Sam Bergerson

Co-Trainer (New Zealand)

Sam Bergerson is Co-Trainer of Te Akau’s New Zealand team in partnership with Mark Walker. Since the partnership began in 2023/24, the pair have secured three consecutive New Zealand Trainers’ Premierships. In 2025/26, the stable recorded 135 New Zealand wins, including 19 stakes wins and three at Group 1 level.

Racing has been part of Sam’s life from an early age. His father, Roydon Bergerson, is a Group 1-winning trainer and his grandfather Herb was also an accomplished trainer. Sam worked at the family stables during weekends and school holidays before combining formal study with practical business experience. He completed an accounting degree at Massey University while undertaking a four-year cadetship with an accounting practice.

Sam’s international experience includes a season playing rugby in Ireland, followed by time working for Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle. He was also awarded the Sunline Trust International Scholarship, a 30-week programme that included experience at Shadwell Stud in England, Coolmore Stud in Ireland and WinStar Farm in the United States.

After joining Te Akau, Sam progressed to Assistant Trainer and played a significant role in the record 203-win season of 2022/23. His promotion to training partner followed in 2023. Group 1 mare Skew Wiff provided his first elite-level success as a trainer, while more recent highlights have included Damask Rose in the inaugural NZB Kiwi and the 2025/26 Group 1 victories of Quintessa, Lara Antipova and Seize The Day.

Sam was named both the Equine Licence Holder Excellence Award winner and the overall Supreme Award winner at the 2025 Entain Industry Excellence Awards. He is recognised for his calm leadership, attention to detail and close working relationships with Te Akau’s horses, owners and teams throughout New Zealand.