The sudden death of bloodstock agent Michael Wallace has been felt across the Australasian and global bloodstock and breeding industries.
Wallace, who played a huge role in helping set up China Horse Club as a global force and worked closely with Sydney trainer Michael Freedman as well as many others, died suddenly on Saturday.
His passing was confirmed on Sunday by Ardsley Stud, owned by his parents, Jim and Mary.
“It is with deep sadness we confirm the passing of Michael Wallace, son of Jim and Mary. Michael was a much loved father, son and brother. Family are requesting privacy,” the statement said.
Wallace is survived by his wife Kristi and five children.
He worked for China Horse Club as its global Chief Operating Officer for eight years, during some of its most successful times, but departed that prominent role in 2021 to run his own consultancy,
He worked closely with Freedman, buying yearlings with him throughout recent seasons in Australia and New Zealand, including this year, while he also worked with Kuldeep Singh Rajput's Gandharvi Racing Stables.
He was also an agent for St. Elias Stable in America and selected recent G1 Churchill Downs winner Mindframe.
Rajput posted on Monday about the loss of his dear friend.
"Michael Wallace was the pillar of our horse operations — a dear friend, a brilliant leader, and a man of deep integrity — has passed away," Rajput posted on X.
"Few could match his feel for horses — his patience, precision, and deep knowledge made him one of the best in the game. He gave everything he had to Gandharvi and played a massive role in building what it is today.
"He was someone I trusted, learnt a lot from, and admired deeply. His wisdom, calm strength, and quiet dedication will always stay with me."
Wallace also worked with several major farms in New Zealand, including the van Dyk family’s Prima Park.
“An incredibly talented bloodstock agent, Michael’s guidance has been instrumental in the initial development of Prima Park and has contributed deeply to our success early on,” Prima Park said in a statement.
“Together we selected and sold two Group One winners in Debt Collector and Sprinting sensation Beat The Clock. Debt Collector being sold through our first ever Ready To Run draft in 2013”
“Over the years Michael has been a close friend to the Van Dyk family and we are deeply saddened of his passing.”
Sledmere Stud, who worked closely with Wallace during his days with China Horse Club, also expressed their shock and sadness.
"Michael was a great client of our farm but an even bigger & better friend, and he will be very sorely missed. R.I.P. Mick," the farm wrote on social media.
