Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Basil Nolan Jr of Raheen Stud.
TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said everybody who knew Basil would be mourning his loss.
“On behalf of the directors and staff of TBA we extend our deepest sympathies to the Nolan family.
“Basil was one of the industry’s true gentleman. Not only was he a great horseman but, more importantly, he was a warm and generous man who always seemed to have a smile on his face.
“He was also a devoted father of four and it was always a highlight to have a chat to Basil and his children when Raheen had a draft to sell.
“I’m sure anyone who had dealings with Basil will be grieving his loss and that the whole breeding and racing community will be thinking of the Nolan family at this difficult time.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has backed the thoroughbred breeding industry, declaring horse racing a crucial part of Australian culture.
Mr Morrison was joined by MPs from all sides of politics at Parliament House in Canberra to rally behind the industry in an event organised by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers.
“It is a fair dinkum, very serious business and industry,” Mr Morrison said.
“It is one that provides significant economic and employment opportunities especially for rural and regional Australia.”
He said racing was synonymous with the identity of Australians, pledging to help ensure it remained a crucial part of the country’s fabric with ongoing drought support.
“This is a very big deal when it comes to the livelihoods and lifestyle of Australians,” the prime minister said.
TBA chief executive Tom Reilly was delighted at a huge turnout for the organisation’s event.
“We come to parliament house to talk about breeding and share the industry’s story, and tonight we had all sides of politics line up to pledge their support for what we do,” said Mr Reilly.
“It is testament to the fact that breeding and racing are truly part of the fabric of Australian society that so many politicians are here tonight.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who has both Flemington and Moonee Valley within his electorate, said his side of politics heard the industry “loud and clear” on issues like drought relief and labour shortages.
“I understand that in this industry for a small number of people we need to bring in people from overseas,” the Labor leader said.
“We don’t have the skills here, we don’t have the people here that we need to have a visa system that brings people in.”
He said racing was a great industry that couldn’t be taken for granted, noting the importance of farming and racehorse ownership.
The Australian breeding industry is the second largest in the world, with an interim economic report showing breeding alone sustained almost 9,500 jobs across the nation.
The broader racing industry contributes over $8.5 billion to the national economy, according to the same research, and is responsible for some 69,000 full time jobs in Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister and keen racing fan Michael McCormack attended, along with Deputy Nationals Leader Bridget McKenzie, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud and Special Drought Envoy Barnaby Joyce, Labor senator Anthony Chisholm and Liberal MPs Tony Pasin, Warren Entsch and Nicole Flint also were at the event.
Chief Government Whip Nola Marino and co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers said the bipartisan event united politicians.
“This industry is really, really, important, it employs 69,000 people. All of the stud breeders around this room, you know what you mean to rural and regional Australia,” Mrs Marino said.
Hunter MP, and Shadow Agriculture Minister and co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, Joel Fitzgibbon said the event had continued its history of reminding us the racing industry begins on a farm.
“Next time you’re at Randwick, Flemington or Moonee Valley think about where it all begins,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“An industry worth itself much more than $1 billion to our economy and a thoroughbred breeding industry that sustains about 10,000 people across the country – that’s what we want you to be thinking about tonight.”
He was more than happy to claim the association with Winx, who was bred at Coolmore Stud in his Hunter Valley electorate and on Saturday will seek to take her unbeaten run to 29 races.
Winx’s co-owners Debbie Kepitis and Peter Tighe were the star attractions, alongside the champion mare’s three Cox Plates which were on display as she shoots for a record fourth on Saturday.
Mrs Kepitis’s famous Ingham family raced champion and leading sire Lonhro before the Australian-bred Winx took the world by storm.
“Lonhro was bred here. But nothing make me more proud than it’s an Australian product and also to think that I’ve got a better one than my dad and uncle – and my dad’s jealous,” she said.
Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne, who is now forging a career as a trainer, reflected on her path to stardom aboard Prince of Penzance.
