Russian Zaur Sekrekov is one of the top ten horse owners at the largest Maidan racecourse in Dubai and exhibits his horses at the most prestigious World Cup with a prize pool of US $ 30 million.
At the beginning of the new racing season, we met with an outstanding Russian horse breeder in order to learn the secrets of the backstage of smooth racing and to speculate about the prospects of Russia at the 2018 equestrian Olympics.
Zaur, the Sekrekov Stud stud farm, where you breed purebred English breed race horses, was founded in Kabardino-Balkaria in 1997. Thus, you have been observing the development of horse breeding in Russia for at least the last 20 years. What place does Russia occupy today in the world in this area? And what effort is it worth breeding racehorses?
Zaur Sekrekov (hereinafter - Z. S.): No matter how sad it may sound, Russia today is a third world country in the field of horse racing. We see progress, but it is not significant. Basically, everything rests on the enthusiasm of individual owners, such as us. For these reasons, we had to take the horses abroad. Thank God that we were able to achieve results here.
We are a relatively young stud farm, and at the initial stage a lot of our own funds were invested. But today, thanks to horses like the Cool Cowboy and The Great Collection, we have come not only to payback, but also to profit. These horses contain most of the stud farm. For example, Cool Cowboy won US $ 840,000 in a few years,
The Great Collection at the first launch - about US $ 30 thousand. For horse breeding, this is good money that covers all expenses.
How many horses do you have on the farm now?
Zaur Sekrekov: In Russia there are 6 producers and 33 mares; 20-30 foals are also born annually. Last year we brought horses from Kabardino-Balkaria. One of them, Spanish Moon, was sold at auction in Dubai. She left for Bahrain. In principle, selling a racehorse to other countries is already a great achievement for Russian horse breeders.
How is the preparation for the main start of the year - performance at the World Cup, actually equestrian Olympics?
Zaur Sekrekov: This is a very difficult job. After all, a horse is a living organism. It all depends on her mood, physical fitness. Our task is to bring the horse in good shape, and luck decides the rest. During the year, while we are preparing for the racing season, we practically do not leave Dubai: it is very important that the horse is not subjected to acclimatization, keeps the pace, and gallops on the same track. We are based on the racetrack where we will ride.
What is the secret to the success of Godolfin Stables? Why do their horses win so often?
Zaur Sekrekov: Godolfin is a historical stable with a very serious uterine composition and manufacturers. They have a large herd and annual foal.
It is very difficult to compete with them.
The Cool Cowboy stallion, for whom we all supported, went to production due to injury, will no longer speak. Why did you make a new bet on The Great Collection?
Zaur Sekrekov: He is young, promising, won two races in the United States, came to Miami second at the jump with a prize pool of US $ 500 thousand. It is distinguished by endurance, good starting speed, fighting qualities. He has great prospects, he is a real fighter. He successfully proved himself in Dubai - took third place at the Longines race.
What is the order of price for racehorses today?
Zaur Sekrekov: Price may vary and depends on the results shown by the horse. For example, the famous Zenyatta mare was auctioned for US $ 45 thousand, and as a result, she jumped several million dollars and won 19 of 20 starts. And the Green Monkey stallion, on the contrary: was bought at auction for US $ 16 million and did not win a single race.
Do you invite specialists to evaluate the physical condition of horses?
Zaur Sekrekov: I choose all the horses myself. My task is to enter the international level with horses born at my stud farm. This is not easy, but we are moving towards this.
What is the formula for a successful performance in smooth racing, in addition to the physical shape of a horse?
Zaur Sekrekov: 50% of the success depends on the jockey, his task is not to prevent the horse from doing what she knows how to.
What are your forecasts for the 2018 season?
Zaur Sekrekov: The forecasts are not bad. We have high expectations for The Great Collection. Of course, a lot depends on luck in the races, but you need to properly train the horse. Thoroughbred racehorse is a complex breed: here it is possible not to modify it, and to process it - it is important to feel this line.
Photo: Dubai Racing Club // Andrew Watkins
