“Our industry is facing some real challenges, but it also has enormous strengths,” said Mr Antony Thompson, the incoming President of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
“As President, my focus will be on ensuring breeders have a strong, constructive and respected voice on the national issues that affect them, from the commercial settings that support investment to the Pattern system that underpins the value of our bloodstock.”
“We have a breeding sector that continues to produce horses of world-class quality, a racing industry that remains the envy of many jurisdictions, and a community of people whose skill, resilience and optimism underpin everything we do.”
“That optimism has been on display again this week, from the strength of our breeding stock sales to the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards tonight, where the people behind our industry are being recognised and celebrated.”
“Despite the pressures facing the industry, there is still great confidence in the Australian thoroughbred and great pride in the people who make this industry what it is.”
In vacating the Chair, Mr Basil Nolan remains on the TBA Board as the voice for Queensland breeders, having been President since 2014 and Board member since TBA’s inception in 2005.
“It has been a privilege to serve as President of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, and I am proud of what we have achieved together as a Board,” Basil Nolan said.
“The time is right to hand over the role and make space for the next leader. I have enjoyed working with Antony in his role as Chairman of Aushorse, and I wish him every success as President.”
The principal of Raheen Stud, Basil Nolan guided the TBA through the Equine Influenza, the 2011 Queensland floods, COVID and national and international Pattern Committee matters.
As Chairman of Aushorse and principal of Widden Stud, Anthony Thompson continued in stating “Basil has given many years of wise and committed service to TBA and to Australian breeders.”
“He has been a steady and respected voice around the Board table, particularly through some of the most difficult periods our industry has faced.”
In celebrating the outstanding people in Australian thoroughbred racing and breeding industry the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards were held on the Gold Coast.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Godolphin, to legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney.
In stating, TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy said “Whether you work in breeding, racing, welfare, administration, education, media, transport or any other part of the industry, we are all here because of the horse”
“These Awards matter because they recognise people who are often not in the spotlight. The people who are up before dawn. The people who stay late. The people who notice when a horse is not quite right. The people who teach, lead, care, organise, mentor and keep the whole industry moving.”
The 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award for Dedication to Racing Award (sponsored by Yulong Stud) went to Brett Killion from Queensland.
Dedication to Breeding Award (sponsored by Magic Millions) to Verna Metcalfe and Horsemanship Award (sponsored by Inglis) to Arda Tascioglu, both from NSW.
Leadership Award (sponsored by AgriFutures Australia) to Neasham Clegg and Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (sponsored by The Straight) to Matt Harrington, both from VIC.
Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track) to Alexandra Kelly and Newcomer Award (sponsored by the Australian Trainers’ Association) to Cooper Albers.
