Nothing beats the thrill of horse racing or the buzz and excitement of the sale ring. Jim’s approach focuses on reducing your risk, and maximising your value for money, enjoyment and opportunities for success. He does this by connecting with his global network of industry contacts and providing transparent, honest and well-reasoned advice.
Jim is a member of the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Australia, the peak industry regulatory body and abides by the federation’s strict code of ethics.
As a trained lawyer, Jim has a critical eye when it comes to researching, analysing and negotiating deals on your behalf. Whether he’s assessing a horse’s suitability for racing or breeding, providing a bloodstock valuation or preparing a mating plan for your broodmare, the details matter, and Jim will explore and consider all possible options before presenting you with his recommendations.
Racing is a global sport and having lived and worked in the thoroughbred industry all over the world, Jim has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the racing and breeding industry on an international scale.
A major benefit of working abroad is the network of trainers, breeders, owners and industry professionals that Jim has developed a relationship with and these contacts have proven to be invaluable when it comes to buying and selling horses in different markets.
Jim knows every owner is different and every horse is different, so there is never a one-size-fits all strategy. His first port of call is always to understand what you are trying to achieve so that he can research and tailor a plan that maximises the value and enjoyment you receive from horse ownership regardless of your budget.
New to horse ownership, or need an objective opinion? As your agent, Jim will cut through the industry jargon and provide transparent, straightforward and honest advice, so you always have the information you need to make well-informed decisions.
Growing up in a family of hobby breeders and horse owners, Jim has loved thoroughbred racing and breeding from a young age. His natural affinity for the industry and eye for detail has led to a successful 13 year career that culminated with the launch of Clarke Bloodstock in 2018.
In 2011, shortly after completing his law degree at the Queensland University of Technology, Jim was one of 12 recipients from around the world to be awarded a scholarship for the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start Program, a two-year, global course dedicated to providing practical and business training in the thoroughbred industry.
Following his training, Jim worked as the Racing and Bloodstock Manager at Bjorn Baker Racing where he oversaw race programming, owner communication, horse sales and purchases. During this time Unencumbered was purchased as a yearling and went on to win the $2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic.
In 2015, Jim joined the senior management team at Godolphin in the UK, the world's largest breeding and racing operation. His role saw him work globally across all facets of racing and bloodstock management.
Throughout his career, Jim has worked alongside and been mentored by some of the world’s leading industry professionals including trainers Peter Snowden, Charlie Appleby, Shaun Dwyer and Mike de Kock as well as bloodstock agents John Ferguson, James Harron and Ed Sackville.
While he has overseen the breeding, purchase and sale of many successful horses, his personal favourite is a little closer to home— a family bred and owned gelding, Rudy, who amassed over $1 million in prize money, and won the 2014 Group 2 Villiers Stakes at Royal Randwick.
In March 2023, Arapaho provided Clarke Bloodstock with their first success at the highest level when taking out the Group 1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill over 2400m during the Sydney Autumn Carnival. Arapaho was purchased for Bjorn Baker Racing and clients as a tried horse from France at the end of his three-year-old season and has won five races and over $1.8m in prizemoney for his new connections.
Jim has worked with racehorse owners, breeders and trainers all over the world to help them get the most value and enjoyment out of their horses. While each role, horse and client has been unique in their requirements, he has made it a priority to make a name for himself as an agent who is not only knowledgeable, but acts with transparency, integrity and honesty. It is these values that have become the cornerstone of Clarke Bloodstock and established Jim as a reputable, sought-after bloodstock agent and consultant.
Aleesha joined Clarke Bloodstock officially in 2022 but has worked with Jim and his clients since the beginning of 2021.
Raised around thoroughbreds with her family in Northern NSW, Aleesha has a great passion for horses and the horse racing industry.
After studying a bachelor degree of International Studies at the University of Queensland, Aleesha spent three years working as the Marketing Coordinator for Crop Care Australasia.
Aleesha then joined the ASX listed company Nufarm Australia as a Digital Marketing Specialist and later worked as the Future Farming Lead focusing on agtech and sustainability. Aleesha also completed a 6-month secondment for Nufarm Europe based in the Düsseldorf office as Digital Marketing Manager.
After gaining experience in the agriculture industry, Aleesha turned to horse racing and breeding and joined Aushorse Marketing, the peak marketing body for the Australian thoroughbred industry.
Aleesha’s role at Clarke Bloodstock involves bloodstock research and analysis, marketing and general administration as well as client events and relations.
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She is passionate about helping new owners and breeders learn and understand the industry and to help connect this group of people together.
If you have a question about Clarke Bloodstock or are unsure about where to get started in the industry, you can reach out to Aleesha to help you get started.
Contact Jim to arrange a meeting to discuss your desired level of investment, goals and requirements.
Jim will develop an action plan and offer recommendations that are geared towards helping you achieve your desired outcomes and reducing your risk.
As your trusted advisor, Clarke Bloodstock will manage the logistics and implementation of your plan, keeping you in the loop every step of the way.