Esplin takes helm of Thoroughbred Breeders’ NSW
Well-known breeder and Sydney-based solicitor Hamish Esplin has been elected to lead the state’s peak breeding body, Thoroughbred Breeders’ NSW.
The Tartan Fields stud owner replaces Kooringal Stud’s Stuart Lamont in the top job while prominent media identity Caroline Searcy will become Esplin’s deputy after serving on the board for 13 years.
Esplin, a partner in Esplin Solicitors for the past decade and who played a key role in assisting the Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia in overhauling its constitution, has been a TBNSW director since 2016.
“I’m honoured to be elected to the role and as the state with the largest population of breeders, and racehorses bred, I look forward to representing our members and helping with their needs in coming years,” Esplin said.
“While the industry is in rude health there is always more to do in working with key stakeholders to improve all facets of the industry including rehoming of horses, attracting new participants as breeders or staff and promoting commercial interests across the board.”
Esplin also paid tribute to Lamont’s service to TBNSW over a long period of time.
“Stuart has been a wonderful voice of experience and knowledge as our president and importantly represented breeders from the southern region of NSW which TBNSW is keen to promote alongside the larger breeding district of the Hunter Valley and other regions in the state,” he said.
Lamont added: “TBNSW is fortunate to have a very dynamic board of directors and I would like to thank Hamish Esplin, Paddy Power, Caroline Searcy, Peter Orton, Vin Cox and Olly Tait for their support during my tenure as president.
“My thanks to our very capable executive officer Julianne Christopher who has grown our membership significantly in 2021 and again accomplished a great deal for breeders in NSW.”
Twin Hills Stud’s Olly Tait and Godolphin Australia managing director Vin Cox were also re-elected as board directors.