New Team Announced for Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse

Media Release - Wednesday August 13

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse have today outlined their new structure and leadership team.

Following 15 years in leadership roles at the Seven Network, Andrew Hore-Lacy was appointed CEO of TBA and Aushorse earlier this year. Since commencing in June, he has worked closely with both Boards to shape a refreshed structure designed to better serve breeders, strengthen industry connections, and further advance Australia’s world-class thoroughbred bloodstock sector.

Andrew Hore-Lacy. Image: Aushorse

Head of Marketing & Partnerships: Leanna Packard

Leanna Packard has been appointed Head of Marketing and Partnerships at TBA and Aushorse. Originally from the United States, Leanna is a graduate of The Ohio State University and began her career in marketing at WinStar Farm in Kentucky before relocating to Australia. For the past eleven years, she has served as Marketing Manager and Racing Coordinator at Newgate. In her new role, Leanna will lead marketing across both TBA and Aushorse, manage sponsorships and partnerships, and drive stakeholder engagement initiatives to further elevate the visibility and influence of Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.

Head of Advocacy & Communications: Meagan McGrath

Meagan McGrath joins TBA and Aushorse after more than a decade in senior roles at the Victoria Racing Club, most recently as Senior Manager of Community, Social Responsibility and Equine Welfare. A top graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program, she also spent three years working in Dubai for Falcon and Associates. In this new role, Meagan will lead advocacy, communications, stakeholder relations and equine welfare policy, championing the interests of breeders at the highest levels.

Head of Finance & Administration: Gemma Cameron

Gemma Cameron has been appointed Head of Finance and Administration at TBA and Aushorse. A Chartered Accountant, Gemma has been with the organisation since 2020 and will now oversee all financial and administrative functions. Her career spans roles with leading thoroughbred farms as well as mixed farming operations, with extensive experience in accounting firms specialising in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. She has also served as an independent member on audit, risk, and finance committees, and is a current board director for not-for-profit organisations. Her newly expanded portfolio includes the development, implementation, and management of finance operations, IT and office services, human resources, as well as governance and compliance.

Advertisement

Head of Education & Projects: Madison Tims

Madison Tims continues as Head of Education and Projects at TBA and Aushorse, a position she has held since 2022. The first to be appointed to a dedicated education and workforce development role at TBA, Madison is responsible for coordinating and delivering national programs that support skills development and industry engagement across the thoroughbred breeding sector. A graduate of Waikato University, Madison previously worked in marketing and education with New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders. She is actively involved with the Royal Agricultural Society Youth Group and in 2025 was an AgriFutures-sponsored participant in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Program.

TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy said the organisation was proud to unveil the new team.

"These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for TBA and Aushorse,” Mr Hore-Lacy said.

“Leanna, Meagan, Gemma and Madison each bring deep industry knowledge and a genuine passion for the work we do on behalf of breeders.

“With the guidance of our Boards and the support of our members, we are well positioned to strengthen our industry and advance the interests of Australian breeders both nationally and internationally."

The new team will be in full effect as of Monday 1 September.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Winning Debut for Blueblood Frankel Filly
We usually associate the Mark Walker stable with the tangerine colours of Te Akau racing, but it was John Camilleri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds colours in the frame for the astute Kiwi trainer trainer at Benalla on Tuesday carried by blueblood Frankel filly Chateau Eze.
Melbourne Racing Club Announces Official Trial Schedule for 2025–26
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) is thrilled to announce a comprehensive schedule of 15 Official Trials across the 2025–26 season, providing an essential service to trainers, owners and jockeys while addressing the industry’s increasing need for metropolitan grass access.
Vale, G1 winning horseman Tony Dennis
A member of one of New Zealand racing’s most famous and successful families has died, with the recent passing of Tony (Anthony) Dennis, aged 86.
Sires With Winners - Monday September 1
Here is the full list of 22 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Five Lots Announced for Tattersalls Online Barrier Trials Pop-Up Sale
Tattersalls Online, Europe’s leading online thoroughbred sales platform, will break new ground when offering for auction five lots who took part in the ITM Irish EBF Barrier Trials at Leopardstown Racecourse earlier this week. The sale which takes place on 3rd – 4th September can be viewed on the Tattersalls Online website www.tattersallsonline.com.
Tara Talks Racing - We Chat with the Breeder of Raging Force
The Group III ATC San Domenico Stakes was won last Saturday by exciting Cosmic Force gelding Raging Force, so this week we’re chatting to his breeder Dr Richard McClenahan of Mullaglass Stud, who has a self-confessed ‘mare addiction’!
First Foals for Lofty Strike
One of the most interesting young stallions that we saw on the recent Victorian stud tour was at Swettenham Stud and it has not taken long for the big baldy face of Lofty Strike to find it’s way on to one of his first foals.
Waller Stable Hold the Key to Melbourne Cup
Champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller has 27 of the 120 entries for this year’s $10million Melbourne Cup, which equates to more than 20 per cent of the total, so it’s probably worth having a closer look at them.
Vale, Robert Priscott
Former Group One-winning trainer Robert Priscott has passed away.
Spring Trial Watch – Caulfield
With a plethora of Group racing for colts and geldings last weekend and fillies to take centre stage Sydney on Saturday for the Group II ATC Furious Stakes it was interesting to see a Caulfield trial on Tuesday morning that featured six stakes-winning 3YO’s.