So much has been said about the mighty man who was either Boss, Sir or an industry icon to so many of us. At the same time, not enough can be said to accurately convey his enormity.
Sir Patrick Hogan with Zabeel. Picture: Trish Dunell
I came to work for Sir Patrick Hogan at Cambridge Stud in a unique manner that I don't believe happened to anyone else, but that is a story for another time.
In 2004 I began working as a stud hand, I had many memorable moments working at Cambridge Stud just like everyone else who is a member of the CS family. My fondest memories are of seeing him every morning for breakfast where his presence cemented his elite leadership. An extraordinary horseman from whom I learned so much, one of my favourites was when he demonstrated exactly how a yearling should be paraded - perfectly, because of bickering in the ranks which ceased immediately afterward.
His attention to detail was akin to spidey senses as he would walk across the yard in the morning and detect any unwanted raking patterns in the gravel - YES we were expected to rake the gravel every morning before breakfast. Care for what you build and where you work and where horses live, yet another lesson.
One of my heart warming memories was when I was caring for a sick foal, sitting in the straw box and the Boss snuck in with a wooden spoon covered in Manuka honey to feed the foal. He confessed that he had pinched Mrs H.'s spoon from the kitchen and I was sworn to secrecy as if his life depended on it. I was certain of two things 1) that I would never tell a soul (until now) and 2) that Mrs H. already knew. He continued to do this until the foal was returned to good health.
My favourite lesson I learnt, was when I was in my first year and I asked why no staff were given Christmas Day off and his response was "The horses don't know that it's Christmas do they Emma? It is another day for them and every day we must give them the care they deserve." The horse is primary, always front and center as they should be.
One of my proudest moments came many years after leaving his employ, and the Boss and Marcus came to inspect the full draft of yearlings I had prepared for Magic Millions January sale and afterwards he came to tell me that every yearling was perfectly prepared and he was very proud of the job I had done.
Well Boss, you may have been proud of me and I am forever grateful you were, but as you aren't here to counter this, I will be forever in your debt, for the lessons you taught me and those you instilled in me by way of your manner and operations. My hope is that what I am doing here is a way to pass on to many, many more people those important lessons you gave to me. So that our beautiful horses can always remain front an center where they are meant to be. Rest easy, you trained us well.
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