June Stable Interview: North Diamond Manor (Isabelle)
May 29, 2016 16:43:37 GMT -5
S u N f r O s t ~ likes this
Post by Isabelle on May 29, 2016 16:43:37 GMT -5
NORTH DIAMOND MANOR (ISABELLE) JUNE STABLE INTERVIEW
This month I didn't have to travel anywhere, as the interview is for my own stable, North Diamond Manor! I originally established my racing stables as Ivory Storms Stables in year thirteen, but the following year I found we needed more space, and moved to the north mountains where the beauty is as picturesque as the racers on the tracks. This past season saw our first retirements from the track, and now that some stables possess our foundation lines we hope to see success in other stables as well as our own.
Isabelle: Instead of me answering my own questions, I decided to ask our former manager and trainer, Edward O'Hara, who is now our juvenile trainer, to be the interviewee. Edward has been with us since the beginning, and knows just as much about NDM as I do. Edward, could you explain what principles NDM was founded on?
EOH: North Diamond Manor at its heart is centered around taking horses and people from wherever they came from and molding them into something greater than themselves. That's what brought me here, the belief that everyone has a place in this world, something only they can do. It's not all about winning here, it's about doing what you can do, and being proud even if you finish last. The journey is often more important than the finished result.
Isabelle: Would you give some hard facts on NDM? How many horses are in the racing roster for this season, how much bloodstock is in the breeding barns? Stables seem to be bloating up their youngstock after the recent changes made to racing guidelines, how do you feel about NDM doing the same?
EOH: Well for this season you needed a break from the major workings of racing for a while, so we've leased out most of our racing stock. We began the year with wanting to finish the careers of Desert Amber and Ivory Storms, and of course you spotted and had to purchase Simba. So we had three racing, but we focused on prospects entering the arena for a while. I enjoyed the break, but I must say I personally was happy when two of our juveniles found their way back to us, and the recent purchase of Italian Beauty. I was itching to get back to work. So we are heading into summer with four or six, depending on the retirement dates of Amber and Ivory. Unless you have other plans, Isabelle, I know you can pull some surprises.
We have as of this date twelve broodmares, and seven stallions in our breeding barns. Some have given foals to other stables and not us yet, but there are many years left for them. I have mixed feelings about your choice to . . . 'expand' our youngstock, Miss. I am glad to see such life at NDM and am looking forward to putting juvenile years on them when they are two, but I hope you aren't biting off more than you can chew. I do know your . . . soft side for the young ones.
Isabelle: There can never be enough little fuzzy foals running around.
EOH: Yes . . . um . . . *clears throat, mumbling* that's the mentality that led me to the 'biting off more than you can chew' comment . . .
Isabelle: *arches eyebrow* Moving on then. Please highlight what things NDM on in racing terms, such as a particular surface, furlong lengths, or bloodlines? Besides winning of course, what sort of objectives and goals are there around here?
EOH: We began with distancing 9-12 only, two on dirt and two on turf. You were new the racing world, and I was new working with you, so we were pleased with that for half a year as we adjusted to working with one another and you learned how the racing tracks operated. Since then we've expanded to the full range of racing furlongs on both surfaces, although I will say we lack a bit in the sprinting department yet. You told me, and I agreed with you, that diversified blood was best. We have no particular bloodline focus, rather, you tend to see a pretty face, and want a foal. That's about the extent of how deeply we research around here, despite my attempts at a more formal investigation. I do know you're driving the breeding managers a bit batty with your unconventional style.
Isabelle: *narrow eyes* Remind me again why I picked you for this?
EOH: Because I've been with you the longest, and at seventy-two years of age, I'm not afraid of you.
Isabelle: Uh huh. *sticks chewing gum in mouth* Please explain the basic guidelines we hold for campaigning racers. Does NDM have a preference for racing or breeding more, and what are the future plans for bloodline stock?
EOH: You like to give racers a good chance, we're not long in the racing world, but you've been fine with giving Thoroughbreds races well into their six year old years. I like that about you, you don't retire a horse from one bad season, you persevere, and try new options, really letting the horse find their niche before sending them to retirement. I like how you don't hold them on too long and race them for money, once they're clearly finished with their career.
