The Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards have been a beacon of recognition, appreciation and motivation for industry professionals over the past 11 years. Racing Australia, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, and Godolphin recently announced the 14 finalists for the 2025 edition, each embodying the dedication and passion that define the backbone of our industry and the spirit of our great sport.
In 2025, we are proud to see one of our most deserving staff members, Kathie Bakker, a finalist in the Administration and Ancillary Award.
Let’s find out more about Kathie and the role she plays at Yulong:
Hi Kathie, could you share a bit about where you’re from and how long you’ve been involved with Yulong Stud?
I live locally on a farm at Creighton’s Creek that we have been running as a Thoroughbred broodmare and agistment farm for a small band of clients with broodmares for many years. I started with Yulong in the very early stages, when Yulong had just purchased Limerick Lane (Yulong Stud) in early 2017. At the time there were only five horse staff, one gardener, Sam Fairgray, and myself in administration plus one hundred horses at the Nagambie Farm.
I am now in my eighth year working at Yulong and the expansion in that time across all areas coupled with the passion Mr Zhang has shown for the industry has been immense.
What does your daily role at Yulong Stud entail, and what aspect of it do you enjoy the most?
I’m currently the Bloodstock and Stud Secretary at Yulong. Initially, I worked across all areas, but over time, I’ve focused more on breeding as the business has grown.
My responsibilities include managing stallion service agreements for both hemispheres, Australian Studbook administration for all breeding stock, overseeing the covering book and bookings during breeding season, service fee invoicing, sale entries, and sales admin. I also handle transport logistics for farm movements and assist with infrastructure setup for new farms, while overseeing administration staff and other tasks as needed.
I enjoy every aspect of my role, particularly working with staff to help them grow in their positions.
Can you tell us about your background in the thoroughbred industry?
My background in the thoroughbred industry began as a young girl when my dad owned a few racehorses. I developed a passion for horses and spent many school holidays working at trail riding farms.
After finishing school, I worked with Australian Stock Horses and later completed a strapper’s course and a degree in Horse Management at Glenormiston Agricultural College. I spent several years working hands-on with horses at studs in Victoria and New South Wales before transitioning into veterinary nursing. I worked as a resident vet nurse at a leading farm in the Hunter and later as head vet nurse at Avenel Equine Hospital in Victoria.
Alongside taking some time for family duties, I returned to stud administration at a farm in Victoria before joining Yulong.
What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to join the industry?
My advice for new people starting in the industry would be to try and get as much varied experience in all aspects of the industry that you can so you can get a good grounding and understanding. Be prepared to work and enjoy what the job offers and the lifestyle it allows and the friendships that you develop with your peers. Focus on an area that you enjoy and the rewards with come. The industry is a lifestyle not just a job.
Which Yulong horse hold a special place in your heart?
My favourite horse at Yulong isn’t just one horse, as I’m not out in the field working with them daily. All the quality mares we have are deserving, and some of the older, proven broodmares, such as Extremely, who have been highly successful breeders over the years and produced champions, always hold a special place with me.
And which Yulong stallion holds a special place for you?
Grunt is Yulong’s foundation sire and arrived in my first year with Yulong so he would be my favourite, but with the growing success that all the stallions are having and the champion that Written Tycoon is, it’s not easy to pick one!
