Media Releases and Articles

Media Releases and Articles

Homegrown glory: Victorian-bred Half Yours claims the 2025 Melbourne Cup

The Australian breeding industry was in the spotlight at Flemington yesterday as Half Yours — bred by Janice and the late Colin McKenna — stormed to victory in the 165th running of the $10 million Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200 m) under a superbly judged ride from Jamie Melham.

Bred at The Union in Woolsthorpe (near Warrnambool), Half Yours was the only Australian-bred runner in this year’s field and is the first Victorian-bred Cup winner since Gala Supreme in 1973. The five-year-old gelding is the 13th horse in history to complete the famous Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double.

Half Yours is by the lightly raced stallion St Jean, who stands at Brackley Park in Avenel for a service fee of $11,000. The Irish-bred St Jean is a son of Teofilo (by Galileo) and was part owned by Colin and Janice McKenna, winning the Group 3 Auckland Cup before an injury ended his career. Now in his eighth season at stud, he has produced just 67 live foals. On his dam’s side, St Jean descends from the legendary broodmare Height of Fashion, one of the most influential producers of the modern era.

For Janice McKenna, the win was deeply personal, coming a year after the loss of her husband Colin who was a passionate supporter of Australian breeding and racing, and of Jamie Melham’s career.

“Colin would have been over the moon to see this,” Mrs McKenna said.

“Half Yours was bred on the farm and to think he’s now a Melbourne Cup winner is immensely satisfying and something Colin was striving to achieve. I know he would be so proud and so thrilled for Jamie, for Tony and Calvin McEvoy, and for all the new owners.”

It was a performance of exceptional timing and composure from Jamie Melham, one of the nation’s most accomplished jockeys. A decade after Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to win Australia’s most famous race, 29-year-old Melham has become the first woman to claim the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double, having combined with Half Yours to take out last month’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup. The historic win also provided the father-son training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy with their first Melbourne Cup success.

Andrew Hore-Lacy, Chief Executive Officer of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse, said the victory was a proud moment for the entire breeding industry.

“This is an extraordinary achievement not just for the McKenna family, but for every breeder who continues to back the local product. Half Yours was the only Australian-bred horse in this year’s field, and his win shows that we continue to produce world-class horses right here at home. For a Victorian-bred horse to win the Cup for the first time in more than 50 years is a great source of pride for our industry.

“Australia is renowned for producing outstanding early sprinters, but yesterday’s result showcased the depth of our middle-distance and staying ranks. In recent years we’ve seen horses like Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip, as well as Cox Plate champions Anamoe and State of Rest, retiring to stud here and earning strong support from breeders who want to produce sound, talented horses capable of matching it with the world’s best.”

Half Yours is the first stakes winner for his sire St Jean, and is out of the Desert King (Ire) mare La Gazelle, who is herself a half-sister to Group 3 Queen’s Cup winner Moudre (by Blevic) and 11-time winner Knock Knock (by Anyone Home). xJanice McKenna was awarded the title of 2025 Leading Victorian Small Breeder by Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV) in August of this year.

Vale George Smith

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Smith, a respected horseman whose influence on Australian bloodstock spans generations.

Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, George earned a reputation for his exceptional eye for a horse and his unwavering belief that physical type, demeanour and athleticism were always more important than the pedigree on the page.

Among his many roles, George’s time at Stockwell Stud in Victoria under the ownership of Ken Cox stands as one of his most influential chapters. It was there that he oversaw the stud career of Showdown, the English import who became one of Australia’s most successful sires of the 1970s. Under George’s management, Showdown produced a host of top performers — including Tontonan, Dual Choice and Love A Show — and cemented his place in the history of the Australian thoroughbred. George’s intuitive horsemanship and meticulous attention to detail were central to both the stallion’s success and Stockwell’s reputation as a leading nursery of its time.

Beyond his work at the farm, George became a trusted advisor to leading trainers, agents and breeders, and a generous mentor to countless young people entering the bloodstock world. His practical wisdom and humility left a profound impression on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

George’s contribution to the Australian breeding and racing industry is immeasurable. His legacy lives on in the horses he helped raise, the people he guided, and the standards of horsemanship and integrity he set for others to follow.

On behalf of all breeders, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia extends its sincere condolences to George’s family, friends and colleagues across the industry.

Vale George Smith – a true horseman and a gentleman of the Australian thoroughbred industry.

