When Wallabies flanker Ned Hanigan first came to Sydney to pursue his rugby dream from Coonamble he used to rise early and help muck out the stables at Gai Waterhouse's impressive complex at Randwick.
Hanigan would rise before sunrise, do the dirty work and finish his working day before most people would be even contemplating their first coffee of the day.
Then it was off to prepare for training at the Galloping Greens or the Waratahs wider squad then.
So when the 23-year-old got the chance to check out the world famous Coolmore Stud with Wallabies skills coach Mick Byrne while the squad was training this past week at Cessnock in the Hunter Valley he was in heaven.
"An incredible day. I'm speechless to be honest," Hanigan told RUGBY.com.au
Hanigan and Byrne got a full tour of the impressive complex and saw where the stallions are kept between services and then got up close and personal with American Pharaoh and So You Think.
American Pharaoh was the first horse to win the American Grand Slam of horse racing in 2015 taking out the American Triple Crown and the Breeders Cup Classic.
"We went up there where they keep the stallions and they brought out American Pharaoh. A beautiful looking horse and he had a bit of dance around as well which was great," Hanigan added.
"It's just a beautiful place up here."
When asked if horse racing was an employment option after his rugby finished, Hanigan said: "Well after today I'm biased (towards racing)."
Rosehill will host the Bledisloe Cup race day today, as part of the Bledisloe Cup Festival.
Australia takes on New Zealand on August 19 in Sydney, kicking off at 8pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Network Ten and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
