'Europe has some of the best bloodstock in the world' - Jacob West on the spot

Jacob West joined Goffs as the company's US representative this month, having started out with top American consignor Taylor Made Farm. The creator of West Bloodstock, he tells us about his background and the influences - human and equine - on his career.

What's your backstory, and how did you get into racing?

I grew up in Kentucky, specifically the western part of the state in a small town named Paducah. I have followed racing my whole life, but it really took on a life of its own when I moved to Lexington to go to the University of Kentucky. I found myself fully immersed in the industry and after graduating I took a low-level position with Taylor Made Farm. Once the racing bug got into my blood it was all over and I’ve never been able to escape since.

You have worked at a wide range of racing operations. What did you learn in each of them and who have been your influences?

I cut my teeth at Taylor Made Farm and the foundation of who I am today in this business comes from what I learned there. Taylor Made prides itself on being the launching pad for so many successful people in our industry worldwide. Their tentacles stretch far around the globe and I would highly recommend anyone looking to get into the horseracing industry to reach out to them to start their career.

The person who has had arguably the biggest impact in my life - outside of my mother! - on and off the farm is Mark Taylor [vice-president of sales and marketing at Taylor Made]. I practically forced Mark into taking me under his wing and learned invaluable things from him over the nine years I was at Taylor Made Farm. I would put Mark’s eye for a horse and assessing ability up against anyone in this industry. He was instrumental in helping me learn the business, both from the horseman’s and relationship side of things.

The second most influential person was Taylor Made’s yearling manager John Hall. In my eyes, John is basically part-thoroughbred himself. As a seasoned horseman, there was nothing that John hadn’t seen or experienced. He made it a point to teach everyone around him how to handle any situation, and he is an incredible teacher. He has always been dedicated to his work and the Taylor brothers wouldn’t have had the successes they have had if it wasn’t for John.

Are there any notable horses you’ve been proud to have been involved with?

The banner horse for me, and a horse that got me off the ground, was Magnum Moon, winner of the Arkansas Derby and Rebel Stakes for owners Robert and Lawana Low. Currently, the Lows have Pegasus World Cup Turf winner Colonel Liam and multiple Graded winner Sweet Melania.

In partnership with Aron Wellman and Brian Spearman, Eclipse Thoroughbreds has had a bevy of standout horses, but Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Sharing, Grade 1 winner Valiance and Grade 1 winner Gretzky The Great would be some who I am most proud of.

Can you tell us more about what you'll be doing in your new role at Goffs?

As the US representative for Goffs I am responsible for continuing to spread the word on the incredible results that the Goffs sales have produced year in and year out. Participation from the Americans has been strong at Goffs over the last few years and I look forward to building on the successes they have achieved from both selling and buying at Goffs.

US buyers have become notably more active at European sales in the past few years. What do you think has brought this about?

I firmly believe the participation from the Americans at the European sales is based on the quality of stock that is put on offer from the breeders and vendors in Europe. The successes that American buyers have had in buying and importing to the US is no accident. Europe has some of the best bloodstock in the world and a good horse always appeals to any buyer, domestically or abroad.

Also, turf racing in America has grown down the years. These races have good purses and are put on throughout the year across the country.

What sort of horses tend to have most appeal for the US market? Are there any types you’re particularly keen on?

Over the last couple of years Royal Ascot seems to be a week that American owners and trainers have circled on their calendars and racing charts. We have seen various groups come over, line up against some of the best in the world and compete at this special meet. It's now a realistic goal for American owners to target Royal Ascot, and there's comfort in knowing there is precedent in people having done so before you.

I believe we will see more and more participation from American buyers in Europe, with a target of Royal Ascot from their home bases in America. I've never been to Royal Ascot, but the stories I hear and the experiences I am told about have definitely made it a bucket-list item!

Finally, have you got a horse for us to follow for this year?

As somewhat of a superstitious person, this is totally out of my comfort zone, but a horse that comes with massive expectations for Eclipse Thoroughbreds and partners is a Tapit colt out of Grade 1 winner Tara’s Tango. He was the sale-topper at last year's Keeneland September Yearling Sale. It's very early in his breaking and training process, but we are hopeful that our belief we had in him in September comes to fruition in the near future!

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