MEET THE TANGERINE TEAM | Sophee Probyn

Behind every winner is a dedicated team of people, and through our Meet the Tangerine Team series, we’re looking forward to introducing you to some of the people who contribute to Te Akau both on and off the track.

First up is our Content Coordinator, Sophee Probyn, who has been part of the Te Akau team for more than a year. Based in Matamata, Sophee divides her time between the office and the racecourse, where she can often be found trackside with a camera in hand, capturing the horses, people and moments that help tell the Te Akau story.

With a background in dressage and a passion for marketing and content, Sophee has been able to combine her lifelong love of horses with showcasing Te Akau to owners, stakeholders and racing followers.

We caught up with Sophee to learn a little more about her role, her favourite horses and what she enjoys most about being part of the Tangerine Team.

1. What race day is always circled in your calendar?

The NZB Kiwi.

2. Your car essentials – what’s always in there?

I’d have to say a hi-vis for the track!

3. Coffee run following trackwork looks like:

Vanilla latte.

4. What’s your raceday hype song?

Jungle, Fred Again.

5. If you had a completely free day, how would you spend it?

A morning spent with my horse, coffee somewhere nice, then dinner and drinks with good company!

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

I have a few on my favourites list, but Crown Princess (Leonor), who I’m pictured with here, is definitely a firm favourite. She’s so affectionate and always up for a cuddle, which makes her pretty hard not to love! (Pictured!)

7. One word to describe your favourite horse?

Cuddly!

8. Which of Te Akau’s 2026 yearling purchases has caught your eye?

The Home Affairs x Special Memories colt. He was a $475,000 Karaka purchase, and I love the combination of Home Affairs, who was a dual Group 1 winner, and Special Memories, who was Group 1 placed herself.

9. What’s your role at Te Akau and your favourite part about working within the thoroughbred industry?

Content Coordinator. Definitely the horses! I come from a dressage background, so I love being able to experience a completely different side of the horse world. I’ve always loved horses, and getting to combine that passion with my love for marketing is pretty hard to beat!

10. What’s your favourite part of creating content?

I love the marketing side of content – finding ways to showcase the horses, bloodstock and people behind Te Akau while creating something that owners, stakeholders and the wider racing community can connect with. I enjoy thinking beyond just creating content and looking at how each piece can build the brand and engage the audience.

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

Definitely the team! Everyone is so passionate about what they do, and it’s such a fun group to be around. There’s always a good laugh, and I love being part of such a hardworking team!

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 foremen and administration teams to our apprentices and the many people who play a vital part behind the scenes. 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.