About the Award

The Magic Millions/ Atkins Photography SA Owner of the Month is awarded to a member whose horse has won a race in the previous month or has performed a notable feat or where there is a story worthy of sharing with our members. Stories about post racing careers and other equine welfare related stories are welcome. 

The award is more about a good story related to your horse than about a race it won.

For example, it is quite possible that a low rated Ceduna maiden winner or a heart-warming tale of recovery or re-homing could result in winning the prize, rather than  a metropolitan winner.

How to enter

  • Nominate a horse owned or part owned by a SAROA member by the 10th of the month for a win in the month previous or for another noteworthy event.
  • Nominations are accepted from the SAROA owner themselves or anyone who wants to nominate a SAROA member.
  • Send your nomination by

Who decides the winner

  • The SAROA committee
  • If no nominations are received by the due date the committee will select a worthy recipient.

Win

The lucky winner will receive a $200 voucher kindly donated by Magic Millions valid for use at the Glenelg Barbecue Inn and a personalised wine bottle with a photo of your winner from Atkins Photography valued at $95.

So get those nominations in and be a winner!

 


 

Recent Winners

Owner of the Month for September is Nicole Irwin with Call Me Vexatious.

Our Owner of the Month award winner for September is Nicole Irwin for Call Me Vexatious. Her husband David sent us this nomination

I would like to nominate Nicole Irwin as owner of the month with her/our horse Call me Vexatious

The home bred gelding by America has always been consistent but in September he shone with 2 wins and a second in city – one win by 5.5 lenghts. He is a tough individual and a true example of an honest SA bred horse

Although he can be a handful at the races and has some quirky attributes, we believe this only makes him a more honest racehorse

We look forward to heading to a few more Racing Rewards races and the Skybeau series in the Spring

At the time of writing Call Me Vexatious’ record stood at 32 starts for 6 wins 8 seconds and 3 thirds for earnings of almost $240,000 which includes Racing Rewards bonuses to the tune of $28,700 and hopefully more to come.

Call Me Vexatious is a home bred by the beautifully bred but ultimately ill-fated stallion America (by Snitzel out of Alinghi) who has left one stakes winner to date in Lingani. The dam of our winner is the Reset mare Circadian who placed twice during her career and left only one other progeny Vexatious Boy (by Legion) who was able to win once. Cleverly name Circadian is out the Rhythm mare Sense of Rhythm, who raced only once. None of her progeny have been outstanding.

On the other hand, the third dame Fearless Dancer (by Danzatore) who during her time in New Zealand produced a stakes winner in Dipping (by Straight Strike) who won the listed STC Triscay Stakes. Another of her progeny is the Lord Ballina mare Sazende who produced several nice horses for fellow SAROA member Lynette Day including Wotzitworth (by Face Value) and See Me  Rollin (by Good Journey).

Call Me Vexatious is one of the stars of the Irwin stable and we wish them luck with him, the other Vexatiouses and the rest of their stable.

Owner of the Month for August – Michael Birchall with Mazovia.

Our Owner of the Month award winner for August is SAROA Life Member Michael Birchall with Mazovia. Michael told us this:

I commenced racing horses in 1968 with my first winner being Glad Verse trained by Pat Barns. It was also the first winner for then apprentice Jim Mettam. (After his riding career Jim went on to be Clerk of the Course for many years and has recently retired)

I have raced horses ever since the best being Celestial Choice and  Dance Baby Dance and more recently Invincibella , Mileva and Brazen Style.

Mazovia was bred and is raced by Mill Pk Stud and myself.

In between times I have been Chairman of the SAJC and Racing SA.

Mazovia is by Impending out of the Beneteau mare Mazurek. She has won two races from 4 starts and has earnt almost $50,000 with over $8000 in Racing Rewards bonuses to her credit. As Michael mentions she was bred in conjunction with Mill Park Stud who retain shares in her.

Her dam Mazurek raced 26 times and was able to win 6 races and over $180,000. Mazovia was her first foal and there is a named half-sister by Deep Field owned in the same interests who is yet to race as well as two other unnamed fillies.

The grand dam Babieta (by Juene) has produced Balaklava Cup winner Temps Velour (by Time Thief) who was able to salute 12 times and amassed just over $450,000. Others of her progeny include the handy Xaar mare Xaieta

Others of Michael’s horses include Mileva (by Headwater) was bred by SAROA members Dr Geoffrey and Christine Tucker, she won four stakes races including the Group 3 Sir John Monash and has recently been served by Snitzel. The mighty Invincibella (by I Am Invincible) winner of 12 races including five at stakes level culminating in the Group 1 QLD Tattersall’s Tiara. Michael also mentions Brazen Style (by Brazen Beau) who he bred to win a MRC Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Group3 level.

SAROA congratulates Michael on winning our award and wishes him future success with his horses.

Darren Thomas is SAROA Owner of the Month for July with Everglade

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.

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