The Magic Millions/Atkins Photography SA Owner of the Month award winner for November is Harry Perks with Goldrush Guru. Harry shared this with us: I am a classic case of the old adage that it has taken me almost 50 years of racing & breeding to be an overnight success. Goldrush Guru’s story started in 1982 when I purchased the in-foal broodmare Belubula 1975 by Folkestone (USA) from Leloch (NZ). Belubula won 3 races at 1900m & 2000m in Sydney and was Gr 3 placed in the AJC Surround S (Gr3). In 1987 my partners and I purchased the stallion Don’t Say Halo (USA) to stand at our 100-acre Macclesfield property Toorak Park. Mated with Don’t Say Halo (USA) Belubula produced the filly Proud Halo in 1987  who we raced. Proud Halo won 4 races from 1200m to 2000m inclding 3 in Adelaide from only 24 starts. She became a wonderful broodmare for my partners and I and produced 6 winners   (2 Group winners and 2 Group Placed winners) including Australia’s Champion 3yo 1997-98 in Gold Guru (by Geiger Counter). Gold Guru raced against Champions and won 8 races incl the Australian Derby (Gr1), (Tie The Knot was second), STC Ranvet S (Gr1) defeating Might & Power (NZ) and the MVRC AAMI Vase (Gr2) on Cox Plate day in faster time than the Cox Plate over the same distance (which was won by Dane Ripper). If only? He is the best horse I have bred & raced up till now. Proud Halo when served in 2002 by the Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) produced the filly, Glory Guru. She was unraced but is now the dam of 8 winners to date incl Gamblin’ Guru (Gr3) and in 2014 she produced the filly Glam Guru by Medaglia D’Oro (USA). She is a great looking mare, hence her name and had good ability winning 2 races in a short career and beaten a bob of the head in the VRC Wakeful Stakes (Gr2) by Luvaluva. At Stud, Glam Guru lost her first foal, a colt by American Pharoah (USA). Returning to him the next year in 2021 she produced a magnificent bay colt by the Kentucky Derby winner. (American Pharoah in fact won the US triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Classic all in 2015 and his record stands at 11 starts for 9 wins and a second. It really comes as no surprise that he has been able to sire a quality stayer and he is also the sire of the brilliant but ill-fated Riff Rocket) That colt is now Goldrush Guru. His bloodlines are bursting with stamina and winning the Victorian Derby with him in such a dominant way was a fantastic thrill and great achievement by all involved. Having bred 2 previous Victorian Derby winners in Warning (by Declaration of War) who I sold as a yearling and Rebel Raider (by Reset) who I bred and raced I think maybe Gold Rush Guru with his handsome looks and huge heart lung capacity might be the best of them yet. We have much to look forward to and can only dream. Harry has done most of my breeding analysis for me, with the family tree for Goldrush Guru laid out for us back to his foundation mare Belubula. Goldrush Guru’s record sits at 8 starts for 4 wins, 2 seconds and a third and earnings of a touch over $1.5 million. Rebel Raider went on to have a very successful stud career and one imagines that Goldrush Guru may have that in store for him after he completes his racing career. We congratulate Harry for bringing another Victoria Derby trophy back to South Australia. As an aside, Don’t Say Halo, sired 24 stakes-winners of 42 stakes races around Australia, a great selection by Harry and his partners. 

