Cambridge Stud has announced the appointment of Ben Tappenden as their new General Manager.

Tappenden is returning home to New Zealand after spending eight years in England at the renowned Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire, working for the Harper family.

Tappenden began his career working at Curraghmore with Gordon Cunningham, where he met his wife, Naomi. He then went on to work with the stallions at Coolmore Stud for three years before spending 10 years managing The Oaks Stud in Cambridge.

As part of his role as Manager at Whitsbury, Ben foaled Cambridge Stud sire Chaldean and led the team that sold his full-sister for a record 2.5 million guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale last year.

Tappenden is delighted to return to New Zealand and take on a new opportunity with Cambridge Stud.

"Cambridge Stud is a New Zealand treasure with an illustrious heritage,” he said. “I am excited and privileged to become a part of this iconic nursery’s family and future under the ownership of Brendan and Jo Lindsay. I would also like to mention my undying gratitude to the team at Whitsbury Manor Stud.

"Ed Harper, along with Rick Williams at The Oaks Stud, have allowed me to grow and develop as a manager over the last 18 years.

"I'm looking forward to returning home and being immersed in the New Zealand industry once again, getting to know the team, the bloodstock, and reacquainting myself with owners and breeders."

Cambridge Stud chief executive Henry Plumptre is pleased to welcome Tappenden to the farm.

"Ben brings a wealth of experience to Cambridge that can only be gained from working at studs like The Oaks and Whitsbury Manor, and we are delighted to have him,” he said.

Ben and Naomi, along with their three children - Keira, Jonathan, and Eloise - will relocate to New Zealand in June.