Vale So You Think

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse join the wider industry in mourning the passing of So You Think, one of the modern greats of the Australian turf and a truly elite sire.

From the moment he burst onto the scene, So You Think embodied everything Australians love about the thoroughbred – athleticism, courage, and presence. A dual Cox Plate champion and 10-time Group 1 winner, he captured the public’s imagination under Bart Cummings and later continued his brilliance on the world stage with Aidan O’Brien.

As a stallion at Coolmore, he was the consummate professional: kind, intelligent, and supremely consistent. He has been a fixture in the top echelon of Australian sires for the past decade, and his legacy will endure through his exceptional progeny.

Antony Thompson, Chairman of Aushorse and Stud Principal at Widden Stud, said So You Think’s influence on Australian breeding cannot be overstated.

“So You Think had that rare combination of brilliance and longevity, both on the track and at stud. He stamped his stock with quality, toughness and temperament – the very hallmarks of a great sire.

“His passing comes heartbreakingly soon after the loss of fellow Coolmore stallions Fastnet Rock and Wootton Bassett — three world-class sires whose combined influence has helped shape modern Australian breeding. It’s a reminder of just how fortunate our industry has been to have stallions of such calibre standing on our shores.”

Basil Nolan Snr, Chairman of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Stud Principal at Raheen Stud, paid tribute to the stallion’s enduring impact.

“He was the sort of horse that inspired breeders everywhere – beautifully bred, tough as nails, and able to perform at the highest level season after season. Horses like him don’t come along often, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.”

TBA and Aushorse extend sincere condolences to Tom Magnier and the entire Coolmore team, who cared for So You Think with dedication and affection throughout his remarkable career.

Applications open for the 2026 Aushorse Graduate Program

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Aushorse Graduate Program.

Launched in January 2025, the program is a welcome springboard for young professionals eager to build meaningful careers in the Australian thoroughbred industry. Designed to bridge the gap between university study and full-time employment, it combines structured learning with practical, hands-on experience — and is already delivering results, with 90% of the inaugural graduates now working within the industry.

The 2026 program will commence on Tuesday 27 January, running for eight weeks and beginning with a two-week intensive learning block at Flemington Racecourse. Graduates will take part in lectures and workshops delivered by leading figures across racing, breeding, marketing, wagering and more, before completing a six-week paid internship with some of the sector’s most prominent organisations.

Employers in 2025 included Magic Millions, Widden Stud, Melbourne Racing Club, Stable Financial, Racing Victoria and Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, providing participants with a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the breadth and dynamism of Australia’s world-class thoroughbred sector.

TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy said that the organisations were delighted to be continuing the program for a second year.

“Through this program we’re investing in the next generation of talent for the breeding and racing industries,” Mr Hore-Lacy said.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see graduates from the first intake now thriving in full-time roles across the country.

“The level of engagement from employers has also been outstanding — a real testament to the strength and cohesion of our industry.”

Antony Thompson, Chairman of Aushorse and Stud Principal at Widden Stud, said the program is already demonstrating its value to both graduates and employers.

“Hosting a graduate last year was a fantastic experience for our team,” Mr Thompson said.

“90% of the graduates have now secured full-time employment in a variety of roles across wagering, racing and breeding, which highlights the program’s success in connecting talented graduates with meaningful, long-term opportunities in the thoroughbred industry.”

Space in the 2026 program is limited to 12 graduates who completed their degrees in 2024 or 2025. Applications are now open and will close on Friday 14 November.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.tbaus.com/graduate_program/about/

2025 Nolan Scholarship awarded to Mackenzie Porter

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is delighted to announce that the 2025 Nolan Scholarship has been awarded to TBA Fast Track graduate Mackenzie Porter.

The Nolan Scholarship was established in memory of the late Basil Nolan Jnr, a highly respected and much-loved member of the Australian thoroughbred breeding community. Awarded annually on merit to an outstanding graduate from any cohort of the TBA Fast Track program, the scholarship provides the recipient with the opportunity to undertake the internationally renowned Thoroughbred Breeding Management course at the Irish National Stud.

Mackenzie Porter graduated from TBA Fast Track in 2024 and completed her 12-month placement at Widden Stud in New South Wales, one of Australia’s most iconic and successful breeding operations. Since graduating in May this year, Ms Porter has continued to build her career at Widden and was nominated by them for the HTBA Employee of the Year – Newcomer Award.

For Ms Porter, this opportunity marks a significant milestone in her career.

“It’s an honour to receive the Basil Nolan Scholarship, and I am very grateful to the Nolans for this opportunity to participate in the Thoroughbred Breeding Management course at the Irish National Stud in 2026,” Ms Porter said.

“It’s been an amazing journey so far and this will be a great stepping stone for my career to continue its progression following on from the Fast Track program.

“I’d like to thank the entire team at Widden and everyone at TBA; I’m very excited to be heading to Ireland for this opportunity and look forward to bringing back a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Mackenzie will travel to Ireland in January 2026 to commence her studies at the Irish National Stud.

Basil Nolan Snr, Stud Principal at Raheen Stud and father of the late Basil Nolan Jnr, as well as Chairman of TBA, said the Nolan Scholarship not only honours Basil Nolan Jnr’s enduring legacy but also continues his passion for mentoring and encouraging young people in the thoroughbred industry.

“Mackenzie’s selection as the 2025 recipient reflects both her individual accomplishments and the ongoing success of the Fast Track program in developing skilled and motivated future leaders,” Mr Nolan said.

“It was very special to be joined by my grandson Basil – Basil Nolan Jnr’s son – as part of the review process for this year’s applications, and to share the responsibility of choosing this year’s applicant with him.

“It was a difficult decision with many compelling applications to review. We are very pleased to award the scholarship to Mackenzie and we wish her the very best of luck for her time in Ireland, and for a long and rewarding career in the industry over the years to come.”

Renowned for its immersive, hands-on approach to every facet of stud management and breeding, the Thoroughbred Breeding Management course at the Irish National Stud has produced graduates who now shape the breeding and racing industries worldwide — including several of Australia’s most respected industry leaders.

TBA has collaborated with the Irish National Stud and the Nolan family to present the Nolan Scholarship – exclusively available to graduates of the TBA Fast Track program – since 2020. Applications for Fast Track 2026 open in February 2026. More information about the Nolan Scholarship, Fast Track and other TBA Education and Training Programs can be found at www.tbaus.com/programs/.

Applications Now Open for the 2025 Nolan Scholarship 

The Nolan Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate of the TBA Fast Track program in memory of the late Basil Nolan Jnr – a highly respected and much-loved member of the Australian breeding community. 

The successful recipient will travel to Ireland in January 2026 for six months to take part in the prestigious Irish National Stud Breeding Course – recognised worldwide as one of the leading thoroughbred training programs. 

Now in its sixth year, the Nolan Scholarship has already seen seven Fast Track graduates represent Australia in completing this prestigious program. Pictured is 2024 Nolan Scholarship recipient, Madeleine St Ledger, graduating from the Irish National Stud Breeding Course. 

“My time at the Irish National Stud has been amazing — from foaling down mares to handling stallions, the afternoon lectures, and all the people I got to meet along the way. I’ve gained valuable international experience and made lifelong friendships. It’s an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to broaden their skills and gain experience overseas,” says Madeleine. 

Madeleine St Ledger – Irish National Stud Graduation 2025

About the Irish National Stud Course 

Established in 1971, the course is an immersive, hands-on program covering every aspect of horse breeding. Students live onsite and work through the entire Northern Hemisphere breeding season, starting mid-January and finishing in late June. Many graduates have gone on to hold senior positions on farms and in organisations worldwide. 

Scholarship Criteria 

Applicants must: 

  • Have successfully completed the TBA Fast Track program (including Certificate III in Horse Breeding from TAFE, signed off by their employer). 
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic, teamwork, kindness, and willingness to help others. 
  • Show dedication to their studies, a positive attitude, and courteous classroom behaviour. 
  • Have contributed to their workplace and/or the industry since starting Fast Track. 
  • Display a genuine passion for the thoroughbred industry. 

The selection panel will look for the qualities Basil Jnr valued most: 

  • Honesty 
  • Enthusiasm 
  • Motivation 
  • Strong work ethic 
  • Passion for learning on the job 

How To Apply  

Information on how to apply can be found by completing an online application via the link here. Applicants will be required to provide a letter of support from their employer and/or an industry referee. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Zoom interview with a TBA representative and members of the Nolan family. 

