(fr Left)Tom Reilly,CEO Aushorse, Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of China Horse Club, Mark Webster, Managing Director of Inglis, The Honourable Niall Blair MLC (Minister for Primary Industries and Trade) Antony Thompson, Chairman of Aushorse and Principal of Widden Stud The Honourable Henry Plumptre, Managing Director of Godolphin Australia
China Horse Club Chairman, Teo Ah Khing, was among a select group of influential international thoroughbred industry players to meet with New South Wales Minister, The Honourable Niall Blair MLC, who was on hand at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale to better understand the importance of international investment in Australia’s multibillion dollar thoroughbred industry.
Mr Blair, who is minister for primary industries as well as trade and industry, was hosted by Aushorse and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) during his visit to the Newmarket sales complex.
“It’s great to see a minister take a real interest in what’s going on here and understand the importance of the thoroughbred industry to the NSW and national economy,” said Aushorse and TBA chief executive Tom Reilly.
After inspecting yearlings Mr Blair sat down for lunch in the Widden marquee with Widden’s principal Mr Antony Thompson, Mr Teo (China Horse Club), Godolphin’s The Honourable Henry Plumptre, Mr Reilly, Mr Bruce Neil, owner of Cressfield Stud, Inglis Managing Director Mr Mark Webster, Mr Arthur Mitchell of Yarraman Park Stud and Coolmore’s Mr Tom Magnier.
The lunch provided an opportunity to discuss the key issues for the breeding industry, from coal mining in the Hunter to trade opportunities overseas.
“It’s incredible to see so much hard work and perseverance come together for the three day Easter yearling sale. The strength of the thoroughbred industry is a great barometer for the NSW economy more broadly,” Minister Blair said.
“These are valuable dollars that could be spent in many other countries, and it’s a testament to the quality of our local horse breeders and their sta , that foreign buyers target our yearlings,” he said.
Mr Thompson, Chairman of Aushorse, was thrilled to see a senior member of the government visit the sale.
“It should reassure all breeders that there is a senior minister who understands the horse business and is interested in supporting our industry,” he said.
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