Want a career in horse racing?
BE PART OF RACING’S WINNING TEAM
Build your future in thoroughbred racing with Te Akau, New Zealand’s leading Group 1-winning racing operation.
With more than four decades of success, Te Akau has helped develop generations of talented professionals. Our operation includes Te Akau Stud and farm, alongside racing stables in Matamata and Riccarton, New Zealand, and Cranbourne, Victoria.
With trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson leading our New Zealand racing team, and experienced people throughout our operation, there is a wealth of knowledge to learn from. From trackwork and horse care to farming, transport and administration, every role contributes to our success.
We’re proud of our family spirit: looking out for one another, sharing knowledge and celebrating achievements together. Our people share a commitment to exceptional animal care, a safe workplace and taking pride in what they do.
Explore our current vacancies below. If your interests lie elsewhere within Te Akau, we also welcome expressions of interest.
VIEW OUR CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
NEW ZEALAND
Trackwork Riders – Matamata - Full and Part Time
Te Akau Racing is seeking experienced Trackwork Riders for full-time and part-time positions with our Group 1-winning Matamata team.
Applicants must have a minimum of three years' full-time professional trackwork experience, excellent horsemanship skills and the proven ability to ride pace work, timed work and jump-outs.
This is a physically demanding and highly skilled role suited to confident riders who take pride in their horsemanship, communicate well and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every horse.
About the Role
Key responsibilities include:
– Riding approximately six to 10 horses each morning, including pace work, timed work and jump-outs.
– Completing the appropriate cooling-down process for horses following trackwork.
– Training, educating and riding thoroughbreds to become accustomed to both slow and fast trackwork.
– Educating young thoroughbreds to work confidently and safely within groups throughout their racing careers.
– Training horses to respond correctly to oral, leg and rein commands.
– Discussing each horse's performance with the trainer following every ride.
– Promptly communicating any concerns regarding a horse's fitness, action, behaviour or training.
– Consistently following Te Akau's health, safety and horse-welfare procedures.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
– A minimum of three years' full-time professional experience as a Trackwork Rider.
– Proven and excellent horsemanship skills.
– Demonstrated ability to ride pace and timed work.
– Demonstrated ability to ride in jump-outs.
– Experience training, educating and riding thoroughbred horses.
– Confidence handling and riding a range of thoroughbreds.
– A reliable, professional and safety-focused approach.
– The ability to communicate clearly and work effectively within a high-performing team.
– A genuine commitment to horse welfare and the thoroughbred racing industry.
What We Offer
– Full-time and part-time opportunities.
– Remuneration of $25 to $35 per hour, depending on experience.
– For full-time employees, a guaranteed 40 hours per week, with a normal working week of approximately 45 hours.
– The opportunity to work with quality racehorses in a successful Group 1 stable.
– A professional and supportive team environment.
– The opportunity to further develop your skills within one of New Zealand's leading racing operations.
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or hold a valid visa providing full working rights in New Zealand.
To apply, please email your application in the strictest confidence to [email protected]Truck Driver – Matamata
Te Akau Racing is seeking a reliable and experienced Truck Driver to support our Group 1-winning Matamata team during morning trackwork.
Applicants must hold a current New Zealand Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Licence and have previous experience handling horses and transporting them safely.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who takes pride in their work, communicates clearly and understands the importance of safe, reliable transport in the daily care and preparation of our racehorses.
About the Role
Key responsibilities include:
– Safely transporting horses between our Matamata stables and the Matamata Racecourse for morning trackwork, currently involving approximately five trips each morning, with fewer during winter.
– Remaining on-site during trackwork before returning horses safely to the stables.
– Cleaning and preparing the truck for the following day.
– Communicating clearly with the stable team to ensure transport runs smoothly.
– Consistently following Te Akau’s health, safety and horse-welfare procedures.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
– A current New Zealand Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Licence.
– Previous experience handling horses and transporting them safely.
– A calm, confident approach to working around thoroughbreds.
– A strong commitment to safety and horse welfare.
– Reliability, punctuality and a professional attitude.
– Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a busy stable team.
– Availability to support our morning trackwork schedule.
What We Offer
– The opportunity to work with quality racehorses in a successful Group 1 stable.
– A professional and supportive team environment.
– An important role supporting the daily operation of one of New Zealand’s leading racing teams.
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or hold a valid visa providing full working rights in New Zealand.
To apply, please email your application in the strictest confidence to [email protected]AUSTRALIA
Experienced Track Rider - Cranbourne
Te Akau Racing is seeking an experienced and reliable Track Rider to join our professional team at our Cranbourne stable.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with one of Australasia's leading racing operations, riding quality thoroughbreds in a fast-paced, professional and supportive environment. We are looking for a capable rider with excellent horsemanship, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for thoroughbred racing.
About the Role
As a Track Rider, your primary responsibility will be riding racehorses during their daily training. Working closely with our trainers and forepersons, you will play a key role in the preparation and ongoing development of our racing team.
Key Responsibilities
– Ride track work each morning, including pace work and timed gallops, accurately riding horses to the required times and training instructions.
– Educate and develop young horses through the early stages of their racing careers.
– Educate and school young horses through the starting barriers.
– Warm up and cool down horses before and after exercise.
– Monitor horses during work and provide feedback on their action, fitness and behaviour.
– Saddle and prepare horses for track work.
– Maintain the highest standards of horse welfare, stable safety and professionalism.
About You
The successful applicant will:
– Have previous experience riding thoroughbred racehorses at track work.
– Be a confident, balanced rider with excellent horse handling skills.
– Be reliable, punctual and committed to early morning starts.
– Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
– Hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Racing Victoria Stable Employee Licence.
– Have reliable transport.
What We Offer
– Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience.
– The opportunity to work with one of Australia's premier racing stables.
– A professional, supportive and team-focused working environment.
– Ongoing opportunities for career development and progression.
– Additional casual hours may be available for applicants seeking extra work, including general stable duties, horse care, and strapping at jump-outs and race meetings.
Please Note: This position is suited to experienced Track Riders only. It is not eligible for Working Holiday Visa (88-day) requirements, and accommodation is not provided.
If you're passionate about thoroughbred racing and are looking to further your career with a successful and progressive stable, we'd love to hear from you.
Stablehands - Cranbourne
Te Akau Racing is looking for enthusiastic, reliable and hardworking Stablehand to join our team at our Cranbourne training facility.
Horse handling experience is essential. Previous experience working in the thoroughbred racing industry is highly preferred, however applicants with solid horse experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
Your role will include:
– Cleaning and preparing horse boxes.
– Feeding and watering horses.
– Assisting with horses throughout their morning training routine.
– Saddling, swimming, hosing, grooming and providing daily care.
– Attending race meetings and jump-outs as a strapper.
– General stable cleaning and maintenance.
– Working both independently and as part of a supportive team.
What we're looking for:
– Confident horse handling skills (essential).
– Previous thoroughbred racing stable experience (preferred).
– A strong work ethic and positive attitude.
– Reliability and punctuality.
– The ability to work well within a team and independently.
What we offer:
– Full-time and casual positions available.
– Competitive salary based on experience.
– A supportive, team-focused environment.
– Ongoing opportunities to develop your skills within one of Australasia's leading racing stables.
– A better work-life balance – our full-time staff work just one in every three weekends.
Please note:
– This position does not qualify for the 88 days of specified regional work required for a Working Holiday Visa extension.
– We do not currently provide accommodation.
About Te Akau Racing
Te Akau Racing is one of New Zealand's most successful and respected thoroughbred racing operations and has proudly expanded into Australia, with Cranbourne as our Victorian base.
Our goal is simple—to help every horse reach its full potential while delivering success and unforgettable experiences for our owners. Just as importantly, we believe our people are the foundation of that success. We value teamwork, integrity, hard work and a positive culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow.
If you're looking to build your career with a professional, successful and progressive racing stable, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now by submitting your resume by clicking the button below or email a brief summary of your racing and track riding experience to [email protected]