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| Staff Writer |
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Champion sprinter Think About It has demonstrated the same fighting spirit in recovery that made him one of Australia's most formidable racehorses, reveals Jamie Walter from his Proven Thoroughbreds office. While the multiple Group One winner's racing career may have concluded following The Gr.1 Everest 2024, his remarkable resilience after an almost catastrophic bleeding attack has inspired a carefully planned transition to a second career.
The fall incident, which Walter describes as "the worst bleed he's ever seen a horse survive", marks the end of a remarkable career that saw the son of So You Think amass more than US$ 7million in prize money. Under the expert guidance of trainer Joe Pride, Think About It rose from modest beginnings to become one of Australian racing's most compelling success stories.
"He's a very brave racehorse," Walter says, his voice carrying both pride and relief. "Often horses don't survive after collapsing and haemorraging like that. It was awful to watch, but he's in really good shape now and showing no signs of infection."
The racing world held its collective breath when Think About It stumbled and fell during the Sydney Stakes at Randwick on the Everest Day, but swift veterinary intervention and the horse's natural fighting spirit have ensured a positive outcome. "We put him straight onto antibiotics, and he's responding well to treatment," Walter explains, detailing the careful monitoring process that followed the incident.
Think About It's racing career, while cut short, showcased extraordinary talent. His achievements include two Group One victories - the Kingsford-Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap in 2023, followed by a memorable triumph in last year’s Everest at Randwick, where he demonstrated his exceptional class against Australia's finest sprinters.
"He’ll retire to the lower Hunter Valley at the property of Sam Clipperton who rode him to 9 of his 11 victories.. He's very athletic and he's a big horse. Show jumping could be an option, but that's a bit of a roll of the dice. They can either jump or they can't; they enjoy it, or they don't," Walter shares.
Walter's careful consideration of Think About It's future reflects his broader philosophy of responsible horse management. "He needs a decent rest to recover from such trauma," he explains. "Some months in the paddock will be beneficial to him."
The plan is to eventually transition the champion into a second career, potentially as a show jumper or stock horse. "A lot of these racehorses can transform. They get off hard feed and let down, and their education gets rejiggled to help them be ridden in a different manner."
This approach to post-racing careers has been a hallmark of Proven Thoroughbreds' operation, with many of their retired stars going on to successful second careers in various equestrian disciplines including the multiple Stakes winner Scallopini.
Walter's success with Think About It exemplifies his shrewd approach to bloodstock purchases. Operating primarily in the yearling market, he maintains a strict ceiling of US$300-350,000 per horse, regardless of available funds. This disciplined approach has resulted in numerous success stories, including Group One winner and multiple Everest placed Private Eye.
"Even if I had unlimited money, I don't think I'd be paying more than US$300,000-US$350,000 for any horse. Simply because I know how many things can go wrong with them. The risk-reward ratio beyond that is just not there," Walter explains.
The methodology behind Proven Thoroughbreds' success lies in extensive preparation. Walter's team begins their sales preparation months in advance, with comprehensive farm visits and detailed analysis of pedigrees. "For Magic Millions alone, you're looking at a catalogue of 1,500-2,000 horses," Walter notes. "The only way to realistically get on top of them is to look at them before the sale itself."
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His collaborative approach with trainers sets Walter's operation apart. "I like to buy as much as humanly possible in opinion with the trainer," he explains, describing his work with Pride, Matt Hoysted and Kerry Parker. This partnership approach has proved particularly successful with Pride, whose stable has risen to prominence in recent years.
"Picking horses with potential upside is a big challenge. I'm more interested in buying horses with longevity, because I'm dealing with a lot of smaller owners who are not really in the breeding game."
The success of this method extends beyond Think About It. Proven Thoroughbreds has campaigned numerous stakes winners, including , the aforementioned Private Eye, and the consistent Stockman, who captured multiple stakes races.
Value-Focused Philosophy
In today's market, where yearling prices frequently exceed US$1 million, Walter's focus on the US$130,000-US$200,000 range stands out. His approach combines thorough veterinary screening with a keen eye for value, often resulting in remarkable success stories.
"Sometimes you might put a couple hundred thousand on a horse that goes for US$800,000 - we're never even in the bidding," Walter explains. "But then sometimes we'll put US$200,000 on a horse and get it for US$130,000. That's when the universe is shining its light upon you."
This methodical approach has established Proven Thoroughbreds as a leading force in Australian racing syndication. The company's focus on affordable shares and quality horses has made racehorse ownership accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts, maintaining high success standards on the track.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Walter remains committed to his proven formula whilst adapting to market changes. His current focus is on the upcoming Magic Millions Sale, where his team has will soon begin the extensive process of farm visits and yearling inspections.
"You've got to try and keep an open mind," he reflects. "There's no amount of preparation you can do to avoid everything that might go wrong, but you can certainly minimise the risks through thorough research and patience."
The lasting impression from our conversation is of a horseman who combines commercial acumen with genuine care for both his horses and clients. As Think About It begins his recovery and transition to a new career, Walter is already looking ahead, studying catalogues and planning farm visits, seeking the next star while never compromising on his principles of value and durability.
Walter's appreciation for his team, particularly Pride's achievements, shines through. "For a guy who has given amazing results... it's quite a remarkable testimony to what a good trainer he's become. He's totally dedicated to the job at hand, and he deserves all his success," Walter enthuses.
This balanced approach to horse welfare and business success suggests that while Think About It's racing career may have ended prematurely, the principles that brought him to prominence will continue to produce champions for Proven Thoroughbreds in the years ahead.