Bloodstock auctioneer and media personality Steve Davis has been honoured as the 2025 NZTBA Personality of the Year, in recognition of a lifetime of contribution to the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding industry.
Sponsored by Entain, the award celebrates an individual whose impact extends far beyond a single year — someone who has helped shape the culture, success, and spirit of the industry over many decades.
The award came as somewhat of a surprise to Davis, who along with co-host Emily Murphy, had slickly navigated the majority of Saturday night’s proceedings at the Property Brokers National Breeding Awards in Karapiro.
He was therefore surprised when things went off-script and he found himself the centrepiece of one of the night’s feature awards.
“I was set to interview Mike Moran (from Windsor Park Stud) and had questions ready about breeding So You Think and photobombing in every winner’s circle around the world,” Davis said.
“I had no idea this was coming, but it’s great. I’ve been in this industry for a long time now and it’s just nice to be recognised. I really appreciate it.”
The consummate professional, Davis said he loves the theatre of the auction ring.
“The ultimate is when you’ve got the people buying the horses doing high fives and the person behind you (in the vendors box) crying because they got such a good price.
“It can be life changing. I have dabbled in breeding so I know the costs and everything involved and the thrill of winning and the thrill of losing.”
Davis’ wife Natalie and daughter Georgia were also in on the act and made a surprise appearance at the awards.
“I thank my wife and my daughter and my family,” Davis said. “My two boys Mitchell and Matt —Mitchell is in the industry and Matt loves it as well — so it’s like a drug horses this industry, it gets in your system and you can’t get out of it.”
Davis’ journey into the world of thoroughbreds began modestly. Raised in Hawke’s Bay, his first experience with racing involved tagging along to the local track with his father, who came prepared with a copy of the Friday Flash and a few hopeful bets.
While his early career aspirations were linked to teaching, destiny had other plans.
A summer job in the stock and station world — intended as a stopgap — became a permanent calling after a group of unimpressed school trustees nudged him in another direction. That twist of fate set Davis on a course that would take him to the forefront of the bloodstock industry.
“I really wanted to be a teacher,” Davis said. “But they decided I should pursue another line of employment. So my holiday job as I intended it to be became my full-time career and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
From his first auction in the mid-1980s, it was clear that Davis possessed something special. He had an innate ability to connect with people, energise a crowd, and inspire confidence from the rostrum.
Whether it was livestock, cars, or thoroughbreds, he brought style, humour, and professionalism to every sale. In the bloodstock world, he quickly gained a reputation as someone who not only understood the commercial mechanics of a sale, but who appreciated the blood, sweat and tears behind each lot — treating every horse as the product of years of dedication by breeders and vendors.
Over the decades, Davis has taken his talents to auction rings across New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Asia. He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and effective auctioneers in the business, known for his sharp wit, clear command, and instinct for finding the final bid.
His presence elevates the atmosphere of any sale, and his voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Australasian auction history.
“I worked under Kevin O’Connor early in my career who I still rate as the best general auctioneer I have worked with,” Davis said. “Legends like Peter Kelly and Joe Walls obviously and now I’m working with young guys like Clint Donovan who is an outstanding general auctioneer as well.
“I still enjoy it, that’s the main thing. While I still enjoy it and people want me to sell, I’ll keep doing it.
Beyond the sale ring, Davis also made his mark as a presenter on Trackside TV for more than 20 years, helping to bring the excitement of racing into homes around the country.
Additionally, Davis has served on the NZTBA Waikato Branch Committee and is on the board of the New Zealand Racing Hall Of Fame. He regularly volunteers as MC and auctioneer for awards ceremonies, charity events, and industry functions — often donating his time and services at no cost. – NZ Racing Desk