  • Applications close: Friday 26 September, 11:59pm 
  • Course dates: Mid-January – late June 2026 
  • Costs covered: Flights & tuition  

This is a rare chance for TBA Fast Track graduates to gain international experience, grow their skills, and represent the Australian breeding industry on the world stage. 

Click here to apply now
For more information, contact Madison Tims at madison@tbaus.com. 

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Urges Racing Australia to Reconsider Foal Ban

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has today denounced the hardline position taken by Racing Australia that has the potential to see a significant number of foals born this year banned from racing.

Introduced in 2016, Part 14 of the Australian Rules of Racing (AR) have imposed strict requirements on breeders, mandating that mare returns be lodged with the Australian Stud Book within 30 days of a foal’s birth (AR 285), alongside foal ownership details submitted to Racing Australia within the same timeframe (AR 286). Under AR 287, failure to meet these deadlines – unless Racing Australia grants an exemption at its sole discretion – means the foal cannot be registered for racing under Australian rules. This effectively strips affected foals of any value as racing prospects, leaving their future uncertain.

In a release published on its website yesterday, Racing Australia has stated that as of 1 August 2025, it will implement a strict process of penalties for failing to meet the 30-day deadline:

Time frameFees/penalties prior to 1 Aug 2025Fees/penalties after 1 Aug 2025
0-30 days after birth$140$140
30-60 days after birth$140 + $125 late penalty = $265$140 + $360 late penalty = total $500
Over 60 days after birth$200 if lodged the following season$140 but foal is ineligible to race. Breeders may pay $500 for an appeal to RA but this will only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation.

TBA President Basil Nolan has decried the strong stance taken by Racing Australia and instead is calling for a more collaborative approach to simplify the system of submitting mare returns and registering foal ownership details.

“We are united in our desire to see improved traceability amidst our industry’s substantive efforts to advance equine welfare outcomes, however this aggressive approach taken by Racing Australia is an unfair and punitive attack on those people who are at the coalface of protecting our horses’ wellbeing: the breeders.

“Breeders have expressed frustration with the current system for lodging mare returns and foal ownership details, describing it as outdated and cumbersome, which not only slows the process but also impacts the time required to complete these returns.

“Rather than introducing harsh penalties that could cripple participants’ livelihoods and put their horses’ welfare at risk, we implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.

“Like our fellow industry stakeholders, TBA wants to see all horses traceable from birth through to leaving the thoroughbred system, and we believe the way to achieve this is to make the process as simple as possible for our breeders.”

TBA has led the way with the Australian thoroughbred industry’s advancement of equine welfare outcomes, highlighted by its work to establish and fund an independent welfare review, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group (TAWWG).

Applications Open For TBA’s Stud Start Program

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has opened applications for its Stud Start program, aimed at individuals with little or no experience in the breeding industry.

Launched in 2023 and fully funded by TBA, Stud Start is designed for those, particularly in rural areas, looking for a career change or re-entering the workforce in the thoroughbred breeding sector.

Successful applicants will participate in a six-week program, including online learning, followed by an intensive week in Scone, NSW. Students will engage in hands-on experiences with horses, class-based education, farm visits, and networking opportunities.

By the end of the course, participants will have completed three units of competency, which can contribute toward a Certificate III in Horse Breeding.

“Stud Start provides participants with the skills and confidence to launch a career in the thoroughbred industry,” says Madison Tims, TBA’s education and projects manager. Approximately 70% of graduates have secured roles in the industry that work in with their lifestyles.

For further information on the Stud Start program, visit the TBA website here.

Applications for the program are now open and can be accessed via this link, these will close on Friday, June 13th. Successful applicants will start online learning from Monday, June 30th, which continues through to Monday, July 28th.

If you have questions about the program, contact Madison Tims at madison@tbaus.com or 0405 535 436. To apply, visit the TBA website here.

Excellence shines at the 2025 Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the Stud and Stable Staff Awards recognised the winners of seven categories at The QT Hotel on the Gold Coast on Monday, 26 May. The ceremony hosted by Ally Mosley and James Tzaferis honoured the exceptional contributions of staff across the Australian thoroughbred industry with winners representing five different states, highlighting the national breadth of talent within the industry.

The highlight of the evening was Paul Reid from Godolphin, who received the Leadership Award and subsequently the coveted Thoroughbred Excellence Award. Described as the backbone of Osborne Park as the Assistant Trainer since 2012.

