New CEO announced for TBA

SYDNEY - Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Limited (TBA) has announced the appointment of a new CEO to head the peak industry body.

TBA President Mr John Messara said he was delighted to announce that former Agriculture Minister Mr Peter McGauran would join the TBA as its Chief Executive.

"We do feel that Mr McGauran can make a significant contribution to the administration and further growth of our industry," said Messara.

Amongst his achievements as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr McGauran;

• Delivered the greatest ever commitment to drought assistance for rural families, communities and businesses with $3.5billion assistance committed;
• Developed the National Agricultural and Climate Change Action Plan to help farmers better manage the impact of climate change;
• Secured the iconic Woolmark trademark in Australian hands and introduced ‘Australian Grown’ labelling to allow consumers to quickly identify products grown by Australian farmers;
• Developed and implemented the $234 million Equine Influenza Assistance Package for the racing industry following the outbreak of horse flu in Australia in August in 2007;
• Successfully led international delegations to improve Australian agricultural exporters’ access to markets;

The appointment caps off a transition for the association (after its alignment with Aushorse Limited) into a powerful, united administrative and marketing arm of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry.

"The strength of the Australian racing and breeding industry is evidenced by the recent success of international stars like Choisir, Starcraft, Takeover Target, Elvstroem, Silent Witness and Miss Andretti," Messara said.

"We now have the gene pool and the talents to produce some of the world’s best racehorses. Targeting markets like Asia, Europe, South Africa, North America and Dubai, Mr McGauran’s role will be to promote the Australian horse and recruit new investment into the Australian Thoroughbred Industry," added Messara.

"I am excited by the challenge. The TBA and Aushorse Ltd are now in a position to move forward strongly and it will be our task to lift the profile of racing and breeding in Australia," said Mr McGauran.

Mr McGauran will be based at the TBA’s new secretariat in Sydney.

Having tried his hand as an amateur jockey and racing steward before entering politics, Mr McGauran has a long history in the racing industry. He is an avid racing enthusiast and is regularly seen at race meetings and yearling sales in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. - Thoroughbred Breeders Australia