In the bustling dining room of a North Melbourne Football Club luncheon, a life-changing opportunity was about to unfold for Rob Crabtree. Despite being a staunch Collingwood supporter, Crabtree found himself drawn into a conversation that would change the course of his life. A fellow attendee offered him the chance to buy a share in a yearling filly. He accepted, embarking on a journey that would cement his place as one of Victoria’s most respected breeders.
The filly, Join In The Chorus, named after the North Melbourne team song, wouldn’t have been Crabtree’s first choice for a name. But her performance spoke volumes, finishing second in a stakes race at Flemington on debut. It was an auspicious beginning for someone who, by his own admission, knew little about racing at the time.
“It was pure serendipity,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I was hooked from that moment.”
Fast forward to today, and Crabtree is the owner of Dorrington Farm, a sprawling property in Nagambie that has become synonymous with breeding excellence. His approach to breeding has been shaped by decades of experience and a philosophy that prioritises the potential of mares.
“Everyone talks about stallions,” he says, “but I’ve always believed that mares are the real game-changers. The right mare can elevate a breeding programme to new heights.”
One such mare is Charm’s Honour, whose modest pedigree didn’t deter Crabtree.
“When I bought her, there wasn’t a lot of black type in her lineage,” he explains. “But I saw potential.”
Charmzona went on to produce Group 2 winner Enbihaar and debutante winner Miss Celine, both sired by Magnus, a stallion bred and raced by Crabtree himself.
“Seeing that success unfold over generations validates the importance of informed breeding decisions,” he says.
Magnus, a son of Flying Spur, holds a special place in Crabtree’s heart. The stallion’s career highlights include a near-win in Singapore, a placing in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, and a victory in the Galaxy Stakes.
“Magnus gave us some incredible memories,” Crabtree reflects. “He showed the world what Australian breeding could achieve.”
While reflecting on his journey, Crabtree credits much of his success to the unique conditions of Victoria.
“The region is disease-free and offers a pristine environment for raising thoroughbreds,” he says. “It’s a breeder’s dream.”
He’s equally vocal about the role of incentive programmes like VOBIS in fostering industry growth.
“VOBIS has been instrumental in attracting new breeders and owners,” he says. “It’s initiatives like these that keep the industry vibrant and competitive.”
Crabtree’s achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a dedicated team. He singles out Brianna Elling and Jorja Gavish, who have collectively served Dorrington Farm for 25 years.
“Their commitment and expertise have been pivotal,” he says. “You can’t succeed in this business without a strong team.”
Looking ahead, Crabtree is optimistic about the future of Victorian breeding.
“The industry has grown in leaps and bounds,” he observes. “The investments by major players like Yulong have elevated our global standing. But there’s still so much potential to unlock.”
As the conversation turns to the broader significance of Victorian breeding, Crabtree’s pride is evident.
“Victoria is not just a leader in Australia; it’s setting benchmarks internationally,” he says. “Our horses are competing and winning on the world stage. That’s a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in this industry.”
In Rob Crabtree’s world, breeding is more than a business; it’s a lifelong passion. And as Victoria continues to produce champions, Crabtree remains at the forefront, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines the region.
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