Isabelle: *beams*
EOH: As for future bloodlines, you've brought in some foundation lines, but you've also been reeling in the reserves you've racked up begging at other stables.
Isabelle: *scowls* Those were gifts I'll have you know. *bristles* The only stable owner that could possibly use the word begging from me is Amber Black from SOPS. And that's only because if I like one of her pretty ponies I just don't leave their stall until she gives me a reserve. I never once verbally begged. I may have behaviorally begged, but I have my standards. *puts nose up in the air*
EOH: They are usually quite low when it comes to foals.
Isabelle: *chokes on gum*
EOH: I've noticed along with some foals from our own stock, and some from reserves, you've brought in a few new foundation foals for our future racing and breeding. The mixture will be quite interesting, I'm sure, when they start racing. I'm still not quite sure about you and your method of breeding racehorses, but so far, it's seemed to work for you.
Isabelle: *wiggles in agitation* In what areas does the NDM staff shine, are they any you would like recognize? How long have you worked with them, and do you feel NDM has enough employees?
EOH: You had two hiring periods, the initial one, and then early this year in January. Originally we had a staff of twelve, not including you, but we've expanded this year to thirty-seven. I'm most pleased with the extra help, and I don't feel we'll need any new staff for some time. You split up the jobs quite a bit, specializing them, which I feel is wonderful for the horses, they get a lot more individual time and the employees aren't overly strained. I admit being the sole trainer and manager at the end of year fifteen was getting very cramped. I am most grateful you allowed me to take on the sole training of the juveniles, my favorite age. I believe every staff member has their own unique talents to give NDM, I wouldn't want to single any of them out, as I could do that with each and every one of them.
Isabelle: What would you consider the greatest assets of NDM 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?
EOH: The location you picked. We're so far north, it's like our own little private hideaway. It's so easy for us to train freely without nosy reporters around. I've worked for some high class businesses before, and it always bothered me how much criticism was made for a daily work, as if that would then tell everything there was about a horse. Many owners were hands off, except for inviting the press constantly, and it was very aggravating how little they knew or wanted to know about horses. You're very hands on, and always take our feelings and the horses' conditions into consideration. It's a lot more relaxed here, and once we've polished up from the rough workouts and go to a race, it feels more professional and like we're putting our best foot forward. I feel the staff is integral, it's the skeleton of our operation, the horses are our blood, and the grounds and facilities are the body.
Isabelle: What makes you passionate about being here, Edward? What drives you in your career and how does NDM support that? How do you give back to us what you feel you receive from it?
EOH: Oh, I love the whole spirit of NDM, the way everyone works together as a team. I find myself fascinated with what new stunt you're going to pull, actually. It makes me want to stick around longer, there are surprises around every corner here. Your energy and spice for racing and horses is invigorating and fresh for me, and others who work here. My career . . . I don't put much stock in that, I just move around, do what I can to those who end up in my care, and move on when I feel the time has come. I'm much too old to worry about where my life is going. I try to give the same respect and appreciation that I am given, and if I train a few gems, it makes the effort more worthwhile.
Isabelle: Has NDM won any stable awards? Please introduce our HOF and BHOF horses. What are some examples of accomplishments you are proud of?
EOH: We haven't won any stable awards, but we have had some racers win a few yearly awards, we we're proud of. We acquired Everyday Hero, a Hall of Fame inductee, and put him forward for the breeding Hall of Fame, which he entered with us. The True Nut is a hall of famer, inducted before coming to NDM. I am most proud of having trained, with you, of course, Impress the Moonlight's major victory of the Turf Triple Tiara last year, the first one to do it. She also won Breeder's. In terms of fame and major super stars, she's our shining example. I find that I am proudest though, of horses that come to us with a bad career, or didn't quite find their place either with us at first or with another stable, and we were able to turn them around. Even if they aren't major award winning, HOTY racers, seeing them blossom is what this stable is all about. Take Gallant Knight, for instance. Two years of racing and only one win to him. We turned him around, and in two seasons with us got him to grade one. He's got two foals on the ground this year, I'm eager to see how they shape up.
