Well-known bloodstock consultant Steve Brem has died in Sydney after a long illness.

A racing journalist, bloodstock adviser and stud manager in his native New Zealand, Brem was recruited by Gai Waterhouse to bring more stud-owned racing stock into the stable.

Brem was the first national secretary of the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and also managing director of Waikato Stud.

In his role with Waterhouse, Brem inspected yearlings and gave advice on bloodlines suitable for the stable and its clients.

He also had an association with Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds and was instrumental in the selection of the Chris Waller-trained D'Argento and Fiesta who run in Saturday's Group One Epsom Handicap and Flight Stakes respectively.