Sam Bergerson

“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.”

When Te Akau recently set a national record (161) for wins in a season (ending with 203 wins), Walker pointed to Bergerson as a huge part of the success:

“It’s a massive team effort and these results are the culmination of so many people’s hard work and effort, particularly Sam because he’s got his finger on the pulse of everything and you can’t do it alone that’s for sure,” Walker said.

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 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 Racing.”

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 this season, 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 stables 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’ve got a powerful equine team in the stable that are performing at the highest level, and with the calibre of our young horses coming through, the new season will be one to relish.”