Profile On: Ross Prowd – Owner Turf Monthly

Ross Prowd, owner of Turf Monthly shares about his new venture.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Pretty much all of it.

What is it exactly that you do?
I have just started up Turf Monthly, so I am busy writing, editing and designing a digital magazine. On top of that, I also still freelance, and continue to do a little bit of work as a bloodstock consultant and pedigree analyst.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full-time professional and earning a liveable income?
Everything is possible, but as a new venture, I am confident that it can maintain an income. Like most working in the industry, it is a labour of love. Economic decisions are secondary to the aim of Turf Monthly, which is to bring alive those great champions of the past so they become more than just a name on a pedigree page.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
I studied as a journalist but maintained a strong interest in racing although never considered a career in that field. I pursued involvement in the industry as a hobby, but if you keep your eye out for opportunity, it can come in different forms.

Also I got to know the people at “The Sportsman” and was offered an opportunity to write for that great publication. That opened doors to writing for other industry magazines, and eventually helped me into an Administrative role at race clubs. The more people I talked to, and the more horses I was around, the more I studied and became interested in certain aspects of the industry, particularly pedigrees and history. Turf Monthly combines these interests and seems a natural evolution.

Favourite horse memory?
There are so many of them, that it is a difficult question to answer. One that always stands out is Octagonal’s win in the AJC Derby, a race that I am featuring in the November edition of Turf Monthly. I watched that race in a hospital room waiting for the birth of my daughter who was born a few hours later.

Profile On: Ross Prowd – Owner Turf Monthly

Future goals?
My goal is to reconnect people with the thoroughbred. It wasn’t that long ago that the horse was central to life, and we had a strong connection to them. Working at race clubs, you learn that going to the races is often the first-time people get to see a horse in the flesh. You can see the impact these wonderful animals have. There really is something almost spiritual about the connection to the horse and you can actually see this in the way people interact with the horse.

As an industry, we do not want to forget the magic, and we need to share it with others. On the other hand, in a modern world, I see that commercial aspects often are harming the breed. From a pedigree side, I want to help people understand that breeding the best and soundest horse possible is more important than a few dollars to be made in a sales ring.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The connection with the horse. No matter what section of the industry you are in, just about everyone shares a love of the thoroughbred. They might express it differently, but I think it helps generate that sense of inclusion that has always been such a big part of the culture.