Tracy O’Hara was awarded the Dedication to Racing Award with over 25 years as a track rider, jockey and now mentor to the children of Thoroughbred Industry Careers National Pony Racing Series. Julie Bramucci was honoured for her work with Off the Track (OTT) thoroughbreds – this being her third year as a finalist earning her the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award.

With three Awards remaining, Ellen Hodge from McEvoy Mitchell Racing won the Administration and Ancillary Services Award, described by Tony McEvoy as a fundamental part of their operation. From Widden stud in NSW, Matt Comerford took home the Dedication to Breeding Award and Denis Gilmanov of Segenhoe Stud NSW won the Horsemanship Award.

The Newcomer Award category was particularly exciting with all seven shortlisted finalists receiving recognition for their contributions to the thoroughbred industry. Olivia Klug Michael Kent Racing emerged as the overall winner in this highly competitive category.

Applauding all winners at the Awards ceremony was Senator The Honourable Anthony Chisolm and special guests Julia Battams and Kate Nipperess from Equine Pathways Australia.

Marking a eleven years of these Awards, we extend our thanks to the Judging Panel for their invaluable and voluntary services: Johan Petzer, Melissa Weatherley, Basil Nolan, Jenny Watson, Mary Capuano, James Tzaferis, Troy Corstens, Trevor Lobb and Hazel Fertier.

We also wish to extend our sincere thanks to all our sponsors and media partners for their ongoing support and commitment. Without the backing of these key industry participants, an event of this magnitude would not be possible.

Australia’s thoroughbred breeding industry valued at $1.68 billion

The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry, the second largest in the world, delivered a solid economic performance in 2022 – 23, contributing $1.68 billion to the national economy and supporting 9,268 full-time equivalent jobs, according to new independent research released today by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and AgriFutures Australia.

Snapshot
Full Report

The report, released to coincide with the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date snapshot of the industry’s impact – equipping breeders and state-based associations with critical data to support long-term planning, funding applications and policy engagement.

Conducted by economic consultants IER and commissioned by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, the study reveals the industry has grown by 45% since 2016-17, underscoring its vital contribution to regional economies, job creation and community life.

Speaking ahead of the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, President of TBA, Basil Nolan (Snr), said the figures provide compelling evidence of the industry’s strength and increasing importance to Australia’s rural economy.

“These results confirm what many of us in the industry already know – thoroughbred breeding is not just thriving, it’s a major economic engine for regional Australia,” Mr Nolan said.

“We contribute more than $1.6 billion to the economy, support thousands of jobs, and sustain local communities across the country. This industry is built on passion but powered by people, investment, and long-term vision.

“This research gives us the facts we need to advocate confidently – for funding, infrastructure, and recognition of the vital role breeding plays in Australia’s racing ecosystem and rural prosperity.”

Key highlights from the 2022 – 23 season include:

  • 510 active stallions and 12,585 foals registered from 19,454 broodmares
  • 6,130 individuals involved in breeding or owning broodmares or foals
  • 16,711 employees and 10,603 volunteers supporting the industry nationwide
  • $1.43 billion in direct industry spending
  • 1,410 thoroughbreds exported, reflecting Australia’s influence in global bloodstock markets
  • 62% of economic activity concentrated in New South Wales.

General Manager of Levied & Emerging Industries at AgriFutures Australia, Samantha Beresford, said the report provides critical insights to shape the future of both the industry and regional Australia.

“This data doesn’t just reflect past performance – it’s a launchpad for the next chapter of growth in Australian thoroughbred breeding,” Ms Beresford said.

“The thoroughbred breeding industry uniquely combines economic firepower, community connection, and rural jobs. It sustains thousands of livelihoods, develops career pathways, and brings global attention to our regions.”

“With credible, high value data, both industry and government are empowered to make informed decisions that support long-term investment, workforce development, and stronger, more resilient regional economies.”

The report also highlights the industry’s strong community value. Thoroughbred breeding drives volunteerism, fosters multigenerational involvement, and provides education and training opportunities across Australia.

Notably, more than 40% of breeders have increased their involvement in thoroughbred breeding over the past three years, and over half intend to maintain or grow their roles in the years ahead.

To explore the full findings and gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s economic and community impact, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to read the full report and snapshot, available on the AgriFutures Australia website.

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