When you are born and bred in Newmarket, the epicentre of horse racing in the UK, there is really no escaping a career involving thoroughbreds.
This week we find out more about Phil Marshall, Nominations and Sales for Widden Stud, Victoria.
1/Where are you from, and what got you in involved in the thoroughbred industry?
Born and bred in Newmarket, so I guess it was inevitable that I would be involved in the industry in some form. My father spent most of his life as a travelling foreman for a few stables in Newmarket, so my weekends and school holidays were spent travelling the length and breadth of the UK going racing, and I loved every minute of it – even a freezing cold night meeting at Wolverhampton in the middle of Winter!
Even my Degree was horse racing based. I became fascinated with stallions and pedigrees during this time and eventually found myself moving into the breeding side of the industry, completing the National Stud Diploma course, and working for two great farms in Cheveley Park and Lanwades before moving to Australia in 2008.
2/ What does a workday in the life of Philip Marshall look like?
No day is the same, and that’s one of the reasons why this industry is such a great industry to be involved in.
One day I can be in the office drawing up mating plans for clients, another day I could be on the road from dusk til dawn visiting farms and the next day I could be at a sale somewhere in the country. It’s not a bad life!
3/ Who is your favourite horse and why?
Commander In Chief, who won the Epsom Derby in 1993 is the horse who probably got me ‘hooked’ on the sport. From a young age I started to follow particular silks and the famous Juddmonte silks were the ones I loved seeing on TV. He was my Derby pick and was my first winning ‘bet’ at eight years old….. come to think of it, I’ve not backed many winners since!
In more recent times, Giant’s Causeway “The Iron Horse” stands out. He is the toughest horse I’ve ever seen, he had a huge heart. I doubt we’ll see one with his tenacity ever again. I was lucky enough to see him race in the UK, and then again at stud in America a couple of years before he passed away.
4/ Tell us about the best day you had at the races or at the sales, and what made it memorable for you?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to go racing all over the world. The Breeders’ Cup and Dubai World Cup have been incredible experiences, but winning the Griffith Cup with Logan River, who I had a small share in will never be forgotten.
As the only owner crazy enough to drive the five hours there and five hours back, I got to keep the trophy. It’s my Melbourne Cup!
5/ What is your favourite show on Netflix or TV?
Only Fools And Horses – old school British Comedy at its absolute best, I’ve seen every episode multiple times and it’s still great every time! I thoroughly enjoyed Gangs Of London, it was brutal, but a great watch.
6/ When travel opens again where is the first place you will go?
HOME! I’ve booked to go back on Christmas Day, and I can’t wait to get on that plane. I love flying, and a bit of a plane nerd, so the lack of airports and overseas travel has certainly given me withdrawal symptoms.
7/ What is your favourite cuisine and restaurant?
Cuisine is easy… ITALIAN! I can’t have one favourite restaurant, but Pane & Vino in Miami Beach and Sorbillo in Naples are top of the list and highly recommended. Closer to home, Gemelli in Broadbeach is my go-to when in the Gold Coast.
8/ Name two things on your bucket list?
I’m a huge American Football fan, so to go to a Super Bowl would be amazing, especially if the LA Rams were playing. I’d also love to travel to Antarctica, it has to be one of the most amazing and fascinating places on earth.
9/ What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
Probably that time is the most valuable thing we can spend. Too much emphasis is put on the money we spend, but we can always earn more money. Our time is limited, don’t waste it.
10/ Tell us one thing that not many people may know about you?
I used to be a half decent cricketer in my younger days, and still hold a school record for bowling figures. 6 (wickets) for 1 (run).
