The New Zealand and international thoroughbred industries are mourning the loss of Michael Wallace, who passed away in the United States on Saturday night.
Wallace was a highly respected bloodstock agent who successfully ran his own business before an eight-year stint as the chief operating officer for the China HorseClub.
During his tenure, they celebrated 44 Group One victories and he was a key player in the purchase of the Triple Crown winner and successful sire, Justify, for the group.
He left the role in 2021 and more recently worked as an independent agent with Vinnie and Teresa Viola’s St. Elias Stable in the United States, as well as with Kuldeep Singh Rajput’s Gandharvi Racing Stables.
The son of Ardsley Stud’s Jim and Mary Wallace, he was a graduate of the Sunline Scholarship and subsequently furthered his experience with Rich Hill Stud.
“After he completed the international scholarship, there was a requirement that he worked on a New Zealand stud farm,” Rich Hill’s John Thompson said.
“He did a breeding season here and handled the stallions. That particular year we had Bertolini who had just sired the winner of the Cheveley Park Stakes (Gr.1, 1200m) from his first crop.
“We were inundated and were only allowed to serve 150 mares, we could have served 250, and Michael spent an extremely busy season with us.
“He was a very capable horseman and went on to bigger and better things and we always caught up at the sales.
“As president of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, on behalf of the industry I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family.”
