A passion for the thoroughbred.

Introducing Dylan Johnson

Using extensive commercial and bloodstock experience, Dylan navigates all aspects of the process to create simplicity for you.

Dylan's foray into the bloodstock industry is unique. As a lifelong fan of the thoroughbred industry, he has many fond and vivid memories of the sport from his childhood.

From an early age he would make the journey to the Champagne Turf at Trentham to watch Wellington Cups and Telegraph Handicaps, standing in the same piece of elevated lawn right next to the birdcage. It was the best spot in the house because as his Grandad would say: "you can rush to the tote from here if you win, or to the train home if you lose!".

The dash home from school to watch live coverage of the annual Karaka Yearling Sale is a memory that sticks firm in his mind.

From hearing his Father recount his earliest racing memory of backing Simon De Montfort to win the 1972 Wellington Cup at 180/1, to the likes of Bawalaksana, Sunline and Seachange who are personal favourites, Dylan has always been drawn to the thrill of the racetrack.

Gaining invaluable knowledge of how business worked, Dylan enjoyed a successful nine year career as a Strategic Account Manager for an international IT company in Wellington. This was where his passion for the industry began to flourish through the traditional method of ownership. The involvement would grow rapidly and alongside a select number of Wellington businessmen Dylan became involved in the setting up of a small, privately owned training facility in the Central Districts.

It was through this venture that he would learn the key concepts of syndicate management, communication between the various stakeholders and a deep understanding of the thoroughbred and what was involved in getting a young horse to the races. Most importantly, it allowed him to form his own opinion on what could be achieved in this environment and through this sport.

With a desire to make a difference doing something he was deeply passionate about, in 2016 Dylan took the inevitable decision to pursue a permanent role in the industry. This lead to him taking a position with Westbury Stud as their Head of Sales. Now spread over three properties, this Gerry Harvey owned nursery is one of New Zealand's largest and most successful breeding and racing operations.

During this time Dylan has played a key role in overseeing the development of the farms stallion roster. This has included the launch of new stallions Tarzino, a multiple Group 1 winning Australian Champion 3YO colt, and Telperion, an exciting son of Street Cry. Dylan has become a recognisable figure at annual yearling sales and alongside the farms General Manager Russell Warwick, he has been responsible for the sales management of one of Australasia’s largest yearling drafts.

Aimed at providing the most professional end-to-end client support and simplifying what can be a complex process, Dylan launched Dylan Johnson Bloodstock. Combining his commercial background and experience in the industry, Dylan is well positioned to help his clients achieve the highest level of success.