The HTBA President’s Award for Lifetime (Industry) Achievement is presented in recognition of an individual for their many years of dedication to thoroughbred breeding, research and development and campaigning to preserve and protect our proud thoroughbred breeding industry and heritage.
While he may look young, this man has dedicated decades to the thoroughbred industry, passionately devoting himself to developing the industry, championing our causes and placing education and training firmly on the national agenda.
To say that an outstanding thoroughbred breeding career in Australia started in Ireland and benefitted from international experience would be an understatement. His involvement with horses started as a young lad. Like many others in our industry his official thoroughbred career began with Coolmore in Ireland in 1986. From there he travelled to New Zealand to work at Field Horse Stud for 2 years before coming to Australia’s thoroughbred breeding capital in the Hunter Valley.
In Australia he honed his thoroughbred breeding and stud management skills at Bhima, Darling Downs Vatana Farm, Yarraman Park and then with the global thoroughbred breeding operations of Darley, now Godolphin, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum.
Taking up the reigns as Darley Australia’s first stud Manager in Australia at Kelvinside in 2003 he contributed to the development of Darley Australia from its raw state to what it is today. Over six successful years, he placed his stamp on the world renown, state of the art Darley Kelvinside operations.
In 2008 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum purchased the Ingham’s Bloodstock empire, including the jewel in the crown, the Woodlands property in Denman. Darley Australia was now operating multiple breeding properties and racing stables. In 2009 Woodlands needed a new General Manager, which he took up with pride and managed with passion, dedication, commitment and proficiency.
His commitment to our industry was not limited to making his mark on one of the world’s largest breeding and racing empires and some of Australia’s most prestigious breeding operations. Throughout his career he has lead and nurtured his staff, mentored and motivated many, and become a role model based on his commitment to excellence, teamwork, integrity and respect.
As the former chairman of the HTBA’s Education Sub-Committee he has passionately championed education and training for the industry. In 2012 he initiated the HTBA’s EquiStart School Based Training Program. EquiStart has since evolved into the successful “Thoroughly Schooled” and EquiStart Newcomers work experience programs. He is a vital member and contributor to the NSW Workforce Development Project. His commitment to placing thoroughbred skills and training on the national agenda has seen him take the position of Industry Expert for breeding on the National Skills Impact – Racing and Breeding Industry Reference Committee. Through his vision and advocacy, he is at the forefront to certify a formal education pathway for the thoroughbred industry.
For decades he has contributed to championing our cause to protect and preserve our industry from incompatible development due to the encroachment Industry. And he has dedicated his personal time to serving the community through many organisations including Pony Clubs, Equestrian events, sports teams, chambers of commerce and through his chairmanship of the Merton Court Retirement Village and the Muswellbrook Race Club – presiding over historic achievements to infrastructure.
A proud father of two, respected industry leader, passionate industry advocate, valued industry ambassador, and committed community member he has contributed significantly to the development of our industry and continues to do so.
The HTBA is very proud to present Mr John Sunderland with the 2022 President’s Lifetime Achievement (Industry) Award.
