Marcus Corban Resigns From Cambridge Stud

Media Release - Monday March 9

Marcus Corban has announced his resignation as General Manager of Cambridge Stud, in his 40th year as a key figure at the Cambridge thoroughbred nursery.

Marcus Corban has resigned from Cambridge stud after 40 years of service.  “It is with both sadness and pride that I announce my departure from Cambridge Stud,” Corban said.  “After an incredible career managing the farm through a successful and iconic period in New Zealand’s breeding history, the time has come for me to explore other opportunities.

“I am appreciative to Brendan and Jo Lindsay for the opportunity to operate as General Manager for the last two years under their ownership.  I am sure the team at Cambridge Stud will continue to honour and grow the farm’s legacy.”

Cambridge CEO Henry Plumptre said, “A 40-year tenure, with 30 as General Manager, at any major thoroughbred nursery is a unique achievement and something that Marcus has managed with great skill and tact.  I was lucky enough to know him well during his time with Sir Patrick and I have nothing but admiration and respect for the manner in which he conducted himself during that time.

“For myself, Brendan and Jo, his continued presence at Cambridge after the takeover in April 2018 allowed us the flexibility to get on with a major refurbishment of the farm, at the same time as running a commercial operation.  His intimate knowledge of the farm, its client base and local contractors was instrumental in us being able to complete a major renovation, cover 350 mares per season for the past two years and prepare two successful yearling drafts for Karaka.  We will be sad to see him go, but wish him and Catherine the very best for the future.”

Corban began his storied legacy at Cambridge Stud in 1981, the year of Sir Tristram’s second crop to race.  That year, the Cambridge Stud consignment at the Trentham Sale reached an aggregate of $1 million.

Over the following decades under Sir Patrick Hogan and Lady Justine’s ownership with Corban as Stud Manager, Cambridge Stud developed into New Zealand’s greatest thoroughbred breeding success story, standing breed-shaping stallions Sir Tristram and Zabeel and grossing over $250 million at yearling sales.

Advertisement

Corban reflects on his highlights over this period, “the Karaka yearling sale in 2000 is one that was particularly memorable, with the Zabeel colt from Diamond Lover selling for $3.6 million – a record that has still not been broken.  It was satisfying to see him go on and win the G1 AJC Derby as Don Eduardo when trained by Lee Freedman.”

“I am incredibly grateful to Sir Patrick Hogan for giving me my start at Cambridge Stud and guiding me into the leadership role as Stud Manager at a young age.”

“I have worked with some amazing horses and people during my time at Cambridge Stud and formed many friendships that will last a lifetime.  I look forward with excitement to the next stage of my career.”

News from Cambridge Stud

Advertisment
More Reading...
Milan Park Experience Highs and Lows
Tony Rider experienced the extreme highs and lows of breeding thoroughbreds within a matter of hours on Wednesday.
Blueblood Fillies From $3million Mares
Tom Magnier has been notable for his purchase of elite race fillies and broodmares in recent years to enhance the stellar Coolmore broodmare band and two of his $3million plus mare purchases have produced stunning fillies this spring.
One to Watch – Geelong
Trilogy Racing will have high hopes for the their talented filly Queen of Clubs in the Group I ATC Flight Stakes on Saturday and their colours were in the frame at Geelong on Thursday carried by a Zoustar filly that saluted on debut.
Inglis Ready2Race breeze up footage NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Progeny of the likes of Toronado, Exceed and Excel, Harry Angel, Zoustar and Ole Kirk were amongst the standout performers from breeze up sessions conducted this week in the lead up to the Inglis Ready2Race Sale on October 16, footage of which is now available online.
Who Was Flight?
A G1 race since 1984, the Flight Stakes is a race won by special fillies - often the ones who go on to do extraordinary things on the track against all comers as older mares and that's as it should be as Hall Of Fame legend Flight exemplified that style of thoroughbred.
Generation Foals Built for Speed
Victorian farm Lovatsville offer a diverse stallion roster for this spring geared to satisfy a wide spectrum of breeder ambitions and if explosive Aussie speed is your thing then Snitzel stallion Generation will fit the bill.
New Stakes-Winner for Zoustar
The $150,000 Listed Hannan’s Handicap (1400m) provided reigning champion sire Zoustar with a new stakes-winner when seven year-old gelding Multinational led for home and could not be caught.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 Darley Flight Stakes
The prestigious Darley Princess Series reaches its crescendo this week with the 77th running of the $750,000 G1 ATC Flight Stakes (1600m) over Royal Randwick's famous mile.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 2
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 1
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.