Isabelle: If you would be so kind as to come with me for a tour of the stables? I prefer to see the oldest racers first, to get a feel for the more established Thoroughbreds and the more well known names. How are these competitors shaping up this year?
EOH: Well, we polished off Desert Amber and Ivory Storms to grade one, our goal for them. They might have a few more races, but I know you and Devora, the senior racing trainer, have decided to cap them off and let them retire at about half season. Three of our older horses are with SOPS and Nature Blues Stables, and of course *major kicking racket comes out of nowhere* we have your favored new senior runner here, Simba. *Simba throws a fit until Isabelle gives him nose kisses and sugar cubes* I still believe that horse is best let loose for the wilds. He ain't fit for the likes of humans.
Isabelle: He's my baby, aren't you boy? *coos at wild palomino*
EOH: Devora and his jockey Evander have their hands full with this one. He's doing very well on the tracks, I haven't a clue how long you'll keep him running, it's quite the guessing game.
Isabelle: Given our three year olds are all off at other stables now, would you like to show off your juveniles in training? How do you feel about their careers so far, and what would you like to see them accomplish before the end of the season?
EOH: Eternally Smoldering was an impressive prospect colt out of DW Flamekissed. We had tremendous hope for his two year old year, but so far he's been floundering a bit. I don't think I've quite found the spot he fits in best, and the juveniles this year are definitely a huge challenge. Italian Beauty just came to us last week, your purchase at an auction. We've yet to get her on the track, she had a third place so far this season. She'll be a little behind the rest of the racers here as she'll only get half of a season, but I'm confident she'll get her hooves wet, and as a three year old she'll spring forward. She's out of Cute Italian sired by Bank On Greatness, who was sired by Merry Bay King. So she's got the blood, there's no doubt in my mind it's working with her heart and spirit. Just A Little Cutie returned to us from her lease as well, she's a sweet girl, and doing about as well as I've expected from her so far. I think she'll be one that will shine with overall consistency rather than huge monumental spurts of victories.
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 thrown in some unique foundation foals as well. Thoughts on the direction this is going?
EOH: I think you're already well aware of my misgivings to some of your breeding methods, Miss, but I shall humor you, for the sake of the interview.
Isabelle: *scowling smolder*
EOH: I personally am most excited to work with Authentic Aura next year, who won a BBT award last year. She is sired by True Enough out our own Afterglow. I also likes the looks of French Quarter, a Hokum colt out of Quintessential. He's got the mentality and body for some sharp racing. For weanlings, my eye immediately went to Superstition, a colt from Moondance and Everyday Hero, half brother to Impress the Moonlight. He'll be ridden by Chloe Donahue as well, the jockey that brought Lily to her victories last season. It might be a little presumptuous of me, but Sonny's Gem, an original line, has caught my eye. She's such a dainty thing, but so alert and full of energy. I really think she'll be something special on the sprinter tracks.
Isabelle: Edward, 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 NDM?
EOH: Well I know for you personally, Dynasty and Simba are your babies, but this question is directed at me. So, I'd have to say that Lookin' Back Lucky, one of our original four, has a special place for me. He had a great partial two year old year, but fell into some hard times as a three year old. He seemed to favor third place, he was there twenty times. Yet, he just kept going, he never got discouraged, and at the end of year fifteen he'd gotten his thirteenth win, and we both wisely decided to let him retire. I think his unique personality will throw some wild foals. An underdog, I like how he took his wins and his losses the same way-looking for his carrots.
Isabelle: Please let us know which horse has made the greatest contribution to NDM and why.
EOH: Wow, well in terms of fame and recognition, Impress the Moonlight, naturally. In terms of personality and feisty grit, I'd have to say Maliah. One of our originals, she had a simply dynamite three year old season with ten victories, and everyone was abuzz with adoration for the filly. She hasn't won any major races like Lily, but she was a queen of the undercards, and made everyone smile.
Isabelle: Which horse are you personally the most proud of having trained, and why?
EOH: I don't know that I can answer that, we value every horse that we get, and I have a feeling of pride for all that pass through the training stables. I'm proud of many, for different reasons, so I can't select just one.
