New era begins at Magic Millions as Hetherington steps forward and Robinson broadens focus

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

Change is often a sign of momentum, and at Magic Millions the latest leadership reshuffle feels less like disruption and more like a natural progression.

James Hetherington’s promotion to Magic Millions Bloodstock Sales Manager signals both reward for years of groundwork and the continuation of a philosophy already deeply embedded within the business, while Dane Robinson’s transition into a broader role reflects the company’s evolving ambitions beyond the traditional bloodstock sphere.

For Hetherington, the appointment is less about reinvention and more about continuity.

“The transition into this new role has been great," Hetherington said.

"Obviously spending the time up here on the Gold Coast when I first started with Magic Millions, and then moving down to Sydney, where a lot of our business is based, and that’s been a really good progression.

“I’m looking forward to the next challenge of this, and it should be a smooth transition with Dane, obviously still very much involved in the business.”

Built through experience and relationships

While the title may be new, Hetherington’s grounding within the industry has been years in the making. From time spent with Barry Lockwood in racing, to competing for Australia at World Cup level in showjumping, and serving what he described as an industry apprenticeship at Kitchwin Hills, each stage has helped shape the approach he now brings into one of the industry’s key positions.

“It’s been a good progression that I have had, having that racing experience, and my past in showjumping. Hetherington said.

“I feel like every step I’ve made throughout the last 10 years or so of my career has been working towards a goal like this. I feel like I’m well-equipped to be able to handle the job and, more importantly, do a good job going forward.”

Despite stepping into a more prominent role, Hetherington made it clear the foundations already established within the company will remain central.

“For me it’s going to be very much the same approach that I’ve learnt off Dane over the last few years. We have worked together very closely, we both started off at the same time roughly five years ago.

“While the name at the bottom of the email might be different, it will be very much business as usual and the same approach going forward.”

That consistency, he believes, extends beyond the sales ring and into the relationships that underpin the industry itself.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and working with more people, a larger breadth of people and building those relationships further.

“I’ve got a good grounding in relationships, but taking that to the next level and getting further immersed in the industry.”

Robinson’s evolving role and a broader vision

While Hetherington steps into the lead bloodstock role, Robinson’s shift into a hybrid bloodstock and property position represents another strategic move for the company.

Already highly regarded throughout both Australian and international bloodstock circles, Robinson has spent almost five years as Bloodstock Manager after previous roles with Gai Waterhouse, Highclere Racing and as a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start programme.

His new position will see him work closely alongside Donovan & Co’s Clint Donovan, strengthening the growing connection between bloodstock and premium property within the Magic Millions network.

“With my new position, it makes a lot of sense considering where I am professionally and the direction of my current role,” Robinson said.

“There is a really nice blend between the horses and property side of the business, which has its own synergies, so it will be professionally stimulating and an exciting next step for me personally.”

Robinson was also quick to praise Hetherington’s rise through the ranks, describing the promotion as thoroughly deserved.

“James has been deserving of an upgrade in his role for some time now and I think this will be a very natural progression for him - not only in his front-facing role as an auctioneer, but also because of the respect he has earned throughout the industry as a horseman,” Robinson said.

“He is extremely well-liked, highly respected, and this is a terrific step forward in his career.”

Importantly, Robinson stressed the transition would not dramatically alter the existing structure clients and vendors have become accustomed to.

“Between Barry, James, Clint and myself, we’ve all worked particularly well together in the past and overall it will very much remain business as usual at Magic Millions, just with James taking on the more prominent role within the bloodstock division.

“I’ll still be involved with Magic Millions in a front-facing capacity and will continue to oversee and support James as he transitions into the Head of Bloodstock role.”

A period of change and a mix of new and established staff

The reshuffle also comes amid a broader period of evolution for Magic Millions, with several new appointments and new job descriptions or roles made across bloodstock, marketing and digital operations over the past 12 months.

Annie O’Rourke and Tabitha Ridley-Thomas have both joined the bloodstock side of the business, while Lochie Bruce has been appointed as a bloodstock consultant. Natasha Dawson now has the Sales Marketing Manager role, and Bryce Bevan has taken on the role of Head of Digital as the company looks to further strengthen its online auction presence.

For Hetherington, the balance between youth and experience is one of the company’s greatest assets moving forward.

“We’ve got a really strong team now, a lot of experience and youth, and being able to bring that all together and hopefully progress Magic Millions over the next few years is exciting,” he said.

“We have got that really good mix of youth and experience. Lochie Bruce, Tabitha Ridley-Thomas and Annie O’Rourke have been recent appointments in the last 12 months, with a mix of Natasha Dawson and Greg Irvine, and agents Adrian Hancock, Tim Brown and James Dawson, who know the business back to front.

“It’s a very exciting time going forward, and I think we can really propel the business moving ahead.”

Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch echoed those sentiments, believing Hetherington's appointment and the current structure places the company in a strong position for continued growth.

“James’ promotion is a reflection of the respect he has earned across the industry through his horsemanship, integrity and the genuine relationships he has built with our vendors and clients,” Bowditch said.

“He has a deep understanding of the challenges faced at all levels of the market and consistently approaches his role with both commercial awareness and practical insight.

“We are building a team that blends experience with emerging talent, and one that is well equipped to service both the domestic and international market as the business continues to grow.”