Cambridge Stud Appoint New General Manager

Media Release - Friday March 14

Cambridge Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Tappenden as their General Manager. Ben is returning home after spending eight years in England at the renowned Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire, working for the Harper family.

Ben Tappenden will take up the role as General Manager at Cambridge Stud in June.

Ben began his career at 17, working at Curraghmore with Gordon Cunningham, where he met his wife, Naomi. He then went on to work with the stallions at Coolmore Stud for three years before spending ten years managing The Oaks Stud in Cambridge.

As part of his role as Manager at Whitsbury, Ben foaled Cambridge Stud sire Chaldean and led the team that sold his full sister for a record 2,500,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale last year.

On his appointment, Tappenden said: "Cambridge Stud is a New Zealand treasure with an illustrious heritage. I am excited and privileged to become a part of this iconic nursery’s family and future under the ownership of Brendan and Jo Lindsay. I would also like to mention my undying gratitude to the team at Whitsbury Manor Stud.

"Ed Harper, along with Rick Williams at The Oaks Stud, have allowed me to grow and develop as a manager over the last 18 years.

"I'm looking forward to returning home and being immersed in the New Zealand industry once again, getting to know the team, the bloodstock, and reacquainting myself with owners and breeders."

Advertisement

Cambridge Stud CEO Henry Plumptre said: "Ben brings a wealth of experience to Cambridge that can only be gained from working at studs like The Oaks and Whitsbury Manor, and we are delighted to have him."

Whitsbury proprietor Ed Harper said: "We wish Ben all the best in his new role at Cambridge Stud. It has been a pleasure working with him for the past eight years."

Ben and Naomi, along with their three children—Keira, Jonathan, and Eloise—will relocate to New Zealand in June.

News from Cambridge Stud 

Advertisment
More Reading...
River (Banking) on Dalasan
There are any number of reasons a stallion can go radio silent in their third and fourth seasons at stud.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 3
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
NZB Filly of the Year Series Springs to Life with Gold Trail Stakes
One of the traditional signs that spring racing has arrived in New Zealand is the running of the first leg of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). The $150,000 race looks a little different this year in a temporary new home, but it will still give us that same first look at the latest crop of fillies vying for the coveted title.
Alabama Lass Primed for G1 Moir
Tackling Group Ones on either side of the Tasman is nothing new for Ken and Bev Kelso, and they will do exactly that this weekend.
Melbourne Cup Ciaron Maher Stable Also in the Hunt
Earlier this week we ran a story on the Chris Waller trained entries for this year’s Melbourne Cup and today we’re taking a look at the trainer with the next biggest number of contenders and that is Ciaron Maher with 13.
Corumbene Stud Mourn Loss of Treasured Mare
Corumbene Stud took to Instagram earlier today to announce the passing of their much loved broodmare Bahia, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Overreach.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Debut Winner and Welcome Return
Vinery Stud’s Exceedance produced a debut winner at Moe on Thursday that started as a short priced favourite and on Saturday at Randwick we will see the return of his best performer to date.
Sunlight’s Sister Clean Energy Retired
The most expensive yearling filly sold in Australia in 2023 when fetching $2.6million for Widden Stud at Inglis Easter, Clean Energy has been retired to stud.