New beginnings for The Stallion Nomination Centre under Henning

Cover image courtesy of The Stallion Nomination Centre

A changing of the guard at The Stallion Nomination Centre signals both continuity and evolution, as Jane Henning steps into ownership alooks to build on a respected platform with fresh energy, industry insight and a modern approach.

Howard steps away, leaving a lasting legacy

Randwick Bloodstock Agency’s Brett Howard has recently retired from full-time work, drawing the curtain on a career spanning nearly four decades. His wife Rachael has also stepped away after 18 years operating Glenesk Thoroughbreds, first in Quorrobolong and later at Mount Vincent in the lower Hunter Valley.

Reflecting on their decision, Howard said:

“After many years of dedication and commitment to the thoroughbred industry, we are stepping back to enjoy the next chapter of our lives,” adding that they remain grateful for the journey and look forward to maintaining industry connections.

That sense of appreciation extended to those who supported their operations.

“A huge thank you to our employees and to every person who has supported and patronised Randwick Bloodstock over the past 39 years, and more recently our Glenesk Thoroughbreds operation. It has truly been an amazing journey for us both,” he said.

Among the most enduring elements of that journey is The Stallion Nomination Centre, which the Howards developed over the past 20 years into a trusted service within the breeding sector. Having worked closely with Henning in recent seasons, Howard expressed strong confidence in her leadership, noting.

“For the past few years Jane has done a wonderful job managing The Stallion Nomination Centre for us,” and adding that her passion ensures “it is without doubt going to get better under her proprietorship”.

A seamless transition into ownership

For Henning, the transition into ownership has been both gradual and deliberate. As she explained.

“When I think about it, Brett's been strategically stepping back. Over the past year or so he has been Jane you can do that, So last year, I ran the company completely by myself.”

That hands-on experience has made the shift feel natural. “So it's been an easy transition for me too,” she said, noting that Howard’s approach had “made it easier, now we can kind of join the gaps”.

One of the first visible changes under her leadership has been the launch of a dedicated website.

“Now we have a dedicated website, where before it was a page on Randwick Bloodstock’s website,” Henning said, signalling a more modern and user-friendly direction.

Having already spent three seasons managing the operation, she is now focused on growth.

“After three seasons managing the business for Brett and Rachael, I’m really looking forward to building on the valuable relationships already in place and expanding the service for breeders on both sides of the stallion and mare coin,” she said, adding that taking over from the Howards provides “a great leg-up for the future of the business”.

What is The Stallion Nomination Centre?

The Stallion Nomination Centre provides a marketplace for stallion nominations, connecting shareholders and lifetime breeding right holders with breeders seeking access to stallions across Australia and New Zealand.

By facilitating confidential offers and managing negotiations through to completion, the service ensures nominations are utilised rather than left unused, while offering commercial returns for vendors and flexibility for mare owners.

The platform allows nomination holders to list unused breeding rights, often with payment structured on a live foal basis to simplify arrangements. Breeders can submit offers, with mare details and pricing presented to the vendor for consideration.

Once terms are agreed, the Centre coordinates contracts, liaises with the relevant stud and manages the process through to payment - streamlining what can otherwise at times be a complex transaction.

A lifetime in pedigrees and bloodstock

Henning brings a depth of experience built over decades in the industry, beginning in Western Australia where her interest in pedigrees first took hold. She recalls immersing herself in research early on and notes, “I've been around for quite a while, and you could say that I've got a well-rounded thoroughbred background, and this sort of goes a bit hand in hand with my pedigree analyst business.”

That early passion evolved into a specialised career, including time in England working alongside leading pedigree analysts before establishing her own consultancy, Pedigree Dynamics, in Australia.

Her career has since spanned bloodstock sales, international sourcing, syndication and digital auctions, as well as a five-year stint as CEO of the NSW Racehorse Owners’ Association. Now based in Scone, she remains closely connected to the heart of the breeding industry.

A unique model that benefits the entire industry

Central to The Stallion Nomination Centre is a model designed to support all participants in the breeding cycle. AHenning explained.

“The stallion nomination centre is designed to benefit all parties,” noting its role in increasing opportunities for stallions, particularly those needing additional support.

“It’s indirectly benefiting the studs in that they're assured that there's going to be more mares going to the stallions, in particular stallions that maybe second and third season sires, or value stallions that aren't getting as much support as they have in the past,” she said.

At the same time, it creates outcomes for breeders and nomination holders alike.

“It’s supporting the stallions, the studs as well as the breeders and the people that are finding a home to utilise those nominations that may not be in need for that season.”

Maintaining alignment with stud farms is critical, and Henning emphasised that the service works alongside, rather than against, existing structures.

“Importantly we have a great relationship with studs, we don't undermine them at all,” she said, adding that the business ensures clients have not already engaged directly with farms. So it's supplementary rather than taking anything from the stud.”

She is also conscious of the platform built by her predecessor.

“Brett's fantastic reputation has really paved the way with the relationships with the studs and I obviously intend to keep up those great relationships.”

Blending service, insight and opportunity

Beyond transactions, Henning continues to integrate advisory services into the business.

“Another side of the Stallion Nomination Centre is that there's also a group of clients that Brett has fostered over the years that we make direct stud bookings for also,” she explained, noting that she also applies her pedigree expertise to mating plans.

Her relocation to Scone has further strengthened that hands-on approach.

“It’s such an ever-changing, dynamic industry and I've recently moved up to Scone, so it's easy for me to go and check out the stallions and also the client mares and make sure they are not only looking good on paper, but they're actually physically compatible.”

The operation also retains a level of flexibility, particularly when dealing with high-demand stallions.

“We've also got some very commercial stallions that we may not be on the list on the website, but we can go back to our clients and make private deals,” she said.

That balance between access and discretion remains an important part of the model. “So there is that aspect, keeping the exclusivity. We are here to help with all parts of the tree and at any level.”