aaron_bain | Aaron Bain News 61221 Vorster Joins Abr As Bloodstock Manager

Champion jockey Barend Vorster has been appointed as Bloodstock Manager for Aaron Bain Racing (ABR).

Aaron Bain, the Principal of ABR, expressed his excitement about Vorster joining the team and becoming a key figure in the growth of the business.

"We are thrilled that Barend has accepted a formal role in the team of a pivotal role in the growth of ABR," Bain said. "Beyond his achievements as a champion jockey, Barend brings with him an exceptional understanding of the industry, and ABR is fortunate to have access to his vast racing knowledge."

Bain also acknowledged Vorster’s key role in bringing Singaporean owner Mansoor Ghandi’s horses to ABR.

"Barend was instrumental in Ghandi sending five horses our way, and we were delighted to see a first-up win with Bakeel at Morphettville last Saturday, as well as Asif debuting this weekend at Morphettville."

Vorster, 48, expressed his excitement about this new phase in his career.

“Not having ridden for nearly two years, I wanted to look at other options and becoming Bloodstock Manager for Aaron Bain Racing gives me a new challenge and the opportunity to remain in the racing industry,” Vorster said

“I attended the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale last month and the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney in February.”

Vorster will also be attending the Victorian Inglis Premier Sale on March 2, 3, and 4, followed by his involvement in the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale on March 17 and 18.

"I will be working closely with our team to source horses for ABR to purchase while also fostering relationships with breeders, studs, sales companies, and both current and prospective owners. This will be an important part of shaping the next phase of my life, and ultimately working with Aaron to build the next chapter at Angaston Park."

Vorster’s journey as a jockey came to an unexpected end on February 18, 2023, when the horse Chicago Storm threw its head back and struck him in the face at Morphettville.

Though Chicago Storm went on to win the race, Vorster experienced dizziness and a severe headache following the incident.

The concussion and subsequent issues have kept the 2021/22 John Letts Medal winner from riding ever since.

Vorster said, with treatment, he had improved, but there was one issue which was preventing him from returning to race riding.

“A vertebra in my neck is not quite right and if I shift my head into a particular area, there is a sharp pain because the nerves pinch,” Vorster said.

“Unfortunately, it would be when I lifted my head if I were riding. Specialists have told me it might come right, but while I was waiting, I wanted to do something in case it never really heals. I had become friends with Aaron when he started training and had a good association with him and Ned (Taylor).”

“One of my closest friends is Wayne Mitchell who owns Angaston Park and when Aaron and Ned started training on the property, I started going up to watch trackwork, just to keep myself involved in the industry.  Aaron suggested I move into a more formal role with the team, and I was happy to be involved. His enthusiasm to grow the business is infectious, and I am looking forward to helping the development of ABR.”

Vorster's career began at the South African Apprentice Academy when he was just 14. He had his first race at 17, riding successfully in South Africa until the age of 25. He then accepted an offer to race in Singapore, where he stayed for 15 years.

Together with his wife Nikki, Vorster made the decision to relocate and join trainer Tony McEvoy in South Australia, where McEvoy was based at Kildalton Park, now Angaston Park. There, he won the prestigious Group 1 Newmarket Handicap aboard the champion mare Sunlight, just his third ride in Australia. Vorster went on to win 1980 races, including 11 Group 1s.

“I have been very fortunate to have ridden such champion racehorses such as Rocket Man and Sunlight, but I now look forward to helping Aaron and Ned find their own Group 1 winners.”

Bain added that Vorster’s move into the Bloodstock Manager role will help refocus the efforts of form expert Will O’Malley.

“Will came on board assisting in the bloodstock area, but with Barend now joining ABR on a full-time basis, Will can focus on the form, programming, acceptances and jockey bookings.

Vorster is also present at trackwork of a morning at Angaston, and will now take a more hands-on role with the development of the brand.  His presence and dedication reflect his commitment to ABR becoming Australia’s Next Generation of Racing.

Vorster can be contactable in his new role for the stable via barend@aaronbainracing.com.au or 0487 971 221.