Iconic New Zealand nursery Cambridge Stud sold to local interests

Legendary New Zealand operation Cambridge Stud is set to change hands next year, with Sir Patrick Hogan, an icon of the country's breeding industry, selling the farm he has run with great success with wife Justine, Lady Hogan, since they established it in 1976.

Hogan stood the prolific and breed-shaping stallions Sir Tristram and Zabeel at Cambridge Stud, which is now home to one of New Zealand's most in-demand sires in Tavistock. He also owned the great broodmare Eight Carat, who managed to produce five individual Group 1 winners - Octogonal, Diamond Lover, Kaapstad, Marquise and Mouawad.

It will comfort New Zealand breeders to know that the new custodians of such an illustrious heritage are a local couple - the Auckland-based Brendan and Jo Lindsay, whose black and gold chequerboard silks have been carried by Group 1 winners Griante and Marky Mark.

Sir Patrick Hogan said in a statement: “It is no secret that there has been huge international interest in Cambridge Stud for some time now. Many different parties have made approaches to us, however Justine and I were determined to wait for both the right time and the right people - that was non-negotiable for us.

"That right time has now come and the right people have arrived. A new chapter begins for Cambridge Stud and is one that we firmly believe was worth waiting for."

Hogan gave the new owners his seal of approval

“Cambridge Stud has been our lives for over four decades. We have nurtured it, been its guardians and have proudly seen it evolve into the globally respected operation it is today," he said.

“As we pass the ownership baton on, we know that Cambridge Stud could not be in better hands. Everyone knows that Brendan and Jo Lindsay are deeply passionate about both our industry and our country, and Cambridge Stud certainly holds a unique place in both. For Justine and me, this is a dream come true - we can look ahead with great confidence to the future that Cambridge Stud is assured through its new ownership."

But the sale does not mean Hogan is stepping back entirely from the bloodstock industry.

“In answer to the undoubted question of my retirement - the answer is a firm no: that is not on my agenda," he added. "We will have our 2018 Karaka draft, the final one under our auspices, to prepare. After that I have plenty of racing and breeding interests to keep me firmly involved in the industry - an industry I will be fully immersed in until the day I die!”

Brendan and Jo Lindsay said in a statement: “We are very aware of the huge responsibility that comes with assuming the ownership of such a treasured and revered operation as Cambridge Stud. Sir Patrick, a member of both the Australian and New Zealand Halls of Fame, is the undisputed king of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry.

“There are no parallels to what he and Lady Hogan have achieved including 31 years as the national sale’s leading vendor. They have been an inspiration to owners and breeders across the world and have cemented the New Zealand thoroughbred as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

“Cambridge Stud is more than a stud farm - it is a unique Kiwi legend. No matter where you travel in the world, the Cambridge Stud name is synonymous not only with New Zealand but with unequalled Group 1 excellence. Eight Melbourne Cups, four Cox Plates, three Caulfield Cups and the Golden Slipper have been associated with the stud.

“We will honour the legacy that Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan have entrusted us with. We feel both proud and privileged to have the opportunity of helping to write exciting new chapters to the Cambridge Stud success story.”

The Lindsays will take over the reins of Cambridge Stud in April 2018.