By Jordan Gerrans 
Queensland Reds yougn gun Hamish Stewart dreams of a career in the racing industry once his days in the 15-man code eventually comes to an end.
At just 23 years of age and at the peak of his powers in Super Rugby, the Toowoomba product is not thinking of pulling stumps on the professional rugby arena just yet.
But, when it eventually does come, maybe a decade or so down the line, Stewart wants to be beside his father Neville and brother Alistair at their pride and joy – Oaklands Stud.
These days, Neville and Alistair run the show at their stud facility, based out of the back of Toowoomba, while Hamish leads the Reds around the park.
The two worlds crossed earlier this year as Hamish walked and prepared horses ahead of the 2021 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.
Hamish was with the horses on the Saturday and Sunday, before heading back to Ballymore for training on Monday and Tuesday – when the horses were put under the hammer.
“Hopefully after a long, long career in footy, I can go back there and help Alistair take the reins, as well,” Hamish said.
“I have always loved horse ever since I was a young kid, just being around them.
“It really just is an extra thing that helps me get away from rugby at times.
“We are looking to upgrade our broodmare stock and build on Dad’s legacy; I am really looking forward to it.”
Oaklands Stud was established in 1979 and aims to produce quality racehorses to be sold both nationally and internationally.
The stud was prolific across the two days of the yearling sales, selling 18 lots all up, 14 on the first day before four more on Tuesday.
“I am happier with the clearance, we have a 100% clearance and the prices have been, in the main, above expectations,” principle of the stud and owner Neville said.
“We had two really lovely colts and a few more, too.”
Neville has been in the breeding game for over four decades, as well as countless other roles in the racing industry, including administration jobs and owning dozens of racehorses.
He has taken a backward step in recent years as Alistair has taken on a more hands on role with the stud.
Their main sire these days is Power, who was popular at the recent sales.
Hamish, who was selected in emerging Wallabies squads earlier in his career, relies on his family network and farm life to give his rugby career balance.
“I am really lucky in that aspect,” he said.
“I can go to the farm, relax and just switch off for the weekend if I need too.
“Dad has made that pretty clear to me that if I have had a bad game or I am feeling down, or missing home, just come home and see him and my brother.
“Alistair and I are really close; it is great to get home when I can.”
Hamish started his journey at Bond University and never dreamed of a professional career in those days, expecting he would finish his degree and head back to the farm to work with his brother and father.
Neville was always firm with his two sons: chase whatever you want in life, but you must have a university degree first.
Both sons have studied a tertiary level before embarking on their passions – rugby union for Hamish and the horses for Alistair.
Alistair completed a business degree, then working in the engineering and construction field before returning to run the stud.
On a long-term deal with the Reds, which was inked in late 2019, Hamish has Wallabies ambitions down the line and declares the only way he will get there is through consistent performances for Queensland.
The club have started the 2021 season well, Hamish thinks, as they have spent a long time building a strong playing list to be competitive.
Neville would love to have more professional rugby union players working at his stud, declaring they would be the fittest team in the competition if he could get them working with his horses for a few months.
“You would not get a harder worker than Hamish, he is very focused,” Neville said.
“He is self-disciplined, and it was great to have him help us here.
“He will sacrifice his holidays from the Reds, he worked six weeks with us, seven days a week at the stud.
“He worked harder than anyone I was paying, to have someone like him at home, helping Alistair and I, it is a gift from god.”
On the racehorse front, the Stewart brothers have two-year-old colt Military Gambler with Chris Munce at Eagle Farm, who is building into his career with two outstanding recent efforts.