When your grand-father breeds the winner of the legendary Grand National at Aintree, it only seems fitting that you find your calling in the world of racing and bloodstock.
This week we find out more about Ross Hatton, who has established Rathmore Lodge and Rathmore Bloodstock with partner Max Schofer.
1/ Where are you from, and what got you in involved in the thoroughbred industry?
Born and bred in Kilkenny, Ireland. I grew up around racehorses and showjumpers on all sides of the family, but when a horse my grand-father John Brophy bred named Royal Athlete won the Aintree Grand National in 1995, that was what hooked me for life.
2/ What does a workday in the life of Ross Hatton look like?
Myself and my girlfriend Max Schofer began setting up Rathmore Lodge (the farm) and Rathmore Bloodstock (the consultancy business) three years ago. It is just the two of us.
Consequently, I don’t believe 24 hour days are long enough. No two days are the same. We’ve just foaled down 25 mares this year and there are 15 yearlings on the farm so the past few months have hectic… foaling, feeding, fencing, communicating with clients and partners, selecting matings, buying & selling horses, etc., oh and feeding again - my favourite part of the day as I get to play with the foals.
3/ Who is your favourite horse and why?
On the racetrack over the years, probably Giant’s Causeway just because he was so tough. It was a huge thrill to give him a pat when I visited Kentucky in 2012.
My favourite young horse that I took through a sale ring was a yearling colt by Tagula x Mrs Marsh, later known as Canford Cliffs, also because he was just such a tough colt as a youngster.
I’ve been in love with countless pregnant broodmares over the years - current favourite is a mare named Northern Saint, I bought her cheap before her first foal won its maiden at Caulfield and then ran 3rd in a Group Three. Finally, I also have a blossoming relationship with an outstanding two-week old filly foal by Star Turn, she’s just too cute!
4/ Tell us about the best day you had at the races or at the sales, and what made it memorable for you?
Best day at the races would be the 2003 Irish Derby, which was won by Alamshar (beating Dalakhani)… we had a large group and we pretty much backed every winner - I remember walking back to the table with three big bottles of Bollinger in my arms at one point.
Best week at the races would be either or of a couple of Galway Racing Festivals… one of which I ended up in Texas as a consequence… long story!
Best day at the sales was in Adelaide earlier this year. I bought an Invader colt online in late October for $6,000 before reselling him in March for $130,000. That was an incredible buzz!
5/ What is your favourite show on Netflix or TV?
I was a huge fan of The Wire, probably time to rewatch it again. Generally, if I am watching TV it will either be a movie or sports related.
6/ Now that travel has opened again where is the first place you will go?
Given it is just me and Max with 50 horses, 2 dogs and a cat… a night in Goolwa or Adelaide is about as far was we can go regardless of restrictions. Other than that, I do dream of having a few pints of Smithwicks at home in Cleeres pub in Kilkenny with friends and family.
7/ What is your favourite cuisine and restaurant?
I will literally eat just about any cuisine. I hate ordering food in a restaurant so anywhere such as Mamasan in the Gold Coast where there is the “Let Mama Feed Me” option, that suits me best. In Adelaide, Sean’s Kitchen is a personal favourite, Mac ‘n’ Cheese is offered as a side dish to a steak - gold!
8/ Name two things on your bucket list?
Visit South America to spread my brother’s ashes in the vicinity of Machu Pichu. Drive (with the aid of boats) from Adelaide to Kilkenny.
9/ What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
I am terrible at heeding advice… yet again last week the old saying “Life’s too short” has resonated. Sebastien Domange, AKA Frenchie, was the person that suggested to me to go to South Australia nearly 10 years ago. He will be such a loss to so many that loved him. If you are reading this, call a mate today and ask them how they are REALLY doing!
10/ Tell us one thing that not many people may know about you?
I am the reigning 2020/21 Fantasy Football Champion (English Premiership Soccer), in which I beat the likes of Phil Marshall in a league he set up.
