

Meet The Team

General Manager
Michael Malone
With over 35 years experience in the thoroughbred game, Mick has extensive knowledge across all facets of the industry. Mick has worked at Arrowfield Stud and Kitchwin Hills as well as being heavily involved in the development of micro-syndication companies The Racing League and MiRunners. Mick's skills range from the grass-roots level foaling down mares, preparing yearlings right through to bloodstock selection and advice. Mick's obvious passion for the development of young people makes him an approachable and knowledgeable leader. Outside work, you'll find Mick spending time with his family and friends, fishing and planning his next trip up North.

Stud Manager
Pauline Alix
Originally from Brittany, France, Pauline migrated to Australia as a young 23 year old, now some 15 years later she has extensive experience across all aspects of the industry. She is particularly passionate about the development of young people within the thoroughbred industry and is constantly displaying this in her day to day approach to running the farm. Before starting North along side her husband Mick, Pauline spent time working for Darley, Ireland and Kitchwin Hills. She has an obvious love for the horse and always has their best interest at the forefront of her mind. Outside work, you'll find Pauline spending time with her family and friends, in her vegetable garden or cooking.

Farm Manager
David Topp
David or affectionately known around the farm as "Toppy" has a long standing friendship with Mick for over 40 years. Toppy's experience with farming ranges from construction through to extensive knowledge within the agronomy sector - he is an intergeral part of the North team ensuring our farm is in the best shape for your future equine athlete, with safety at the forefront of his mind. Further to, he has a deep passion for animals and loves lending a helping hand with the horses, too. Outside work, you'll find David spending time with his wife Terry, playing lawn bowls and camping.

Assistant Stud Manager
Pierre Cornet
French born and raised, Pierre was born in Gabon, Central Africa. Pierre comes from a family of horse owners and lovers. He's been around horses and ridden horses since the young age of 6, he completed 2 seasons of show jumping when he was a teenager.
After working as a Logistic Manager in Gabon, and for the French Embassy in Malaysia, Pierre travelled around Asia and Australia. In 2019, his partner Lea became Nanny for Mick and Pauline's son, Ollie, and from there Pierre started to work at Kitchwin Hills, where he quickly became Pauline's right hand person, ending up Broodmare Manager.
Pierre joined the North venture in 2024 as Assistant Stud Manager, where he assists Pauline closely with the day to day running of the Farm. He also assists our vet Dr Amy Duff, and is always ready to help if a hand is need in the Office.

Stud Hand
Tom Giles
Tom's a city man turned country! Having never touched a horse until coming to the Hunter Valley 5 years ago. He is a graduate of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia Fast Track program. Having worked at Kitchwin Hills for 3 Breeding Seasons before commencing on a working-holiday to Ireland where he spent 6 months working at the prestigious Ballylinch Stud and John O'Connors farm. Upon his return to Australia, he decided to head 'North' with us along with his partner Celeste. Outside of work you'll find Tom researching pedigree's, watching the races and indulging in anything racing related!

Stud Hand
Lise Gonzalez
Lize is from France and came to Australia just 18 months ago without knowing anything about the racing industry. She has had a strong passion and love for horses since she was a young girl and has ridden from a young age. Now, she tells us she has found her dream job and loves working with mares and foals, though has recently started on the yearlings and is taking everything in her stride. Outside work, you'll find Lize spending time with her friends or spending time at the beach!

Stud Hand
Victor Guichon
After an initial career with the French Army, Victor moved to Scone with his Australian wife to raise their family. True outdoorsman and former show jumper, Victor happily gets involved in all aspects of the farm, whether it's fencing or providing care to the broodmares. His experience as a rural contractor allows him to bring a wide variety of skills to the team, and his willingness to learn is second to none! Outside work you'll find Victor renovating his house, gardening and training his cattle dog.

Stud Hand
Celeste Kruger
Celeste is originally from country Queensland, she grew up on the family stud farm and the racing industry has always played a big role in her life. About 5 years ago she came to the Hunter Valley to commence the Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia Fast Track Program to add to the knowledge her father and uncle had taught her growing up. In July 2023 Celeste and her partner Tom spent 6 months learning the way of the Irish at Ballylinch Stud in Ireland. When she returned to Australia, she and Tom headed 'North' and haven't looked back! Outside work you'll find Celeste watching the races or on the hunt for her next pair of shoes!

Stud Hand
Chloe Stinus
Chloe is a passionate photographer and filmmaker specialising in cinema and music videos, blending creativity and technical precision to capture the worlds beauty! Growing up in the country side, she spent her days helping on local farms and stables, caring for animals, immersing herself in a rural lifestyle. Now, part of North's team, Chloe has discovered the world of thoroughbred breeding. Caring for pregnant mares and looking after foals has allowed her to fullfill her childhood dream of working with horses!

Stud Hand
Alex Corbel
Alexandre worked as a civil engineer and construction project manager in France for seven years, managing complex projects and honing his problem-solving and hands-on skills. Driven by desire to explore new horizons and embrace different challenges, he decided to travel to Australia and discover a new passion; working with horses! Since joining the thoroughbred world, Alex has found the combination of physical work, responsibikity and a connection to the horse deeply rewarding!

Stud Hand
Abbie-Lee Meyer
Abby works with the North team part time along side breeding her own thoroughbreds and running her own small non-commercial property in Denman, NSW. Her passion for horses runs deep having always being in the racing industry since leaving school, with extensive experience and knowledge with yearlings as well as mares and foals. Outside of work, she spends most of her free time riding her own horses so is continuously indulged with the animal making her the perfect addition to our already passionate team.

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Looking for a career with horses?
Are you an experienced industry participant? Maybe you're a long term horse rider but haven't worked with thoroughbreds before? Or, do you simply just love horses? We are always interested in hearing from anyone who has a genuine passion and interest in the industry to discuss their career possibilites at North!