Thoroughbreds Breeders’ WA is in capable hands with incoming President Troy van Heemst.
Born and raised in the racing and breeding industries, he joined the TBWA committee in 2017 and a leadership role was a natural progression following the last four years as Treasurer and Vice-President.
van Heemst takes over from Fiona Lacey and is grateful for the support among fellow breeders. “There’s a positive outlook but we have to be careful making decisions going forward. The bloodstock market has tightened everywhere in the last twelve months. Demand during the pandemic has eased and we’re not exempt.
Troy van Heemst returns to scale with Lynward Park homebred Group winner I’m Feeling Lucky / Photo: Western Racepix
“As a group, we are faced with escalating costs, particularly in areas like workers comp and insurances, and we are also in a unique situation with staff shortages. The mining sector dominates the labour market in WA.
“Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that our great industry will stay strong and keep people and horses connected into the future. We’ve had our ups and downs but, long term, our members have shown resilience and have a robust model.”
Perth’s prizemoney underlines that template with Westspeed Platinum the most lucrative Bonus Scheme in Australia. Saturday city winners can bank upwards of $80,000 and that can make it a profitable venture for prospective yearling buyers at the Perth’s Magic Millions. Turnover broke through $20 million for the first time at the Swan Valley Sale in February.
“Westspeed Platinum has been a game-changer for people breeding or buying WA-sired horses,” van Heemst said. “The EPONA Scheme and its credits for broodmare owners augment those benefits.”
van Heemst is well-versed in operating a commercial stud having studied for a degree in Bachelor of Commerce before moving to Victoria in 1999 where he completed a Diploma in Horse Business Management at Marcus Oldham College. The following year he worked in Ireland at the famed Airlie Stud in County Kildare when it was home to influential stallion Ela-Mana-Mou (Pitcairn).
van Heemst manages the family-owned Lynward Park Stud on the Great Northern Hwy at Bullsbrook and a measure of his connection with the local community has been as Vice-President of the Bullsbrook Residents & Ratepayers Association.
“I intend to stand down next month in order to concentrate on TBWA,” he said this week. “While on the committee, I’ve been involved in the Thoroughbred Racing Consultative Group (TRCG), TAB Sale Working Group and last year’s TBWA Strategic Plan. I’ve gained enormous insight of the nuts and bolts of our industry during this time.”
Bullsbrook is booming and Lynward Park is home to Troy, his wife Sarah, and daughters Lydia and Kelsey. It’s also home to 2023-24 Champion WA second-season sire Bondi (Snitzel) while its black-type winning fillies last season included Real Danger (I Am Invincible), Queen Alina (Mahuta) and Petrouchka (More Than Ready).
TBWA Committee
Troy van Heemst (President), Peter Vincent (Vice President), Ann Croucher (Treasurer), Glen Graham, Brian Collison, Judith Odgaard, Julie Godfrey (Executive Officer).
