Category Archives: The Interviews

Fresh warm air breezing in from the Chesapeake Bay. Acres of spacious paddocks with green, green grass to roam in after work is done. Roomy, airy stalls with high cathedral ceilings and open views stretching away over the hills. And a freshwater outdoor swimming pool to take a dip in when it gets warm. (Or any time for that matter!) Happy, happy horses. And a happy trainer, by all accounts.

After starting out as a jockey’s agent in 1973, Ron Anderson soon became one of the industry’s most successful and respected agents. World class riders including Gary Stevens, Jerry Bailey, Garrett Gomez and Joel Rosario have all utilized and benefited from Ron’s services. Ron talked to Thoroughbred People about his career.

Kentucky Derby, Dubai World Cup and multiple stakes winning trainer Graham Motion moved to the US from his native England in 1980. Since starting to train in 1993 Graham’s horses have won more than 2000 races and over $100 million in purses. Graham talked to Thoroughbred People about the Fair Hill training center where he is based, Derby winner Animal Kingdom, the legendary Better Talk Now and his training career so far.

Award-winning equine artist Thomas Allen Pauly has portrayed some of the finest horses and jockeys in the country. Born and raised in Chicago, Pauly’s work encompasses Royal Ascot, the Hong Kong Cup, the Arc de Triomphe, the Dubai World Cup, the Velka Pardubicka Ceske Pojistovny Steeplechase in Prague and numerous Breeders’ Cups, Preaknesses, Belmonts and Kentucky Derbies.

Since he started out in the ’80s, much travelled trainer Michael Stidham’s horses have won over 1600 races and $48 million dollars in prize money. A recent winner of the Trainer’s title at Fairgrounds racetrack, Michael took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Thoroughbred People about his career to date.

Originally founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, Old Friends today cares for more than 100 horses across three states whose racing and breeding careers came to an end. A “living history museum of horse racing”, the farm attracts nearly 20,000 tourists annually. Thoroughbred People talked to Michael about the operation.

Since coming to the USA in 1990, Michael Wrona has become one of the top racecallers in America. With an efficient, expeditious style that succintly provides both fans and industry professionals with the clarity and information they need as a race is run, Michael’s popularity has done nothing but increase over the past few years. Michael talked to us about how it all started and his experiences along the way.

Up and coming trainer Simon Callaghan has made a huge impression on the Southern California racing scene since he arrived on these shores from England five years ago. If it wasn’t for a horse called American Pharoah, he would have won this year’s Kentucky Derby. Simon talked to Thoroughbred People about his experiences since coming stateside.

Jeff Seder has been a pioneer in the field of equine biomechanics and the study of the physical attributes that makeup an exceptional racehorse. After developing a fascination with horses in his twenties, Jeff went on to create EQB and has since advised successful clients like Ken Ramsay, Bob Baffert and Ahmed Zayat on their purchases. He talks to Thoroughbred People.

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, founded in 2011 by Aron Wellman, offers partnerships in top quality racehorses with the aim of finding success at the highest level. Eclipse has made it’s mark with multiple Graded Stakes winners such as Danza, Curalina, In Lingerie, Byrama, Capo Bastone and Judy In Disguise. Aron talked to us about Eclipse and his life in racing.