Written by Paul Vettise
A passion for pedigrees combined with Gareth Downey’s managerial experience and analytical mind has seen him scale the Valachi Downs ladder to the position of General Manager of the Matamata nursery.
Downey joined Kevin and Joanna Hickman’s operation in June, 2018 principally a role focussed on the management of the stud’s standing stallions, U S Navy Flag (USA), Zacinto (GB) and Savile Row (NZ), as well as pedigree analysis and matings advice for the stud’s broodmare band and clients.
“I feel privileged to be given this opportunity to lead a stud as progressive as Valachi Downs and its outstanding team of people,” he said.
“I am confident I can apply my experience both in and outside of this industry, to support Valachi in reaching its goals.
Gallery: Valchi Downs' stallions
Downey has found the Valachi culture developed by the Hickmans to be an enjoyable and effective environment.
“We all know in this industry we all work incredibly hard and we all devote our lives to it, that is the nature of combining your profession and passion,” he said.
“We all know in this industry we all work incredibly hard and we all devote our lives to it, that is the nature of combining your profession and passion.” – Gareth Downey
“It makes a hell of a difference who you’re doing it for. People with the hearts and ethics of Kevin and Joanna is probably the greatest single honour of the role.
“It’s a major role and with the managerial background I had prior to joining the thoroughbred industry, what I’m now going into is very consistent with the kind of thing I’ve done previously.
“I feel more it’s exhilarating than daunting. The main thing is the team of people in place at Valachi are so good it really is a role of steering the ship as much as anything.
“They are so good in their respective areas that it’s very much a case of working with them and helping Valachi to greater success.”
Downey doesn’t come from a racing family and therefore his intense love of the industry from an early age was something of a mystery.
“It’s been my passion even though nobody knows why because I have no family background in racing. It’s been my passion, and as most of us know it’s an obsession, throughout my life,” he said.
“It’s been my passion, and as most of us know it’s an obsession, throughout my life.” – Gareth Downey
“I trained to be an accountant and most of my key working career was in an industry that was high-end agribusiness, low-end biotech. We were making pharmaceutical products and raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry.
“I started off at a very junior level and progressed to be Australasian manager of that operation and we had 73 people in that organisation at one stage.
Valachi Downs
“That’s probably my key managerial background and becomes relevant for a role like this. My industry background is really learning as you go along and the time at Waikato Stud and my years at Valachi.
“I also did my very best to get bitten as a professional punter. Halfway through my time at university I realised I’m just not going to make this work for me and had to find something else to apply my brain to.
“I do have a love for horses, which is the main driver, and an excessively analytical mind and those two combine to develop this passion for pedigrees.”
Business development role
Downey was with Waikato Stud for seven years in a business development role before joining Valachi and now officially filling the role of his predecessor Jonathan Scully.
“We have been impressed with Gareth’s in-depth knowledge of our business and the natural leadership he brings from his past management roles in both this and other industries,” the Hickmans said.
“We believe Gareth is the right person to help us progress our ultimate aspirations of breeding and racing high-quality athletes, as well as leading a team where the culture is an important reflection of our personal values.”
