Pleased today to finally meet Looney Stables aka ‘Powell’ in person. Thanks for taking the time, you are rather punctual, I wish my horses were that on time.
Mine are if you are referring to last place:) and the pleasure is mine, Kevo. Just drove back from holiday home, was doing 100 MPH on the freeway wife screaming at me to slow down. I told her you don’t understand, this is HRP we’re talking about.
Certainly flattered, most people swerve me not risk life and limb for an interview. Well, the first thing I notice is you are a big guy! Do you still workout? Tell us a bit about yourself please.
I originally hail from Richmond Virginia. I am from a very athletic family background. My Father was the first Back-to-Back associated press All American at the University of North Carolina. Back in the days when they used to fold their helmets in their back pockets after the game. I also have a set of twin Brothers (to each other). When young they were High School stars in the game and I was classed as the runt.
If it makes you feel better, I was the runt of the litter too 🙂 Since speaking with you I researched your father and wow what an athlete. If you don’t mind me saying so, you look like him.
So, Powell I did not want to be presumptuous and take a wild guess. Where does the name Looney Stables come from?
It comes from the film ‘Let It Ride’ though truth be told I am more like the main character!
Great movie. So, Powell I know you have been around since 2004, also Ex Digiturf player. You have won at the highest levels Grade One Two and Three. What size is your stable now?
Guess you would class me as a smaller stable. Approx. 60 active/retired though that fluctuates, not more than 70 as a general rule.
Guessing you have seen a number of changes to the game since you first started. What are your thoughts on the changes to our race engine this year?
I tell you Kevo, the same thing happened in 2006/2007 and we lost a lot of players. I was on the verge of quitting myself at that time and would have been the equivalent of Maxmillion on the forums trying to burn the house down. This time round didn’t hurt me as much as I wasn’t so financially tied as a lot of people.
Bad thing about 2006/2007 was the exact same time the US economy went into the toilet and it was the sunshine millions turning to the sunshine thousands. It was pretty devastating. This time round if could say anything to players that suffered it would be – Man I feel your pain.
So, you got a sense of Deja vu so to speak?
Yeah, the only difference is the economy did not tank this year. Had HRP known at the time, I don’t think they would have pulled the trigger. It sent a lot of people packing. Big money guys like Ken Allen. I think it will shake itself out, it’s more a question of people’s ability to endure.
Talking about game changes and direction of game is there anything that you would do to try improving the game?
Viewers been evolving since day one, not great but good enough. Deleting forum stuff is kind of tough. Less intrusion, but I get they have to be careful they don’t have disgruntled players chasing off new players. That is a tight rope for them to walk.
Been lot talk recently about who is greater, MB or AW in your opinion?
Two different time frames. It’s like comparing a current boxer to one from the 1930’s. AW maybe peed off, but I am going to have to give MB the nod. Only because he did it when stakes were half the size like I mentioned.
Whilst talking about MB. Despite changes to the game engine MB seems to continue to tear it up. Can he be stopped?
I don’t think so. To the Victor goes the spoils. He has put in the hard work; he deserves the benefit. Success breeds jealousy and I think that’s why some players don’t appreciate him. Personally, I admire him. MB came in to the game when the purses where half as much and crushed the revenue totals. More than anyone in history. Not seeing how anyone is going to beat that. Purses would have to almost triple, in order to make a run at that.
The Triple Crown grows like a legend. Can it realistically be achieved within next year?
Honestly, I am surprised MB has not pulled it off yet. If anyone would, you would think he could do it. It would be like catching lightning in a bottle for a smaller stable, but I feel that’s unlikely.
Who are the top breeders here in your mind?
Ken Allan real shame he didn’t stick around. Also, Yahudi was a top breeder.
Yes, Ken Allen was a legend in his own right. Regarding Yahudi I agree absolutely. Imagine the game without Charley Farley? He has just returned in the game after all these years and I AM hoping to get an interview with him this quarter. Seeing as we mentioned top breeders what about top horses? Who are your favorite horses at HRP ?
You’re right there. I liked Columbian River owned by Bill from Whitewater Stables. Also loved Alpha Ultimo owned by JGR who purchased for a few bucks like crazy cheap! Think the person who bred that horse OZ racing, changed their stable name he was so embarrassed.
Also, Bronze Sabre. He was a major anomaly. On paper you would shoot him before putting him on a racetrack, but what an earner. His crops were useless also. Strange horse would have been fun owning.
In real Life who is or was your favorite horse? I think it tells me a lot about a man 🙂
Without a shadow of a doubt Secretariat. I grew up 6 miles from where he was born in Caroline County Virginia. I liked horse racing before, it was OK, but when Secretariat was born it was like giving me heroin, I was completely addicted.
Don’t get to go much now though in past we would meet a few HRP guys which was fun at the track. I prefer HRP to RL racing now.
Do you think you got any decent 2-year-olds in the barn Powell?
I have been experimenting with a HRP Bloodline Alicydon. Brought offspring from another player and I started trying to just breed turf horses. At least you don’t have any TC problems. I just try to pick up the crumbs, if I can have one pick up the money, I am happy.
Videos, I love them! It’s a shame HRP don’t have a plug in when you click on sires then your video comes up, can’t be too hard to factor in. What’s the plans going forward?
Want to keep doing them. I enjoy doing them and I have got a lot of spare time, retired now worked with the Hilton Hotel Group most of my adult life.
Been difficult time here and all over the globe with Covid-19. How has it been for you Powell?
Not been easy though HRP has helped me get through it.
That’s really cool and sometimes Horse Racing Park is a welcome distraction I get that. What’s been best moment racing here at HRP? Is there one race that really stands out from the others?
Yes, there was this one horse Xray Eyes that won the Grade one for me. Oddly enough after that race, I felt the need to send the horse up the ladder. I knew AW was going to buy and he went on to win several more graded races. I felt like to me a small trainer of 50 horses then it was better to pass the horse off to capable hands. I think it won a race BC race by 8-10 lengths. The horse was a rock star for me.
This Game can be tough. I think the help guide needs to be more helpful and falls short of the mark. Is there any advice for new players I know you always tell it how it is?
I think there should be more tutoring in the beginning and newer players should be warned it’s a long-term commitment to be successful. It takes lot players while to get a first win, you must really be prepared to fight it out and be prepared before you win a few races. You need lose before you win. Continue to watch all Looney videos is a very important factor for development lol.
Nice bit of shameless self-publicity I like it 🙂 OK imagine you are at the pub with HRP having a drink like we are relaxed chatting. Fear not forum strikes or repercussions. What would you say to them or ask?
Yeah, I would want to ask: Why can’t adjustment be made to the race engine that doesn’t devalue 70 % of your horses. That’s what seems to happen. Everything becomes obsolete immediately. That’s the fastest way to get rid of your patrons. Just my thoughts.
And I respect your views Powell. Is there anyone you want to shout out to and why here at HRP?
Yes, First Flight Stables/ Cozman I really enjoy his articles in the SRF.
Great to hear. Any last thoughts or anything you would like to say to the community?
Think the future at HRP is bright and I am looking forward to racing this season.
Thank you Powell I really enjoyed talking with you today. Like to wish you great season and continue to stay safe.
As I walk away from this interview, I feel like he is not so Looney, like the name suggests! A proud man and rightfully so with wise words and a clear passion for the game.
I am on the road again next week heading to the next barn. Keep your eyes open.
Stay safe all.
El Primero Rodeo/Kevo
Categories: FEATURED STORIES, SRF Interviews
