Kevin Dixon - Managing Director

Kevin learned his business strategy skills through his business activities over the last 30 years. He is an Economics graduate from Sydney University, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and worked for 28 years with the largest global management consulting organisation, Accenture. His most recent position is the Global Chief Operating Officer of the Communications and High Tech Operating Group of Accenture.

Dixon has had an interest in horses over many years, mainly through owning a number of race horses. Dixon said “I am yearling sale junkie, I love the whole experience, from understanding pedigrees, through to the romance of the auction sale. I was looking for a way to be more involved than just as the tragic who bought a lot of horses to race”.

Armed with this ambition, Dixon set out to create a high class breeding, spelling and agistment operation. He identified 4 major components that were needed to create the vision. He needed a viable business plan, a suitable property, the right talent and expertise, and the high quality breeding stock. The following 2 years have been spent putting the pieces together. Dixon said “the business plan was the easy bit, I could do that, but I knew that the expertise and the property would be the hardest and most crucial”.

As such, Dixon took two initial steps that launched the venture. First he entered into a business relationship to operate the venture with Kevin Thomas, the owner of Washpool Lodge, and probably the most well regarded horseman in Queensland. Second, and with Thomas’s keen eye as help, purchased what was then called Noble Park Stud, and with it, ensured he retained the staff, led by Mark and Steph Wooldridge.

Kevin Thomas - Director

Kevin has had a long and successful career in the Horse Industry. He was always destined to follow a career in horses, given his father was a successful Harness racing trainer and driver. Kevin followed the family tradition becoming a leading Brisbane based Harness racing participant, winning many Brisbane Premierships. Kevin furthered his learning with a 2 year stint in the Harness Racing industry in the United States from 1978 to 1980. Kevin is a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

In 1991, Kevin decided to switch his focus to Thoroughbreds, and established his home at Washpool Lodge. Washpool Lodge quickly developed a reputation as a leader in Queensland in the areas of breaking, pre-training and spelling of thoroughbred horses, providing these services to many of Australia’s leading trainers.

Kevin had an ambition to expand his thoroughbred interest to breeding but realised that this was a different operation than that at Washpool Lodge. This ambition led Kevin to join with Kevin Dixon to establish Racetree. He is dedicated to ensuring Racetree and Washpool work closely in their complimentary businesses producing the highest quality results.

Mark Wooldridge - Stud Manager & Stallion Supervisor

Mark started out in the racing industry as a Stallion Groom at Emirates Park in NSW then went on to Stallion Manager. He started work at Racetree when it was established in 2004. Mark is heavily involved in the day to day running of the farm and has an extensive background in the areas of yearling preparation, breaking in and all horse husbandry. His aim is to continue to produce quality race horses off the farm.

Stephanie Wooldridge - Director of Horse Management

Stephanie comes from Armidale in NSW. She has an Advanced Diploma of Horse Management and Certificate of Horse Husbandry to her credit. Stephanie started at Racetree in 2004 and 8 years beforehand when originally named Noble Park Stud.

She is responsible for managing staff and horses at the farm. While she was doing the Advanced Diploma she took the option to train a thoroughbred. Afterwards she worked at Randwick Racecourse for a short time riding track work for the late John Morish. Steph then worked at Noble Park for Peter & Wendy Moran.

She has extensive knowledge of breaking in, yearling preparation, young horse handling, foaling down and broodmares. Her aim is to maintain Racetree as a leading Thoroughbred stud producing high quality yearlings to sell.

William Rouse-Upjohn - Stud Groom

Originally from Armidale in NSW, William has achieved a RYAG Equine Certificate and Instructors Certificate. He started work at Racetree in November 2006 and is responsible for preparation of yearlings for sales. William was born into an upstanding horse family and brought up on a riding school.

He was selected for RYAG Equine by Uralla Rotary, training track horses for members of the pony club. William aims to run a business as successful as Racetree in the future

Julie Dunn - Stud Groom

Julie joined the Racetree team in early February 2009.She has vast experience with feeding horses, treating sick and injured horses as well as yearling preparation . Julie is a local resident of Beaudesert and has her own Australian Stockhorse breeding property. She has maintained a vested interest in the thoroughbred industry from working at other local thoroughbred establishments prior to coming on board at Racetree.

Katie Garing - Stud Groom

Katie joined Racetree in June 2008. She has experience with feeding horses, treating sick and injured horses as well as working with broodmares and foals.Katie has been around horses all her young life and her hobbies include competing in Dressage and Hacking Events.

Christie Murphy - Stud Groom

Christie is a Brisbane girl and is a Licensed Strapper. She joined Racetree in November 2006. Christie has experience with feeding horses, treating sick and injured horses as well as working with broodmares and foals. She gained her experience as a stable hand at Wadham Park and Benwerrin Lodge and has a dream of being a flight attendant.

Colin Harlow - Young Horse Care

Colin was born in Blackall, Qld and started his employment at Racetree in March 2007. Col’s job is to handle the weanlings and yearlings, as well as the stallions and broodmares.

He was a jockey for 10 years around the Blackall area. Since then he has been riding trackwork, and handling weanlings, yearling and broodmares. He loves his job and would like to continue working with thoroughbreds.

Candy Nilon - Office Administrator

Candy joined Racetree in early 2007 and is responsible for the majority of office and administration functions at Racetree. Candy is a local to the Beaudesert area, and prior to joining Racetree has held similar positions at other local breeding establishments.

Candy also assists during the breeding season and is the keeper of the vet and reproductive records, as well as tracks the bookings, schedules and activities of the Racetree Stallions. Candy is a breeder in her own right, maintaining a small number of mares, and breeding to selected local stallions each year.