One of Australia’s foremost commercial breeders and studmasters, Kevin Newbound, of Shepparton, died on Tuesday after a long illness.
Kevin and his brother Leo conducted Forest Lodge Stud at Chiltern and later Shepparton, which was established more than 50 years ago.
Over the years they sent many top yearlings to the Victorian sales including the top flight pacers Rip Van Winkle, Provocative, Classic Garry, Special Garry, Garry’s Advice, Honest Reward and Jotto and the champion square-gaiter Court Jester.
Undoubtedly the best performer that Kevin bred was the Inter Dominion, Miracle Mile and Victoria Cup hero Lennytheshark, who he sold privately as a yearling.
Among the leading sires to stand at Forest Lodge were Classic Garry, Garry Rowan, Trainer Hanover and Gay Reveler, while Kevin and his brother imported the champion sire and broodmare sire Windshield Wiper from America.
He was a president of the Victorian Standardbred Studmasters’ Association, a life member of Harness Breeders Victoria, a committeeman of the Shepparton Harness Racing Club and a founder member of the sales company AUSSCO.
Kevin was a great authority on bloodlines and the mentor of many of the biggest players in the breeding industry.
Kevin’s funeral will be held at Merritt Funeral Parlour, Mooroopna, on Tuesday at 11am.
Harness Racing Victoria extends its sincere condolences to his wife Frances, sons Brendan and Justin, daughter Simone and to his many friends in the industry.