VALE KERRIE VANTIJN
Manager, The Chase
(1974 – 2022)
The love of the horse shaped Kerrie Vantijn. Captivated from an early age, Kerrie was singular in mastering her craft. Over 34 years she learnt, grew and gave. Always committed, dedicated to detail, her warmth and seamless understanding with the animal would prove to be foundational to the subsequent achievements of thoroughbreds Australia wide over more than three decades.
A trainer, pre-trainer, veterinary nurse and manager of properties, her husbandry of equines defined her professional career. But superseding all of her professional achievements has been a dedication to family. To her daughter Lauren, son Josh, her mother Jenny, her partner Justin and former husband Stuart. Collectively, they have fuelled a happiness which permeated in a ready smile and effervescent outlook.
“We are devastated by the loss of a beautiful person, a loving mother and a friend to all at China Horse Club and the wider industry in Australia,” said Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of the China Horse Club.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and those who are dearest to her. We are so lucky to have shared time with her and we will miss her dearly.
(from left)Johannah Teo, Teo Ah Khing, Ivy Ng, Kerrie Vantijn, Michael Smith
“Kerrie’s contribution to what we are trying to achieve in Australia has been significant. Through her horsemanship, she has helped elevate The Chase into a commercial arm of the China Horse Club. She was a gifted woman and a pleasure to be around.”
Like so many, Kerrie’s first steps were at the famed Lindsay Park at Angaston in South Australia. Under the eye of Hall of Fame trainers Colin Hayes and son David, Kerrie plied her trade as a work rider and stable hand, a grounding that would fire her passion.
This was a time when Lindsay Park ruled Australian racing with a succession of stars including Almaarad, Better Loosen up and Planet Ruler and a teenage Kerrie was learning fast. In time, she would progress to be a Stable Foreman with trainer Walter Tonkin and later take out her own license as a trainer as well as pre-training for leading operations. A layering of skillsets that would equip her as Manager of The Chase.
Sunrise at The Chase (photo by Kerrie Vantijn)
And it was in the evergreen oasis of the NSW Southern Highland that Kerrie, 47, found her calling. A role befitting of her capabilities and aspirations. The near 100-acre estate called The Chase is a flagship of the China Horse Club and Kerrie was entrusted with its management in November 2020.
In the ensuing 14 months she has been instrumental in fast tracking its growth into a commercial centre. Interest in The Chase from high profile Sydney trainers soon followed and the manner in which horses in her care blossomed, before returning to Sydney, ensured The Chase quickly became a ‘first choice’ for many leading operators. Among the gifted to have thrived under her watch have been multiple G2 winner Dame Giselle and Prime Star, winner of more than AUD2 million in prize money.
The positioning of The Chase as a premium agistment facility was the first step in an ongoing strategy that Kerrie was immensely excited in delivering upon.
“It’s been a fantastic experience thus far,” Kerrie said last year of her appointment as Manager at The Chase.
“The property is world class as are many of the horses we are charged with looking after. I’ve really enjoyed getting my feet `under the desk`, getting to know the farm and a new set of clientele.
“The first year has been about continuity, service and relationships. The next year is about measured growth and providing further value for our clients. We want to open The Chase up going forward and to be a one stop shop where horses can spell, pretrain and rehab in a single location.”
Under Kerrie’s guidance, the diversification of the commercial arms of The Chase continued in 2021 with sales preparation work undertaken for the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and the 2021 Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale. Subsequently a batch of 2022 yearlings was placed under her watchful eye, the first being the star of CHC’s 2022 January Magic Millions offerings, an AUD1.3 million Zoustar x Pirapala colt who Kerrie and her team managed before his transfer to Sledmere Stud for his sales preparation and journey to the Coast.
“The day Kerrie drove up from Adelaide to The Chase with her mother Jenny and with most of her belongings, she told me she would be dedicated to a ‘new life’ with China Horse Club and wants to grow with the company,” said Ms. Ivy Ng, HR Director and Vice Chairman of the China Horse Club.
“We have enjoyed smooth sailing for 14 months; the farm has never been fuller and horses under our care during Kerrie’s tenure have had some terrific results on the track in and in the sales ring.
“We don’t comprehend the reason Our Good Lord has allowed her life to be taken away from so many of us so soon. We shall miss Kerrie’s gentle smile and the way she mixed with all her colleagues, vendors and friends.”
Despite her absence, the vision Kerrie was delivering upon will continue. The systems and operational procedures that elevated The Chase will remain. Achievements yet to be realized will be traced back to her energy and input.
“Kerrie raised the bar at The Chase with her attention to detail and level of service. I enjoyed working with her immensely and knew that when I sent a horse to her or recommended the farm to a new client that the very best of care would ensue,” said Michael Smith, CHC’s Regional Manager of Australasia.
“She was an all-around star and we will all miss her greatly but also pay homage to her legacy by continuing on at The Chase in the vein of excellence that she made routine during her all too short tenure.”
Karl Henry, Director of The Chase, was in contact with Kerrie almost daily. He and the staff have felt her loss acutely.
“Kerrie was an amazing person who loved what she was doing at The Chase. Her empathy and love of the horses here was without question,” he said.
“It was her dream to go forward and do great things here. We will miss her terribly.”
The loss of Kerrie will remain immeasurable. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends who she loved so fervently. An amazing person has been lost. All at China Horse Club miss a friend.
This weekend some of Kerrie’s family and close friends will plant a Magnolia tree at The Chase in her memory. Friends at her favourite café have also dedicated Wednesday as ‘Kerrie day’. A formal service for Kerrie will be held in Adelaide.
