Mary and Jackie Gibson.
SINCE the inception of the Bathurst Gold Crown in 1987, the Gibson family and their Success Stud have positively contributed to shaping the hugely-successful juvenile carnival.
Originally based in Queensland before relocating to the idyllic Young region, the late John Gibson initially operated Success Stud along with his wife Mary before their daughter Jackie and her partner Jock took over its management.
In business now for 57 years, the breeding operation has stood the test of time, and it is most fitting that the Bathurst Club has recognised the family by naming them as Honourees for the 2024 carnival, joining a list of esteemed names in the sport.
“Honoured and humbled, are words I would use to describe this acknowledgement by the Bathurst club,” said Jackie.
“We absolutely love the Bathurst carnival and between my parents and I, we have been both proud and enthusiastic to have had a strong involvement in it for all these years.”
Apart from being involved with this year’s carnival as honourees, Mary and Jackie will also play a significant role as owners in both feature races for the fillies on Saturday night.
Superbly bred two-year-old Kima qualified for the $150,000 Group 1 AOK Fabrication Gold Tiara final (Race 7) after an impressive heat win and will start from gate five for trainer- driver Luke McCarthy.
And their three-year-old filly Libby Lou has drawn the pole position in the Group 2 Nutrien Equine Gold Bracelet (Race 5) after she led all the way to win her heat on Monday for Blake Fitzpatrick.
“It is going to be an extremely exciting night for us with our fillies contesting two of the major finals,” said Jackie.
“Mum shares in the ownership of Kima with me.
“She is out of dad’s last-ever mare, Makes Every Scents, and when she wanted to keep her, I could not argue.
“Kima is a beautiful big filly who has done a great job for Luke to win her heat.
“From her wider draw she will need some luck tonight but I have no doubt that she will be thereabouts.
“As for Libby, she has been a really exciting proposition that has kept improving with racing.
“Blake has done a brilliant job with her and has always claimed that her three-year-old season would be her best.”
Bathurst’s night of nights kicks off at 6.17pm.