“The love of the animal and growing up with them, learning to work with them and building that association is what I absolutely love about the industry,” she said.
Mr Morrison set the tone of the event by lifting his limited edition Winx Carlton Draught can with a toast: “here’s cheers to the racing industry”.
Earlier in the day he had hosted the connections of Winx in his office to offer them a personal message of good luck as the mare seeks an unprecedented fourth Cox Plate.
ENDS
For more information contact Tom Reilly on 0423 146 334
1. From left: Thoroughbred Breeders Australia President Basil Nolan, Chief Government Whip Nola Marino, Prime Minister The Honourable Scott Morrison, Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia CEO Tom Reilly.
2. From left: Winx owners Debbie Kepitis, Peter Tighe and Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten.
3. From left: Winx owners Debbie Kepitis, Peter Tighe and Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten.
4. Winx’s Cox Plates and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon.
5. From left: Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne and emcee Caroline Searcy.
6. From left: Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Prime Minister The Honourable Scott Morrison.
7. Prime Minister The Honourable Scott Morrison.
8. From left: Patty Tighe, Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, Debbie Kepitis and Peter Tighe.
As we edge closer to the completion of the yearling sales and start contemplating the 2018 breeding season, I would like to point you to Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse’s recently released report titled Strategy Review 2018.
This report outlines key initiatives undertaken in 2017 and looks at major issues we are trying to resolve in 2018.
We have made significant gains with the Federal Government in 2017. These have included the introduction of the new thoroughbred industry matched levy, making up to $1 million available for research in the thoroughbred industry each year; as well as a recent decision to enhance thoroughbred industry access to 457 and related visas.
In 2018, we have a strong focus on the issue of staff and skills shortages in our industry and finding ways to resolve these shortages particularly through the national TAFE sector.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or a member of the TBA or Aushorse team if you would like to discuss any aspect of what we do on behalf of the industry.
Tom Reilly Chief Executive Officer
T +61 2 9663 8581 F +61 2 9663 8471 M +61 (0) 423 146 334
In an exciting announcement for the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry, a call for initial research project ideas, to be funded by new research & development levy, was made this week…
AgriFutures Australia is looking to fund research that will support the profitability and sustainability of Australia’s world-leading thoroughbred industry.
AgriFutures Australia has released an Interim Thoroughbred Horses Five Year RD&E Plan 2017-2022 and is now calling for preliminary research proposals (PRPs) that address one of the short terms goals specified under the six objectives in the RD&E Plan:
1. Continue to improve breeding outcomes and foal health and development 2. Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites in horses 3. Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses and enhance the sustainability of the industry 4. Promote education and training for the horse industry through opportunities for training researchers and by effective communication of RD&E to horse industry stakeholders 5. Industry planning, economic benefit studies and market research 6. Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training
This is an exciting opportunity for researchers to contribute to the newly-formed Thoroughbred Horses RD&E Program.
The Thoroughbred Horses open call closes 5.00pm (AEDT) 19 February 2018.
Preliminary Research Proposal Submission Checklist
• All PRPs should be submitted online using Clarity. • If the project requires statistical analysis, has a qualified statistician been engaged to undertake or support project design and data analyses? • Does the proposal clearly identify who will undertake the bulk of the work? (This may not necessarily be the Principal Investigator, it could be new staff and/or students.) • Has the proposal been discussed with AgriFutures Australia? • Has the proposal been discussed with people in the Thoroughbred Horses industry? • Does the proposal show knowledge and understanding of relevant prior research? • Does the proposal clearly articulate what the applied outcome and impact for industry will be? (Even if the project is part of a long-term research program, there should still be a focus on an applied outcome that will increase industry profitability.) • Does the proposal clearly outline a process for extension of research outcomes to industry? (i.e. beyond the distribution of research summaries and conference presentations.)
Researchers are strongly advised to contact AgriFutures Australia prior to submitting a PRP:
Melanie Bradley Program Manager, Research and Innovation 02 6923 6913 0407 987 738 melanie.bradley@agrifutures.com.au
The Federal Government’s announcement regarding enhanced access to ‘Horse Breeder’ visas today is warmly welcomed by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA).
