Our Owner of the Month award winner for July is Darren Thomas with Everglade. Darren provided us with a detailed story about his involvement in racing with Seymour Bloodstock which we thought was worth reproducing in full: Darren Thomas unintentionally and uneasily has become a prominent figure in the Australian industry of horse racing, he has made a significant impact with his thoroughbred racing business, Seymour Bloodstock. His journey into the racing industry is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a strategic partnership that has helped shape his success. The Beginnings of Darren Thomas in Racing Darren Thomas’s entry into the world of horse racing was not a traditional one. Initially, he was an avid fan of the sport, enthralled by the thrill of the races and the beauty of thoroughbreds. Playing football for Sturt he spent many a footy trip punting on the horses but soon realised that he had a passion far greater than the punt. Some would say he quickly became a tragic of racing However, his interest in racing soon grew beyond just being a spectator. Recognizing the potential in thoroughbred racing and breeding, Darren decided to dive deeper into the industry, seeking to combine his business acumen with his passion for horses. Thomas began his journey by purchasing shares in racehorses and there began his introduction the world-famous Lindsay Park racing team. This initial foray provided him with valuable insights into the complexities of horse ownership and racing. Little did he know at the time that he would meet lifelong friend and business partner Mark Pilkington who was David Hayes’s right-hand man. He also met a young wine industry employee Sam Hayes who was just coming back into the family business after an early career in the wine industry. His experiences during these early years laid the groundwork for what would become Seymour Bloodstock, a name that has since become synonymous with excellence in the racing industry. The Foundation of Seymour Bloodstock Darren Thomas founded Seymour Bloodstock after a discussion with Mark Pilkington who in his own right was at a crossroads in his own career. Thomas knew he could not realise his vision without key people around him much like his own business Thomas foods. The goal of Seymour Bloodstock was clear: to develop a successful thoroughbred racing business that prioritizes both the welfare of the horses and the success on the racetrack. Seymour Bloodstock quickly made a mark in the racing community. With a keen eye for selecting promising young horses and a dedication to proper training and care, Thomas’s operation began to thrive. It wasn’t long before Seymour Bloodstock started producing winners on the track, capturing the attention of trainers, jockeys, and other owners in the industry. Achievements and Notable Wins Seymour Bloodstock’s rise in the racing world has been marked by several notable achievements. The company has been involved in the ownership and syndication of numerous successful racehorses, achieving multiple victories across Australia’s major racing venues. Some of the most memorable wins include victories at prestigious races, showcasing the quality and potential of the horses under Seymour Bloodstock’s banner. One of the standout horses in Seymour Bloodstock’s portfolio was Merchant Navy, He took the team on a journey you can only dream of highlighted by meeting the Queen iat Royal Ascot. Seymour Bloodstock’s reputation as a serious contender in the racing world began to flourish. The Influence of Mark Pilkington A key figure in Darren Thomas’s success with Seymour Bloodstock is Mark Pilkington. Pilkington, a highly respected bloodstock agent and former racing manager, who has played an instrumental role in guiding Seymour Bloodstock’s growth and achievements. Thomas and Pilkington’s partnership began when Pilkington’s extensive knowledge of horse breeding and racing aligned with Thomas’s ambitions for Seymour Bloodstock. Pilkington brought with him a wealth of experience and a network of industry contacts, which proved invaluable in helping Thomas navigate the often complex and competitive world of horse racing. Pilkington’s influence on Seymour Bloodstock has been profound. His ability to identify potential in young horses, combined with his strategic approach to training and racing, has greatly contributed to the success of the business. Under Pilkington’s guidance, Seymour Bloodstock has consistently acquired quality horses that have gone on to perform exceptionally well on the track. Building a Legacy in Racing Darren Thomas and Seymour Bloodstock have come a long way since those early days of buying shares in horses. Today, the business stands as a beacon of success in the Australian racing industry, known for its commitment to excellence, ethical practices, and competitive spirit. Thomas’s journey, bolstered by his partnership with Mark Pilkington, reflects the power of passion and collaboration in achieving success. Together, they have built Seymour Bloodstock into a respected name in racing, with a legacy that is sure to endure for years to come. As Seymour Bloodstock continues to grow and evolve, Darren Thomas remains focused on his goal of building a world-class racing operation. With a proven track record and a team of dedicated professionals, Seymour Bloodstock is poised to achieve even greater heights in the competitive world of horse racing. SAROA congratulates Darren on his successes and thanks him for his support of SAROA.
