Mike Kneebone Awarded Outstanding Global Achievement

Media Release - Tuesday September 19

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Director of Business Mike Kneebone was recently presented the NZTR Award for Outstanding Global Achievement at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards last week.

Playing a key role in attracting overseas buyers to Karaka and promoting the New Zealand thoroughbred and its industry on a global stage, Kneebone received a standing ovation at the awards ceremony for his dedication and passion.

Mike Kneebone collects his award from Jayne Ivil.

The Head Auctioneer has spent many years abroad developing markets and relationships across Asia and Australia, having been based in Singapore for six years, and the last eight years in Sydney, establishing a strong brand presence for NZB and promoting the New Zealand thoroughbred.

NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook commented on the deserved award for NZB’s longstanding team member. 

“He’s got that uncanny ability to get on with people from all walks of life.”

“He got that brilliant personality of putting people at ease and gets the trust of people so quickly.

“Mike is so deserving of this award,” added Seabrook.

“He travels the world thinking of the whole New Zealand thoroughbred industry, not just New Zealand Bloodstock.

“He’s a champion for the New Zealand produce, people, and it’s horses. He’s just a great ambassador and an amazing person.”

Developing great foundations and ties with clients from all over the world, Kneebone continues to travel frequently to maintain relationships in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Macau as well as across Australia.

Advertisement

“It is an absolute thrill, I’m very humbled by it but thrilled to be recognised by the industry in a job I love,” commented Kneebone after accepting the award on Sunday night.

“I was originally a cattle auctioneer, but my father was a journalist, and I enjoyed going to the races.

“It was through the auctioneering I was able to work in the industry, ending up at New Zealand Bloodstock.

Described as a ‘seller of dreams’, Mike mentioned the ease of marketing the New Zealand thoroughbred to the world with their consistent racetrack performances at the highest level and the value they provide.

“It’s so marketable because it’s so good.”

“People around the world recognise the quality of the New Zealand horse but also the value of it,” Kneebone commented.

“Those two things combined make it pretty easy to market.”

View the full video from Love Racing here.

Advertisment
More Reading...
G1 3YOs - Where the Real Action Is
2YO racing might garner a lot of attention, but the reality is G1 races run for this age group are shining a light on a comparatively small slice of that foal crop, whereas 3YO racing is where the real action lies as the good horses from the season before have to step up or slide out of contention.
NZ Racing Woman of the Year
Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday.
Euro G1 – Bridesmaid No More and Two Time Derby Hero
Aga Khan Studs don’t race a lot of geldings, but one that they do is Calandagan, who shook off his G1 bridesmaid tag winning the Group I Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in France, while in Ireland the Coolmore machine kept the winning run going to take out the Group I Irish Derby (1 ½ m).
Sires With Winners - Saturday June 28
Here is the full list of 109 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Matahga Makes it a Memorable Weekend for Lawson
Waikato horseman Simon Lawson has an eye for a bargain, and the product of one of his purchases turned into his first stakes winner over the weekend.
Wootton Bassett Winning Whirl
It was a red letter day for Wootton Bassett (GB) at The Curragh overnight with a treble of winners highlighted by top class filly Whirl, who captured the Group I Pretty Polly Stakes (1m2f), a race won by the mighty Via Sistina in 2023.
Levakia Adds to Good Week for Curraghmore
Emerging filly Levakia has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 30
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Sunday June 29
Here is the full list of 53 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Bergerson Honoured at Entain Industry Excellence Awards
Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, was recognised by his peers when receiving the top gong at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night.