Te Akau Appoints Assistant Trainer

Te Akau Racing, New Zealand's leading stable, is delighted to announce that Sam Bergerson has been appointed as Assistant Trainer.  We know that you will join us in welcoming Sam to his new role.

Te Akau's David Ellis CNZM has today confirmed that Sam Bergerson (27) will join three-time Champion Trainer Jamie Richards (31) at the helm in Matamata.

“Sam is an outstanding young man, a fine example of passion and professionalism, and comes from family with a strong and generational background in working with horses,” Ellis said.

“Horses are the cornerstone of our business and we strive to attain the best we can for our owners.  We need the best quality horses but I can't stress enough the importance of having the right people involved as well. It doesn't matter what business or industry you're in, success is generally determined by how professional and talented your staff are and at Te Akau, we're fortunate to have the very best.

“Sam's father, Roydon Bergerson, is a trainer and his grandfather Herb Bergerson was also a trainer. Sam got an insight into what we do at Te Akau Stud when working here for three months during lockdown last year, he has overseen track work when Jamie (Richards) is away in Australia, and he's a smart young guy with a huge future in our industry.”

Like Richards, who has a Bachelor of Commerce and diploma in Marketing, Bergerson also has the distinction of an Accounting Degree, while both were recipients of the Sunline Trust International Scholarship.

“Sam has played an important part in our team since joining Te Akau and has really made his mark in the past 12 months.  I look forward to welcoming him on 1 August as our Assistant Trainer,” Richards said. “I thank Dave (Ellis) and Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) for sharing my belief in Sam's capability, and he's a very well liked member of our team.

“I haven't looked back since Dave and Karyn gave me an opportunity to train seven years ago, and I'm really pleased we can do the same for Sam. It's also important too as at Te Akau we always try to develop and create opportunities for all our team.

“If people work hard, show discipline and want to be involved, then the sky's the limit. You need a steely mentality to work in the industry, but it lends itself to such a diverse range of people and allows them a chance to better themselves.

“We are very lucky as a stable that David buys such wonderful horses, that Karyn and her team help secure some fantastic owners, and that we all get to share in the success.”

So, how did Bergerson react when he was given the news?

“I was both surprised and excited when David and Karyn first told me,” he said. “I see it as a massive opportunity, I appreciate the trust they have in me, and even to be considered for the role is a great thrill.

“I feel honoured to be Assistant Trainer in such a prestigious racing organisation. It's still to sink in, it's a bit overwhelming and a bit daunting, but I'm really looking forward it.

“I've been spending more time doing the board for the work horses do each morning and have been involved more in the trot-ups and inspections. Basically, helping Jamie and getting a better understanding of what is required.

“David (Ellis) has often said he enjoys seeing young people in the racing industry going to the next level and he's not afraid to take a chance on you.

“If I can take some pressure off Jamie and give him a bit more time in his day and especially with his travelling requirements, then that's what I plan to do.”

Bergerson grew up with horses, working weekends and holidays. He worked a cadetship with an accounting firm for four years while studying, and took a break to consider his future during a season of rugby in Ireland (currently fullback for Matamata seniors), before working for Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle Stables near Tipperary.

“From that experience, I wanted to continue working with horses and applied for the Sunline Scholarship when I was back working for Dad at Awapuni, and also at Wellfield Stud. I was awarded the scholarship in 2019 which took me to England, Ireland and America. It was an amazing year, getting to see some of the best farms and working with the best bloodlines in the world.

“After giving myself time to reflect on everything, I realised my preference was to work in the racing side of the industry. Probably because of my background, but I've always found racing and days at the races really exciting.

“I was back working for Dad while I made a plan, and then started with Te Akau in Matamata. I now know I want to be in the racing side and looking to a future as a trainer.

“Our family has had such a great tradition of training racehorses, through Dad and my grandfather, and also my great-grandfather on my mother's side, Wallace Young, was a trainer too. So, I've got a bit to live up to.

“I learnt so much working with Dave (Ellis) last year at Te Akau Stud. He's a stickler for doing everything right, works really hard, and it was a great way to get a better understanding of the Te Akau business.

“It's great to work for such a professional racing operation here in New Zealand. It's where I want to be, working with great staff and great horses.

“Given well bred horses and where we're working in Matamata, they get every opportunity to reach their potential. It's competitive and they've got to show something, but so many of them are racing in high quality races not just in New Zealand, but also Australia, on the most prestigious days. Everything is up a notch and it's good for the New Zealand racing industry.

“There are high expectations for the yearlings that David buys and a lot of them are performing on the big days. It's a buzz to be involved and you know you're looking after good horses.

“For me, it's just more and more hands on experience and learning from people like Jamie, and with thoroughbreds you never stop learning.

“Having now worked for both, I see a lot of similarities in Jamie and Aidan O'Brien. Mainly their dedication to the job, how they live the job and the job is their life. They are both so on the ball with every aspect. They train differently in the Northern Hemisphere, and Ballydoyle has all their own private land and gallops, whereas Te Akau uses a training centre. But, they have similar minds and are able to know everything about every horse in their teams.”