Jackson joins Longwood as Chayan heads Slipper charge
Longwood Thoroughbreds has appointed internationally experienced horseman Kelly Jackson as farm manager.
The news comes ahead of a major weekend for the farm with Chayan (I Am Invincible), who was bred by Longwood, set to be sent off one of the most fancied runners in the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Rosehill.
Jackson brings more than two decades of global industry experience to the role, having been born and raised in New Zealand before spending the past 19 years in Kentucky. His appointment follows a successful tenure at Haymarket Farm in Simpsonville, where he managed operations for 12 years.
During his time at Haymarket, Jackson oversaw a highly productive breeding program, with farm graduates recording 448 race wins and earning more than $17.2 million worldwide, alongside the production of 108 stakes performers.
Longwood principal and general manager Christian said Jackson’s international background and proven track record made him an ideal fit for the farm’s future direction.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kelly to Longwood Thoroughbred Farm,” Christian said. “His extensive international experience, proven leadership, and hands-on horsemanship align perfectly with our long-term vision. Kelly has a remarkable ability to identify talent, develop young horses, and lead teams with both precision and care.
“We believe he will make an immediate and lasting impact on the development of our farm. His reputation for integrity, professionalism, and results made him the standout choice for this leadership role.”
Jackson said he was looking forward to returning to the southern hemisphere and contributing to Longwood’s next phase.
“I am honoured to join Longwood Thoroughbred Farm and excited to contribute to the next chapter of its success,” Jackson said. “This is an exceptional opportunity to bring my international experience to an outstanding Victorian operation.
“I look forward to working with the team, the horses, and the broader Longwood community to build a program defined by quality, care, and consistent performance.”
Jackson will relocate from the United States with his wife Allie and their daughter, and is set to officially commence in the position on Friday.
As Longwood strengthens its operations off the track, the farm is also poised for a significant weekend on the racetrack.
The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained Chayan, a filly bred, raised and sold by Longwood, has been installed as a $6 favourite for Saturday’s $5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill.
Out of Group 3 winner Lubiton (Snitzel), Chayan was offered by the operation at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft when knocked down to Eric Koh and Falcon Racing for $250,000.
A winner of the Reisling Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at her most recent start, the filly has drawn barrier 12 but is set to come into gate ten following the withdrawal of emergencies, with Craig Williams aboard.
Christian said there was a strong sense of anticipation within the team ahead of the feature.
“Everyone at the Farm is very excited to watch Chayan run in the Golden Slipper. She deserves her favouritism and it would be a great accolade for the Farm if she was to be successful.
“We bought Chayan’s dam, Lubiton, for great friend Paul Willis and sent her to I Am Invincible. Her foal, Chayan was born, raised and sold by Longwood Thoroughbred Farm.”
Longwood will also be represented on the card by Space Rider (Zoustar), another graduate of the farm, who is set to contest the Darby Munro Stakes (Listed, 1200m).
Space Rider is out of Christian’s Group 3 winner Fuddle De Duddle (Red Ransom), making him a relative of the farm’s pin-up mare Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai), who was also bred, raised and raced by Longwood. Having claimed victory in the 2024 The Everest (1200m), she now sits second on the all-time prize money list behind Winx (Street Cry) and is carrying her first foal by Zoustar.