The late David Yaxley had a profound impact on the Tasmanian thoroughbred industry during his time as an administrator, owner and breeder.
He is best remembered as the owner-breeder of 1990 Caulfield Cup winner Sydeston who also won a BMW International in Sydney.
Sydeston retired with stake earnings of $3.1 million making him Tasmania’s best performed horse of the 20th century and was one of the inaugural inductees into the Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame..
David served as chairman of the Devonport Racing Club and he was the North-West representative on the Thoroughbred Racing Council.
While an efficient and enthusiastic administrator his passion lay with the breeding and rearing of thoroughbreds.
Apart from the many horses he bred, David was a successful bidder at weanling sales around Australia and he would bring the youngsters back to his property at Don where they were allowed to grow and mature until racing age.
Yaxley had a habit of dominating Tasmania’s feature two and three-year-old races and some of the horses to carry his distinctive royal blue and pink colours included Formal Address, Group Decision, Don Raider, Don Bellotto, Party Game, Donvertrice, Dame Kingston, Valid Comment, Night Shower, Musical Game and River Don.
He enjoyed success with several trainers led by Bob Hoysted in Victoria and Len Dixon in Tasmania as well as Barry Campbell, Terry Courtney and Charlie Goggin.
David is a welcome addition to the Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame.