Te Akau Racing’s racing manager Reece Trumper will step into a new role with New Zealand’s leading stable at the start of next month, taking up the position as assistant trainer for the New Zealand arm of the trans-Tasman operation.

Trumper has been with Te Akau for more than seven years, including the last three as racing manager after being the assistant stable foreman at their colt barn in Matamata.

Stepping into Trumper’s shoes as racing manager will be Michael Gray, who has been with Te Akau for the last five months.

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University, Gray went on to spend 14 months at John O’Shea’s Randwick barn before returning to New Zealand to work at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing within their racing bureau and handicapping team.

"At Te Akau, we pride ourselves on creating meaningful career pathways for passionate and talented young people, and both Reece and Michael embody the values we hold dear - excellence, integrity, dedication, and an enduring love for the horse,” Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said.

“Their individual strengths will enhance our stable and contribute greatly to the New Zealand racing industry as a whole and we feel proud to have them both in the Te Akau team."