Isabelle: Do you know of 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 so far?
EOH: Well a little bird told me you might be coming back more prominently sooner than expected-
Isabelle: Shhhh! *makes mental note to pinch Amber Black for squealing*
EOH: Whether that occurs or not I can't say, but I'll be focused on maintaining Smolder and Cutie, and learning how Beauty goes on the tracks. Naturally I'll keep my distance from Simba, and spend a little time with Amber and Ivory as they run their last races. I know you've already got your foals planned for next season, so I won't spoil those, although their stalls are already marked with ribbons and bows and new specially colored buckets and toys are waiting in empty stalls. I wonder who did that. *eyes Isabelle*
Isabelle: *is completely innocent and shall stand by that while stuffing receipts in back pocket* 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?
EOH: To older stables, I'd like to learn, rather than suggest. To those on equal footing, I'd value collaboration, and for those newer I'd like to form some friendly acquaintances and hope to work towards a good competitive future.
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?
EOH: I know of your close relationship with SOPS and Amber Black, Miss. I'm not particularly social, but I think the two of you young women like to make secret plans. I've seen enough conspiratorial whispering to know when danger of a new addition to one of the foal barns is looming.
Isabelle: *raises eyebrow*
EOH: We are very appreciative for Intrepid Racing, Battle Brook Stables, and Valkyrie Stables for their help and guidance with establishing ourselves. We'd like to work more with other stables in training and breeding down the road, as well as seeing what newer stables might have to offer us. We are not averse at all to unique bloodlines.
Isabelle: Do you have any last comments you'd like to say about yourself, the NDM staff, the horses, or NDM itself?
EOH: Working with you and your spontaneous and often emotionally driven choices has been the greatest single challenge of my career.
Isabelle: . . . . . *blinks*
And so ends the interview at North Diamond Manor. I've found myself with new insight to one of my own staff members, and I hope everyone reading this discovers something new about NDM that you didn't know before. NDM is here to stay for the long haul, we might have our challenges, but we'll keep going, and I hope to make stronger friendships and more interesting fuzzy foal crosses as time goes on. Perseverance is our chosen character trait, we keep dusting ourselves off and trying again.
This month I didn't have to travel anywhere, as the interview is for my own stable, North Diamond Manor! I originally established my racing stables as Ivory Storms Stables in year thirteen, but the following year I found we needed more space, and moved to the north mountains where the beauty is as picturesque as the racers on the tracks. This past season saw our first retirements from the track, and now that some stables possess our foundation lines we hope to see success in other stables as well as our own.
Isabelle: Instead of me answering my own questions, I decided to ask our former manager and trainer, Edward O'Hara, who is now our juvenile trainer, to be the interviewee. Edward has been with us since the beginning, and knows just as much about NDM as I do. Edward, could you explain what principles NDM was founded on?
EOH: North Diamond Manor at its heart is centered around taking horses and people from wherever they came from and molding them into something greater than themselves. That's what brought me here, the belief that everyone has a place in this world, something only they can do. It's not all about winning here, it's about doing what you can do, and being proud even if you finish last. The journey is often more important than the finished result.
Isabelle: Would you give some hard facts on NDM? How many horses are in the racing roster for this season, how much bloodstock is in the breeding barns? Stables seem to be bloating up their youngstock after the recent changes made to racing guidelines, how do you feel about NDM doing the same?
EOH: Well for this season you needed a break from the major workings of racing for a while, so we've leased out most of our racing stock. We began the year with wanting to finish the careers of Desert Amber and Ivory Storms, and of course you spotted and had to purchase Simba. So we had three racing, but we focused on prospects entering the arena for a while. I enjoyed the break, but I must say I personally was happy when two of our juveniles found their way back to us, and the recent purchase of Italian Beauty. I was itching to get back to work. So we are heading into summer with four or six, depending on the retirement dates of Amber and Ivory. Unless you have other plans, Isabelle, I know you can pull some surprises.
