Te Akau Announces New Partnership

We are thrilled to confirm that from the start of the new season - 1 August 2023 - Sam Bergerson will join Mark Walker in a training partnership in New Zealand.  Sam, as you will know, is currently our Assistant Trainer, a role David Ellis CNZM appointed him to in 2021.  Sam has excelled in that role alongside Mark and, previously, Jamie Richards.

Not only is Sam highly educated and gifted, he comes from a wonderfully rich thoroughbred background with his father Roydon a top trainer, and his grandfather Herb likewise before him.

We know you will join us in congratulating Sam on his promotion to Te Akau New Zealand Co-Trainer from 1 August.

David, Karyn & Mark

Please enjoy the full release here:

Te Akau Racing is delighted to announce that Sam Bergerson will join Mark Walker in a training partnership in New Zealand, commencing 1 August.

“Sam is currently our Assistant Trainer - he's an outstanding individual, from a family with a strong racing history, and he is a fine example of the very best talent in our industry,” Te Akau Principal David Ellis CNZM said.

“I've always considered Sam a really smart young man with a huge future in racing, and it's a privilege to be giving him this opportunity to step up to the role of training partner with Mark Walker.”

Bergerson brings outstanding credentials to his new role: he graduated with an accounting degree from Massey University, and was also awarded the Sunline Trust International Scholarship - a 30-week working experience at Northern Hemisphere studs: Shadwell Stud (England), Coolmore Stud (Ireland) and Winstar Farm (America).

Growing up with horses, he worked weekends and holidays at the family stables - Sam's father Roydon is a Group 1 winning trainer, and his grandfather Herb was also an accomplished trainer.

Underlining his huge work ethic, Sam undertook a cadetship with an accounting practice for four years while studying at university. He had a break to consider his future during a season of playing rugby in Ireland, before working for Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle Stables near Tipperary.

“I feel very fortunate to join such a distinguished list of trainers who have worked at Te Akau,” said Sam Bergerson.

“The bar has been set high by Te Akau trainers such as Mark Walker, Jamie Richards, Stephen Autridge and Roger James but I am excited for the challenge ahead, and hope I can do my part to add to the Te Akau legacy.

"I want to acknowledge the amazing support from Dave, Karyn and Mark and thank them for the belief they have shown in me by giving me this opportunity. I am also surrounded by a great team of loyal staff whose support and hard work play such an important role in the success of Te Akau.”

David Ellis CNZM added:

“As I've said many times, horses are the cornerstone of our operation and we strive to achieve the very best results possible for our owners. It doesn't matter what business you're in, success is generally determined by the professionalism and talent of your team. Te Akau has a magnificent group of seriously dedicated people, the best in the industry, and our whole team works incredibly well together - reflected with 180 wins to date this season (new national record), 34 Group/Listed wins and a Group One in Australia.

“I got to know Sam, and also our Racing Manager Reece Trumper, really well during New Zealand's major COVID lockdown in 2020.  Due to the restrictions, the stable had to close and all our horses were re-located to Te Akau Stud, and Sam and Reece came to live at the farm to look after the additional horses on the property.

“We worked closely together during the lockdown and as we shared a bubble, Karyn and I were able to spend a great deal of time with them in our home. Both are wonderful young men with a deep understanding and passion for horses and our industry.

“It's an exciting time for Te Akau to be welcoming this new training partnership. We have an exceptional team of horses in the stable that are performing at the highest level. Together with the calibre of our young horses coming through, we can't wait for the new season when we hope to scale new heights through further Te Akau innovation! Stay tuned for more news coming soon," Ellis concluded.