WIDDEN Stud – a historic property pearl in the Widden Valley – regularly hits the headlines for deeds via its stallions. However, last month two of its long-time employees stole the show at the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) awards at Scone.
Husband and wife team Jean King and David Merrick were honoured with an Employee Of The Year Award (administration) and the Murray Bain Services to the Industry award, respectively.
Having lived his life on stud farms in the Hunter Valley all his life, David grew up at Woodlands Stud (now Godolphin, Denman) where he aided US bred mare - Heart Of Market foal.
That foal was champion Australian racehorse and sire Marscay, who later found much stud fame at Widden.
In the 1980s, David became yearling manager for the late Sir Tristan Antico owned Baramul Stud, before moving next door to Widden Stud in 1992, and has since held the position of stud manager.
A dedicated and respected industry participant, David has also worked with and mentored many people passing on his great knowledge.
Jean moved to Baramul in 1985 and worked in its office. In 1992 Jean met her future husband, David, and they both moved to Widden.
Dedicating herself to all areas of administration, Jean has proved invaluable for her wealth of industry knowledge, and the hundreds of people within it.
Ken Barry
THE HTBA President’s Award honours went to Ken Barry who has been an influential force in the development of the Hunter Valley’s Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Ken, who is a lawyer by trade, has spent over five decades promoting its championship qualities.
Ken’s relationship in the 1970s as an adviser to the then world’s largest racehorse owner the late Robert Sangster, ignited his involvement with Coolmore Stud.
This he retains today in his role as chairman of Coolmore’s Advisory Board, a role he has held since the Ireland headquartered organisation established itself in Australia.
He has also been a tireless advocate in the prohibition of open cut mining in the region.
John Tiyce
WELL-respected horseman, John Tiyce of Vinery Stud, was also honoured with an Employee Of The Year (horsemanship).
His distinguished career spans 40 years working for Yarraman Park, Segenhoe and Vinery Studs and as well as for influential breeders including Major Mitchell, Peter Flynn and Lionel Israel.
Since the late 1980s John has been employed by Segenhoe/Vinery Stud managing feed runs and handling of young horses, a valuable asset for this role and which he still performs today.
HTBA Horse Awards
SIGNIFICANCE to the 2018 HTBA horse awards goes to the mighty Winx and her dam Vergas Showgirl who was honoured for the third consecutive year the 2018 champion racehorse and champion broodmare awards respectively.
The champion two-year-old filly was Golden Slipper winner Estijaab, while her sire Snitzel was the champion sire.
Champion juvenile colt was I Am Invincible bay Santos. Fastnet Rock filly Shoals, was champion three-year-old filly, while the three-year-old colt award went to Kementari.
Widden Stud’s Zoustar – by Encosta de Lago’s ill-fated sire-son Northern Meteor, was champion first season sire.
Bill Howie recognised
SINCE leaving England and moving to Australia over 50 years ago, Bill Howey has been awarded with one of our nation’s highest honours a Medal Of The Order Of Australia.
Making Scone his home, Bill has been recognised for his dedication, service and contribution to veterinary science.
He joined the Scone Equine Hospital in 1967 and has since built up an extensive portfolio which includes not only veterinary practises, but also as an educator, university lecturer, and an author of several published books.
Being named on the Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours list compliments his passion, dedication and improvements he strives to achieve in the world of veterinary science.