Star Kingdom Last Link
Featured Image: Star Kingdom taking his daily exercise at ‘Baramul’
Acknowledge ‘The Star Kingdom Story’ (Thoroughbred Press) by Peter Pring
Not long after her 100th birthday in August 2019 Mrs Connie Phillips passed away ‘unheralded’ at the Strathearn Village Nursing Home (‘HammondCare’) in Scone. Mrs Phillips would have regularly witnessed the great stallion ‘strutting his stuff’ in the pristine surrounds at ‘Baramul’.
Mrs Connie Phillips arrived at Baramul as housekeeper in the homestead in the early 1960s when Star Kingdom was at his peak. She resided in a small cottage immediately adjacent to the modest main house. Later she became the constant companion to the owner of Baramul Stud Mr A O Ellison. Together they moved to ‘Kilwinning Stud’ on the outskirts of Scone when Mr Ellison sold Baramul to Mr T V Antico in 1984. Mr Ellison passed away on 12th June 1987. Mrs Phillips continued at Kilwinning on her own account until selling the property to local Stud Stock and Real Estate agent Bill Rose who was also Executor of the Estate of Mr A O Ellison.
The Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) recognised Mrs Phillips’ contribution to the industry with presentation of its prestigious President’s Award in 1996.
Mrs Phillips moved to a house near Bhima Stud and later to Gray Street, Scone. She maintained her avid interest in both thoroughbred racing and breeding until physical incapacity required she seek a higher level of personal care at Strathearn. Mrs Di Walton and I were able to facilitate this transition where Mrs Phillips enjoyed great comfort until her ultimate recent demise.
Mrs Phillips’ passing arguably heralds closure of the final chapter in the enduring saga of legendary thoroughbred stallion Star Kingdom.