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.
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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 have shaped a career spanning bloodstock, racing and breeding across Australia and internationally, which led to the launch of Clarke Bloodstock in 2018.
After completing a law degree at Queensland University of Technology, Jim was selected in 2011 as one of 12 recipients from around the world to be awarded a scholarship for the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start Program, a two-year international course providing practical and business training across the thoroughbred industry.
Following the program, Jim joined Bjorn Baker Racing as Racing and Bloodstock Manager, overseeing race programming, owner communication, horse sales and purchases. During this time, Unencumbered was purchased as a yearling before going on to win the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
In 2015, Jim joined Godolphin’s senior management team in the UK, working across racing and bloodstock management within one of the world’s leading breeding and racing operations.
Throughout his career, Jim has worked alongside and been mentored by some of the industry’s leading professionals, including trainers Peter Snowden, Charlie Appleby, Shaun Dwyer and Mike de Kock, and bloodstock agents John Ferguson, James Harron and Ed Sackville.
Since launching Clarke Bloodstock, Jim has worked with owners, breeders and trainers across all areas of bloodstock management, from purchasing and sales advice through to breeding and bloodstock portfolio management. During that time, Clarke Bloodstock has been associated with a growing list of high-class performers sourced across Australasia and internationally. These have included Warwoven, Arapaho, Stefi Magnetica, Paradoxium, O’Ole, Perfumist and War Eternal, among other horses purchased or sourced through Clarke Bloodstock.
Jim’s approach centres on understanding each client’s goals and providing considered advice. Knowledge, transparency and integrity remain at the heart of Clarke Bloodstock and the relationships Jim has built across the industry.
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Ben joined Clarke Bloodstock in 2024 after completing the internationally recognised Godolphin Flying Start program.
Racing has always been a major part of Ben’s life, with his father having worked as both a jockey and steward. While completing a Bachelor of Media and Communications at La Trobe University, specialising in Sport Journalism, Ben gained experience across various areas of the racing industry.
His early roles included working in racing stables with Pat Carey, Jason Warren and Dean Krongold Racing, gaining practical experience in racehorse management and preparation. He also worked in racing operations with the Melbourne Racing Club, assisting across race days and jumpouts, before joining Racing.com to manage social media content.
Alongside this, Ben spent four years as a journalist with the Mornington Peninsula News Group and contributed to Winning Post, where he coordinated the Mornington trackwork column. He later worked on the Sportsbet/Racing.com Pick 7 competition, helping produce the weekly promotion around Saturday racing.
Before joining the Godolphin Flying Start program, Ben spent 18 months as Data Coordinator at Racing Victoria, helping centralise jumpout results and footage on Racing.com for industry participants.
The Godolphin Flying Start program broadened Ben’s international industry experience, with placements across the UK, Ireland, US, Australia and Dubai.
At Clarke Bloodstock, Ben works across bloodstock research and analysis, marketing and administration, with a particular interest in using data and research to help owners and breeders make informed decisions.
Ben is passionate about making the bloodstock process more accessible to both experienced and first-time clients.
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.