Former Darley chief Plumptre to oversee Cambridge Stud

Henry Plumptre – who in July stepped down as managing director of Darley Australia, a post he had held for 16 years – will take over as chief executive of Cambridge Stud after the famous New Zealand nursery changes hands from Sir Patrick Hogan to new owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay in April 2018.

Plumptre, who boasts more than 40 years of experience in the thoroughbred industry, will oversee the stud as well as the Lindsay Racing team.

"Henry Plumptre has overseen some exceptional achievements during his career,” said Brendan Lindsay. “He has built world-class brands and brings vast international experience to this new role. Jo and I are delighted that he has agreed to be a key component of the new Cambridge Stud team next year.

"Having a man of Henry's calibre at the helm of Cambridge Stud day-to-day is a huge vote of confidence in the future of the stud and his willingness to re-locate to New Zealand with his wife Michelle also speaks volumes about the reputation of our industry. He brings a huge wealth of knowledge to this new role.

“We are very proud to confirm that Marcus Corban, who has played such an important role in the success of Cambridge Stud, will be remaining in his current role as general manager.”

British-born Plumptre has previously fulfilled leading management roles at Widden Stud and Arrowfield Stud in Austalia and as an independent bloodstock agent he was responsible for the purchase of eight-time Group 1 winner Mahogany, Golden Slipper scorer Merlene and Hong Kong champion sprinter Charming City.

As managing director of Darley Australia he oversaw the integration of Woodlands Stud into Sheikh Mohammed's breeding empire and during his nine-year tenure the organisation recorded 328 stakes winners including 41 at Group 1 level.

Plumptre said: "To oversee the future success of Cambridge Stud is a once in a lifetime opportunity and is one that I simply could not turn down. The stud stands tall world-wide and to be part of its future is a real privilege.

"I have always held Cambridge Stud in the highest esteem and Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan’s 'passing of the baton' has gone to exactly the right people in Brendan and Jo Lindsay.

"I have been involved in many international thoroughbred operations and there is no doubt in my mind that this role will be very rewarding. New Zealand may be small in size however its thoroughbred industry is magnificent in stature and Cambridge Stud has always been a pivotal part of that prominence.

“I will relish being involved in the writing of the next chapters of Cambridge Stud - April cannot come soon enough!”