The 21st annual Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association Awards has recognised the achievements of two outstanding members of the breeding community.
The Murray Bain Service Award, was presented to Paul Adams, senior partner of the Scone Equine Hospital, for his contribution to the Hunter thoroughbred breeding industry.
Adams graduated from the University of Melbourne and worked in equine stud and racing practices in Canada, England and Australia before joining the Scone Equine Hospital.
He is a Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in equine medicine and divides his time between stud medicine and equine surgery.
In a career that has spanned 35 years, Adams was the driving force behind the establishment of the Scone equine surgical facilities and has been involved in other ground‐breaking developments including the pioneering of colic surgery and arthroscopic joint surgery in the Hunter Valley.
The President's Award was presented to Yarraman Park Stud director Arthur Mitchell for his outstanding service to the Hunter Valley breeding industry.
From one of the industry's best known breeding families, Mitchell's career spans over 40 years of national and international experience.
In addition to his commitment to standing, breeding, rearing, spelling or pre‐training thoroughbreds of the stature of Catbird, Foreplay, Snitzel, Amelia's Dream, Fastnet Rock, Grand Armee and Magic of Money,
Mitchell has been a passionate advocate for the promotion and protection of the Hunter Valley breeding industry.
He is a past president of both the Scone Race Club and Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association and remains a member of both including the vice presidency of the Scone Race Club.
He is also a director of Aushorse and a key member of the HTBA Protect Our Industries Committee.
HTBA president Wayne Bedggood has stood down after four years service with his successor being Dr Cameron Collins, managing director of the Scone Equine Hospital.
Dr Collins has been a member of the HTBA for 19 years and will take over the role of president on July 1.
