Wayne Aldridge
MANAGING DIRECTOR
B.Com, CA(SA) QPIB / Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking) / ANZIIF (Senior Associate) CIP
Wayne, a Chartered Accountant and graduate of the University of Natal, RSA and Cornell University, USA, made a decisive career move in 1986 when he decided to follow his heart and passion for horses, and co-founded from scratch Delta Bloodstock & Insurance Brokers. It soon became the market leader in bloodstock insurance in South Africa.
In 1999, Wayne and his family relocated to Australia. In 2007 he founded E-Quine Insurance Services, which in a short space of time, emerged as a leading bloodstock insurance broker in Australia.
Wayne takes great pride in and remains committed to providing his clients with superior professional service based on his in depth knowledge of thoroughbreds and involvement with horse ownership, racing and breeding ever since he was at University. He has owned three Group 1 winners, including twice winning South Africa’s equivalent of the Melbourne Cup, a race he still aspires to winning.
Wayne heads a highly talented, motivated, efficient and specialised team at HQ Insurance.
Contact Wayne
Direct Line (02) 8913 1641
Mobile 0412 333 808
Email wayne@hqinsurance.com.au
Linda Buckley
OPERATIONS MANAGER
QPIB / Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Having spent her entire career in the equine insurance industry, Linda is one of those lucky people who found something they love early in working life. With Wilburtins since 1989 and party to the subsequent merger with Austbrokers ABS Bloodstock, Linda brings to HQ over 30 years of invaluable knowledge and experience in the insurance of thoroughbreds. Her efficiency and willingness to readily assist clients has been nationally recognised.
Linda is at the very centre of HQ’s business and is a highly respected member of our team. Having travelled to the UK to develop and maintain relationships with speciality Underwriting markets as well as attending thoroughbred horse sales throughout her working profession, Linda has the ability to structure insurance policies specifically to suit client’s needs and requirements.
Contact Linda
Direct Line (02) 8913 1642
Mobile 0411 307 435
Email linda@hqinsurance.com.au
Fergus Deacon
CLAIMS MANAGER / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
QPIB / Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Fergus completed an Advanced Certificate in Business Horse Management at Marcus Oldham in 1991 and since then has had diverse and ground up training in every aspect of horses and racing. This background included working as a strapper and stable hand for Les Bridge Stables and Ron Quinton Racing Stables where he dealt with an array of people including administrators of the Australian Jockey Club, bloodstock agents, veterinarians and farriers.
From 1997 to 2000 Fergus was employed by AAP Racing Information Services.
In 2000 Fergus switched to bloodstock insurance and was appointed Rural Executive Accounts broker at Wilburtins McDonald. Fergus is now HQ’s specialist Claims Consultant, responsible for servicing claims for clients. He liaises with veterinarians and underwriters, always striving for prompt claim settlements..
Contact Fergus
Direct Line (02) 8913 1644
Mobile 0413 126 145
Email fergus@hqinsurance.com.au
Pippa Wright
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Pippa relocated from the UK in early 2011 with extensive technical knowledge of the Lloyd’s and London Market, which was gained from 20 years of experience in both brokering and underwriting. Pippa’s strong relationships with clients and industry personnel were also bolstered by regular attendances at bloodstock sales throughout her career.
Having come from a large equestrian family, Pippa has worked with horses from an early age. Riding work and breaking yearlings has provided a solid practical understanding of horses, which, when combined with her technical knowledge, facilitates a thorough understanding of insurance requirements at all levels.
Contact Pippa
Direct Line (02) 8913 1643
Mobile 0426 828 453
Email pippa@hqinsurance.com.au
Sara Ryman
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE / COMPLIANCE MANAGER
Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking) / ANZIIF (Senior Associate) CIP / AGRCI
Sara has over 10 years experience in the finance sector, including Pacific Brands and Westpac. When the opportunity came along to combine her career with her passion for horses at Magic Millions it was a perfect match. Sara now heads up Magic Millions Insurance Brokers and is in attendance at all major Thoroughbred sales across the country with Magic Millions Insurance Brokers joining the HQ family in 2013.
Relocating from the Gold Coast to Sydney as part of the HQ Merge, Sara has established herself as a leading Bloodstock Insurance Consultant and is excited to be part of the HQ Insurance team, learning from her colleagues expertise and contributing to their growth as industry leaders.
Contact Sara
Direct Line (02) 8913 1647
Mobile 0417 277 464
Email sara@hqinsurance.com.au
Caitlin Agnew
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
B.EqSc (CSU) / Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Caitlin completed a Bachelor of Equine Science at Charles Sturt University in 2010 where she graduated with Distinction and studied all aspects of health, training, rehabilitation and breeding management.
During her degree Caitlin spent her holidays on industry practicum at the country’s finest thoroughbred breeding grounds including Arrowfield and Darley. Caitlin also spent some time at the famous Tulloch Lodge passed down from the legendary TJ Smith to his daughter Gai Waterhouse. Upon completion of her degree Caitlin returned to join Gai’s team at the epicentre of Australian racing at Sydney’s Royal Randwick.
Horses have always been a passion and prior to joining HQ Caitlin was working at an eventing stable where she enjoyed bringing her own ex-racehorse up through the eventing grades. Caitlin is currently part of the Magic Millions team and continues to develop her career in the bloodstock insurance industry.
Contact Caitlin
Direct Line (02) 8913 1646
Mobile 0419 283 330
Email caitlin@hqinsurance.com.au
Gayle White
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
ASIC Tier 1 (Insurance Broking) Accreditation
Having been employed in the Thoroughbred Industry for over 25 years, Gayle has an extensive depth of knowledge of all aspects of the industry. Following a number of years of yearling prep during her holidays whilst still at school and university, Gayle was offered opportunities that took her overseas, culminating in four years at Coolmore in Ireland. This hands on experience gives Gayle a sound knowledge of the array of issues that bloodstock insurance covers.
