WASBA Awards Night – Breeder of the Year & Life Membership Presentation

The West Australian Standardbred Breeders Association (WASBA) staged its annual awards night last Saturday at the impressive Magic Millions Sales Complex, celebrating another outstanding season for the state’s breeding industry.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2025 Breeder of the Year, awarded to Trevor and Colleen Lindsay under their Karnup Racing banner. It was a fiercely contested honour, with five individual breeders in contention after their progeny each earned more than $900,000 during the season – three of them surpassing the $1 million mark.

Karnup Racing’s team ultimately set the benchmark, with their progeny amassing almost $1.4 million in prizemoney. From 43 starters, they produced 24 winners, highlighted by star performers Ideal Beach, Princess Katie, Mighty Ronaldo and Im Category Five, who collectively captured five Group and Listed victories.

The Broodmare of the Year title went to Luvya Maddy Lombo (Jet Laag), whose progeny were bred by Bill Hayes. Her daughter Copy Cat Queen enjoyed a standout season, earning $176,000, including victories in the 4YO Mares Westbred Classic and the open 4YO Championship. Luvya Maddy Lombo is now the dam of seven individual winners, underlining her ongoing influence in the WA broodmare ranks.

A special moment on the night saw Bob and Marilyn Fowler elevated to Life Membership of WASBA, following endorsement at the Association’s recent AGM. Long-time supporters of the industry through their Allwood Stud Farm at Bullsbrook, the Fowlers have played a significant role in shaping WA breeding.

Perth businessman Bob Fowler, a passionate harness racing enthusiast, established Allwood Stud originally at Serpentine in the early 1980s before relocating to Bullsbrook on the former Royalstar Farm property. Today, Allwood Stud is widely regarded as one of Western Australia’s premier breeding nurseries and currently stands Fly Like An Eagle and Inter Dominion champion Ultimate Sniper.

Several Westbred category awards were also presented. Ideal Beach secured the Westbred 2YO Colt or Gelding title, while Wishing Belle claimed the 2YO Filly division. Captain Stirling was recognised as the leading Westbred 3YO colt or gelding.

In the 4YO and older categories, Golden Nugget winner Waverider captured the entire or gelding division, while Little Darling – victorious in the Group 1 Westral Mares Classic – took out the mares’ section.

A number of WASBA Breeder of the Month awards were also acknowledged, rounding out an evening that highlighted the depth, quality and strength of Western Australia’s standardbred breeding ranks

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink