Tubba Williams departs Aquis Farm
Tony “Tubba” Williams and Aquis Farm have parted company after the experienced bloodstock industry identity held the role of chief executive of the Fung family-owned racing and breeding empire for less than a year.
Williams, who returned to Australia late last year after a stint in the UK, yesterday confirmed he had left Aquis and that he would enjoy a break in the coming months, something he has not had for a number of years.
“Aquis were very good to me in the short time that I was there and I look forward to a new adventure in the New Year (within the industry),” Williams said last night.
Aquis Farm managing director Shane McGrath said: “We thank Tubba for his time at Aquis and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.”
Williams spent three years in Britain as managing director at auction house Goffs UK before being recruited by Aquis Farm. He started on January 1 this year, on the eve of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Previously, he had spent time with Magic Millions and Newgate Farm in Australia and was also an agent for the Hong Kong Jockey Club during his more than four decades of involvement in racing and breeding.
Based on the Gold Coast, his primary role was to oversee Aquis’ expansive three-state stallion operation which has allowed McGrath to manage the large-scale racing division which has enjoyed significant success in the past 12 months.
Aquis has recently either sold outright or part of its holding in a number of high-quality colts, headed by Golden Slipper winner Farnan (Not A Single Doubt), Group 3-winning sprinter Anders (Not A Single Doubt) and Redoute’s Choice’s (Danehill) Group 3-winning son Prague.
In July, Aquis’ NSW stallion operation was to be moved from Emirates Park at Murrurundi in the Hunter Valley to Gooree Park Stud near Mudgee in the state’s central west but management then decided a base closer to the breeding heartland was required and its roster, most notably Pierata (Pierro), have since relocated to Lincoln Farm at Blandford.
Aquis also has stud farms at Canungra in the Gold Coast hinterland and at Seymour in Victoria.
The departure of Williams came on the same day that it was announced Farnan, who was secured by Kia Ora Stud in early August as a stallion prospect, would run in Aquis’ slot for this year’s $15 million Everest (1200m).