Highclere Australia has announced the appointment of Andrew Hawkins as their new racing manager, beginning February 9.
Hawkins, 30, joins Highclere Australia with a wealth of industry experience across a number of roles in Australia and abroad, particularly in the media. An award-winning journalist, he was most recently editor of industry publication ANZ Bloodstock News, while he has also served in prominent roles as Sky Racing’s international analyst and the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s content specialist.
“I’ve been very lucky to have an amazing career in racing so far, taking me to all corners of the world, but joining the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing team is my most exciting opportunity yet,” Hawkins said.
“My passion for racing began with the Melbourne Cup and developed through the global scene, so it is incredibly exciting to be a part of one of the great international operations with eyes on the race that stops the nation.”
Founded in the UK in 1992 by Harry Herbert, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing was the first syndication outfit of its kind in Europe. Named for Herbert’s ancestral home, Highclere Castle - better known in Australia as the setting for hit television series Downton Abbey - Highclere Thoroughbred Racing is Europe’s most successful syndication operation, with 27 per cent of their syndicates producing black type performers.
The history of the Australian arm of Highclere dates back to 2003, when Herbert spoke at that year’s Carbine Club Luncheon during Melbourne Cup week. Captivated by the Australian racing scene, he arrived back a year later with the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Distinction, who finished sixth to Makybe Diva at what was the first of his two attempts at the Flemington feature.
A decade later, the first dual hemisphere syndicate was established with subsequent Group 1 winner Opinion heading down under. The Australian operation has continued to flourish in recent years with $1.4 million earner Libran the flagbearer.
“I am so thrilled that Andrew has agreed to come on board and believe that he will be a tremendous asset to the Highclere team,” Herbert said. “He comes to us with extensive experience across many different facets of the industry and we have complete faith that he will steer the Highclere ship for us in Australia.
“We are in a very exciting phase with our Australian group of horses and owners. Andrew will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Highclere experience is everything that it can be and more.”
Highclere Australia currently has 12 horses spread across five trainers, with a recent Magic Millions purchase - a Deep Field colt out of the stakes-placed Just As Cosmic, to be trained by Bjorn Baker - the latest addition to the roster.
“Bjorn has proven that he has a great eye for the Deep Fields,” Hawkins said. “Just look at Winner Method, who won at his first start at Sha Tin on Sunday. It’s not easy to win first time out in Hong Kong, especially when you are still raw and green, but he looks to have quite a future based on that effort.
“He’s not the only Deep Field Bjorn has identified that has already caught the eye at the trials. Given Bjorn's confidence in this colt and his success with Edison, I believe this might be the yearling purchase that really puts Highclere on the map down under.”
Nevertheless, a consistent aspect of Highclere Australia is the European imports that arrive down under to chase the country’s staying riches, something that has Hawkins dreaming big.
“The dream is to be involved with a Melbourne Cup winner - I think anyone who has encountered me on my racing journey would expect that to be the case and I know it is a goal that aligns with many of Highclere’s Australian owners,” Hawkins said.
