Previously assistant trainer, Sam Bergerson joined 10 x Champion Trainer Mark Walker as training partner for Te Akau Racing on 1 August 2023.

Bergerson (29) has an Accounting Degree from Massey University, and also received the Sunline Trust International Scholarship, a 30-week working experience at Northern Hemisphere studs: Shadwell Stud (England), Coolmore Stud (Ireland), and Winstar Farm (America).

Growing up with horses, working weekends and holidays at the family stables, he undertook a cadetship with an accounting firm for four years while studying, had a break to consider his future during a season of rugby in Ireland, before working for Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle Stables near Tipperary.

His father Roydon Bergerson is a trainer, as too was grandfather Herb Bergerson.

Q&A

1. What do you consider the most basic principle of horsemanship? As when working with all animals, it’s about their welfare and keeping them happy and healthy.

2. What made you want to train horses? I really enjoy working with horses, think they are highly intelligent and its great the bonds you form with them. It’s a great sport: the people you meet and the thrills you get are like no other. It’s a great industry.

3. What makes you competitive? I’ve played a lot of sport which makes you competitive, so that you understand competition and the thrill of winning.

4. Best thing about racing? It’s the horses and the people involved.

5. What do you like best about training in New Zealand? It’s a beautiful country. Our environment, climate, and landscape is great for raising horses, and spelling them, and given my family involvement I’m passionate about the New Zealand thoroughbred industry and want to see it do well. I want to see it be successful and try to contribute to it. Because of my father and grandfather and their involvement, I want to continue to help it survive and succeed.

6. Favourite horse(s)?  Wolverine, as I was there when Dad bought her and I’m in the ownership with her from day one. I stayed in when she went to Australian Bloodstock and now, after David (Ellis) bought her, she now here at the stables in Matamata. I’ve had a lot to do with her and it’s exciting to see how she will go.

7. Best race you have seen? I remember as a kid watching Sunline and she was my all-time favourite horse from New Zealand, but Chautauqua when he ran down English to win his third T J Smith Stakes at Randwick was incredible. While at Te Akau, either Amarelinha’s Oaks wins or Novere’s 2000 Guineas win, as being a colt we had to do a lot extra with him – hand-walking everyday and it was an emotional win and very satisfying.

8. Why do you think people enjoy owning racehorses? I think it the quest for the thrill of winning, but also the camaraderie that so many get from the sport. Regardless of price there is always a chance of winning on race day – there are no rules – especially the excitement on big race days.

9. What’s your passion outside of racing? All sports, really, but played a lot of rugby and enjoy following most sports when I’ve got time.

10. Biggest thrill in your racing career to date? Probably when Dad trained Savaria to win the New Zealand Oaks, as I was so pleased for him, but also the wins by Amarelinha and Noverre were special because of the involvement I had.

11. What one change would you like to see in the New Zealand thoroughbred industry? I’d like to see the stakes continue to rise, because the flow on effect should see more people wanting to be involved in ownership and breeding, rather than see so many of our good horses sold offshore. Also, I’d like to see the facilities improve for owners.

12. Most admired person in racing? Definitely my father, Roydon. He’s worked hard in the industry throughout his whole career, made it work, and been a massive supporter of mine. He keeps a close tab, follows Te Akau horses closely, loves seeing us succeed, and rings me each night to check in on things.

13. If you were not training horses, what other career path might you have taken? Probably Accounting, given I’ve got a commerce degree and worked in accounting before going to work with horses. I would love to have been a professional sportsman.

14. Most memorable place you have visited? Croatia and Greek Islands. When I finished my degree I went travelling with one of my best mates and did a sailing trip around Croatia, which was amazing.

15. Childhood hero? All Black Christian Cullen, he was such a gifted player.

16. One person you would like to have dinner with? Difficult picking one, but getting all my best mates together for dinner is hard to beat.

Find out more: www.teakauracing.com