Industry Views | Astute Bloodstock

Our Industry Views

Astute Bloodstock has no political agenda and no hidden motives. This page exists to share some of our observations, research and opinions, drawn from 40 years of combined industry experience, international exposure and an analytical approach. We are not here to offend anyone, but simply to point out the obvious 'the elephant in the room', in the hope of challenging the thinking of industry leaders and encouraging positive change. Everything written here is Louis's opinion, supported by facts, careful analysis and a benchmarking perspective. You may find it thought-provoking, and we welcome your point of view.

2YO Racing And The Benefit Of Patience!

The Benefit of PatienceThe late Bart Cummings, trainer of 246 Group 1 winners, including 12 Melbourne Cups, famously said:“Patience is the cheapest thing in racing — and the least commonly used.”That wisdom is not outdated. A horse’s conformation, physiology and biomechanics have not fundamentally changed. Given the huge increase in prize money in top races for older horses, patience is a lot more rewarding now than it has ever been. Of the 100 million dollar races in Australia, only 7 are ...

The Illusion of Speed and Rethinking Breeze-Up Sales

Photo: Jean-Claude Rouget with his champion AlmanzorWhy the Leading Buyers Often Bypass the Breeze-Up SalesA few years ago I spent a morning on the gallops in Deauville with the trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. Over 3,000 winners, two Arc de Triomphes, six French Derbies, four French Oaks, around 45 Group Ones across Europe. During our conversation, he made a remark that has stayed with me since:"The problem with the current breeze-up system is that horses are trained to run times. What you see is a ...

Four Derbies In The Land Of Sprinters - Why?

Australia has approximately 75 Group 1 races at the moment (depending on the latest pattern committee decision), and it has been widely discussed in the media this year that this number is way too high.Australia stages four Group 1 Derbies over 2400m to 2500m despite a breeding industry that prioritises speed over stamina. In contrast, Europe’s elite racing nations England, Ireland, and France each run a single Derby, backed by 250 years of staying bloodlines. Australia is running endurance tes ...

Australia's Whip Rule Is Out of Step With the World

25 Sept 2026 · @Louis Le MetayerThe last 100 metres problemAustralia is the only major racing jurisdiction that has unlimited whip usage in the final 100 m.The Australian whip rules are out of sync with the rest of the world's leading racing jurisdictions. They promote poor riding and create a damaging public perception of horse welfare, one that activists who scrutinise our industry are quick to seize on.Think about what that means on a Saturday. The part of the race with the most eyes on it, ...

An Amazing Crop: Australia's Top Jockeys, Trailblazers and Rising Stars

1 Oct 2026 · @Will MacdonaldAustralian racing is blessed with a remarkable group of jockeys right now, and it's worth saying so. Plenty of our Industry Views content points out the elephant in the room and how Australian racing could do better, but it's just as important to celebrate what's going right. The world would envy our leading riders, a group that combines Group 1 pedigree, international success and genuine character.That success comes at a cost few other athletes face. Racing is one o ...

Contact us

Louis Le Metayer

Owner and Managing Director

+61 (0)408 666 251

louis@astutebloodstock.com

Rebecca Sargeant

Admin, Marketing and Research

+61 (0)426 857 672

admin@astutebloodstock.com

Will Macdonald

Sales and Marketing Manager

will@astutebloodstock.com