Goffs UK managing director Tony Williams joins Aquis Stud Farm

Tony Williams, managing director of Goffs UK since late-2016, has been appointed as chief executive of Aquis Stud Farm, whose stallion roster includes names such as Brave Smash, Spieth and Husson.

The announcement comes after the board of directors took the decision to separate the running of Aquis's stud farms, which are located in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, and the operation's international racing arm.

"I'm extremely honoured to be joining the Aquis Farm team," said Williams, who has previously worked for Magic Millions and Newgate Farm. "Their foresight and ingenuity at becoming a market leader is second to none and I can't wait to ensure the vision of the Fung family comes to fruition.

Read more: Tony Williams returns to the saddle at Kelso

"Having been in the UK for the past few years, I'd like to thank Goffs for the opportunities presented to me, while I'm looking forward to heading back to Australia and being located in Queensland."

Williams will take up his new role on January 1 next year, meaning he will be in position ahead of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Aquis will be among the consignors.

Under the ownership of the Hong Kong-based Fung family, Aquis stands 14 stallions across three states, having been represented by just four sires as recently as 2016. Aquis also recently secured Pierata, the Group 1-winning son of Pierro who is among the favourites for The Everest, for stud duties.

The news sees current chief executive, Shane McGrath, become the managing director of Aquis Farm, with his focus shifting to the operation's growing domestic and international racing interests.

"It's a very exciting time for Aquis having recently acquired the hottest stallion prospect in the country, and with Tony Williams joining the team, whose international standing is second to none, Aquis's position within the global breeding and racing industries has once again strengthened further," said McGrath.

The Aquis silks have been carried to notable successes in Australia by the likes of high-class sprinter Houtzen and three-time Group 1 winner Sunlight.

The operation has also been an eye-catching presence at recent European yearling sales, having spent €2,080,000 on three lots at the Goffs Orby Sale, including a €1.1 million daughter of Galileo signed for in partnership with Phoenix Thoroughbreds.

The operation also partnered with breeders John and Tanya Gunther at 325,000gns for the Galileo colt out of Wildwood Flower on day one of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in Newmarket on Tuesday.

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