THINK BIG STUD, BURRADOO, NSW

It was the theft of nine yards of cotton cloth that led to the seven year conviction and subsequent transportation to Australia of John Wilson in 1788. Shipped into Port Jackson aboard the First Fleet transporter Alexander, Wilson was to become an integral figure in opening up some of the fledgling nation’s most picturesque and fertile land, the NSW Southern Highlands.

These rolling hills, cool climate and alluvial soils also attracted notable explorer John Oxley and it was off his subsequent success that cattle farmers first moved into the area now known as Burradoo in the 1820s.

The richness of this land rewarded them handsomely and so it continues to do today for Lime Country Thoroughbreds. Acquired by Dato Tan Chin Nam in 2007, the property once known as Inverness Stud underwent significant agricultural and capital upgrades and is now emerging as one of the feature boutique thoroughbred operations in NSW.

Think Big Stud was originally purchased as a private spelling operation for Dato Tan’s racehorses and emerging broodmare band. However, the impact of Equine Influenza ensured a shift in direction for Think Big Stud with the outstanding juvenile and three-year-old Pendragon recalled from Victoria to be its foundation stallion. The regally bred Prince Arthur has subsequently joined him.

Set on 300 acres and nestled alongside the Wingecarribee River, Think Big Stud mirrors the thoroughbred landscape of New Zealand’s famed Waikato region but is within 90 minutes reach of Sydney’s city centre.

Housed here is our broodmare band including Champion filly, Norzita. It is from this pedigree pool that Think Big Stud bred and sold Faint Perfume, Australia’s Champion Filly of 2009, in its inaugural year as a vendor. Faint Perfume, Pendragon homebred and winner of the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude, Miss Gunpowder as well as South African group winner Sidera, stakes winner Liveandletdie and Hong Kong's undefeated sprinter The Peak are examples of the quality of stock bred and sold by Think Big Stud in its short time as a commercial operation.

The tranquil surrounds of Think Big Stud have also been the spelling domain of champion So You Think, Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup winner Viewed and Queensland Derby heroine Dariana and NSW Champion Racehorse of the Year, First Seal. Toorak Handicap winner Allez Wonder also spent time here during the formative stages of her career. Alongside these stars the next generation continues to buck and play and it is on these growing frames that Think Big Stud will continue to rest its reputation.

In February 2017, Dato Tan Chin Nam leased Think Big Stud to Greg & Jo Griffin of Lime Country Thoroughbreds and the mares and racehorses owned by Dato Tan Chin Nam and partners continue to reside at the property under the care of the new managers.

WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED

• 2008 Melbourne Cup
• 2009 Caulfield Cup
• 2009 & 2010 Cox Plate
• 2010 Underwood Stakes
• 2010 Yalumba Stakes
• 2010 Mackinnon Stakes
• 2010 & 2011 Tattersalls Gold Cup