Arrowfield Stud boss John Messara has been honoured for his contribution to the NSW and Australian breeding industries.
A special award was presented to Messara on Wednesday at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale where he is a major player.
Messara was awarded the inaugural Heroic Award by Thoroughbred Breeders NSW, a trophy named after the great racehorse and stallion Heroic.
“I humbly accept this award, all I can say is that it has been a lot of fun all the way through, I have enjoyed every minute of it and we haven’t finished yet,” Messara said.
A former stockbroker, Messara has been actively involved in the NSW and Australian thoroughbred industries since 1981.
He has also been active in trying to preserve the Hunter Valley against the expansion of open cut coal mines in Australia’s thoroughbred nursery.
Messara is credited with introducing the concept of shuttle stallions to Australia, brokering a deal with Coolmore in the 1990s to bring Danehill to the southern hemisphere for the breeding season.
Danehill became champion sire in Australia for many seasons and produced five Golden Slipper winners including Danzero and Flying Spur who both stand at Arrowfield.
AAP TURF
