Trelawney Stud
A Legacy of Excellence in Thoroughbred Breeding
Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Waikato, Trelawney Stud stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring success of the thoroughbred industry. As the nation’s longest-running commercial thoroughbred farm, Trelawney has been at the forefront of breeding excellence for nearly a century, producing champions that have left an indelible mark on the racing world.
A Storied History
Established in 1930 by Seton Otway, Trelawney Stud quickly rose to prominence, becoming synonymous with quality and success. Under Otway’s stewardship, the stud achieved the remarkable feat of breeding seven Melbourne Cup winners, a record that still stands as a testament to the farm’s early dominance.
In 1993, the stud entered a new era when Faith and Keith Taylor acquired it from the Holmes A’Court family. This transition marked the beginning of a period of rejuvenation and continued success for Trelawney.
The Taylor Legacy
Following Keith’s untimely passing in 1997, Faith Taylor continued to steer Trelawney towards greatness, guided by her unwavering passion for breeding and racing. Her son, Brent Taylor, joined the operation, bringing fresh energy and vision to the stud.
Under the Taylor family’s leadership, Trelawney has continued to cement its legacy as a producer of high-class horses. Over the past 24 years, the stud has added an impressive 36 Group One wins to its tally, building upon the foundation laid by its illustrious predecessors.
A Commitment to Quality
Brent and Cherry Taylor, the current custodians of Trelawney Stud, take immense pride in continuing the legacy of success. Their philosophy is centred on attention to detail and a commitment to raising quality horses that shine in the sale ring and perform with distinction on the racetrack.
The Taylors’ approach to breeding is meticulous and forward-thinking. Brent Taylor emphasises the importance of careful mating plans, stating, “I agonize over mating. We have an extensive portfolio of stallion shares and bred from 35 mares this season. I look at style, type, nicks, pedigree, temperament, nature, personally inspecting every stallion before committing to a mating”.
Recent Successes
Trelawney’s commitment to excellence continues to bear fruit in the modern era. The stud has produced several standout performers in recent years, including:
- Lim’s Kosciuszko: This Trelawney-bred champion was crowned Horse of the Year in Singapore in 2022, also claiming titles in the Champion Sprinter and Champion Four-Year-Old categories.
- Pride of Jenni: Bred by Brent and Cherry Taylor, this exceptional mare was honoured as the Australian Racehorse of the Year 2024, showcasing her talent with multiple Group 1 victories.
These successes not only highlight the quality of Trelawney’s breeding programme but also demonstrate the stud’s ability to produce horses that excel on the international stage.
A New Direction
In recent years, Trelawney has embarked on a strategic shift in its operations. As Brent Taylor explains, “Over the past few years, we have steadily grown our breeding stock with high-quality race fillies as it has been our desire to get into a position to offer only yearlings owned by ourselves”.
This move towards offering solely self-owned yearlings at sales like Karaka represents a significant milestone for the stud, reflecting its confidence in the quality of its breeding stock and its commitment to maintaining control over its bloodlines.
Industry Recognition
The Taylor family’s contributions to the thoroughbred industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Faith Taylor was named the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeder’s Personality of the Year, a prestigious award that recognises significant contributions to the industry.
This recognition follows in the footsteps of Cherry Taylor, who received the same award in 2002, further solidifying the Taylor family’s profound impact on thoroughbred breeding and racing in the country.
Looking to the Future
As Trelawney Stud approaches its centenary, it remains at the forefront of the thoroughbred industry, continually adapting to meet the changing demands of the market while staying true to its core values of quality and excellence.
Brent Taylor’s aspirations for the future include winning the ‘Breeder of the Year’ award with a Trelawney-bred horse and seeing one of their fillies crowned ‘Champion Filly’ in Australia or New Zealand. These goals reflect the stud’s ongoing commitment to producing top-tier racehorses and its ambition to continue shaping the future of the industry.
In conclusion, Trelawney Stud stands as a shining example of the best that the thoroughbred industry has to offer. With its rich history, commitment to excellence, and forward-thinking approach, Trelawney continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of racing and breeding, both at home and on the international stage. As it moves into its next chapter, the stud remains true to its motto: “Great starts make for great finishes”.