Eclipse Expands to Oz, Khaw Hired as Director of Business Development
By: TDN
American-based Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, founded in 2011 by Aron Wellman, is expanding its Australian presence and has hired Su-Ann Khaw as director of business development Australasia, Eclipse announced on Monday. Part-owners of Pinot (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}), who won the G1 Kennedy Oaks in early November, the syndication company will be active at the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
“Eclipse is enthused about expanding our stable’s presence in Australasia and since dipping our toe into the Australian market with the purchase of Pinot at the 2016 Inglis Easter Sale, we have been methodical about our approach to this move,” Eclipse President, Aron Wellman said. “Bringing on to our team as Director of Business Development – Australasia, an individual with the credentials, class, and charisma of Su-Ann Khaw, whom we believe possesses a lot of synergy with the principles at the core of Eclipse’s philosophy, is a major move to propel our program forward in Australia. Su-Ann has her finger on the pulse of the global markets, smart horsemanship skills and a keen understanding of the key hospitality amenities required to provide members of racing partnerships the optimum experience possible.”
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Pinot is the first Australian Group 1 winner for Eclipse, who have also raced quality fillies like MGISW Curalina (Curlin) and GISWs In Lingerie (Empire Maker), Illuminant (Quality Road) and Byrama (Byron {GB}). Among the best of Eclipse’s colts, is 2017 GI Belmont S. hero Tapwrit (Tapit), as well as narrow Belmont runner-up Destin (Giant’s Causeway), both of whom they owned in partnership.
Added Khaw, “I’ve observed and marvelled at Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ success on the track since
meeting Aron and Eclipse Chairman, Brian Spearman, in Saratoga with Gai [Waterhouse] in 2015. Aron’s horsemanship skills and eye for an athlete is a key attribute to Eclipse’s success identifying a good horse. Combined with a professional and transparent approach to ensure partners are provided a service and every opportunity to enjoy a high level ownership experience, is what makes Eclipse a team I am elated to be a part of.”