Vin Cox’s next move: Star Thoroughbreds secures former Yulong boss in key bloodstock role

Former Yulong, Godolphin and Magic Millions boss Vin Cox has partnered up with one of Australia’s leading thoroughbred syndicators, Star Thoroughbreds, in a bloodstock advisory role for the 2026 yearling sales season.

Cox departed Yulong suddenly in March this year and was on gardening leave for six months, during which time he has been assessing what would be next for one of the key racing and breeding industry executives.

With Star Thoroughbreds’ previous bloodstock advisor Brett Howard retiring, an opportunity arose for Cox to team up with Star’s Denise Martin for the 2026 season.

Cox revealed to The Straight that Martin rang him out the blue and the opportunity immediately appealed to him.

“Look, it’s right in my sweet spot. I enjoy sales, I enjoy looking at yearlings and assessing yearlings. It’s working with high-end operators, and operators that work at an elite level, and that appeals to me immensely,” he said.

“Denise is without reproach in terms of her ethics and business model. And you’d have to say, working with a stable like the (Chris) Waller stable, he’s the gold standard of trainers in the country at the present time.

“Brett’s done an unbelievable job for Star Thoroughbreds, and I’ve known Brett, and been friends with Brett for close to 40 years.”

Cox’s future has been the subject of much interest since his departure from Yulong. He said held had a number of discussions since his period of gardening leave expired in September, but the Star Thoroughbreds’ opportunity made the most sense.

He revealed he is still having discussions on other consultancy work he may undertake, both within bloodstock but also in other areas of the racing industry.

He also revealed that he had discussions with international operations, but nothing formal had so far eventuated.

Asked if he would stick to consultancy roles or be open to another figurehead role like the ones he fulfilled at Magic Millions, Godolphin and Yulong, Cox said he was keeping an open mind.

“The flexibility I have currently appeals to me a lot,” he said.

“Having said that, if the right big gig came along, then I’d certainly look at it.”

Cox is also a director on the Victoria Racing Club board.

Since its founding in the 1990s, Star Thoroughbreds has developed into one of the most successful Australian syndication companies, with Group 1 winners such as Sebring, Theseo, Espiona, Invincibella, Foxplay, D’Argento, Driefontein, Danglissa and Aeliana racing in the iconic purple with white stars.

Howard’s Randwick Bloodstock has been working with Star for the past eight years, taking over from the late Steve Brem.

“Star has enjoyed a wonderful association with Brett the last eight years, through fillies like Invincibella, Olentia, Kiku and Espiona. His contribution to our success has been immeasurable and appreciated, and we wish him the best in his retirement,” Martin said in a statement.

“In his wake, Vin is a huge coup for us and we are looking forward to him representing Star Thoroughbreds at the major sales next year.”

Cox will advise Star Thoroughbreds across the 2026 yearling sales, with Star expected to continue buying at its current levels of around 22 to 25 yearlings each year.

The majority of its purchases are trained by Chris Waller, with a handful of horses raced in Tasmania with Martin’s brother-in-law Barry Campbell. 

It will be a tough act for Cox to follow with Howard having helped Star Thoroughbreds to some highly successful buys in recent years.

“It’s a testament to Denise that someone of Vin’s repute has joined her team. I’ve had an amazing journey with Star and I’m grateful for all the opportunities it afforded me. I wish Vin all the best in the role,” Howard said.