JOHN BREKELMANS
1.2 Million Dollar Vendor

2025 Nutrien
Classic & Masters
Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

John Brekelmans - 1.2 Million Dollar Vendor

one million, two hundred-thousand-dollar vendor. The first vendor to ever sell one-million dollars’ worth of horses at the Classic. The vendor of two highest priced sales; Duckdown and Sophie Duck as well as two highest prices mares; Duck Dual and Wicked Duck.

John Brekelmans – A Legacy in Breeding and Training

John Brekelmans was a legendary breeder and trainer in the Australian performance horse industry, known for his exceptional contributions and lasting legacy. Not only did he produce horses that excelled in competitions, but his breeding program was also a standout in the sales ring, with his total sales amounting to an impressive $1,225,500 across 29 lots. All the horses sold apart from one mare go back to Cold Duck which was Johns first horse.

John Brekelmans: The Legacy of the Duck Dynasty

John Brekelmans, an iconic figure in the Australian performance horse industry, built a lasting legacy that continues to shape the field. Born and raised in Sydney, John’s life took a pivotal turn in 1971 when he left the city to become a jackaroo, where he developed a deep love and respect for horses as he worked across the outback. This marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of Australia’s leading breeders and trainers of performance horses.

The Birth of the “Duck Dynasty”

In 1974, John purchased his first horse, Cold Duck, for just $300. With her “feathery feet,” Cold Duck would become the cornerstone of John’s breeding program. Over time, she produced a line of horses that would dominate cutting, campdrafting, and other performance events. Through self-taught skills, John also became a saddle maker and worked as a horse breaker. His significant break came when he met Robert Baldwin of Eureka Stud, who offered John a breeding to Doc T Bar in exchange for a saddle. This led to the birth of Docs Duckling, the foundation mare of the “Duck Dynasty.”

Ongoing Legacy

John’s dedication to breeding the best horses did not stop with his initial success. His horses continued to excel in the competition arena, and descendants of Cold Duck remain among some of the most successful and sought-after horses in the industry.

Although sadly John passed away, his legacy endures through the continued success of the “Duck Dynasty.” His contributions to the Australian performance horse industry will not be forgotten, and his horse’s achievements in competitions and sales continue to stand as a testament to his vision and dedication. The “Duck Dynasty” remains a leading name in the field, carrying forward the influence of John Brekelmans for generations to come.

Impressive Sales Achievements

John reached a historic milestone by becoming the first million-dollar vendor in Nutrien Classic performance horse sales, a testament to his skill in breeding high-quality horses. His horses consistently achieved top prices, with his top-selling horse, Duckdown, fetching $80,000 in 2015. His commitment to breeding excellence was reflected in his horses’ success at the annual Nutrien Classic Sale and Campdrafts.

  • 2020 Nutrien Classic Sale
    • WICKED DUCK sold for $77,500 to DEPCO PASTORAL
  • 2019 Landmark Classic Sale
    • SPOT THE DUCK sold for $25,000 to K BARNETT & B TAPP
  • 2018 Landmark Classic Sale
    • BREKS SHOUDA DUCKED sold for $80,000 to DIAMOND S P/L
  • 2017 Landmark Classic Sale
    • DUCK DUAL sold for $73,000 to RJ NEILSON
  • 2016 Landmark Classic Sale
    • SOPHIE DUCK sold for $70,000.00 to WALLY REA
  • 2015 Landmark Classic Sale
    • DUCKDOWN sold for $80,000.00 to N & L CHICONI
  • 2014 Landmark Classic Sale
    • DUCK DUNDEE sold for $40,000.00 to W CANT
    • DUCK N WEAVE sold for $40,000.00 to IAN MORGAN LIVESTOCK
  • 2013 Landmark Classic Sale
    • DISCO DUCK sold for $59,000.00 to WAUGOOLA PASTORAL
  • 2011 Landmark Classic Sale
    • SEDUCKTION sold for $24,500.00 to CHRISTINE HALL
  • 2010 Landmark Classic Sale
    • DESTINYS DUCKLING sold for $45,000.00 to SEAN BRASSINGTON

Breeder of Champions

Beyond the sales, John’s breeding expertise was also demonstrated in major competitions. His horses regularly placed highly in the prestigious Landmark Classic and Challenge events, further solidifying his standing as one of the leading breeders in the performance horse industry. His success continued with Smooth Duck, bred by John, who placed second in the 2019 Challenge with rider Andrew Stallman and owner Chiconi Family, showcasing the versatility and competitiveness of his horses across various disciplines. John was the breeder of Duck Dundee, who claimed second place in the 2017 Landmark Classic, ridden by Steve Cominskey and owned by Wayne and Sandi Cant. Another of his notable horses, Humducker, placed second in the 2014 Landmark Classic and went on to win the 2014 Challenge under the guidance of Danny Fitzgerald, with owners David and Kandee Thorn.

A Historic Milestone

Perhaps most remarkably, John was the first vendor to achieve a million-dollar milestone in the performance horse sales industry, marking a historic achievement that only further demonstrated his exceptional ability as both a breeder and a businessman.

A Lasting Legacy

Sadly, John Brekelmans passed away, but his legacy endures. His breeding program and the horses he produced have left an permanent mark on the industry. With numerous high-performing horses and highest priced sales to his name, John’s impact on the Australian performance horse scene will continue to resonate for years to come. His name will forever be linked to excellence, both in the sale ring and the competition arena, and his pioneering spirit as the first million-dollar vendor will remain a milestone in the industry’s history forever.