The decision follows a lobbying campaign led by TBA to put the ‘Horse Breeder’ occupation category on the medium and long term strategic skills list (MTSSL) for the purposes of 457 visas.
By putting ‘Horse Breeder’ on the medium and long-term list, visa holders can work in Australia for up to four years and also have a path to permanent residency – rather than being required to leave the country after just two years under existing arrangements.
“Access to skilled staff is one of the biggest issues in the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry and that is why TBA has been closely engaged with the government and Members of Parliament to bring about this key decision,” TBA CEO Tom Reilly said.
“The number of staff recruited from overseas to fill these visa positions has been relatively small, but the value of these skilled and experienced staff is enormous.
“They fill key roles such as stallion managers, yearling managers and foal managers and are responsible for horses worth many millions of dollars. In addition, these internationally experienced visa holders undertake important mentoring roles of local staff.”
Emphasising the importance of access to skilled staff, in a survey of Australian breeders undertaken by TBA last year, 95% of breeders stated that the supply of competent staff is a critical issue in the Australian breeding industry. Some 85% of breeders also indicated that, compared to 10 years ago, it is much harder to find competent staff.
“TBA would like to thank Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, their advisers and other Members of Parliament who greatly assisted our industry on this issue.”
Mr Reilly said TBA undertook significant work, including with other industry stakeholders, to see this decision come to fruition.
“Our strong case was made in a detailed submission to the Federal Government late last year explaining how our industry could be negatively affected without access to long-term visa arrangements.” Mr Reilly said.
TBA is also mindful of opening up opportunities for local staff. At the end of last year Skills Impact Australia signed off on a new Certificate III in horse breeding, following input from TBA.
This new course will enable TAFEs to offer apprenticeship level programs in breeding which have not been available in some years.
“It is vital industry and training institutions now work closely together to ensure the new Certificiate III course is a success with strong enrolments,” said Mr Reilly.
Thoroughbred breeding plays a vital role in the rural economy and Australian society: that was the message echoed by Federal Government ministers and senior politicians at an event in Canberra last night.
Defence Minister Marise Payne and Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten traded stories of their interest in breeding and racing, while training identities James Cummings and Peter Moody spoke of how the broad Thoroughbred industry had shaped their life.
“We held our first Thoroughbred Breeders Australia event in Canberra last year and got a great turnout, but tonight surpassed our expectations,” said Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) chief executive, Tom Reilly.
“We had our pitch prepared to sell our industry: jobs in the regions, investment from overseas, export opportunities, but, by the time we got up to speak, leading politicians from all sides had made the point for us. It was very gratifying that so many politicians were so well informed that they advocated so strongly on our behalf.”
Trade & Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo & TBA CEO Tom Reilly at TBA’s Parliament event 2017
Defence Minister Payne, who herself has an avid interest in racing and breeding, said the TBA forum was “a really important event on the parliamentary calendar” and politicians thanked breeders for their event.
“Thank you for what you contribute to the economy in Australia. Thank you for what you contribute, because your industry is a vital one to Australia,” Minister Payne said.
Breeders representing every state in Australia were in attendance including Tom Magnier of Coolmore Stud, Antony Thompson of Widden Stud, Ron Gilbert of Highgrove Stud, Chris Watson of Mill Park, as well as Mark Webster of Inglis and Vin Cox and Barry Bowditch of Magic Millions.
Significant foreign investors Zhang Yuesheng of YuLong Park, China, and the head of Aquis Farm, Justin Fung, were also part of the breeding delegation.
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, Mrs Nola Marino MP & TBA President Basil Nolan
Bill Shorten told how he had worked on behalf of jockeys as a union rep, and that he now lived within walking distance of both Moonee Valley and Flemington racecourses.
