Thoroughbred Breeders’ Western Australia has announced a replacement for Dr Fiona Lacey as president of the organisation, with Troy van Heemst elected as her replacement.
Mogumber Park’s Lacey signalled her intent to step down before TBWA’s annual general meeting in early September after seven years on the committee, the past four as president, with Lynward Park Stud’s van Heemst assuming the top role.
The West Australian industry has enjoyed a boom period in recent years, and its Magic MIllions Perth Yearling Sale grossed more than $20 million for the first time in 2024, but van Heemst warned the local racing sector was not immune to the wider economic downturn.
“There’s a positive outlook but we have to be careful making decisions going forward. The bloodstock market has tightened everywhere in the last 12 months. Demand during the pandemic has eased and we’re not exempt,” van Heemst said.
“As a group, we are faced with escalating costs, particularly in areas like workers comp and insurances, and we are also in a unique situation with staff shortages.
“The mining sector dominates the labour market in WA. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that our great industry will stay strong and keep people and horses connected into the future.
“We’ve had our ups and downs but, long term, our members have shown resilience and have a robust model.”
The van Heemst family’s Lynward Park Stud at Bullsbrook, managed by Troy, stands last season’s leading WA second-season sire Bondi.
"The bloodstock market has tightened everywhere in the last 12 months. Demand during the pandemic has eased and we’re not exempt” - TBWA president Troy van Heemst
Lynward also enjoyed plenty of success on the racetrack with fillies and mares Real Danger, Queen Alina and Petrouchka all winning stakes races in the family’s red with green maltese cross and cap silks.
“Westspeed Platinum has been a game-changer for people breeding or buying WA-sired horses,” van Heemst said.
“The EPONA Scheme and its credits for broodmare owners augment those benefits.”
Serving on the board alongside van Heemst is vice-president Peter Vincent, treasurer Ann Croucher, Glen Graham, Brian Collison, Judith Odgaard and executive officer Julie Godfrey.
At the time of her resignation, Lacey said: “We are very lucky to have a really good team in place with a wealth of experience from quite diverse backgrounds.
“But it’s time for new blood and new ideas and this is an opportunity for breeders to come forward and give back to their industry by joining the committee.”
Lacey operates Mogumber Park with her husband Colin Brown, who is in his final year as chairman of Perth Racing.
