Important men’s mental health focus on Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic contenders

There is countless millions of dollars to be won on Gold Coast Magic Millions day next month, but also a particularly important men’s mental health focus in the ownership of a pair of 2YO Classic contenders.

Brian Siemsen (left) boss of Black Soil Bloodstock and trainer Tony Gollan (right). Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography.

A pair of horses heading for the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic have an important men’s mental health focus and may have already made a significant difference in the lives of some of their owners.

Tony Gollan-trained two-year-old fillies Formula Rossa and La Bella Boom have Black Soil Bloodstock as managing owner and both fillies look to have locked away their spots in next month’s $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

One of the ownership segments of the fillies is the “Boyz On Tour” syndication which features the “Mates With Mates’’ initiative designed to support men’s mental health.

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It was jointly founded by Black Soil Bloodstock’s Brian Siemsen, a former NRL player that is a great mate of Gollan’s, and Brian Henschell.

Formula Rossa does a good job to fight back and win at start two for the @tonygollan stable 💪🎢 pic.twitter.com/g7HmNAnurl

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 7, 2024

It was created to allow the opportunity for like-minded men to experience horse ownership and all the experiences on and off the track with a focus on men’s mental health and wellbeing.

Siemsen says the Mates With Mates group has about 80 members, all in the ownership of Formula Rossa and La Bella Boom who are both $26 chances for the Magic Millions.

He says while winning races on the racetrack is great, what happens off the track is even more important.

A private WhatsApp group for members is an important focus.

“We are all losing too many mates to mental health issues,” Siemsen said.

“Everyone loves racing, but traditionally none of us men talk about the issues we may be having as we are all too stubborn and closed off.

Favourite backers breathe a sigh of relief after La Bella Boom gets her nose down on the line!

The @tonygollan-trained filly wins the first after a great battle with Don'tdoubtthelady 💪 pic.twitter.com/U6JcfpYan9

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 27, 2024

“But when we get in an environment like this, there is a lot of good camaraderie and lots of laughs and if that’s a circuit breaker for some of these blokes then that is great.

“When there is someone in the group who is in trouble, or needs to talk, we are so connected and there is a send-out on the group and there is a rally around.

“Calls get made and we get around any of our guys who might be experiencing challenges.

“One particular bloke a while back was having a real challenge in his life and said something along the lines of ‘this has been great, if I didn't have this community, I don’t know if I’d still be here’.”

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Formula Rossa, wearing the black and white Black Soil Bloodstock colours, wins recently at Eagle Farm on Saturday to all but seal her spot in the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography.

While mental health is a focus, Siemsen says the group provides a safe space for members to talk about just about anything and there is plenty of jovial banter.

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs front-rower, Siemsen was a hard-hitter in the league world, once going toe to toe with North Queensland Cowboys star Glenn Morrison, and has bold plans to expand the Mates With Mates concept.

“We started this with five blokes, now we are up to almost 80, and I want to get to 1000,” Siemsen said.

“There is some great stuff that we are seeing.

Wow, Skirt The Law!@tonygollan's filly puts on a show and remains unbeaten, taking out the @mmsnippets 2YO Classic.@RMaloney_Jockey does a masterful job in the saddle! @Black_Soil_Bskpic.twitter.com/d95ObpySSi

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 19, 2023

“Even on a personal front, when my wife got really sick a year ago, I had phone calls from people in this group and I had things turn up at my house.

“It was just mates being there for mates.

“Other lads who have had some really big challenges have been really helped by the community.

“We do lots of things, even raising money for kids sporting events.

“We really want to continue to make an impact every year.”

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Siemsen says there will be a raucous contingent of the Boyz On Tour crew there on Gold Coast Magic Millions day on January 11.

Formula Rossa and La Bella Boom, who both wear the distinctive black and white colours of Black Soil Bloodstock, will be looking to give champion trainer Gollan his second win in the 2YO Classic after Skirt The Law saluted in 2023.

Skirt The Law is also owned by Siemsen and his Black Soil Bloodstock company.

Originally published as Important men’s mental health focus on Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic contenders