Thoroughbred Breeders WA president Fiona Lacey has joined the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel that identifies and funds the research, development and extension priorities of the thoroughbred industry.
AgriFutures Australia represents 13 rural industries, including the thoroughbred industry which is responsible for generating more than $1.16 billion to the Australian economy and is the second largest in the world.
Lacey (pictured) brings a unique skill-set and expertise to the Advisory Panel as owner-operator of the Olive Grove Equine Clinic in Bullsbrook.
It’s considered a leading equine reproduction centre in WA and is located alongside Mogumber Park Stud where Fiona and her husband Colin Brown stand the Group-winning stallions Safeguard (Exceed And Excel) and Marine One (Capitalist).
Fiona and Colin have built up their commercial stud from very humble beginnings to be one of the largest and most successful in the state, so she brings a wealth of practical, grass roots experience to the role.
“The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Advisory Panel is at the forefront of research and development to promote welfare, productivity and profitability,” Lacey said.
“Research is a very important area for our industry and the Advisory Panel provides recommendations on priorities and investment decisions that will benefit both horse welfare and the industry in general.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to help set goals that will lead to positive outcomes for commercial breeders and all thoroughbred participants.”
AgriFutures Thoroughbreds received $1.36 million through the Commonwealth as well as Statutory contributions and levies in 2021-22. Over 80% of that sum was spent on Research projects.
A Murdoch University graduate, Dr Fiona Lacey BSc, BVMS joins an Advisory Panel Chaired by Dr Catherine Chicken (Scone Equine Hospital). Others members include Michael Grieve (Grandview Stud), Derek Field (Widden Stud), Dr Craig Suann (Racing NSW), Jacqueline Stewart (Australian Stud Book), Mike Becker (Independent Stallions) and Dr Guy Lester (Equiimed WA).
Lacey is also the WA representative on the Board of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and TBWA representative on the RWWA Thoroughbred Racing Consultative Group.
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horse Program Webinar Series can be viewed here
