Verna Metcalfe Honoured by HTBA
Media Release – Monday May 16, 2016
See also: Verna Metcalfe honoured by Hunter racing industry | The Land | NSW
See also: Alma Vale Thoroughbreds and Kitchwin Hills Join Forces | Breednet
Featured Image: Courtesy of ‘The Land’ newspaper and Virginia Harvey
This year’s (2016) Murray Bain Service Award recipient is 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 – Ms Verna Metcalfe.
Ms Verna Metcalfe is a veteran of our industry who’s finely honed skills and “hands-on” experience in thoroughbred care and welfare is both highly respected and sought after.
Over the past 30 years, Ms Metcalfe has demonstrated a commitment and passion for the care and welfare of mares and foals, foal fostering and many other aspects of stud work.
Whether it was at the Manado Stud farm at Sandy Hollow, the Newhaven Park Stud where she worked with the Kelly family, the Widden Stud farm, the Woodlands’ Stud farm, under the tutelage of the late Peter Flynn or her work with John Vincent, Ms Metcalfe has demonstrated a unique affinity for the foaling and after care of broodmares and a passion for reproductive work on mares who find it difficult to conceive.
It was at the Woodlands Stud where Verna first became involved with what is now commonly known as foal fostering. This was then a new initiative. Ms Metcalfe’s skills in this area, coupled with her record of foaling down more than 350 mares each year, are second to none and set a shining example of professionalism in our industry.
Together with her husband David, Verna Metcalfe established and designed Lurline Lodge (now Amarina Farm) and for the past eight years has managed Middlebrook Valley Lodge earning an enviable reputation exceptional care and attention to foals and yearlings.
The HTBA is very pleased to honour Ms Verna Metcalfe for her “hands on” dedication, passion and professionalism and award her the 2016 HTBA Murray Bain Service Award.
Alma Vale Thoroughbreds and Kitchwin Hills Join Forces
Media Release – Tuesday September 19, 2023
See also: Alma Vale Thoroughbreds and Kitchwin Hills Join Forces | Breednet
Alma Vale Thoroughbreds are delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Kitchwin Hills.
Verna Metcalfe has been named as the new Stud Manager, effective immediately. Kitchwin Hills’ former Stud Manager, Mick Malone has decided to embark on a new chapter beyond Kitchwin Hills.
Verna brings a wealth of knowledge to this position with a strong reputation for her commitment to the well-being of horses and her dedication to client relationships.
The partnership between Kitchwin Hills and Alma Vale Thoroughbreds is poised to usher in a new era of possibilities within the thoroughbred industry. Together, these two farms will leverage their unique strengths and expertise to enhance and expand their services while maintaining the exemplary standards and quality of care that have become synonymous with Kitchwin Hills.
Steve Brown, co-founder of Kitchwin Hills, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited by what this new partnership means for Kitchwin, its staff, and clientele, as well as for Alma Vale Thoroughbreds. Kitchwin is geographically blessed and has a track record of producing winners in some of Australia’s most prestigious races. This partnership, which combines our unique capabilities with the growth vision of Alma Vale Thoroughbreds, opens up a new era of possibilities. Something we are very excited to share with Kitchwin’s esteemed clientele.”
In response, Alma Vale Thoroughbreds’ Verna Metcalfe shared her excitement, stating, “This partnership represents an incredible opportunity for both Kitchwin Hills and Alma Vale Thoroughbreds. We are committed to building upon the legacy of Kitchwin Hills while introducing innovative approaches and expanding our horizons in thoroughbred breeding. Together, we aim to create a winning formula that will benefit our clients and the thoroughbred industry.”
Kitchwin Hills is a renowned name in the thoroughbred industry, known for its dedication to producing top-class racehorses and offering exceptional care to its clients. With a history of success in breeding and racing, Kitchwin Hills continues to be extremely proud of its earned reputation for honesty and integrity.
Alma Vale Thoroughbreds: Alma Vale Thoroughbreds is a forward-thinking organization committed to innovation and growth in the thoroughbred breeding industry. With a vision for the future, Alma Vale Thoroughbreds strives to achieve excellence in breeding and racing.