which stable do you admire the most, and why? Do you have any particular business friends that have inspired you or lifelong friendships that have supported you?
HM: Oh gosh, I admire Cavallo and Intrepid Racing. I would kill to have the variety of lines she has in her line up. But really I admire them all. Yes we are all competitive on the track, but off the track I am happy with the friendships I am making. I am always open to make friends and I know that all of these girls are here as support.
Isabelle: Do you have any last comments you'd like to say about yourself, your staff, the horses, or MRS itself?
HM: Just be on the lookout. We will prosper. MRS is out to succeed.
Well Ms. Montgomery, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you, your staff, and your amazing Thoroughbreds at MRS. It was so exciting to hear about you're making a comeback in the racing world and we hope to see you around for many, many racing seasons to come. I know you'll get a lot of interest when your homebreds and unique lines begin to hit the breeding world, we can't wait to see you shine!
