In the heart of Western Australia’s racing and breeding landscape, few names resonate with the same entrepreneurial spirit and long-term vision as Santo Guagliardo. From humble beginnings in Geraldton to becoming one of WA’s most prolific owner-breeders, Guagliardo’s journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and a deep-rooted love for the thoroughbred.
Guagliardo’s rise in the racing world mirrors his success in business. Starting with a single truck, he built a transport empire with up to 70 vehicles servicing WA’s Goldfields. But it’s his equine ambitions spanning two decades that have truly captured the imagination of the racing community and is equally impressive.
Guagliardo’s racing portfolio includes exciting WA talent, but Bustler’s stirring victory over Alsephina in the 2023 Group 1 Railway Stakes at Ascot, pictured below with Stephen Parnham aboard, stands out as the crowning jewel.
And, this Saturday, Watch Me Rock – prepared by Grant and Alana Williams and to be ridden by William Pike – will represent Guagliardo in the 2025 edition of the Railway Stakes at Ascot.
Guagliardo’s journey in racing was launched by South Australian-trained sprinter, Conservatorium, the horse that delivered his breakthrough moment with victory in the Group 2 Lee-Steere Stakes, his first major success on WA soil.
Rommel added serious momentum to Guagliardo’s racing legacy and stirred his breeding aspirations, capturing the Group 2 WA Guineas in Perth before making an immediate impact interstate, winning the 2015 Listed Zedative Stakes at Caulfield in his very first Melbourne appearance.
Dreams of winning the Australian Guineas in that year were shattered on the eve of the star-studded race when trainer Neville Parnham was forced to scratch the son of Commands after discovering swelling in his near fetlock.
Yet, despite his list of top flight wins, there remains one elusive race that continues to gnaw at him, a prize that he yearns to capture. The Perth Cup still holds a romantic lure for Guagliardo and he dreams of adding to it to his trophy cabinet.
“Winning the Railway and doing it with Neville was obviously pretty exciting and very special,” Guagliardo said.
“There was no doubt about that and I still talk about with Neville today.
“I said to him we’ve done the Railway, now the next thing is the Perth Cup.
“To me that race has always been like our local Melbourne Cup
“I hold a lot of affection for the race; it’s a throwback to the halcyon days of WA racing.
“The Northerly Stakes, we’ve had a couple of cracks at that, but I’d be happy with a Perth Cup.”
Guagliardo’s Perth Cup dream could become a reality as early as 2026 after he put his money where he’s mouth is, securing a promising stayer in a competitive online sale hosted by Inglis Digital.
Guagliardo outlaid $380,000 for Lavalier, a four-year-old formerly raced by Godolphin and an emerging stayer who has already proven his credentials on the national stage, finishing third in the South Australian Derby and fourth in the Queensland Derby.
“I thought it was worth having a go,” Guagliardo said.
“He’s got the staying potential and he may even go back and race over east.
“I was looking at him and two sprinters with the Kalgoorlie slot race in mind, but they were a bit more than what we wanted to pay.
“I just concentrated on this guy (Lavalier) and thought that’s it, I’m not going to get beaten here.
“I always wanted a stayer and I think he has the credentials.
“He will trained in Perth by Neville.”
Guagliardo’s partnership with Parnham has become of Western Australia’s most productive alliances, born not out of strategy but serendipity.
What started as a chance connection has evolved into a deep friendship and thriving business relationship.
“I find him totally honest and we just bonded from the start, we thought alike,” Guagliardo said.
“We go to the sales and look at horses, I didn’t have his knowledge but I was learning fast.
“He’s always done right by me and we’ve had a bit of luck along the way; I’ve stuck with him.
“I approached another trainer in the beginning but he never got back to me and that’s when I thought I’d ring Neville.
“I’d followed him a fair bit and he was in the middle of his seventh or eighth trainer’s premiership.
“I didn’t know the sales were coming up and Neville said to come down and have a look.
“That’s where I started and it led to winning the Railway with Bustler.”
Guagliardo’s breeding foray commenced in earnest in 2023 when he relocated Rommel to Ridgeport Farm, a purpose-built breeding operation that reflects his meticulous approach and long-term vision of WA racing.
Rommel, who was purchased by Guagliardo for $140,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale, retired winning four times and placing on three occasions from 14-starts, earning nearly $500,000 in prize money.
Rommel quickly proved his value at stud, siring Snowdome, a Ridgeport standout that has won multiple stakes races including the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes and Group 3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes.
“I just love getting out to the farm,” Guagliardo said.
“We spell them, pre-train them and breed them.
“It’s certainly something I didn’t envisage or thought was going to happen.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s good, very rewarding.
“It’s starting to come into its own and stand on its feet.
“I love it and we’ve built a magnificent set up here.
“The breeding side has become a bit of a passion for me.
“I sell them at the sales and I’m quite happy to watch them at the races knowing I bred them.”
With his deep love of Western Australian racing and the significant investment he’s poured into the industry, Guagliardo is driven by more than personal success, he wants to see local racing thrive and prosper.
“I just love the races,” he said.
“I loved having a punt and thought when I can afford it I’ll get a racehorse.
“I got the bug from there and just love being involved in the industry.
“I’ve had a bit of luck along the way.
“I still get a great thrill out of the game and try to do my bit to help and improve it
“Having good horses to follow can help bring out excitement
“Getting people to the races is what it’s all about.
“I want to see WA as strong as it can be again.”
From humble beginnings Guagliardo has left an indelible mark on Western Australian racing.
What started as a single truck in the goldfields has evolved into a breeding and racing empire.
Through Ridgeport Farm, his association with Parnham and shrewd investments like Lavalier, Guagliardo continues to shape and influence the future of WA racing.
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