Sam Bergerson - Entain Excellence Supreme Winner

Te Akau Racing was proud to be front and centre at the 2025 Entain Industry Excellence Awards, held on Sunday 29 June at Ellerslie racecourse in Auckland - an evening dedicated to celebrating the very best Under-40 talent across the nation's three racing codes.

And what a night it was for our team!

Not only did Te Akau co-trainer Sam Bergerson take home the Equine Licence Holder Excellence Award, but he was also honoured with the most coveted title of the night - the Entain Excellence Supreme Award, which is awarded to the best overall candidate selected from across all nine category winners.

It was a momentous achievement, so richly deserved.

Thanks to Entain, winners of each of the nine award categories received $10,000, while all finalists were awarded $2,000. As the overall Supreme Award winner, Sam also received an additional $5,000 in prize money and a $5,000 educational package to support his continued growth and success in the industry.

This recognition marks a phenomenal rise for Sam, who before joining forces as training partner with 11-time premiership-winning trainer Mark Walker, served as Assistant Trainer during Te Akau’s record-breaking 2022/23 season. That year saw Walker set a new national record of 203 domestic wins - a remarkable achievement that laid the groundwork for continued success.

In 2023/24, the first season for the Bergerson-Walker partnership, the duo recorded 169 wins, including 21 stakes' victories - four at Group 1 level - securing their title as Champion Trainers. As of today, they lead the current premiership with 127 wins, including 18 stakes' wins, three of those at Group 1 level.

Reflecting on the journey, Sam was asked to pinpoint a highlight from the past two years. While acknowledging many, he ultimately chose the unforgettable moment when Damask Rose won the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi - part of the biggest day in New Zealand racing history on 8 March 2025, with overall stakes of $8.2 million at Ellerslie.

That same day also saw unbeaten two-year-old colt Return To Conquer win the Group 1 Sistema Stakes and deliver Te Akau’s 100th Group 1 win - a milestone achievement for the stable.

“It’s been a massive couple of years and I’m very fortunate and grateful to Dave (Ellis), Karyn (Fenton-Ellis), and Mark (Walker),” said Bergerson.

“Obviously, I get a lot of exposure by being a part of the Te Akau operation and I’m very lucky to have received this award.

“Seeing the development of the horses is special. Te Akau buys a lot of yearlings, so we’re working with the horses from day one when we get them from the breakers and work through to a race like the Karaka Million or the Kiwi, or something like that. It’s such a ride, so many highs and lows, but when you get the highs it’s just such a thrill.”

Accepting the Supreme Entain Excellence Award, Sam delivered a moving and thoughtful reflection on what it means to be part of the industry:

“The good thing about the thoroughbred industry is that there are plenty of people to help you along, especially young people, and David Ellis is a great example of that.

“Obviously, Dad (trainer, Roydon Bergerson) has been a massive role model. I’ve always looked up to him and loved what he’s done and I’ve been proud of his successes.

“It’s an amazing industry, but a tough industry and a lot of failures and heartache. But I think that makes the successes more enjoyable, and they’re an indescribable thrill that you chase.

“And, for me, they make up for the tough hours and missing out on social events, and dedicating your life to these horses.

“You love the animal and just love to see them succeed, grow, and do well.”

As he celebrated with family and colleagues, Sam added:

“My family are here tonight, they’re very proud and it’s a big thrill to win the Entain Excellence Award.

“It’s awesome to be a part of Te Akau and we only want to get bigger and better, and I’m so fortunate to be in the role I am, with the horses, the staff, and the amazing owners.”

He was quick to express his deepest appreciation to David, Karyn, and Mark for the opportunity and faith they have placed in him, saying:

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been given this opportunity by Dave, Karyn, and Mark. Their mentorship, trust, and belief in me have been everything. These awards are not just about me - they’re a reflection of the support and guidance I’ve been given every step of the way and the team I am part of.”

Sam also praised the evening itself and the positive momentum the industry is experiencing:

“It was a fantastic evening and really cool to be mixing and mingling within the three codes (thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound) with some of the most accomplished young men and women in their different fields.

“It’s awesome that Entain has created these awards and their input into the industry is recognised by everyone involved.  To win two awards on the night, amongst such talented peers, was very humbling and quite overwhelming. It was a real honour.

“I think it’s an exciting time to be a part of the racing industry, and in no small way we have to thank Entain for coming onboard to partner the TAB and what they’ve brought to the table in the way of increased prize money and so much more.

“I’ve been fortunate to be in racing my whole life, due to family, and I talk about the industry a lot with Dad, and we both feel there has never been a more exciting time to be involved.”

Importantly, Sam took time to acknowledge not only the winners, but all those nominated and the many young people putting their hearts into their work behind the scenes:

“As well as those people who were finalists, I also want to mention all those young people that were nominated and they deserve plenty of recognition too, because they’re putting so much time and effort into their passion. I have got to know so many of these people, have enormous respect for them, and see them as future leaders. We have a lot of incentives, going forward, I believe.”

He also made special mention of another Te Akau finalist - someone who has also made a significant impact within the team:

“Kohen Collett, our Colt Barn Foreman, was a finalist for the Stud, Stable & Kennel Excellence Award, and he’s a classic example of the calibre of really good, young, team we have at Te Akau.

“Dave, Karyn, and Mark do so much to nurture and help us gain experience, and winning awards like these is as much a credit to them for giving us a chance and putting trust in us.  I feel very fortunate to have come through the system at Te Akau Racing, and I feel proud to be repaying them, in some way, with these awards.”

The industry-wide sentiment was beautifully captured by Entain’s General Manager, Jessica Meech, who said:

 “The younger generation is making its mark in a huge way and we're blessed with the talented leaders and influential Kiwis who were nominated, finalists, or won their categories. Sam Bergerson is the perfect example of a Kiwi in the racing industry grabbing an opportunity with both hands, then building on it to scale new and impressive heights.”

From everyone at Te Akau Racing — a heartfelt congratulations to Sam and Kohen, two incredible talents and valued members of our team. We couldn’t be prouder, and we know the best is yet to come.