Laura Macnab

Stable Manager (New Zealand)

Laura Macnab is Stable Manager for Te Akau Racing’s New Zealand operation. She first joined Te Akau at 16, working through school and university holidays at Te Akau Stud before progressing into the Matamata stable team and advancing to the role of foreperson.

During her earlier years with Te Akau, Laura gained hands-on experience across stable operations, horse care and raceday preparation. Her notable raceday highlights included strapping Imperatriz to win the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint and Group 2 Foxbridge Plate, Maven Belle in the Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy and Pin Me Up in the $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, majoring in Equine, from Massey University. She was awarded the 2020 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Irish National Stud Breeding and Management Diploma Scholarship, sponsored by the Keith and Faith Taylor Trust of Trelawney Stud.

She then spent nearly three years in Newmarket, United Kingdom, gaining experience at the highest level of British racing. Laura worked for John and Thady Gosden and progressed to a head-lad role while continuing to ride and manage barn responsibilities. Her time abroad included racing at Royal Ascot, Epsom, Goodwood, York and other major meetings, as well as experience with a developing trainer and a breaking and pre-training operation.

Returning to Te Akau with strong local knowledge and broader international experience, Laura now supports the organisation, communication and daily standards of the New Zealand stable. Her family farming background in the Te Akau district, horsemanship and long understanding of Te Akau’s systems give her valuable continuity in this senior role.