We have as of this date twelve broodmares, and seven stallions in our breeding barns. Some have given foals to other stables and not us yet, but there are many years left for them. I have mixed feelings about your choice to . . . 'expand' our youngstock, Miss. I am glad to see such life at NDM and am looking forward to putting juvenile years on them when they are two, but I hope you aren't biting off more than you can chew. I do know your . . . soft side for the young ones.
Isabelle: There can never be enough little fuzzy foals running around.
EOH: Yes . . . um . . . *clears throat, mumbling* that's the mentality that led me to the 'biting off more than you can chew' comment . . .
Isabelle: *arches eyebrow* Moving on then. Please highlight what things NDM on in racing terms, such as a particular surface, furlong lengths, or bloodlines? Besides winning of course, what sort of objectives and goals are there around here?
EOH: We began with distancing 9-12 only, two on dirt and two on turf. You were new the racing world, and I was new working with you, so we were pleased with that for half a year as we adjusted to working with one another and you learned how the racing tracks operated. Since then we've expanded to the full range of racing furlongs on both surfaces, although I will say we lack a bit in the sprinting department yet. You told me, and I agreed with you, that diversified blood was best. We have no particular bloodline focus, rather, you tend to see a pretty face, and want a foal. That's about the extent of how deeply we research around here, despite my attempts at a more formal investigation. I do know you're driving the breeding managers a bit batty with your unconventional style.
Isabelle: *narrow eyes* Remind me again why I picked you for this?
EOH: Because I've been with you the longest, and at seventy-two years of age, I'm not afraid of you.
Isabelle: Uh huh. *sticks chewing gum in mouth* Please explain the basic guidelines we hold for campaigning racers. Does NDM have a preference for racing or breeding more, and what are the future plans for bloodline stock?
EOH: You like to give racers a good chance, we're not long in the racing world, but you've been fine with giving Thoroughbreds races well into their six year old years. I like that about you, you don't retire a horse from one bad season, you persevere, and try new options, really letting the horse find their niche before sending them to retirement. I like how you don't hold them on too long and race them for money, once they're clearly finished with their career.
Isabelle: *beams*
EOH: As for future bloodlines, you've brought in some foundation lines, but you've also been reeling in the reserves you've racked up begging at other stables.
Isabelle: *scowls* Those were gifts I'll have you know. *bristles* The only stable owner that could possibly use the word begging from me is Amber Black from SOPS. And that's only because if I like one of her pretty ponies I just don't leave their stall until she gives me a reserve. I never once verbally begged. I may have behaviorally begged, but I have my standards. *puts nose up in the air*
EOH: They are usually quite low when it comes to foals.
Isabelle: *chokes on gum*
EOH: I've noticed along with some foals from our own stock, and some from reserves, you've brought in a few new foundation foals for our future racing and breeding. The mixture will be quite interesting, I'm sure, when they start racing. I'm still not quite sure about you and your method of breeding racehorses, but so far, it's seemed to work for you.
Isabelle: *wiggles in agitation* In what areas does the NDM staff shine, are they any you would like recognize? How long have you worked with them, and do you feel NDM has enough employees?
EOH: You had two hiring periods, the initial one, and then early this year in January. Originally we had a staff of twelve, not including you, but we've expanded this year to thirty-seven. I'm most pleased with the extra help, and I don't feel we'll need any new staff for some time. You split up the jobs quite a bit, specializing them, which I feel is wonderful for the horses, they get a lot more individual time and the employees aren't overly strained. I admit being the sole trainer and manager at the end of year fifteen was getting very cramped. I am most grateful you allowed me to take on the sole training of the juveniles, my favorite age. I believe every staff member has their own unique talents to give NDM, I wouldn't want to single any of them out, as I could do that with each and every one of them.
Isabelle: What would you consider the greatest assets of NDM 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?
EOH: The location you picked. We're so far north, it's like our own little private hideaway. It's so easy for us to train freely without nosy reporters around. I've worked for some high class businesses before, and it always bothered me how much criticism was made for a daily work, as if that would then tell everything there was about a horse. Many owners were hands off, except for inviting the press constantly, and it was very aggravating how little they knew or wanted to know about horses. You're very hands on, and always take our feelings and the horses' conditions into consideration. It's a lot more relaxed here, and once we've polished up from the rough workouts and go to a race, it feels more professional and like we're putting our best foot forward. I feel the staff is integral, it's the skeleton of our operation, the horses are our blood, and the grounds and facilities are the body.
