Swettenham Stud welcomes Sam Matthews to the team

Swettenham Stud is delighted to announce the recent appointment of Sam Matthews to the role of Business Development and Stallion Nominations.

Originally hailing from Western Australia, Sam was born and bred into thoroughbreds, spending most of his formative years between the sales ring, the track and the family farm where they bred and raced many winners.

“We had a country cup horse called Mokine, which gave my family the record, just shy of 30, for the most tracks an owner has had a winner on,” Sam said.

From a young age Sam was a regular attendee at the Goodwood & Magic Millions sales, and by 16, he joined the team as a bid-spotter for many years in both Perth and the Gold Coast.

“Knowing the success of Magic Millions, it was a great opportunity, and a wonderful introduction into the world of sales and yearlings. It was the beginning of my career in the thoroughbred industry.”

“One day when my grandfather attended the sales, he threw in a bid to keep me on my toes. However being the only bid at $45,000, the hammer fell. Luck was on our side, as the horse turned out to be our Stakes winner Liquidation; one of my family’s most successful gallopers.”

Sam has been an avid supporter of the Victorian breeding industry since leaving Perth in 2010 and prides himself on his relationships with the many great thoroughbred farms across Australia.

Principal of Swettenham Stud, Adam Sangster is enthusiastic about the appointment and optimistic about the direction the farm is headed.

"I am particularly excited in investing in Sam, and the opportunities that get constantly presented to ourselves in this dynamic and rewarding industry. He is the ideal fit for the Swettenham model going forward,” Sangster said.

A loyal devotee of racing, Sam doesn’t miss a Saturday meeting and is often seen attending the early morning trials & jump outs, while through his own broodmares he has developed and enhanced his love of breeding. 

 “It’s such an amazing time to join Swettenham Stud with their six up and coming stallions, generating positivity and excitement amongst breeders and the buying bench.”

“I can’t wait to see the first foals from Mshawish and Rebel Dane, and I have been blown away by the Trust In A Gust foals. One I saw in a client's paddock the other day really stood out, strong, precocious and the spitting image of his sire. He was a level above,” Sam said.

“Toronado is a magnificent horse physically, and he is stamping his foals with his outstanding type. Breeders are wowed when they see him, and he's been given every opportunity as stallion with some very well related yearlings about to hit the ring and more on the way.” 

“The Americain yearlings will again appeal to the staying trainers that will bring out their best and attract the breeders that desire the Derby or the BMW horse, while on the track, his convincing winners as early three-year-olds have proven his ability to get an early winner.” 

Sam is looking forward to taking the farm to new heights, and while he knows the importance of advising and supporting the farm’s already loyal clients, he will be a vital part of encouraging and generating new breeders.

“It is an incredible opportunity to join Swettenham Stud, with the wonderful Sangster family history. Adam is such a passionate advocate for the Victorian thoroughbred industry.  He is 100% committed through his time, knowledge and investment, and teamed with his support, I am l looking forward to growing the Swettenham brand and taking the stud to the next level.”