Widden Celebrate Widespread Success

The team at Widden Stud is used to celebrating the success of the racehorses we produce, but in the past week it’s been the success of our highly skilled and much valued staff and our outstanding young stallion Zoustar, who was crowned Champion First Season Sire at the HTBA Awards in Scone on Thursday night.

The 2018 HTBA Champion First Season Sire award was sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research and was presented by Mr Peter Huntington and accepted by Widden’s owner, Antony Thompson.

The 2018 HTBA Employee of the Year (Administration) Award winner was another great result for Widden Stud with the prize going to Ms Jean King.

Jean moved to Baramul in 1985, home of the famous Star Kingdom, and worked in the office of the late industrialist and thoroughbred breeder Sir Tristan Antico. He and his team, including Jean, devoted themselves to building Baramul into an outstanding farm, based on the best Kentucky studs.

In 1992, Jean met her future husband, David Merrick and they both moved to Widden Stud.

For the past 26 years, Jean has exemplified exceptional devotion and loyalty to Widden. Jean has performed all manner of administration and office duties and today applies her skills and experience in the fields of accounting, insurance and human resources. Jean has a wealth of knowledge of our industry and the many participants in it.

The 2018 Murray Bain Services to Industry Award honours the outstanding achievements of those in our industry who champion exceptional service to industry and hands-on practice with this year’s recipient being Mr David Merrick.

David Merrick has lived all his life on stud farms in the Hunter Valley.

David grew up at Woodlands stud where he foaled down Heart of Market to produce Australia’s champion racehorse and sire Marscay who stood at Widden.

David also witnessed Marscay’s last days at Widden where he is now buried with Bletchingly and other thoroughbred greats.

David moved to Baramul stud as a yearling manager in the 1980’s and produced many sale toppers for the late Sir Tristan Antico.

In 1992 David moved next door to Widden stud where he has held the position of Stud Manager for the past 25 years. During this period David has been involved in rearing and raising Horse Of The Year Dissident, Bonaria, Shamal Wind and Stratum Star to name a few recent Group 1 winners.

Throughout his career, David has worked with and mentored many in our industry. His hands on approach has ensured that young members of our industry have had the opportunity to learn and become good horsemen and women.

David is a respected, committed and dedicated member of our industry who has exemplified exceptional service to industry and hands on practice and has shared his considerable knowledge and experience to help develop future thoroughbred breeding leaders.

Last week the Godolphin Stud and Stable Awards also featured Widden Stud with Hannah Dick recognized for her excellence in the office after taking out the GSSSA Administration and Ancillary Award.

We congratulate our winners and appreciate the time, energy and love they put into making Widden Stud the very best it can be.