A new era begins at Cambridge Stud
Brendan and Jo have been actively involved in the thoroughbred industry for many years, with recent Group 1 winners including Champion Two-Year-Old Marky Mark and the Galaxy winner Griante.
"Our decision to buy Cambridge Stud underlines our commitment to New Zealand and its thoroughbred industry and our shared desire for the iconic brand to remain in New Zealand," said Jo.
Whilst respectful of its proud history, there are also some exciting developments in the pipelines.
"Cambridge will undergo a major refurbishment over the next three years, including the upgrade of the recently acquired, adjoining Thorpe property, to cater for our expanding stallion roster. We will continue to operate Cambridge as a premier stallion and broodmare operation, doing what the stud has done best for forty years, while our Karaka farm will be integrated with the Stud, carrying mares and foals and continuing to support the racing operation," explained Brendan.
On-farm staff remain largely unchanged under the leadership of stud manager Marcus Corban and they will be joined by Chief Executive Henry Plumptre, until recently head of Godolphin in Australia, locally born Scott Calder as head of sales and nominations, with Angelique Bridson in charge of marketing.
Henry Plumptre said today, "We are all very excited to be part of something as special as Cambridge Stud. It is a privilege to be involved with an industry icon and we look forward to creating something that complements the brand as it is now, but sets the tone for the next fifty years. The enthusiasm and energy shown by Brendan and Jo already is infectious and we are all looking forward to the next few years, with the challenges they will bring. Cambridge and the farm at Karaka carry wonderful staff and I am very confident that they will rise to the occasion."
In 2018, Cambridge will stand the champion sire Tavistock; Burgundy the sire of this season's NZB Filly of the Year Dijon Bleu; and the recently relocated Highly Recommended. Stud fees to be announced within the next two weeks.
