MEET THE TANGERINE TEAM | Laura Macnab

Behind every successful stable is an exceptional team of people, and through our Meet the Tangerine Team series, we’re proud to introduce some of the talented individuals who contribute to Te Akau both on and off the track.

This week, we meet Laura Macnab, Stable Manager for Te Akau Racing’s New Zealand operation and a highly valued senior member of our Matamata team.

Laura first joined Te Akau at 16 and, after spending several years gaining experience overseas, returned to Matamata with a strong understanding of Te Akau’s horses, people and systems.

Today, Laura plays a central role in keeping our New Zealand operation organised and running smoothly. From coordinating staff and horses and communicating with owners to swapping the office for the saddle and riding trackwork in the mornings, Laura really can do it all.

We caught up with Laura to learn more about her role, her favourite racing memories and life away from the stable:

1. Which race meeting or carnival anywhere in the world is always circled in your calendar?

Royal Ascot, it is honestly the most incredible racing – picnic parties afterwards are always plenty of fun!

2. What is the greatest race you have ever witnessed, either in person or from afar — and why?

Easy answer – anything Imperatriz ran in. Regardless of the result, I absolutely LOVED watching her run. She’s a very special mare, and the ultimate athlete. I’ll go with her Group 1 BCD Sprint win or the Group 1 Manikato Stakes – the way she skipped away from the field in both still gives me goosebumps.

3. If you could win one race anywhere in the world, which would it be?

Dubai World Cup, wouldn’t that be nice! Or the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

4. What does a typical day as Stable Manager involve, and what part of the role do you enjoy most?

Lots and lots of emails and phone calls! Owner updates, organising staff + horses, liaising with clients, and making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible day to day for the team. Sometimes I’ll ride trackwork in the mornings before going into the office which I absolutely love. The part I enjoy the most is when all our staff and horses are happy!

5. What is one important part of running a successful stable that people rarely see?

The complete and utter hard yards that the team does day in and day out. Every single person has an important role to play, and we couldn’t do it without them.

6. What is one lesson or experience from your time in Newmarket that you have brought home with you?

I was very lucky to ride the half-sister to the great race mare Enable. Her name was Zilfee, and whilst she didn’t quite have her sister’s talent, she had the biggest character, the sassiest attitude and I just adored her (even though I fell off her more times than I could count). Also learnt the importance of good wet weather gear!

7. Which racing moment from your own career has stayed with you most — and why?

Strapping Pin Me Up to win the 3YO Karaka Millions was pretty special – how good is an underdog?! That was actually the first winner I ever strapped as well.

8. What is the best piece of racing advice you have ever received?

It’s doing the 1% extra that makes 100% of the difference.

9. Which current Te Akau horse do you have a soft spot for, and why?

Zantabulous, everyone loves her! I was here when she came in as a feisty wee yearling, so we often joke that me and her are the old girls around the place. Heart of gold, and just an honest, genuine race mare.

10. One word to describe that horse?

Darling.

11. Your car essentials — what’s always in there?

My very cheeky springer spaniel puppy Winnie, she’s my best mate and comes just about everywhere with me.

12. What is your go-to coffee order after a busy morning?

Flat white, hopefully Sam’s shout.

13. If you had a raceday walkout song, what would it be?

Saving Up, Dom Dolla.

14. If you had a completely free day away from racing, how would you spend it?

Big walk with the dog (ideally on the beach) then quality time with my friends and family. Margs + chip n dip to finish the day.

15. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Tangerine Team?

Seeing everyone’s hard work rewarded on race day. Whether it’s a maiden or a Group 1, I can appreciate exactly how much everyone has put in to get a good result.

Stay tuned as we continue our Meet the Tangerine Team series, introducing you to the people behind our horses across New Zealand and Australia. From our stable managers, foremen and administration teams to our apprentices and the many people working behind the scenes, every individual plays an important role. Different roles, one team, united by a shared passion for our horses and everything that makes Te Akau what it is – the love of our horses.