Meet The Team

With a remarkable career that spans over 40 years in the industry, Verna Metcalfe is a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the thoroughbred industry. 

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Starting her career, she worked for 12 years at Woodland Stud under the esteemed guidance of Peter Flynn. Her invaluable contributions extend to three foaling seasons at Widden Stud, where she demonstrated her exceptional ability by overseeing the foaling down of an impressive 350-380 mares annually. Verna then went on to expand her skill set by pre-breaking in yearlings for Belmont Farm. She then managed Middlebrook Valley Lodge for 13 years, earning an enviable reputation for exceptional care and attention to foals and yearlings before starting her own venture at Alma Vale Thoroughbreds. 

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Verna was awarded the 2016 Murray Bain Service Award as a highly respected and valued member of the Hunter’s thoroughbred breeding industry who has worked expertly and tirelessly in all aspects of thoroughbred foaling, broodmare management, sales preparation, and general horse care.

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With a wealth of knowledge and involvement in all facets of the thoroughbred industry, Verna Metcalfe is indispensable. 

Hailing from a National Hunt racing family in County Tipperary, Ireland, Darren turned his focus to thoroughbred breeding early on, gaining valuable foundational experience at Ballyhimikin Stud and England’s The National Stud.

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Driven to expand his horizons, he moved to Australia, gaining hands-on experience at Malua Racing before settling in the Hunter Valley. Darren spent eight years at Segenhoe Stud under Peter O’Brien, mastering all aspects of stud operations and helping prepare elite performers including Joliestar, Merchant Navy, and In Secret. Most recently, he served four years as Assistant Manager at Kingstar Farm, where he focused on mare reproduction, foal conformation, and raising Group 1 winner Devil Night.

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A devoted family man, Darren brings extensive industry knowledge, strong conformation expertise, and a well-rounded management background to his new role.

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Originally hailing from the city of Bristol in southwest England, Bo made the bold move to Australia in 1982, embarking on her journey in the thoroughbred industry. Her career began under the guidance of renowned trainer Len Moreton in Western Australia, before she transitioned to Sydney to work with Neville Begg and Les Bridge at Baramul Lodge, excelling as both a rider and stable hand.

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Bo's passion and dedication make her an indispensable member of the Alma Vale team. With nearly 19 years of experience at Kitchwin Hills, she possesses an unparalleled wealth of knowledge about the farm and its operations.

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Honored with the HTBA Administration Award in 2019, Bo has been instrumental in steering the farm's growth and success. 

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Whether it's booking horses on transport, orgainsing sales, or making a cup of tea for your farm visit, Bo is the heart and soul of the office.

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