Cover image courtesy of Ridgmont Farm
Born and raised in the Czech Republic, Vitek is the grandson of legendary local horseman Frantisek Vitek, who won the Czech Derby on seven occasions and as a rider claimed two editions of the prestigious steeplechase, the Velka Pardibicka.
While having spent a lifetime surrounded by and working alongside horses, Jakub Vitek’s opportunity to forge a career in the breeding sector came when he was selected for the esteemed Irish National Stud course in 2016 after completing his university studies.
Frantisek Vitek winning the Velka Pardibicka in 1965 | Image courtesy of Jakub Vitek
After graduating with an honours degree in Business Management, Vitek was destined to pursue racing in a greater capacity and the National Stud course would pave the way for Vitek to join Arrowfield Stud in August 2016.
“I was unsure if I should stick with horses or try something different so I did a season in Ireland at Newtown Stud and during that time I knew I wanted to pursue horses,” Vitek told TDN AusNZ.
“Arrowfield always takes students from the Stud course and I thought the opportunity to come and work here in Australia was amazing.
"Arrowfield always takes students from the (Irish National) Stud course and I thought the opportunity to come and work here in Australia was amazing." - Jakub Vitek
“So, I went for the role and, although I thought I would just stay for a year then head to somewhere like America, it’s been an amazing five years and counting.”
During Vitek’s tenure he worked as a stud groom under highly regarded Yearling Manager Denis Griffin and helped prepare countless star-studded yearling drafts that featured subsequent Group 1 winners and sires The Autumn Sun and Tagaloa and Golden Slipper winner Estijaab (Snitzel).
Vitek credits working alongside Griffin and the likes of Kerry Stephens and Stephen Irwin for where he is today, saying their guidance and support has been invaluable.
“Working at Arrowfield was such an amazing experience, Denis is such a great horseman and I’ve taken from him to take every horse as an individual to ensure they’re given the best opportunity to grow into a fit, strong and precocious yearling, especially when taking them to sales like the Magic Millions,” Vitek said.
Jakub Vitek | Image courtesy of Ridgmont Farm
Taking the reins
He is currently on holiday and will commence his role at Ridgmont on July 1 and is eager to officially take the reins and begin the process of developing the farm's crop of soon-to-be yearlings ahead of next year’s sales season.
Vitek will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position and is excited to be a part of a boutique operation that will primarily focus on presenting high-quality drafts at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
“Having worked alongside very capable people at Arrowfield with high quality and large quantity drafts gives me a good opportunity to step up and take on more responsibility here at Ridgmont,” Vitek said.
“What excites me most about taking on the role is that we are starting something new and everyone involved is very excited about the future.
“We want to build a strong broodmare band and to have good relationships with good clients, so we can build that trust which will make sure people want to buy our yearlings.
“There will be around 20 yearlings next season and I’m sure at least half will be going to the Magic Millions, as I can assure all our yearlings will be very well-prepared, receive good nutrition and adequate exercise.”
