Pepper Tree Farm Principal Rob Van Dyke at last year's Stallion Parade
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is excited to announce a three-year Breeders Challenge sponsorship agreement with the pre-eminent NSW nursery Pepper Tree Farm.
Situated in the Lachlan Valley in the central west of NSW, Pepper Tree Farm was established by Rob and Julie Van Dyke in 1996. The substantial quality of horses bred at the stud since its inception is highlighted by four Australian 2yos of the Year; an Australian 3yo of the Year; six winners of the Group 1 Australian Pacing Gold; Victoria and NSW Derby winners; an Australian and Victoria Oaks winner and multiple Breeders Challenge and NSW Sires Stakes champions.
Pepper Tree Farm Principal Rob Van Dyke said: “New South Wales has done a lot of positive things over the past few years so we are keen to show our support.
“We have a good relationship with the controlling body and believe it is important to have a leading stud such as ours to sponsor the NSW feature juvenile race series. Pepper Tree Farm is very excited to be the sponsor for the ensuing three years.”
The introduction of the Breeders Challenge was a significant structural change to the NSW breeding industry. The incentives and initiatives associated with the Breeders Challenge have rapidly evolved over the past few years and now include the rich Major Race Series (including trotters), Regional Finals, Nominators (breeders) Cash Bonuses, Owners Bonus Certificates, Blue Series and Incentive Certificates.
HRNSW CEO Sam Nati said: “It’s immensely satisfying to have a stud such as Pepper Tree Farm associated with one of our most important brands. Rob and Julie are forward thinkers and pivotal to the development of the standardbred in Australia for almost two decades.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
