26th January 2010
Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley – Henry Plumptre
Horseracing is one of Australia’s oldest sports. It is part of Australia’s history and heritage. It is quintessential part of the Australian way of life. From the first official thoroughbred race meeting by Governor Macquarie in Hyde Park, Sydney in 1810, to the breathtaking performances of Pharlap, Tulloch, Makybe Diva and many other champions of the turf, the Australian public and more recently, international audiences have been part of a mature and productive thoroughbred industry that is acknowledged and recognised around the world.
The Hunter Valley region in NSW is now internationally recognised as Australia’s breeding capital. It holds the second largest concentration of horse studs in the world outside of Kentucky in the US. The Hunter Valley is home to a large industry of investors and stands stallions with global pedigrees. It produces approximately half of all thoroughbreds born annually in Australia. This year yearlings by Hunter Valley stallions represents upwards of 70% of the Magic Millions catalogue – over all sessions.
Arrowfield. Coolmore, Darley, Vinery, Yarraman Park and the historic Widden Stud are all located in the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley also supports a wide cross section of the industry through a large number of high class boarding operations. The Hunter Valley is known all around the world as a major source of Group 1 winners.
This historic significant thoroughbred breeding region is now under threat. The negative encroachment from increasing levels of mining exploration and activity is threatening the viability of our industry. It will also impact on the health and welfare of our employees and livestock and sustainability of our region and its environment. We are conscious that mining encroachment has the potential to become an industry-wide issues. It is a threat felt by fellow breeders outside the Hunter Valley, including in the Darling Downs.
Throughout this coming year the Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley will be stepping up their campaign to educate the Australian Government and the mining industry about the significance and commercial importance of our industry. We will illustrate the need to maintain a healthy balance between our breeding operations, our communities and our environment with the industries that surround us.
The Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley invite you to send a strong message of support for the campaign. Wider industry support and help will be critical for the long term survival of our industry and of the Upper Hunter.
To obtain more information or to join the campaign or register your support please contact Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley directly or visit their website www.htba.com.au/protectourindustries
Hunter Valley Office
02 4271 07266
C/-HTBA Inc PO Box 538 SCONE NSW 2337 Sydney Office C/-Level 1 287-289 New South Head Rd Edgecliff NSW 2027