“Racing has events that create great interest and put us on the map, especially in Melbourne during spring. But without breeding, without the hard work that goes on at farms across Australia we don’t have those races which are such a part of Australian society,” said Mr Shorten.
“Rest assured, we (Labor) are very interested in the industry. We are very interested in what we can do for you,” he added.
Minister for Defence the Hon Marise Payne, TBA CEO Mr Tom Reilly, Yulong’s Mr Yuesheng Zhang and Mrs Nola Marino MP at TBA’s Parliament event 2017
Politicians who attended the event included Trade Minister Steve Ciobo, Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan, Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastucture Anthony Albanese and Small Business Minister Michael McCormack among others.
Government Chief Whip Nola Marino, a co-convener of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, which hosted the event with TBA, also breeds and races horses in her electorate of Forrest, south of Perth.
“What an extraordinary job the breeding industry does in rural and regional Australia. It underpins, like so many agricultural industries do, so much of our regional economies,” Mrs Marino said.
Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon, Shadow Agriculture Minister and also a co-convener of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, emphasised the importance of the industry to local towns and regions.
“This event is a great opportunity to give parliamentarians a fuller appreciation of the breeding industry. The sector is a very, very important part of the agricultural industry,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.TBA representatives have spent several days in Canberra this week meeting one-on-one with Ministers, Opposition representatives, key advisers and senior bureaucrats briefing them on key issues in the industry.
Guest speakers Peter Moody and James Cummings spoke passionately about breeding.
“Whenever you’re in at the ground level of something it’s satisfying and that’s what breeding involves,” said former trainer and leading breeder Peter Moody.
“Being a breeder is a bit like being a parent, it involves a lot and your not always pleased with how it turns out!”
Caroline Searcy with Godolphin trainer James Cummings & Group 1 winning trainer & breeder Peter Moody at TBA’s Parliament event 2017
Cummings, who is head trainer for Godolphin in Australia, added: “My grandfather Bart said that all breeders thought they had a champion until a trainer got involved! Luckily he was able to breed a horse called Saintly, which he also trained, to win a Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.
“I always admire the commitment breeders make to this industry and all the work that goes into making the champions of the future. Nobody knows whether a horse is a future champion as a foal, but breeders commit to giving all horses the best start in life from an early age.”
Widden’s Antony Thompson, VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott & Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack at TBA’s Parliament event 2017
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is the national peak body established for the benefit of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry, which is the second largest in the world.
TBA has a membership base of 4,200 individual breeders and other industry participants, and is also the parent company of the six state breeders’ associations.
These members make up more than 60 per cent of individual breeders, who are responsible for about 90 per cent of thoroughbred production in Australia.
The Australian breeding industry celebrated its best and brightest today (Sunday August 27) with five prestigious awards handed out at a ceremony held in conjunction with Coolmore Australia’s annual stallion parade.
The event, hosted by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), recognised the outstanding achievements of horses and breeders during the 2016-17 season.
Securing the coveted Champion Australian Sire award was Arrowfield’s Snitzel (AUS), who established a new Australian record for progeny earnings, amassing over $16 million dollars in prize money.
Leading broadcaster and breeder Alan Jones AO accepts the award for Champion Australian Sire, Snitzel (AUS), on behalf of Arrowfield Stud
Snitzel recorded 26 individual stakes winners for the season, highlighted by Group One winners Russian Revolution (AUS), Redzel (AUS), Summer Passage (AUS) and Invader (AUS). The award was presented by TBA President Basil Nolan to leading broadcaster and breeder Alan Jones AO on behalf of Arrowfield Stud.
Snitzel (AUS) was also crowned Champion Sire of 2YOs, with eight individual two-year-old stakes winners for the season and two-year-old progeny earnings of $4.9 million.
“It’s been a wonderful year for Arrowfield and I’d like to thank the whole team there who have done a wonderful job, as they do in all studs. We couldn’t survive without the work of the staff and they do a fantastic job.