When Coolmore set up in Jerry’s Plains, NSW, Gayle was asked to join the administration team where she became an integral part of the operation. Prior to that, Gayle had been a key member of the New Zealand Bloodstock insurance group.
Gayle is pleased to be based in Scone where she can assist local owners and breeders with their insurance requirements.
Contact Gayle
Mobile 0498 111 167
Email gayle@hqinsurance.com.au
Stuart Doughty
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
ASIC Tier 1 (Insurance Broking) Accreditation
Formerly of Ausure Insurance, Stuart has built a high quality bloodstock insurance portfolio over the last 3 years by combining his passion for horses, deep training and stud farm experience as well as a strong client focus.
“I’m very excited to join Wayne and the dynamic HQ team, they really are leaders in the field. Having the opportunity to now offer my clients the guaranteed renewal policy exclusive to HQ Insurance, among other superior offerings, is particularly appealing. I look forward to supporting both current and prospective clients with the breadth of products and specialist expertise that HQ offers.”
Stuart has worked in the industry for over 20 years with various roles for leading trainers Gai Waterhouse and John O’Shea and at premier stud farms Darley and Kia Ora Stud. This experience gives Stuart a well-rounded perspective of the thoroughbred industry which together with passion for all things equine, he brings to HQ Insurance.
Managing Director Wayne Aldridge is equally delighted to have Stuart on board, saying that “it was the culmination of a plan hatched many years ago, when Stuart was identified as sharing the passion and values that are synonymous with HQ, as we strive to provide our clients with superior professional service”.
Contact Stuart
Direct Line (02) 8313 1646
Mobile 0409 075 604
Email stuart@hqinsurance.com.au
Dean Morley
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE / MEDIA & MARKETING MANAGER
B.AgEc (Syd) / ASIC Tier 1 (Insurance Broking) Accreditation
From 2010 until 2016, Dean worked for Sky Racing in various positions, his final role being Senior Production Director which allowed him to combine his love of thoroughbred racing with his sports media skills. Before starting with HQ, Dean experienced life at the world’s largest corporate bookmaker, bet365, including a stint in the UK. Dean brings to HQ a wealth of media & marketing knowledge and expertise, specifically in equine media.
Wayne Aldridge commented, “Dean’s skill set fills a void in our field of expertise, which made it compelling that we secure his services. Importantly, Dean shares a love of thoroughbreds and continues to enjoy success racing horses in partnership with family and friends”.
Contact Dean
Direct Line (02) 8313 1645
Mobile 0428 197 023
Email dean@hqinsurance.com.au
Emily Mitchell
ASSISTANT ACCOUNT BROKER
ASIC Tier 2 (Insurance Broking) Accreditation
Emily is the newest member of our insurance broking team having started with HQ in April of 2019 following completion of her schooling and business studies thereafter.
Emily works closely with HQ Account Managers assisting them with day to day broking operations with a strong focus on helping shareholders for our major horse training clients while structuring new policies and renewals tailored to suit owner’s specific requirements. Emily works out of our Oran Park office and is thrilled to be working alongside our experienced and professional team, learning and providing support to ensure our clients are well looked after.
Contact Emily
Mobile 0428 783 229
Email emily@hqinsurance.com.au
Ray Willis
AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE
QPIB / Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
A highly respected expert in the insurance industry, Ray was CEO and shareholder of Wilburtins, and later Wilburtins McDonald, before he became an Authorised Representative of Austbrokers ABS. Now one of HQ’s Authorised Representatives, Ray brings to Team HQ exceptional knowledge, industry experience and an unsurpassed reputation.
Ray served for 12 years as a Board member with the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA). Besides his insurance career, Ray’s passion in life is breeding and racing horses. He has been actively involved in the thoroughbred industry since 1979 and in 1992 set up Rheinwood Pastoral Company, which remains his thoroughbred stud based in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
Contact Ray
Mobile 0411 722 031
Mitch Roach
AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE
ASIC Tier 1 (Insurance Broking) Accreditation
Mitch graduated from the Irish National Stud Scholarship in 2008, and has followed his passion of the thoroughbred industry ever since. He utilised ensuing opportunities to gain valuable hands on experience, working with industry leaders including Indian Creek Kentucky, Cheveley Park Stud UK and closer to home Cressfield, Matt Smith Racing and Kitchwin Hills.
Mitch brings a well-rounded understanding of the Industry, having spent a further 3 years on the other side of the desk, working with Sun Stud sales and stallion nominations teams.
An avid race goer and regular face at Morphettville, Mitch joins HQ as an Authorised Representative, coming from Holdfast Insurance Brokers, where he specialised in Bloodstock and General Insurance.
Contact Mitch
Mobile 0447 061 388
Professor Andrew Dart
UNDERWRITER’S SPECIALIST VETERINARY CONSULTANT
BVSc, DVCS, Dip ACBVS, Dip ECVS, Registered Equine Surgical Specialist.
After graduating from the University of Queensland in 1984, Professor Dart spent several years in private equine practice before undertaking training in large animal surgery at the University of California. He returned to private practice in Australia in 1993 and has been a registered specialist in Equine Surgery for the past 14 years.
Apart from his interest in Equine surgery, he has a wealth of experience in medicine and surgery of Alpacas. Andrew has over 90 publications in international veterinary journals and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences. He sits on a number of veterinary committees involved in the examination and registration of overseas veterinarians.
Andrew has been providing professional assistance on insurance related matters for over 10 years.
Contact Andrew
Office 0412 460 041