October 23, 2007Aushorse Award
The winners of the 2007 Premier’s NSW Export Awards were announced last week. Of the nine applicants short listed for the highly competitive National Agribusiness Category, Aushorse received the Highly Commended Award in recognition of the group’s strategy that saw international guests increase their spend at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale to $26.5 million this year compared to $5.31 million just three years ago.
In presenting the award, Director of the Australian Institute of Export Dianne Tipping said “Aushorse Ltd has demonstrated its ability to promote Australian Thoroughbred Sales on a global basis. Along with a large number of Australian Manufacturers and Service Providers who know that to grow and succeed effectively they must reach out globally, Aushorse Ltd. has shown us that it is succeeding, and its recognition by the presentation of the award is to support it for its hard work and to encourage Aushorse Ltd. and all other export nominees to continue with their efforts.”
The brainchild of Aushorse Director John Kelly (Proprietor, Newhaven Park Stud, NSW), the IIBS was introduced in 2003 to expand and secure Australia’s export market for thoroughbreds.
The scheme was designed to identify and invite prospective overseas buyers to Australia, pay all expenses and extend the ultimate in hospitality with no obligation to buy.
Australia is the only country in the world that offers this level of support and hospitality to thoroughbred buyers. The Scheme, coupled with the success in recent years of Australian horses on race tracks internationally, has given Australia a competitive edge in attracting a high level of brand recognition and an increased export market. The IIBS has also been a key factor in setting a benchmark of the average yearling price especially at the Magic Millions Sales.