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
Sara Ryman
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking) /Cert. IV Compliance & Risk Management / AGRCI / ANZIIF (Senior Associate) CIP / NIBA QPIB
Sara came to the HQ Group from Magic Millions Insurance Brokers as part of a merge in 2013 and has led the team through huge growth and success. Working in the finance industry for close to 20 years, Sara has found her niche specialising in Bloodstock Insurance placements, her knowledge and relationships in the London Underwriting market stands her in good position to ensure you have the right cover in place from rearing, racing and large breeding operations. Sara has also been instrumental in creating and formalising specialised wordings for exclusive use of our clients.
As the HQ Group Operations Manager Sara is responsible for the overall operations of the HQ Group, including the management of our Lloyd’s coverholder agreements, Underwriter Contracts, Bloodstock Sales Fall of Hammer across the country and internationally and overseeing claims management. Also holding qualifications and a keen interest in corporate governance and compliance, Sara keeps abreast of all regulation and legislation requirements for the Group. As a responsible manager on our Australian Financial Services Licence, Sara is responsible for reporting to regulators such as ASIC, APRA and AFCA as well as abiding by the General Insurance Code of Practice.
Contact Sara
Direct Line (02) 8913 1647
Mobile 0417 277 464
Email sara@hqinsurance.com.au
Dean Morley
BLOODSTOCK, SALES & MARKETING MANAGER
B.AgEc (Syd) / Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
From 2010 until 2016, Dean worked for Sky Racing in various positions with 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.
Dean’s role now has him responsible for initiation, development and execution of new business opportunities and alternate revenue streams along with overseeing all marketing, digital and brand promotions & activities. 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
Caitlin Agnew
SENIOR 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
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
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
Vaunie Aldridge
CLAIMS MANAGER / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
B. Com (ANU) / Post-Graduate Diploma Marketing And Advertising Communications (Red & Yellow School of Business) / ASIC Tier 2 (Insurance Broking)
Vaunie completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) at ANU before undertaking a Post-Graduate Diploma Marketing And Advertising Communications in South Africa.
She joins HQ with a strong account management background, drawing on experience from roles in the fast-paced marketing, media and sport sponsorship sectors. As Claims Manager, Vaunie is your main point of contact for Claims and Injury/Illness advices.
Having grown up around the thoroughbred industry, Vaunie is excited to further her professional career in the bloodstock insurance field.
Contact Vaunie
Direct Line (02) 8913 1640
Mobile 0447 744 500
Email vaunie@hqinsurance.com.au
Caroline Cohen
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
ASIC Tier 2 (Insurance Broking)
Caroline has recently joined the HQ Insurance Group and brings with her experience and understanding of many aspects of the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
Prior to relocating with her family from South Africa, she together with her husband Lionel, owned the highly successful Odessa Stud in South Africa as well as their equine sales house Equimark Equestrian Sales. Caroline’s roles within these companies as well as her experience in the Australian Thoroughbred industry makes her a valuable member of the HQ and Magic Millions Insurance team.
Contact Caroline
Direct Line (02) 8913 1645
Mobile 0417 185 307
Email caroline@hqinsurance.com.au
Abi Ryman
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
ASIC Tier 2 (Insurance Broking)
As you know our industry is filled with families, often many generations dedicated to Thoroughbred’s. Abi was one of the youngsters you see at the sales waiting for her chance to have a career in bloodstock. Abi is the first to put her hands up to ‘sign up’ at the Magic Millions Sales; thriving off the unique atmosphere and excitement as each lot gets knocked down. Abi is particularly keen on helping shareholders navigate through ownership and insuring their investment as they embark on their racing adventures.
Contact Abi
Direct Line (02) 8913 1650
Email abi@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