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.

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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.

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