The Magic Millions/Atkins Photography SA Owner of the Month award winners for October are Rachel and David Cunningham with Run On. Trainer Paula Trenwith sent us this nomination. I nominate Dave and Rachel Cunningham for Owner of the month in October with Run On. Run On won 2 races at Balaklava in October and has now won 7 races in total for Rachel and Dave. Run On was purchased through the Inglis online auction in April 2021 and was the second horse Rachel and Dave had bought as they were new to the sport of racing. We travelled him to Darwin to have a winter campaign along with 4 other horses. He was luckless up there, running well but not winning. He also had a start in Alice Springs on the way home that year. Run On didn’t win his first race for the Cunninghams until Kangaroo Island in January 2022 where he was one of the winners in my first ever treble as a trainer. He was diagnosed with a condition called PODS (Palmar/plantar osteochondral disease) and it was recommended that we spell him for 6 months. We took that advice and since returning he hasn’t looked back.  His record since Jan 1st this year is 16 starts for 4 wins 2 seconds and 2 thirds. Rachel and Dave now own or have shares in 20+ horses all over Australia and have definitely been bitten by the racing bug! (It happens doesn’t it, you owners out there!) They proudly sponsor the Arthur Daw Memorial Trainers Challenge during the Kangaroo Island racing carnival and it is named in memory of Rachel’s Grandfather. I can’t thank them enough for all the wonderful trust, support and friendship over the past few years and looking forward to many more winners to come! I think they would be well deserved owners of the month 🙂 We obviously thought so too Paula! Run On started his career in the Peter and Paul Snowden stable where he won a race and placed a number of times, racing under the name of Yulong Stride He then transferred to Toby and Trent Edmonds and raced in Queensland where he won another race before being bought for Paula’s stable. He has now won nine races from 69 starts with seven seconds and eight thirds and total stakes earnings of just shy of $175,000 He was bred in New Zealand and is by Savabeel out of a Fast ‘N’ Famous mare Youtoofast a winner of three races. The dam has left amongst others Molto Veloce (by Pins) a four time winner in New Zealand, her full brother Screaming Eagle a two time winner also in New Zealand and three time Per Incanto winner, Hasstobefast. The Granddam is the unraced O’Reilly mare You Too whose best progeny was the Savabeel mare Savette who won twice and is now at stud. Congratulations to Rachel and David

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.

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.

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.

SAROA Owner of the Month for June was James Cleveland with Great Maximus. James told us this My Grandmother was a regular race goer and I went with her most Saturdays (she was a member of the three clubs). It was the colour on the racecourse I couldn’t get over, and the shine and athleticism of the horse. Remember these were the days of Black and White TV. A long-time friend of mine Mark Gibson and I had some success with the last two horses we took shares in, Wild Imagination and Celtic Vader, and before this I had a good run with Shilldora, and I really thought my luck was due to expire. But Mark’s son in law (Joe) who up until then had no interest in racing, had the impression that horse ownership is a sensible financial investment. Mark suggested we give Joe a hand to select his wise investment. Richard and Chantelle’s catalogue had just arrived and we chose a Magnus colt. The dam was the attraction for us, she had thrown seven individual winners with most of having a good number of starts. We were looking for soundness, and being a future gelding we hopefully would have some fun for a number of years. After the research Mark and I talked ourselves into taking a share. Great Maximus (Max) is potentially the best horse I have had an involvement with, and last Saturday at Flemington was a great thrill, at the 200 I didn’t go the “early crow” but I did think “could it be”, alas it wasn’t but we were and are proud of his effort. I have had shares in horses since 1999 with the vast majority trained by the Jolly Family (Peter, David, Richard & Chantelle.) Great Maximus’s record at the time of writing is seven starts for three wins and two thirds with the third coming at Flemington. His earnings have reached almost $130,000 with over $10,000 in Racing Rewards bonuses. He is by Magnus out of the Viscount mare Impeach. Impeach was unraced but has been a star of the breeding barn with nine named progeny and eight to race, the best being Let’s Get Animal (by Animal Kingdom) who won eight races and $150,000 as well as Incrimination (by Exceed and Excel) who won three races as did Miss Arizona (by Starspangledbanner) The grand dam Peach (by Vain) left three stakes winners including Denman (by Lonhro) who won six black type races including the Group 1 STC Golden Rose and is a successful sire, Preserve (by Canny Lad) who won four group races including the Group 1 VRC sires produce and has left two stakes winners Archives (by Helmet) and Safeguard (by Exceed and Excel) and finally Preserves full sister Rio Osa who picked up two group races and has left five time winner Kateru (by Sepoy). We congratulate James for his success with Great Maximus and wish him all the best going forwards.

Our Owner of the Month award winner for April is Jenny Francis part owner of Addicted To Wealth, we asked Jenny to provide us with some background information: Fifty years ago, we bought our first horse in Millicent, marking the beginning of a long and rewarding journey in the racing industry. Over the past five decades, we have been deeply involved in racing, with notable achievements such as breeding and winning the Goodwood Handicap in 2002 with Zip Zip Aray. One of our memorable acquisitions is Hooked on Wealth, who was bought as a yearling out of the paddock. This horse has notable relations, being connected to Fancy Rumble and Ultimate Addiction. In addition to our involvement in breeding and racing, we have also established a training facility at Finniss, which has become a hub for preparing horses for competition. The training operations are a partnership between my husband Wayne and Glen Kent, who both bring their expertise and dedication to the facility. This comprehensive approach has allowed us to achieve success and maintain a strong presence in the racing community. As Jenny says Hooked On Wealth is well related, he is by Reward For Effort out of the Dolphin Street mare Addicted To Wealth. He has won 2 races and placed on four other occasions from twelve starts and totalled $47,000 with Racing Rewards bonuses of $7,600. The dam Addicted To Wealth won four times and earned $50,600 from 26 starts with thirteen minor placings racing predominantly in Queensland. She has left handy performers as well as Hooked On Wealth including his full sister Fancy Rumble who was able to win five and earn close to $200,000 and was owned by Wayne and Jenny Francis. She has in turn foaled Major Rumble (by Capitalist) who is yet to race and is in foal to Yes Yes Yes. In addition, Addicted To Wealth is the dam of Ultimate Addiction (by Rich Enuff) who had one win from seven starts when raced by Wayne and Jenny. The granddam is Rich Addiction (by Last Tycoon) who was served five times by Dolphin Street producing notably Dolphin Tycoon winner of six, Miss Sarah Jane who won eleven in NSW Country. Her other progeny include On Eagle Wings (by Danasinga) producer of Bon Elise (by Bon Hoffa) who won eight races. Going back one more generation we find Certain Habit (by Ashabit) who just happens to be the dam of 21-time Stakes winner Rough Habit (by Roughcast) – eleven of those stakes wins were at Group 1. As Jenny told us, she and Wayne have developed a great racing establishment at Finniss Lodge and they are certain to have continued success. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the support that the Francis Group has given SAROA over many years.

Our Owner of the Month award winner for March is John Atkinson part owner of Bona Fide Star, he gave us his thoughts on the experience of owning a racehorse: Being a co-owner in a promising horse from the Richards Moyle stable is not just about the thrill of the races but also about the chance to be part of a great group of owners. As a part owner, you’re not just a spectator, you are kept well informed by the trainer(s) but also a beneficiary of Bona Fide Star’s journey to success. Owning a share in Bona Fide Star along with my other horse ownership hobbies, (“Investments”), opens doors to the vibrant community of horse racing enthusiasts and connects me with like-minded individuals who share my passion for the sport. Whether it’s cheering together track side or celebrating victories, the camaraderie among the other owners adds a special dimension to the entire experience. As we can easily see John very much enjoys being a racehorse owner. Bona Fide Star landed his maiden at Clare and at the time of writing he has raced 12 times for a win, two seconds and three thirds. He has earned just over $47,000 including $14,000 in Racing Rewards bonuses for his owners. Bona Fide Star is by the Snitzel stallion Stratosphere out of the Flying Spur mare, In Theory. The dam In Theory who was unplaced in two starts, has also left a handy race mare in Indigo Girls (by Mawingo) winner of a touch over $85,000. The granddam My Chestnut Girl (by Horse Chestnut) was imported from the United States, her other progeny include Jenni Espirt (by Bel Esprit) winner of four races to date and over $90,000. The third dam the Nureyev mare Mien produced the mighty dual derby winner of five stakes races, Big Brown (by Boundary). Big Brown was able to win two legs of the famous US triple crown saluting in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. He then suffered a cracked hoof prior to the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes and while attempting to win the race, was eased down and failed to finish the race. He recovered to win another Group 1 and came to Australia where he stood for four years with some success. Bona Fide Star seems to be on the up and up and we wish John and his racing colleagues the best of luck for the future.

