John and Trish Muir first became involved in the thoroughbred industry at Milburn Creek, Cowra, NSW in 1973, hence the trading name Milburn Creek Stud.
Their first broodmare purchase took place at the dispersal sale at William Inglis Newmarket when they purchased the mare Safest, who was the dam of the Rosehill 1200 metre track record holder Nook. Safest’s first mating for the new owners was by the imported American stallion Dignitas. The result of this mating was a horse named Motorman and he gave the Muirs their first Randwick-bred winner. Motorman first trained by Dr G A Chapman, was transferred later to the legendary T J Smith, who won a further four metro wins.
T J Smith was later to train for the Muirs a mare named Chez Paree who won the STC Queen of the Turf Stakes.
Milburn Creek Cowra produced numerous city winners from a very small band of about eight broodmares.
In 1986 the Muir family purchased Nepean Stud Farm, an old dairy farm on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Grose Vale, NSW. This was developed into a high class boutique stud – a real show piece.
The Muirs were now serious about their future in the breeding industry and with the encouragement and enthusiasm of John Muir’s late father, Les Muir they started purchasing top class breeding stock through their family friend and bloodstock agent Jon Freyer.
Mr Piper, Ocean Ranch, Mighty Grey, Light Sweeper, Buena Gold, Extagonal, Calming, Galileo (AUS), Final Forcast, Hoe Garden, Avulsion, Armed For Action, Jimando, Come Fly With Me plus numerous metropolitan winners.
John and Trish Muir had tremendous pleasure buying as a weanling then racing as a mare, Secret Admirer. Winner of Royal Randwick’s best mile events the G1 Flight Stakes and the G1 Epsom Handicap. Secret is safely in foal to Australian Champion sire Redoute’s Choice .
In 2011 John and Trish Muir transferred their entire breeding operation to their home in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW.
The stud embraces two properties – Old Fernbrook and Rosemount Farm at Wildes Meadow. It has taken ten years of meticulous planning and development to create, what they call the ideal stud farm that is magnificent, trees, soil, grass, climate and most importantly people.
In June 2013 Scott Holcombe joined Milburn Creek as Stud Manager. Scott and his wife Debbie are rated by some of the most respected judges in the thoroughbred industry as having world class knowledge and experience, the dedication and commitment that should take Milburn Creek Stud to the highest level in the industry.
Our stud team includes Linda Davidson in the Sydney Office, on the farm Val O’Brien from Ireland and locals Gavin Doughty and Ivan Ledek.
John Muir served 13 years on the committee of NSW Thoroughbred Breeders, his last year in EI year as President.
John Muir also serves on the committee of Racing NSW Animal Care and Ethics chaired by Chief Executive Mr Peter V’Landys and Head ATC Veterinarian Dr Craig Suann. He also serves on the Jockey’s Benefit Scheme Trust.
Milburn Creek Stud’s progeny are offered for sale at all major sale venues. William Inglis Sydney and Melbourne and Magic Millions in Queensland.