The Murray Bain Service to Industry Award honours the outstanding achievements of those in our industry who champion exceptional service to industry and hands-on practice.
This year's Murray Bain Services to Industry Award recipient is Mr David Merrick.
David Merrick has lived all his life on stud farms in the Hunter Valley.
David grew up at Woodlands stud where he foaled down Heart of Market to produce Australia's champion racehorse and sire Marscay who stood at Widden.
David also witnessed Marscay's last days at Widden where he is now buried with Bletchingly and other thoroughbred greats.
David moved to Baramul stud as a yearling manager in the 1980's and produced many sale toppers for the late Sir Tristan Antico.
In 1992 David moved next door to Widden stud where he has held the position of Stud Manager for the past 25 years. During this period David has been involved in rearing and raising Horse Of The Year Dissident, Bonaria, Shamal Wind and Stratum Star to name a few recent Group 1 winners.
Throughout his career, David has worked with and mentored many in our industry. His hands on approach has ensured that young members of our industry have had the opportunity to learn and become good horsemen and women.
David is a respected, committed and dedicated member of our industry who has exemplified exceptional service to industry and hands on practice and has shared his considerable knowledge and experience to help develop future thoroughbred breeding leaders.
The HTBA is pleased to honour Mr David Merrick for his hands on service to our industry and award him the 2018 Murray Bain Service to Industry Award.
HTBA AWARDS