Eduardo Cojuanco’s long-time bloodstock manager Tic Tic Trinidad died in early February in the Philippines of a suspected heart attack reports thoroughbredinternet.com. He was 61.

Well known through out the thoroughbred industry Trinidad purchased for Cojunangco’s Gooree Stud near Mudgee in NSW.

“He was a constant at every sale, a very highly knowledgeable and pleasant person who will be sorely missed not only by Mr Cojuangco but by all of us in Australia,” said Aushorse chairman and Arrowfield chief John Messara.

Among some 57 purchases of yearlings and broodmares in Australasia, Trinidad bought the New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd $3.6 million all-time record sale-topper, the Zabeel-Diamond Lover (Sticks And Stones) colt who was named Don Eduardo after Cojuangco’s father.

The colt, trained by Lee Freedman, and now a sire at Haunui Farm, subsequently won the AJC Derby giving Cojuangco and his family considerable pleasure.

Trinidad was bidding for the colt high up at the back of New Zealand Bloodstock's auction ring when he lost telephone contact with Cojuangco in Manila, but he went ahead and completed the purchase nevertheless.

Another long-time thoroughbred stud adviser Bob Atkins died on January 30.
Atkins, an accountant, had a 30-year relationship with Swettenham Stud and the Sangster family. When the late Robert Sangster decided to become involved in the Australian thoroughbred industry Atkins, a senior partner in the worldwide accountancy firm of KPMG, was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up the new venture.