Prominent Ballarat breeder-owner Steve Dickson has been elected as the new interim President of Harness Breeders Victoria, the august body that represents breeders and studmasters in the State.
Dickson, who hails originally from Launceston and has been involved in breeding standardbreds for more than 35 years, replaces retiring president John Coffey at the helm.
Among the best performers bred or raced by Dickson and his wife Chelsea’s Melfield Estate have been the Australian Pacing Gold winner Park Life.
“We enjoy racing a horse, however, our real passion is within the breeding industry. We have a small but select band of mares that are exceptionally well bred,” Steve explains.
Dickson is a long term, self-employed Agronomist, while Chelsea, who was also elected to the HBV committee, manages their equine feed company Black Horse Naturals, sponsors of the Ballarat Harness Racing Club and corporate sponsors of the Victorian Harness Racing Club. Together they operate their working farm in Bungal that produces wool, lamb and cattle in addition to their standardbred horses.
The couple recently bought the well credentialled Captaintreacherous horse Captain Ahab for stud duties in Victoria.
Pat Driscoll, the principal of Yabby Dam Farms and one of the leading breeders and supporters of trotters in Australia and New Zealand, is the new HBV treasurer.
Chelsea and her daughter Grace Munro will share administrative duties, alongside well respected horsewoman Louise Toulmin, who is returning to the committee. The trio have replaced Desiree Pettit-Keating, who stepped down after 12 years in the role.
Continuing members of the HBV committee are Clyde Little (secretary), Dr Hugh Cathels and Ian Stanley.
“The HBV committee are working hard behind the scenes to better the industry, to offer value-for-money for our studs and breeders, grow our membership base and be a voice for our breeders to the governing bodies. Each committee member brings a wealth of knowledge, along with a unique and quality skillset to the team and we look forward to working together,” Steve said.
Ballarat’s Bianca Brehaut Design and long-time industry participant, Arthur Wood of Posh Printing, will complete the respective graphic design and print elements of the 2026/27 IRT Australasian Standardbred Stallion Guide.
- Alabar Bloodstock flagship Art Major took the siring honours at the Melton metropolitan meeting with four winners namely Major Blitz, Miss Ari, Fox Dan and The Art Of Success
- Victorian breeders brought out important winners in two different States at the weekend. Peter Lewis bred the winner of the $30,000 York Cup at Northam (WA) in Luvbite, while Euroa horseman Cameron Maggs produced the winner of the Redcliffe Trotters Cup in Hide And Seek
- Talented three-year-old filly Isthisthereallife, who made it three wins from four starts on Horsham on Monday, was bred and is part-owned by Horsham club president Terry Lewis
