Johnson has served as Westbury Stud’s Business Development Manager since 2016 and has now established Dylan Johnson Bloodstock, while continuing a close association with the Karaka nursery.
He will be retained as Westbury’s sales agent while operating his own agency, offering a wide range of bloodstock services.
Johnson has played a key role in the development of the farm’s stallion ranks with the successful launch of young stallions Tarzino (NZ) and Telperion being central to his achievements.
“The move to operating my own business allows me the opportunity to form a wider scope, focusing on different aspects of the industry,” Johnson said. “I grew up in Wellington and Dad and Grandad liked their racing and Dad always had a share in a racehorse.”
Tarzino (NZ) | Image courtesy of Westbury Stud
From an early age, Johnson was a regular at Trentham and always occupying the same vantage point on the elevated lawn right next to the birdcage.
“It was the best spot in the house, as Grandad would say you can rush to the tote from here if you win, or to the train home if you lose.
“I later worked in IT as a strategic account manager in Wellington, and became involved in horse ownership myself.
“I got to know a lot of people in the industry through that, including NZB’s Andrew Seabrook who has been influential and helpful.”
“I got to know a lot of people in the industry through that, including NZB’s Andrew Seabrook who has been influential and helpful.” – Dylan Johnson
Four years ago, an opportunity arose for full-time involvement within the thoroughbred industry.
“In 2016, a position became available at Westbury Stud and I put my hat in the ring and I was lucky enough to secure it,” he said.
Johnson has spent the last four years honing his skills in all areas of the industry under the watchful eye of experienced Westbury General Manager Russell Warwick and farm owner Gerry Harvey.
“Russell has obviously played a really big part in my career and guys like (bloodstock agent) Phill Cataldo and (trainer) Stephen Marsh have been great. I’ve spent a lot of time with them around horses,” he said.
Russell Warwick | Image courtesy of Lesley Warwick
“The knowledge and the expertise I’ve gained over the last four years has obviously come from being heavily involved in the industry, watching and learning.
“I have a long-held passion for the sport of racing and I am excited at the prospect of being able to work with a different group of clients who have a large emphasis on their racing and trade stock.”
The move will see Johnson remain with Westbury as their sales agent, focusing on stallion nominations throughout the breeding season and representing the farm at yearling sales.
“I am incredibly grateful to Russell, Gerry and the team at Westbury Stud for providing me with the platform to launch this new venture,” Johnson said.
“I am incredibly grateful to Russell, Gerry and the team at Westbury Stud for providing me with the platform to launch this new venture.” - Dylan Johnson
“I have tremendous belief in the stallion roster at Westbury Stud, so the opportunity to remain involved in what promises to be an exciting period for the farm is a real privilege.
“With the Tarzino and Telperion 2-year-olds to step out and with Reliable Man going so well, it's great to be remaining close to the action."
Johnson acknowledged the establishment of his own agency has been made in a challenging climate, but he was excited about the future, and already had clients on board.
Dylan Johnson
“I’m really passionate about the racing side of the industry, as much as I am with the breeding side. It will give me the opportunity to work with some clients who are probably more racing focussed and develop programs for their horses, whether it’s racing or trading,” he said.
“It’s not the easiest of times, but I’ve always thought a lot of successful businesses have been started when times aren’t easy. It’s a leap of faith into the unknown, but I’m sure I can make a difference.
“It’s often been said that if you do a job you love then you never work a day. I love the sport and am passionate to see it flourish.
“It’s often been said that if you do a job you love then you never work a day. I love the sport and am passionate to see it flourish.” – Dylan Johnson
“I’ll have a select group of clients on board and obviously always looking for more. I’ll cover all facets from buying at the sales at all levels and work a lot around breeding stock and management of portfolios of client horses, whether that be racing, mares or young horses.”
Warwick wished Johnson well in his new venture while also valuing his continued input for the future growth of Westbury.
“Dylan has developed an excellent rapport with a number of our clients over the years and the timing is perfect for Dylan to branch out into a more independent role within the industry, yet still retaining his relationship with Westbury and our ongoing business,” Warwick said.
“In many ways, nothing has changed and we look forward to Dylan continuing to promote the Westbury business while he forges new relationships with varied roles in the thoroughbred industry under his Dylan Johnson Bloodstock title.”
