Success lives here

Lago Rhythm with her 2018 Jungle Ruler filly

Built, owned and run by Christoph Bruechert, Bombora Downs Thoroughbreds is situated on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, an easy hour’s drive south of Melbourne. Not only is its location especially convenient for the farm’s Melbourne owners, the peninsula boasts some of Victoria's most fertile soils and most reliable rainfall. Capitalising on these natural advantages the farm is for the most part run on biodynamic principals and, after 13 years of this system, the pastures are extraordinarily productive – and it shows in the horses that live here.

Bombora offers a full range of services to horse owners from conception to the racetrack. They have all your needs covered, annually foaling in the order of 110 mares down, half of which come in just to foal. Weaning, sales prep, breaking in, spelling and, of course, agistment are services provided on farm. In addition to their own stallions – Dandino (GB), Jungle Ruler, Warhorse (NZ), Lago Delight and new to Bombora, De Gaulle, a walk-on service to all Victorian stallions is available to both resident and local breeders. Christoph notes that the call for this service has grown considerably in recent years, prompting the purchase of a purpose-built 4 horse gooseneck that can be seen at least 3 days a week during stud season on the road to stallion farm’s in the north of the state.

Offering a full compliment of services delivered with a high level of care requires dedicated staff working with purpose. At Bombora Downs that begins at foaling, with night watch staff spending time with newborns, laying the foundations in a foal that will spend most of its life interacting with people. “Given that there's a high likelihood we will end up breaking in such a foal it is the beginning of the process, and it is great to be able to offer continuity of care right the way through,” says Christoph, who heads the team at Bombora in a very hands-on fashion. He is justifiably proud of his team and what they've built over the last 13 years, capitalising on the natural advantages of the region with its amazing pastures, practical facilities, and dedicated staff, all combining what has developed into a wonderful nursery for young horses.

First point of contact for most Bombora clients will be office manager Sue, noted for her organisational skills. Sue not only maintains order in the office but is happy to help clients organising transport, stud book returns, bookings. Every Tuesday at the farm is farrier day; the dentist does all mares at least once per year, and a strict worming and vaccination program is adhered.

At Bombora Downs’ idyllic setting, a balanced nutritional program and good horsemanship ensures all horses are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential.