FOR most of us, September 1 meant the end of winter and the ushering in of spring, but for the thoroughbred horse racing industry it meant the kick off to the official Australian breeding season. It’s an exciting time for those in the industry, and also highlights the value it provides to country towns as racing ramps up. To illustrate this value firsthand, local MP for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland invited both the Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines MP, and the Shadow Minister for Racing Tim Bull to Nagambie’s Swettenham Stud, home of superstar stallion Toronado. Principal Adam Sangster took the time to show and tell the politicians the value the stud brings to the area, and explain some of the problems they are now facing. “I’m so thankful that both the Minister and Shadow Minister for Racing came to Nagambie to see firsthand the amazing things that are happening in our thoroughbred industry, specifically going into this important season,” said Ms Cleeland. “I’m especially thankful to Adam Sangster and everyone at Swettenham Stud for being such a gracious host. “Good luck to them and all the local breeders in our region during this exciting time. “We are the heartbeat of the industry here in Euroa and Nagambie - an industry which provides more than 35,000 jobs and contributes billions of dollar into the state economy. “It is an industry I am so proud to celebrate, support and protect.” The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is the second biggest in the world and operates in every state and territory.