Our Owner of the Month award winner for February is David Irwin owner of Vexatious Dancer, the nomination from his wife, trainer Nichole Irwin follows: I would like to nominate David Irwin for owner of the month for February and his cracking little filly Vexatious Dancer David saw Pink as we call her on bloodstock auctions early in 2023.  We had previously had a fair bit to do with the mare Choose to Dance and her early progeny and thought the cross to Hualalai would work – we did not think we would only pay $600 for her!! After being broken in and spelled she started her first prep and impressed us all with her professional attitude and speed – so much so that we also purchased the full brother late last year. (He has been named Vexatious Choice). Her first start was a bit of a train wreck with bumping and shifting in front of her and no run to be found, even so she wasn’t beaten far in a city 3yo maiden. She gained a start at Gawler after that in an open maiden and Dom Tourneur picked up the ride at 54kg. She sat wide and didn’t have much of an idea but fought hard to line to narrowly beat another very nice 3yo in Proven Correct.   She then went on to have a couple of short spells and a few unlucky starts, a nice win on Boxing Day and another short spell. After trying her over longer distances unsuccessfully, we dropped her back in distance and back to her age for an amazing win on the 24th of February where she lead all the way and ran the fastest 600m of the day!! We are very excited about her future!! David is a big believer in SA bred horses – not only the ones we breed ourselves but also when buying horses, we look for good solid SA pedigrees and I think he deserves to be the owner of the month prize! Vexatious Dancer is by Hualalai out of the Choisir mare Choose To Dance. At the time of writing, she has won three races and placed once from seven start and her earnings sit at $136,100 with $49,050 of that coming from Racing Rewards bonuses. Her dam has produced several other progeny but none have raced to this date. The granddam is Shabet (by Amen Brother) who produced three times stakes winner Shablec (by Blevic) who won up to Group 3 and over $375,000 in prizemoney. Shablec was a prolific producer at stud with Border (by Racer’s Edge) with 40 starts for 9 wins, 7 seconds and 6 thirds and stakes of just short of $110,000 and Kenshou (by Tayasu Tsuyoshi) who started 38 times for 7 wins, five seconds and 3 thirds and winnings of almost $120,000 being standouts. We have every reason to think that Vexatious Dancer will continue to race successfully with plenty of others in the stable racing in form as well.

Our Owner of the Month award winner for December is Joanne Miller part owner of Second To Nun, Joanne told us this: I would like to nominate myself for the Owner of the Month for January. I offer the following in support of my nomination: Many people will remember my great friend Tom Butler who owned and operated Shamrock Park at Meadows for twenty years.  After Tom’s death in March 2015, my involvement with racing changed, and while I continued to follow the races, I was no longer actively involved. Early in 2022 I decided that I wanted to reinvigorate my involvement in racehorse ownership. It was important to me that the stable I became involved with had a connection to Tom.  I have photos of Tom and I visiting Performance Park while Will Clarken was the manager and Tom had always spoken very highly of Will, so that is where I started looking. Amongst the Ownership Opportunities listed on Will’s website was an unraced two-year-old filly by Akeed Mofeed out of Tidy Prophet.  I liked that she was two and had already done some work and I liked that Will had trained her mother for most of her career and that Tidy Prophet had been a more than handy performer. That unraced filly is now named Second to Nun and at the time of writing has a race record of 18 starts for 6 wins and three placings. Second to Nun (Wilma) has proven to be second to none in my experience as a racehorse owner.  She is the 15th racehorse I have been involved in, as such she is my first horse to have won more than one metropolitan race, my first horse to have won more than three races, my first horse to have won two, three and now four races in a row.  In fact, by winning her sixth race, the Strathalbyn Cup, she has now won the same number of races as all my previous 14 horses combined were able to do. As well as the thrill of her racetrack performances Wilma has enabled me to meet new people and to reconnect with others.  And to talk about Tom, to share stories and to reminisce.   I am certainly enjoying the ride that Wilma is taking me on and I am excited about what is to come.  She feels like a dream come true to me. Second To Nun is by Akeed Mofeed out of a Keep The Faith mare Tidy Prophet, and was bred by Racing.com form analyst John Kelton who retains an interest in the filly. Currently she has amassed over $230,000 in prizemoney. The dam was successful on the track winning nine races and placing a further eleven times with earnings just shy of $250,000. The mare has only had one other starter so far which has only raced once.  The granddam Bella Belluci by Flying Spur has also left six-time winner Breaker Of Chains (by Good Journey) and his full brother Defining Moment who won four in Hong Kong and returned to Australia where he finished racing as Mussoorie Magic The third dam Morning Lover (by Daybreak Lover) was a listed winner in Brisbane. Congratulations to the Joanne and hopefully her success with Second To Nun continues.