Isabelle: What makes you passionate about being here, Edward? What drives you in your career and how does NDM support that? How do you give back to us what you feel you receive from it?
EOH: Oh, I love the whole spirit of NDM, the way everyone works together as a team. I find myself fascinated with what new stunt you're going to pull, actually. It makes me want to stick around longer, there are surprises around every corner here. Your energy and spice for racing and horses is invigorating and fresh for me, and others who work here. My career . . . I don't put much stock in that, I just move around, do what I can to those who end up in my care, and move on when I feel the time has come. I'm much too old to worry about where my life is going. I try to give the same respect and appreciation that I am given, and if I train a few gems, it makes the effort more worthwhile.
Isabelle: Has NDM won any stable awards? Please introduce our HOF and BHOF horses. What are some examples of accomplishments you are proud of?
EOH: We haven't won any stable awards, but we have had some racers win a few yearly awards, we we're proud of. We acquired Everyday Hero, a Hall of Fame inductee, and put him forward for the breeding Hall of Fame, which he entered with us. The True Nut is a hall of famer, inducted before coming to NDM. I am most proud of having trained, with you, of course, Impress the Moonlight's major victory of the Turf Triple Tiara last year, the first one to do it. She also won Breeder's. In terms of fame and major super stars, she's our shining example. I find that I am proudest though, of horses that come to us with a bad career, or didn't quite find their place either with us at first or with another stable, and we were able to turn them around. Even if they aren't major award winning, HOTY racers, seeing them blossom is what this stable is all about. Take Gallant Knight, for instance. Two years of racing and only one win to him. We turned him around, and in two seasons with us got him to grade one. He's got two foals on the ground this year, I'm eager to see how they shape up.
Isabelle: If you would be so kind as to come with me for a tour of the stables? I prefer to see the oldest racers first, to get a feel for the more established Thoroughbreds and the more well known names. How are these competitors shaping up this year?
EOH: Well, we polished off Desert Amber and Ivory Storms to grade one, our goal for them. They might have a few more races, but I know you and Devora, the senior racing trainer, have decided to cap them off and let them retire at about half season. Three of our older horses are with SOPS and Nature Blues Stables, and of course *major kicking racket comes out of nowhere* we have your favored new senior runner here, Simba. *Simba throws a fit until Isabelle gives him nose kisses and sugar cubes* I still believe that horse is best let loose for the wilds. He ain't fit for the likes of humans.
Isabelle: He's my baby, aren't you boy? *coos at wild palomino*
EOH: Devora and his jockey Evander have their hands full with this one. He's doing very well on the tracks, I haven't a clue how long you'll keep him running, it's quite the guessing game.
Isabelle: Given our three year olds are all off at other stables now, would you like to show off your juveniles in training? How do you feel about their careers so far, and what would you like to see them accomplish before the end of the season?
EOH: Eternally Smoldering was an impressive prospect colt out of DW Flamekissed. We had tremendous hope for his two year old year, but so far he's been floundering a bit. I don't think I've quite found the spot he fits in best, and the juveniles this year are definitely a huge challenge. Italian Beauty just came to us last week, your purchase at an auction. We've yet to get her on the track, she had a third place so far this season. She'll be a little behind the rest of the racers here as she'll only get half of a season, but I'm confident she'll get her hooves wet, and as a three year old she'll spring forward. She's out of Cute Italian sired by Bank On Greatness, who was sired by Merry Bay King. So she's got the blood, there's no doubt in my mind it's working with her heart and spirit. Just A Little Cutie returned to us from her lease as well, she's a sweet girl, and doing about as well as I've expected from her so far. I think she'll be one that will shine with overall consistency rather than huge monumental spurts of victories.
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 thrown in some unique foundation foals as well. Thoughts on the direction this is going?
EOH: I think you're already well aware of my misgivings to some of your breeding methods, Miss, but I shall humor you, for the sake of the interview.
