Our History
The origins of Milburn Creek trace back to 1973, when John Muir and his wife Trish first became involved in the thoroughbred industry at Cowra, NSW. The stud takes its name from this original property.
John Muir has combined his passion for horsepower through his role as a director of Muirs Motors Holden and Muirs Motors Kia. With his commitment to thoroughbred breeding and his appreciation for performance, precision and quality is evident across both industries, it reflects John’s genuine enthusiasm for excellence backed by integrity.
The Muirs purchased their foundation mare, Safest, at the William Inglis Newmarket dispersal sale. Her progeny included Motorman, who became the Muir’s first Randwick winner and later achieved multiple metropolitan victories under legendary trainer T. J. Smith.
A major turning point came in 1986 when the Muir’s family acquired Nepean Stud Farm at Grose Vale on the Hawkesbury River. This property was developed into a boutique breeding farm and marked a shift toward a more serious commercial breeding venture.
During this period, John and his farther Leslie began investing heavily in broodmares, working closely with bloodstock agent Jon Freyer. Their strategy focused on acquiring well-bred mares capable of producing top-level performers.
One of the most significant horses associated with the stud during this era was Secret Admirer, a mare purchased as a weanling and raced by the Muirs. She became a dual Group 1 winner, capturing the Flight Stakes and Epsom Handicap, and later joined other mares like Admirelle who has produced the group one winning Sizzling and Wildesong being the dam of the A.J.C. Oaks winner Once Were Wild.
In 2011, the entire Milburn Creek operation was relocated to Wildes Meadow in the NSW Southern Highlands. The modern stud now comprises three adjoining properties; Old Fernbrook, Rosemount Farm, and Cardross Farm. Developed over two decades into a premium breeding environment.
A key appointment came in 2013 with the arrival of experienced horseman Scott Holcombe as stud manager, bringing international-level expertise and contributing significantly to the farm’s continued success.
Among its standout successes is that of John Warren, whose mare was based at the farm and produced the outstanding filly Coolangatta.
Raised at Milburn Creek, she went on to become one of Australia’s leading sprinters, winning the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, the Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington, and the Group 1 Moir Stakes, along with the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes.
These achievements highlight Milburn Creek’s ability to partner with elite clients and consistently produce horses capable of performing at the highest level.
We would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of our clients which include; Sheriff Eskander of Eskander Bloodstock, Suman Hedge Bloodstock, Andy Williams bloodstock, Luke Wilkinson, Ian Milard, Bruce and Kate Johnson, Henry Tan, John Baxter and Chris Leslie. We are happy that we have managed to achieve some amazing results for our clients.
Milburn Creek’s record of producing elite performers is highlighted by an outstanding roster of Group 1 winners, including Coolangatta, Magic Time, Hampton Court, Sizzling, Once Were Wild and Redoute’s Dancer and just recently the narrowly beaten Gr.2 winning colt Closer to Free in the Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes.
Exceptional results of Coolangatta and Magic Time were rewarded by an invitation to race at Royal Ascot.
From precocious two-year-old speed to classic middle-distance performance, these Group 1 victories showcase the depth and versatility of Milburn Creek’s graduates and reinforce the farm’s reputation for consistently delivering world-class racehorses for its clients.
John has long demonstrated his commitment to investing in world-class bloodstock through John and his wife Trish and Scott’s regular pilgrimages to the Keeneland Breeding Stock Sales in Lexington, Kentucky.
Partnering with Bruce and Kate Johnson, they have strategically sourced high-quality mares to strengthen their broodmare band, combining international bloodlines with Australian opportunity.
These trips reflect not only a passion for the global thoroughbred industry but also a forward-thinking approach to breeding, built on strong partnerships and a shared vision for success.
From caring for mares and foals to preparing yearlings for the sales ring, each team member plays a vital role in maintaining the high standards Milburn Creek is known for. John fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, and shared responsibility, recognising that it is the commitment and skill of his staff that underpin the farm’s ongoing success.
Milburn Creek represents a classic Australian success story: a family-run operation that has evolved from modest beginnings into a highly respected boutique breeder of elite racehorses.
Through careful bloodstock selection, long-term investment, and expert management, the stud has produced multiple Group, and stakes winners and continues to compete at the highest level of the thoroughbred industry.