“It’s been a remarkable year for Snitzel, he equalled Danehill’s record for the most stakes-winners in a season which is quite extraordinary, so we are very honoured, very priviledged and very thankful.”
Champion First Season Sire was awarded to Coolmore’s Pierro (AUS), with Basil Nolan presenting the award to Coolmore’s Tom Magnier who was delighted with the result.
Coolmore’s Tom Magnier accepts the award for Champion Australian First Season Sire, Pierro (AUS)
“On behalf of the shareholders in Pierro, I just want to say thank you to the people here who supported him. He’s got some great mares booked in again this year so the future is very bright for him.”
The highest rated juvenile of his era, Pierro was represented by seven two-year old winners for the season with Group Three winning filly Tulip (AUS) his best performer.
Presented by Jacqueline Stewart, the Manager of Owner and Breeder Services (Keeper of the Australian Stud Book), the Australian Broodmare of the Year went to Vegas Showgirl (NZ) for the second year running.
Vegas Showgirl is the dam of champion mare Winx (AUS) who remains unbeaten in her last 18 starts and is currently rated the world’s best horse on turf, world’s best mare and world’s best middle-distance racehorse.
Segenhoe Stud’s Peter O’Brien accepted the award on behalf of Vegas Showgirl’s owners John and Deborah Camilleri of Fairway Thoroughbreds.
The final TBA award of the morning, the Aushorse Breeder of the Australian-Bred Exported Racehorse, went to Mr Enrique (Henry) Cojuangco, breeder of the ill-fated Hong Kong champion Rapper Dragon (AUS).
Australian-bred Rapper Dragon made history during the season by becoming the first horse to sweep the Hong Kong four-year-old series, winning the Classic Mile, Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby and earning the title of Hong Kong Horse Of The Year.
Gooree Park Stud’s manager, Andrew Baddock, accepted the award on behalf of the late Mr Cojuangco who passed away in 2015.
Speaking at the awards, which were compered by Caroline Searcy, TBA President Basil Nolan congratulated recipients on their success and wished the breeding industry the best of luck for the upcoming season.
“Our industry continues to go from strength to strength and I am delighted that we can gather today to celebrate the success of these outstanding individuals and the contribution they’ve made to the breeding and racing landscape of Australia and the world.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish all breeders the best of luck for the upcoming season and I look forward to our industry enjoying another successful year.”
Following the TBA National Awards, Thoroughbred Breeders New South Wales (TBNSW) recognised two other outstanding achievers.
NSW Champion Broodmare Of The Year was awarded to National Colour (SAF), dam of South African Group One winners Mustaaqeem (AUS) and Rafeef (AUS).
The President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented by TBNSW’s Les Young to Mr Rob Manwaring, breeder of Capital Gain (AUS) and Grande Rosso (AUS).
TBA Award Winners: Champion Australian Sire: Snitzel (AUS) Champion Australian Sire of 2YOs: Snitzel (AUS) Champion Australian First Season: Pierro (AUS) Australian Broodmare of the Year: Vegas Showgirl (NZ) Breeder of the Australian-bred Exported Racehorse of the Year: Mr Enrique Cojuangco
TBNSW Award Winners: NSW Champion Broodmare: National Colour (SAF) President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement: Mr Rob Manwaring
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) welcomes changes to the skilled migration occupation list that benefit the breeding industry, announced by the federal government today.
A significant alteration to the visa scheme is the reinstatement of the occupation ‘horse trainer’ to the list of occupations under which employers can hire skilled workers from overseas. This occupation category is the one currently used to bring in the majority of foreign breeding staff.
Basil Nolan, president of TBA, said: “On behalf of the TBA I’d like to thank the government for listening to us breeders, as well as the broader racing industry, on what our needs are. We don’t employ big numbers of foreign workers, but those that are here are a vital part of the workforce and in a global business such as breeding we need to continue to have access to these highly skilled people.”
Mr Nolan added: “We also owe thanks to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who met with us to discuss this issue face to face and gave us a commitment he would assist on our behalf.
