B2B Thoroughbreds Become Boutique Breeding Enterprise

A passion for racing and thoroughbred breeding has led successful owner breeder Ricky Surace to broaden the horizons of his burgeoning enterprise with B2B Thoroughbreds (formerly B2B Bloodstock) announcing the acquisition of acreage at Mittagong in the picturesque Southern Highlands of NSW.

B2B Thoroughbreds will be home to some of Australia's finest broodmares and will be operational for the 2019 breeding season and 2020 yearling sales.

The Southern Highlands is home to a number of boutique breeding farms that operate at the highest level including Lime Country Thoroughbreds, Rheinwood Pastoral and Milburn Creek making the region a desirable location for Mr Surace to pursue his dream of creating a top class thoroughbred stud.

"I wanted to make sure we had a property that had good rainfall and good soil, which in turn means our stock will ultimately thrive," Surace said.

"Lifestyle wise Mittagong is the perfect base, close to home, an easy commute to our head office where our administrators will be based and in very close proximity to city life – it's a great balance."

B2B Thoroughbreds have employed the incredibly talented and well respected former Kia Ora Stud Manager, Alex Kingston, in the role of Stud Manager.

Kingston brings with her a wealth of knowledge, having extensive skills derived from previous experiences in the bloodstock world.

She graduated with a Bachelor Of Business (Equine Management) from The University Of Sydney in 2000 and then travelled to Lexington, Kentucky, in 2003 to gain an extensive experience base working at Three Chimneys, Ashford (Coolmore) and KESMARC, as well as working constantly during this time for Bluewater Farm and Sales for Meg Levy.

Kingston returned to Australia in 2009 and was employed by Kia Ora Stud from 2010- 2019. She has gained a reputation at Kia Ora of producing and turning out quality yearlings to the highest of standards and achieved excellent sales results for Kia Ora during this time.

"Alex is well known in the industry as a leading Stud Manager which people have seen over the years through her exceptionally presented yearlings," Surace said.

"I was lucky enough to meet her at the right time and instantly we formed a connection through our passion for the industry, her family values and her strong work ethic. Another bonus was securing her partner Jose Ramos who shares the exact same values and will bring another dynamic to B2B Thoroughbreds – I feel like it's an unstoppable team."

Jose Ramos has previously worked for reputable farms in the US. He is experienced in working with stallions and as a veterinarian technician.

Ramos was an Assistant Broodmare Manager at Three Chimneys for two years. He then commenced to work with Vinery Australia in 2010, becoming Stallion Manager at the stud in 2011, a position he remained in until 2017. Ramos has an impeccable reputation with his stallions and always presents them to the highest standards.

In seeking inspiration and knowledge to progress with this new and challenging phase in the development of B2B Thoroughbreds, Ricky Surace has been mentored by renowned breeder Rick Jamieson, whose Gilgai Farm has produced champions such as Black Caviar, Jameka, All Too Hard and The Quarterback.

"What can I say, from the day we met I wanted to know everything he knew," Surace revealed.

"The amount of knowledge banked away is invaluable and will be instrumental on how I will be running my business. He entrusted me and has shared his knowledge, has challenged my ideas, has encouraged me and for this I will always be grateful – he's a true friend."

Mr Surace has been progressively building his broodmare band, previously in the exceptional care of Newhaven Park, as well as securing numerous shares in stallions.

B2B Thoroughbreds own shares in Star Witness, Cable Bay (IRE), Xtravagant (NZ) and Merchant Navy as well as current star 3YO colt Ringerdingding.

Bought from the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by B2B Bloodstock for $170,000, the stunning black son of Sebring has already won over $500,000 in prizemoney with multiple Group wins and will hopefully become a stallion in the very near future.

"Each broodmare was carefully picked with future ongoing breeding prospects kept in the forefront of my mind at all times," Surace reflected.

"To date they have been in the care of Newhaven Park, whom I will always be thankful to. Their team works endlessly and always provides first class support for their clients. John (Kelly) and I have formed a great friendship and will continue to support each other's ventures in the future."

Timing is everything as they say and the creation of B2B Thoroughbreds is the culmination of a lifelong dream.

"There is so much happening right now as we work towards being a fully operational farm," Surace concluded.

"It's an exciting time to be involved in racing and breeding and we look forward to presenting our first B2B consigned drafts at the major sales in 2020."