Breeders Dig Deep for Prime Land

Media Release - Monday June 4

Two prominent Waikato thoroughbred operations have signalled a major vote of confidence in the future of the industry.

Tony RiderIn a multi-million investment, Tony Rider's Milan Park and the Hawkins family's Wentwood Grange have paid a record price of $11.1 million for a Cambridge dairy farm.

The 92.5-hectare operation, located between Maungatautari Road and the Waikato River, was recently sold at auction and will be split into two properties.

"It's on our boundary and fits in nicely with our farm," Wentwood Grange's Des Hawkins said.

"My boys are running the business now and they want to keep growing. We've been searching for more land for a year or so and this came up so we had a chat with Tony and we did the deal.

"It's a lovely bit of land, free-draining soil, and it will be split in half between Tony and us."

Advertisement

Hawkins said Wentwood Grange, who became the first New Zealand breeder of a Group One winner at Royal Ascot when Little Bridge triumphed in the 2012 King's Stand Stakes (1000m), required more land to accommodate growing numbers.

Des Hawkins"It's positive because we're getting more horses, not just our own, but clients we've got are willing to invest more and expanding their broodmare bands."

A Group One-winning breeder and owner, Rider said the new land acquisition would serve a dual purpose for his operation.

"We bought it to expand, to spread our horses and to grow more cattle.

"We always knew it was going to come up one day, and when it did, Des and I worked together and it's worked out well for both of us." – NZ Racing Desk.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Spring Trial Watch – Everest Contenders on Show
The Rosehill trials on Thursday morning featured a couple of key Everest contenders with Private Harry winning easily over speedy 3YO North England, while Lady Shenandoah was under a tight grip to finish third in a later heat.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday August 27
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
G1 Plan for Kiwi Sprinter Niance
Six-year-old mare Niance will kick off a new campaign when she lines up in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on Saturday week.
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing More Stakes Success
Hello Youmzain (Fr) filly Platinum Diamond will put her undefeated Heavy track record on the line when she heads to Wanganui on Saturday to contest the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m).
Up and Coming Well Named - So Who Are These Guys?
The $250,000 Group III ATC Up and Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday is a race well named with a field of eight colts and geldings set to line up and while none are stakes-winners yet, one of them will be after the weekend.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday August 26
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Trial Winner for Captivant
Captivant’s early promise was on full display at today’s Waipa trials when Capital Express stormed to victory in Heat 4. The Paul Pertab-trained 2YO colt impressed early, showcasing the speed and class expected of his G1 Champagne Stakes-winning sire in a performance that marked him as one to watch.
Promising Winner and a Star on the Rise
One of the bargain priced sires on the Newgate Farm roster, Cosmic Force has never lacked for company covering 100 plus books of mares in each of his five seasons at stud so far totalling nearly 700 mares.
Sires With Winners - Thursday August 28
Here is the full list of 33 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Via Sistina Honoured at NSW Horse of the Year
One of the greatest seasons of all time has secured Via Sistina the TAB NSW Champion Horse of the Year award. The Chris Waller-trained mare was recognised at Racing’s Night of Champions for her outstanding performance in 2024/2025 which included equalling Winx’s record of seven Group 1s in a single season.