“I should also point out that it is testament to the continued efforts of TBA under our chief executive Tom Reilly to improve our industry’s standing in Canberra that we were able to have such a meeting a receive such a commitment.
“Finally, I would like to thank Barry O’Farrell at Racing Australia for his ongoing efforts on this issue as well as the Australian Trainers’ Association and NSW Trainers’ Association.”
TBA will continue to work with the relevant government departments to ensure all future changes to skilled visa programs meet the needs of the breeding industry.
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT TOM REILLY ON 0423 146 334
The newly-formed Thoroughbred Advisory Panel will meet for the first time on 28 June 2017 and host a forum with industry and researchers to discuss research and development (R&D) opportunities for the Australian Thoroughbred industry.
The establishment of the advisory panel follows the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce’s announcement of a new levy to provide the thoroughbred breeding industry with greater certainty about future R&D funding.
The levy, to be managed and invested by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), is expected to collect $400,000 from the industry each year. The Coalition Government will match expenditure by RIRDC on eligible thoroughbred R&D dollar-for-dollar.
The levy will be set at a rate of $10 per mare covered per season, paid by the stallion owner and $10 per mare returned per season, paid by the broodmare owner. Additional voluntary contributions will compliment levies collected and be available for research investment.
“This forum is an opportunity for industry representatives to present to the Thoroughbred Advisory Panel on the capacity each of their organisation holds in equine research,” said RIRDC Program Manager, Research and Innovation, Michael Beer.
Stud farms across Australia will benefit from the new industry-backed R&D levy, aimed at improving thoroughbred breeding while combatting diseases and parasites in horses.
The thoroughbred racing industry is worth around $5 billion per annum to the Australian economy, and employs more than 65,000 people, particularly in rural and regional areas.
The advisory panel is chaired by Professor Nigel Perkins from the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. He is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of veterinary epidemiology.
Other panel members are Jacqueline Stewart, (Keeper of the Australian Stud Book), Dr Catherine Chicken (consultant to the Scone Equine Hospital on pathology and infectious disease), Judith Medd (Racing and Wagering Western Australia Industry Veterinarian), Derek Field (Widden Stud General Manager) and Tas Rielley (owner/operator of Basinghall Broodmare Farm).
The Thoroughbred Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday 28 June and host a forum for industry and researchers on Thursday 29 June from 9am to 3pm.
TBV’s Executive Officer Patrick Clancy will soon take up a national role with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), while still maintaining his position at TBV.
The new position will see him work between the two organisations from his base at the TBV office in Flemington.
The focus of Patrick’s new role as TBA’s Director of Policy will include a national welfare policy, working on the new research & development levy and driving increased engagement between TBA and Australian breeders.
In addition to this change, TBV are currently in the process of recruiting a new marketing and communications officer. It is expected this position will be filled in July in readiness for a busy Victorian breeding season.
TBV President James O’Brien said the dual role situation to be held by Patrick was a win-win situation.
“Since his appointment in July 2015, Patrick has taken TBV to a new level helping to significantly increase its engagement with members of the industry, attract major new sponsors and grow links with other racing bodies and governments.
“Over the past two years, with Patrick on board, we have worked closely with Racing Victoria and secured the $1.5 m VOBIS Sires scheme along with the first increases to Super VOBIS bonuses in almost a decade.
“Under the change at the TBV office, we will maintain access to Patrick’s expertise and passion for the industry while also employing an additional officer to help promote Victorian breeding and assist TBV members.
“The Victorian thoroughbred breeding sector is going from strength to strength with major new investments by international and local breeders alike in quality new mares and stallions along with the upgrading of properties.
“And the performances by Victorian bred horses on the track this season has been stunning with no less than 14 Victorian bred wins across Australia along with international Group 1 winners such as Lucky Bubbles.
“And you can’t go past the fact that the winners of the past two Golden Slippers were sired by stallions standing in Victoria this year.
“The future for Victorian breeding is very bright.”
