WELCOME TO OUR NEW SPONSOR - DARBY RACING COMES ON BOARD
Scott with trainer David Van Dyke after Darby Racing's first ever Gr. 1 win - the 2016 ATC Sires Produce Stakes with $10,000 filly Yankee Rose - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
One of the most striking sets of colours doing the rounds on Australian racetracks are those registered in the name of respected syndication company Darby Racing. I refer of course to a white jacket with the navy blue Darby Racing logo, and navy blue armbands and cap emblazoned with the same logo. Sitting atop every cap in every set of Darby colours is a very conspicuous white pom pom. I know punters who watch nothing but the pom pom whenever they back a Darby runner.
The Darby enterprise was launched immediately after the dreaded equine influenza outbreak had run its course in 2007. Its creator was Scott Darby whose love affair with the sport had been generated during his youth by a 24/7 coverage on radio and television. He once garnered enough courage to walk into Tulloch Lodge seeking an apprenticeship with Tommy Smith. The request was denied. Sometime later he got an “on the ground” job with Clarrie Conners. By way of an experiment Clarrie threw the enthusiastic youngster onto the back of a quiet thoroughbred in the famous Warwick farm bull ring. The astute trainer was not impressed. In the absence of encouragement and with a slowly increasing waistline, Scott decided to abandon hopes of winning a Sydney jockey’s premiership.
Something about racehorse syndication appealed to him. With trademark enthusiasm he experimented with a couple of horses owned by friends. He succeeded and enjoyed the experience. Scott’s now 52. His company is one of the biggest in the field and getting bigger. Assisted by a dedicated team of five, the hopelessly addicted lover of thoroughbreds has been responsible for sourcing and syndicating horses who’ve won 1500 races between them. Around 80 million dollars in prize money has been distributed to shareholders. 39 Darby Racing horses have won 79 stakes races between them including 9 Gr 1’s - it’s a CV any commercial syndicator would be proud of.
I’m delighted to announce that Darby Racing is joining our sponsorship team. You’ll see their instantly recognisable logo every time you visit the website. I have the pleasure to keep you informed about some of the quality horses they have on offer. You might be inspired to join a Darby Racing syndicate and perhaps lend your voice to the chorus of excitement as that white pom pom looms large.
