Te Akau Team Spotlight

When you visit Te Akau Racing stables in Matamata, you will likely see Naomi Te Patu, or “Nae” as she is known, bringing a horse in from a paddock, organising staff, feeding out or giving one of her four-legged friends a groom.

Born in Wanganui and raised in Hawke's Bay, she made a fresh start in Matamata twelve years ago. Her first job was mucking out for Paul O'Sullivan at Wexford stables, an experience that fostered her love of racing.

She then spent eight years as a chef in a local restaurant before returning to her passion.

“I applied at Te Akau and I have to thank Jason for giving me a chance when I had very little experience. Once I started, Pam and Tom saw that I was keen to learn and they have taught me everything I know. I've learned a huge amount from them.”

“I love working here. I know as part of the team it's important to do my job so that it takes the pressure off Jason, Pam, Tom and Steve. If I do my job well, they don't have to worry.  I love it here because we do the best for our horses, they get the care and attention they need.”

“What I really enjoy is getting to know them as yearlings when they first come into the stable and then watching them grow up and learn. They all have character and it's great to see how they change as they mature.”

Naomi has a special bond with three horses: Flaming, Darci's Dream and Spellbinder.

“They all have such a different character and their eyes tell you everything."

In her three years with Te Akau, she has watched them progress from yearlings to race winners and stakes' performers.

“I really appreciate the chance that Te Akau has given me to learn and progress.”

And we love having Nae as part of the team too!