The New Breed

The perception that thoroughbred breeding is an old man’s game is quickly laid to rest with a stroll around Karaka’s sales complex. With an increasing number of young men and women taking up the reins in their family businesses, there’s a new generation that’s ensuring that the future looks bright at Karaka.

Following in the footsteps of the likes of Sam Williams, Simms Davison, Rodney Schick, Mark Chittick and others are a number of keen, young horsemen and women also eager to play their part in their family’s breeding and racing operations.

Harry King was bred into racing as the son of Brighthill Farm’s Nick and Anne-Marie.

“We were born into it and I decided to pursue a career in the industry during high school initially because of the travel opportunities it presented,” 23 year old Harry.

“I’ve worked at sales in Hong Kong, Ireland, England, France and Australia and I only had to pay for one plane ticket which was a return one back to New Zealand.

Harry has taken on a nominations and client liaison role at the family farm alongside his 25 year old brother Benji who is the farm’s stallion and broodmare manager.

Beltana Stud’s William Rutherford is another who has taken on a growing role within his family-owned breeding operation. A qualified lawyer, 26-year-old William completes six generations of Rutherfords on the property.

“I returned to the farm in 2016 and I’m loving it” he said. “I’m learning more and more about the business each day from my father, it’s great”.

The idyllic farm is located at Parnassus, approximately 130km north of Christchurch, its isolation often requires William to turn his hands to a variety of roles – including fencer, farrier and vet.

“I’m learning everything from farrier skills to foaling down from Dad, it’s what goes with running the operation here,” Rutherford said.

For years the Rutherfords have routinely made the long journey from Parnassus to Karaka. This year’s journey was even longer following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the region in November 2016.

Their efforts were promptly rewarded with their first yearling through the ring, Lot 10 a colt by Savabeel out of Volksrose purchased by the partnership of China Horse Club, Newgate Farm and Allan Bell for NZ$825,000.

There’s no shortage of wisdom available to both Harry and William and both are extremely grateful for the support and advice of their more established peers.

“I rode track work for Paul Richards when I was at Uni, then continued honing my horse skills at Waikato Stud under the tuition of Mark Chittick. They were both fantastic mentors and have so much knowledge to share,” said William.

This support has also been crucial to Monovale Farm’s Joe and Max Smithies who recently took over the farm following the passing of their father, Paul.

 

“We’re so lucky to be in an industry where everyone is willing and able to help,” says Max. “We’ve had so much support which has been a huge help in our transition from working on the farm to being decision makers.”

Harry, Benji, William, Max and Joe are just a few of the many young people investing in a career in the local industry which bodes well for the future. 

“There’re a lot of tertiary educated people coming into the industry and there’s also opportunities to get an education in the industry through NZTBA scholarships and Godolphin Flying Start,” explains Harry.

Harry has recently completed a course in business management and Max has a degree in accounting, skills that are sure to help them develop the industry.

Harry and Max have noticed a resurgence in the general public’s interest in racing which they agree is key to the industry’s growth.

“In breeding, everything we do stems from racing and it’s really important that we get people to the races,” says Max. “Every time I take a group of friends to the races they’re hooked on it.”

“I think the common interest in racing is growing,” adds Harry. “I’ve experienced it with my friends too, some of them knew nothing about racing but now they know who Winx is and they know who Kawi is.”

While they recognise the need for innovation their respect for the fundamentals of the New Zealand breeding industry remains.

“We’re involved in farming beef and sheep and that’s the same - it’s all about the love of the animals and nurturing their development,” explains Max.

“I think pasture-based growth is huge, we get a big advantage over Australia being able to raise our horses outside on good grass and that’s what makes our horses so good.”

“I’m confident that the New Zealand industry has a bright future,” adds King. “With the bloodlines that have been developed here, the yearlings that we’re selling and the quality of stallions that we have coming in, it’s second to none in the world.”

King, Rutherford and Smithies are just three examples of the strength of the New Zealand breeding industry’s traditional families.

Also developing their careers within family-run operations are Highview Stud’s Kurtis Gillovic, Wentwood Grange’s Dean and Sean Hawkins, Fairdale Stud’s Duncan Fell, Goodwood Stud’s William Fell and Lyndhurst Farm’s Dylan Treweek. ///