Isabelle: *scowling smolder*
EOH: I personally am most excited to work with Authentic Aura next year, who won a BBT award last year. She is sired by True Enough out our own Afterglow. I also likes the looks of French Quarter, a Hokum colt out of Quintessential. He's got the mentality and body for some sharp racing. For weanlings, my eye immediately went to Superstition, a colt from Moondance and Everyday Hero, half brother to Impress the Moonlight. He'll be ridden by Chloe Donahue as well, the jockey that brought Lily to her victories last season. It might be a little presumptuous of me, but Sonny's Gem, an original line, has caught my eye. She's such a dainty thing, but so alert and full of energy. I really think she'll be something special on the sprinter tracks.
Isabelle: Edward, 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 NDM?
EOH: Well I know for you personally, Dynasty and Simba are your babies, but this question is directed at me. So, I'd have to say that Lookin' Back Lucky, one of our original four, has a special place for me. He had a great partial two year old year, but fell into some hard times as a three year old. He seemed to favor third place, he was there twenty times. Yet, he just kept going, he never got discouraged, and at the end of year fifteen he'd gotten his thirteenth win, and we both wisely decided to let him retire. I think his unique personality will throw some wild foals. An underdog, I like how he took his wins and his losses the same way-looking for his carrots.
Isabelle: Please let us know which horse has made the greatest contribution to NDM and why.
EOH: Wow, well in terms of fame and recognition, Impress the Moonlight, naturally. In terms of personality and feisty grit, I'd have to say Maliah. One of our originals, she had a simply dynamite three year old season with ten victories, and everyone was abuzz with adoration for the filly. She hasn't won any major races like Lily, but she was a queen of the undercards, and made everyone smile.
Isabelle: Which horse are you personally the most proud of having trained, and why?
EOH: I don't know that I can answer that, we value every horse that we get, and I have a feeling of pride for all that pass through the training stables. I'm proud of many, for different reasons, so I can't select just one.
Isabelle: Do you know of 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 so far?
EOH: Well a little bird told me you might be coming back more prominently sooner than expected-
Isabelle: Shhhh! *makes mental note to pinch Amber Black for squealing*
EOH: Whether that occurs or not I can't say, but I'll be focused on maintaining Smolder and Cutie, and learning how Beauty goes on the tracks. Naturally I'll keep my distance from Simba, and spend a little time with Amber and Ivory as they run their last races. I know you've already got your foals planned for next season, so I won't spoil those, although their stalls are already marked with ribbons and bows and new specially colored buckets and toys are waiting in empty stalls. I wonder who did that. *eyes Isabelle*
Isabelle: *is completely innocent and shall stand by that while stuffing receipts in back pocket* 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?
EOH: To older stables, I'd like to learn, rather than suggest. To those on equal footing, I'd value collaboration, and for those newer I'd like to form some friendly acquaintances and hope to work towards a good competitive future.
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?
EOH: I know of your close relationship with SOPS and Amber Black, Miss. I'm not particularly social, but I think the two of you young women like to make secret plans. I've seen enough conspiratorial whispering to know when danger of a new addition to one of the foal barns is looming.
Isabelle: *raises eyebrow*
EOH: We are very appreciative for Intrepid Racing, Battle Brook Stables, and Valkyrie Stables for their help and guidance with establishing ourselves. We'd like to work more with other stables in training and breeding down the road, as well as seeing what newer stables might have to offer us. We are not averse at all to unique bloodlines.
Isabelle: Do you have any last comments you'd like to say about yourself, the NDM staff, the horses, or NDM itself?
EOH: Working with you and your spontaneous and often emotionally driven choices has been the greatest single challenge of my career.
Isabelle: . . . . . *blinks*
And so ends the interview at North Diamond Manor. I've found myself with new insight to one of my own staff members, and I hope everyone reading this discovers something new about NDM that you didn't know before. NDM is here to stay for the long haul, we might have our challenges, but we'll keep going, and I hope to make stronger friendships and more interesting fuzzy foal crosses as time goes on. Perseverance is our chosen character trait, we keep dusting ourselves off and trying again.
