Horsing around at Patinack Farm - Newcastle Knights' Stud Visit

Article written by Jessica Blackford and Phoebe Spencer

After a thrilling win against the North Queensland Cowboys, the coaching staff, players and families of the Newcastle Knights, headed to Patinack Farm for a day of leisure and entertainment.  The team was graciously invited to the Farm by owner and Knights sponsor, Nathan Tinkler.

Fitting in with the Knights tight schedule, Patinack organised the day as a way for the Club to learn more about their sponsor and the work they do.
 
“Steve Burraston and Nathan Tinkler have been talking for some time and mentioned that the Knights wanted to come up and have a look,” said Chief Financial Manager Troy Palmer.

Upon hearing of the invitation the Knights enthusiastically accepted and were keen to see the Farm and all that it had to offer.  Staff, players and their families packed the bus early Sunday 23rd August from EnergyAustralia Stadium and made the most of the scenic trip to the Farm.

Since sponsoring the Club in 2008, Patinack Farm and the Knights have developed a strong relationship.  Troy Palmer believes their relationship with the Knights has strengthened and will continue to thrive in the future.

“Today’s visit is a good exercise for our staff to mingle with the Knights and for the players to see our facility and how it operates,"

"We obviously have a relationship with the Knights’ Management through our sponsorship and today is an opportunity to keep building on that,” said Mr Palmer.

Upon their arrival, the Knights’ were treated to an array of fine wines and beverages, while the children enjoyed the jumping castle kindly provided by Mr Tinkler.

Set in the beautiful countryside of Segenhoe Valley, Patinack Farm is a prominent horse breeding facility.  Since its launch in 2007, the Farm has been widely recognised for its superior commercial breeding and success in the horse racing industry.

With not a cloud in sight, the Knights made the most of Mr Tinkler’s generosity, indulging in all the days’ activities which included horse rides and a parade of their 2009 Stallions.

Under a marquee, the team wined and dined, while taking in the beautiful ambiance of Patinack Farm. After lunch, both Captain Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen tested out their horse riding skills, with the help of the wonderful staff who were always present to supervise and answer questions.

One of the major highlights of the day was the parade of Patinack’s award winning Stallions and the introduction of newcomer Murtajill.  These horses put on a show and wowed the crowd with their beauty and discipline, which will not be forgotten thanks to the gifts bags filled with DVDs and books given to all attendees.

After a wonderful day in the sun the group left content yet a little weary, boarding the bus for the trip home.  This event was a fitting way to celebrate the Knights’ relationship with Patinack Farm and their recent surge back into the top eight.

The Knights would like to say a big thank you to Mr Tinkler and the staff of Patinack Farm for their hospitality.  They look forward to continuing their relationship with Patinack and visiting the Farm in the near future.