NZB Appoints New Sydney Rep.
5 October 2006
New Zealand Bloodstock has taken a further step in its ongoing quest to promote the New Zealand thoroughbred to Australian buyers by appointing popular bloodstock consultant, Richard Haynes, as its representative in Sydney.
Haynes was an integral member of the bloodstock team at William Inglis for nine years before leaving to take up the position of Racing Manager for Gai Waterhouse, which he held for 14 months.
"My career in the bloodstock industry has covered all aspects of racing and breeding with my years at Inglis providing an extensive knowledge of pedigrees and the commercial thoroughbred market," said Haynes.
"Working closely with a leading trainer such as Gai Waterhouse was an incredible experience that gave me an insight into the other side of the business in terms of a buyer's perspective."
"I'm looking forward to applying these skills in my new role."
Richard Haynes joins Melbourne-based New Zealander, Brent Thomson, as New Zealand Bloodstock's Australian-based bloodstock representatives charged with actively promoting the forthcoming Karaka Sales to prospective buyers in Australia.
New Zealand Bloodstock Marketing Manager, Petrea Vela, comments, "We are delighted to have Richard on board and I'm sure he will be a valuable addition to the team. Australia continues to be our most vital overseas market and Richard will play an important role for us throughout New South Wales over the coming weeks in the lead up to the Karaka Sales."
The appointment of Haynes is perfectly timed to follow up the recent visit to Australia by a high-profile group of New Zealand breeders led by Sir Patrick Hogan.
The touring party spent considerable time in Sydney talking to owners and trainers, in recognition of the fact that Australia buyers accounted for 31% of the yearlings purchased at the 2006 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales at Karaka, spending more than $20 million.
The modern New Zealand thoroughbred has evolved into a world-class racehorse typified by international champion Starcraft now retired to Arrowfield Stud in the Hunter Valley and Cox Plate favourite El Segundo, a dynamic and versatile weight-for-age performer plucked from Karaka in 2003 for $140,000.
New Zealand thoroughbreds have long been lauded for their toughness and stamina but with the introduction of new bloodlines from overseas, plus Australian-bred speed sires like Pins, the NZ brand has become more versatile and thereby more appealing to the Australian market.
Yearlings sold at Karaka in 2007 will be eligible for a new million-dollar race, known as the Karaka Million, to be conducted at Ellerslie on the weekend prior to the 2008 yearling sales.
New Zealand has always been a great place to buy horses and the creation of a new million race for sales graduates is an added incentive for Australian trainers seeking to please owners who might be hoping for a quick return.
Richard Haynes has taken up his role with New Zealand Bloodstock effective immediately and will be available to discuss all aspects of attending the New Zealand Bloodstock Sales and purchasing in New Zealand.