The Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Board has elected Antony Thompson as President at today's AGM, following Basil Nolan’s decision to step down after more than a decade leading the national breeders’ body.
Mr Nolan, who will remain on the TBA Board as the representative of Queensland breeders, has served as President since 2014 and has been a member of the Board since TBA’s establishment in 2005.
A highly respected breeder and principal of Raheen Stud, Mr Nolan has helped guide TBA through a period of significant change and challenge, including Equine Influenza, the 2011 Queensland floods, major commercial issues affecting breeders, COVID and ongoing national and international Pattern Committee matters.
Outgoing President Basil Nolan said the time was right to hand over the role.
“It has been a privilege to serve as President of TBA, and I am proud of what we have achieved together as a Board,” Mr Nolan said.
“The time is right for me to hand over the role and make space for the next leader.
“I have enjoyed working with Antony through his role as Chairman of Aushorse, and I wish him every success as President.
“TBA has an important role to play for breeders and for the wider industry, and I am confident it will continue to be in good hands.”
Mr Thompson, principal of Widden Stud and Chairman of Aushorse, said Mr Nolan’s contribution to TBA and the broader breeding industry deserved sincere recognition.
“Basil has given many years of wise and committed service to TBA and to Australian breeders,” newly elected TBA President Antony Thompson said.
“He has been a steady and respected voice around the Board table, particularly through some of the most difficult periods our industry has faced.
“On behalf of the Board and the broader thoroughbred breeding industry, I want to thank Basil for his leadership as President and for the enormous amount of time and care he has given to the role."
Mr Thompson said he was honoured to take on the Presidency at an important time for Australian breeders and the wider thoroughbred industry.
“Our industry is facing some real challenges, but it also has enormous strengths,” Mr Thompson said.
“We have a breeding sector that continues to produce horses of world-class quality, a racing industry that remains the envy of many jurisdictions, and a community of people whose skill, resilience and optimism underpin everything we do.
“That optimism has been on display again this week, from the strength of our breeding stock sales to the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards tonight, where the people behind our industry are being recognised and celebrated.
“Despite the pressures facing the industry, there is still great confidence in the Australian thoroughbred and great pride in the people who make this industry what it is.
“As President, my focus will be on ensuring breeders have a strong, constructive and respected voice on the national issues that affect them, from the commercial settings that support investment to the Pattern system that underpins the value of our bloodstock.”
Mr Thompson brings significant national industry experience to the role, including as Chairman of Aushorse and as a breeder representative on Australia’s Black Type Advisory Group.
Mr Thompson formally joined the TBA Board last month in the vacant Aushorse Marketing seat.
TBA also acknowledged the service of Jeff Kruger, who has resigned from the Board after many years of dedicated service representing Queensland breeders.
Well-respected Queensland breeder and principal of Eureka Stud Scott McAlpine has been appointed to replace Mr Kruger as the representative of the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association.
TBA thanked Mr Kruger for his contribution and welcomed Mr McAlpine.
Newly elected President Antony Thompson said the renewed Board would continue working to support breeders and strengthen the industry’s confidence, unity and long-term sustainability.
