There has been a switch in personnel at Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria with Executive Officer Patrick Clancy finishing up after almost three and a half years in charge.
Charmein Bukovec, previously of Racing Victoria, has taken over the position and aims to extend the growth of TBV and the industry it represents across the state.
The change comes at a time when the Victorian industry is experiencing enormous international investment, huge popularity of new sires and great success of Victorian bred horses on the racetrack.
TBV President James O'Brien said Patrick would be a loss for the organisation, but the committee was thrilled to appoint Charmein who already has a good understanding of the racing and breeding industry, including experience working with VOBIS at Racing Victoria.
"Patrick has completely changed the organisation since his appointment in 2015 giving it a national profile and massively increasing its engagement with breeders, sales companies, racing regulators, governments and sponsors.
"During Patrick's time, our social media exposure has increased 30-fold over the past three years, our sponsorship revenue has almost tripled and membership has grown significantly. And our weekly e-newsletter is now one of the best regular breeding publications in Australia.
"Patrick also played a key role in the establishment of VOBIS Sires and the naming of the $1 million VOBIS Sires 2YO race as 'The Showdown'.
"The committee is very thankful to Patrick and wishes him all the best in his future pursuits."
"We are rapt to have Charmein on board and she is already going full-steam ahead," James said.
"In the short time she has been in the office, she has already covered the Inglis Ready2Race sale, started preparations for our annual Victorian Breeders Awards night (6th December at Flemington) and met with RV officials to discuss enhancements of VOBIS.
"Charmein has a strong love of thoroughbreds, being an enthusiastic rider and owner of a Victorian bred racehorse.
"TBV members and stakeholders can expect to see or hear from Charmein over coming weeks and months as she works to keep TBV strong and healthy."
