Together, they form a formidable combination after building an empire over the past three decades with considerable success coming via a few extremely talented pacers.

Based at Southbrook of the famed Darling Downs, Lindsay and Mary Vagg continue to produce in-demand and high-quality stock that has buyers returning on a continuous loop year after year at the Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sales staged in Brisbane.

Nestled perfectly between Burwood and Egmont Park Studs and with an ample supply of equine veterinary services nearby, the Vaggs continue to strive for a perfect chemistry in producing the best standardbred possible.

From humble beginnings, big things have grown and their quest and desire to breed the ultimate champion has only intensified in recent years.

Starting with a pair of mares, the Vaggs were bitten by the bug early when they were left with a strapping rig by Perfect Art from the Fake Left mare Just Del after he failed to reach his reserve at the annual 2004 Yearling Sales.

Later named I Am Sam, the hulking pacer took the couple on a wonderful ride as he competed in many feature events staged throughout the country.

I Am Sam won 30 races and banked more than $500,000 while competing in the 2009 Inter Dominion Grand Final at the Gold Coast after winning a qualifying heat.

Throughout his career, he was trained by Errol Cain, John McCarthy, Gary Hall (never raced though), Alan Tubbs and Grant Dixon.

“Sam got us hooked, no doubt at all. Our mantra is to sell everything we take to auction but for some reason or another he never met the market, so we were left with him,” Lindsay explained.

“As it turned out we got lucky, and we have some incredible memories and met some amazing people during our journey with Sam.

“But it only got us going. He really wetted our appetite and set us up for where we are now.”

With a clear vision and direct mindset, the Vaggs put building blocks in place and the results have been flowing freely in recent years.

They have bred three Australian Pacing Gold winners with I Am Sam, Pinup Boy and most recently, My Ultimate Levi all providing euphoric joy.

I Am Sam won the Group 1 $100,000 Final at Harold Park back in 2005 with now North American star reinsman Andy McCarthy driving while Pinup Boy scored in the 2017 Group 1 $100,000 2YO Final at Albion Park for trainer/driver Mark Dux.

Earlier this year in August, My Ultimate Levi completed the hat-trick of victories when he scored in the Group 1 $100,000 final at Albion Park for Tumby Park, Jarrod Alchin and Nathan Dawson.

“The QBRED futurity scheme is the best in the country, so attractive with so many benefits and we’re more than happy to support it and stick with the Australian Pacing Gold as our sales company,” Lindsay said.

“We’ve had great success with both the QBRED system and APG. We’re sticking with what works.

“Eligibility is so important as commercial breeders; it’s got to be attractive as possible to get buyers to invest in the product.”

Over the past two years, the Vaggs have produced the top lots at the Australian Pacing Gold Brisbane sales.

Back in January, three horses fetched $60,000 including the Betting Line—Exclusif colt while Goodtime Roy (Always B Miki—Victree Bette) topped the 2020 sale when he realised $77,500.

“Our aim is to present the best possible article. We want the most precocious youngsters as possible. We’re there to sell and we don’t plan on bringing any home,” Lindsay said.

“We believe two-year-old racing in Queensland is the future. It’s very attractive and makes strong appeal in many ways so we’re breeding to meet that market.

“We’re seeing a change in this state, and it’s for the better. The extended season provides more opportunities, and more people are getting involved with ownership, the QBRED scheme is a largely responsible for that too.”

With the number of broodmares expanding, the Vaggs are going to be kept busy in the coming months with 14 mares now on the books. But the duties will be shared.

“Most mares will be foaled down at Burwood under the watchful eyes of Noel and Christine Denning before returning home which eases the pressure,” Lindsay said.

“Noel is very good at foaling mares down so it’s a huge advantage having him nearby and it’s all part of the teamwork.”

And while it’s all hands-on-deck, there’s plenty of office work to consider with finding the right stallions to match to the mares for the upcoming season.

Plenty of crystal-balling needs to be factored in to ensure the right rewards in the future. It’s a lot harder than what it seems.

“We’ve got to study our buyers/clients. We need to know what will be in demand and utilise stallions that are producing or are likely to produce the precocious/early running types,” Lindsay said.

“We’ve got to assess the mare for type and size. We want stallions that performed as two-year-olds. Temperament and type are vital at public auctions.

“Studying the North American scene is crucial. Looking at patterns consists of plenty of time and patience plus dedication. My son-in-law, Julian Norrish, is based in North America and we have him visit leading studs and discuss options.

“We’re looking at sons of Somebeachsomewhere because he’s producing the results, and stallions like Captaintreacherous, Huntsville and Downbytheseaside are really leading the way up there currently.”

It’s peak time for the Vaggs right now. Between September and February they have mares foaling down, going in foal and yearlings being prepared for the upcoming sales so it’s hectic but the devoted couple wouldn’t want it any other way.

With a list of star performers including the likes of I Am Sam, Bettor Bet Black, Taurisi, Kadar, Our Sweet Victree, Victree Bonita, Corporal Jujon, Sheriff Jujon and Rock With Sam among many others, the Vagg’s are hoping their latest Group 1 winner My Ultimate Levi will develop into a genuine open class star of the future.

“He looks like he will continue to develop. He’s a good style of a horse with a strong pedigree so he’s got every chance of building a little more. I’m hoping so for Tumby Park (Scott Whitton and Jodie Foster) because they’ve been great supporters of ours for quite some time,” Lindsay said.

“When he won the Group 1 event, I honestly lost my voice I was so excited and that’s why this game is so great.

“Obviously, there’s hits and misses, but we try and keep the misses to a minimum.”