Dane Robinson steps up as Magic Millions bloodstock manager

Respected Magic Millions bloodstock manager Clint Donovan will step back from the thoroughbred auction house on a full-time basis after taking up a business opportunity on the Gold Coast, leaving the company’s NSW representative Dane Robinson to step in as his replacement.

Donovan will remain as a Magic Millions senior consultant and auctioneer, but he has resigned from his management position to allow himself time to also focus on a real estate agency he has bought a shareholding in.

“I have purchased a local Burleigh Heads property business and property is something I have been involved in since I was about 20 and I have continued to be ever since through auctioneering on weekends,” said Donovan.

“It’s an opportunity that has presented itself and one that I can’t say no to. I am grateful that I can mix the two together as a proud Gold Coast local and a massive supporter of Magic Millions and the whole thoroughbred industry.”

Donovan stressed his presence will not be lost to the racing and breeding industries and his move comes with the strong support of Magic Millions owners Gerry Harvey and Katie Page as well as managing director Barry Bowditch.

“I have been afforded the opportunity by Magic Millions through the relationships I have built within the company to stay on as a consultant,” he said.

“I will still get to the farms, I will still be on the rostrum [selling horses] and I will still be heavily involved in running the company, without having to step into the office seven days a week.

“Every time someone comes onto the Magic Millions complex, they will still see me.”

Donovan’s successor Robinson, who joined Magic Millions in May 2019 after a three-year stint with Highclere Thoroughbreds, will relocate to the Gold Coast from Sydney and the change will come into effect from April 1.

“It is hugely exciting and humbling to be offered the bloodstock manager position,” said Robinson.

“Magic Millions is a company with young, dynamic, hungry and enthusiastic people, which makes it what it is.

“I have been very fortunate to be able to learn from Clint, who has overseen such a great culture along with Barry within the organisation.

“Ever since I joined Magic Millions, It has felt a very natural place to be a part of and, although Clint is stepping aside to a degree, we still have him as a close consultant and I think it just adds more strings to our bow.”

Bowditch said: “Dane has become an outstanding and industry-respected employee in his time here and is the ideal replacement for Clint’s role.

“Clint has become an integral part of the Magic Millions family and, thankfully, he will remain an important part of the company going forward as a consultant and auctioneer.”

James Hetherington, Kitchwin Hills’ marketing and nominations manager for nearly four years, also recently joined Magic Millions as a bloodstock consultant.

Magic Millions’ first live auction under the new management structure will be the national weanling, broodmare and yearling sale conducted over three weeks in May and early June.

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