Cover image courtesy of AgriFutures Australia
On Friday, AgriFutures Australia announced via a press release that Inglis auctioneer Jonathan D’Arcy would be the new Chair of the Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel. D’Arcy, who stepped back from his role as General Manager of Bloodstock Operations and Auctioneer at Inglis in 2024, has over 45 years experience in the Thoroughbred industry.
“I’m pleased to take on the role of Chair and continue working with the Panel, AgriFutures Australia and industry to ensure RD&E investments are guided by industry experience and deliver benefits for breeders, while supporting horse welfare and the long term sustainability of the Thoroughbred industry,” D’Arcy said.
“A strong Thoroughbred industry relies on evidence based decision making and ongoing innovation. Through the Program, we have a real opportunity to support best practice and help position the industry for the future.”
The Advisory Panel’s role
The panel’s role is to work closely with AgriFutures Australia and industry stakeholders to help guide the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program’s research, development and extension (RD&E) investments.
On the panel alongside D’Arcy is the Australian Stud Book Keeper Jacqueline Stewart, Equiimed’s Dr Guy Lester, Olive Grove Equine Clinic’s Dr Fiona Lacey, and Stonehouse Thoroughbreds Ryan Arnel.
Amanda Olthof | Image courtesy of AgriFuture Australia
“Jonathan’s experience on the Advisory Panel, combined with his extensive industry background, positions him well to lead the Panel and help ensure RD&E continues to deliver real value for the Thoroughbred industry,” Amanda Olthof, Senior Manager of the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.
“Through the Program, AgriFutures Australia invests in RD&E that improves horse welfare, boosts productivity and strengthens sustainability, while helping breeders prepare for future challenges and opportunities.”
A life in Thoroughbreds
D’Arcy brings a life in Thoroughbreds to the table and a passion for science and innovation. He began at Inglis in the pedigree writing department in 1986, having worked on a few stud farms and completed a course at the Agricultural College in Victoria.
In 2020, D’Arcy told TTR, “Sometimes the thrills aren’t the $1 million sale, sometimes the thrill is getting $40,000 or $50,000 for a battling breeder. That can mean a lot to those sort of people and I’ve certainly had that experience.”
And this perspective will be hugely helpful as he chairs a panel that is expected to channel research funding to projects that will help the breadth of the industry.
Jonathan D’Arcy | Image courtesy of Inglis
The panel’s decision making is guided by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan. This plan outlines how research, development and extension (RD&E) investments are used to strengthen the sustainability, productivity and global competitiveness of the Australian Thoroughbred industry.
There are four priority areas that the panel and RD&E plan are designed to support: Thoroughbred horse welfare, workforce safety and environmental sustainability; Thoroughbred breeding; workforce, industry and community engagement; and Thoroughbred diseases and parasites.
Because the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry contributes more than $1.68 billion to the national economy each year and is the second largest in the world, AgriFutures research will shape how our industry copes with change into the future.
