Former Taieri lad lands plum Te Akau job

TRAINER Jamie Richards has gone from the Taieri to become the head of New Zealand’s richest racing stable.

The 28yearold will soon become the sole head trainer for racing giant Te Akau Racing’s New Zealand stables.

At present he holds the position jointly with Stephen Autridge, who will step down in August.

Richards’ appointment caps his rise from Wingatui stablehand and trackwork rider to head of New Zealand’s biggest group racewinning stable.

Holding one of the most revered jobs in New Zealand racing was just a dream when he was a kid growing up on the Taieri Plain, the son of former Wingatui trainers Paul and Leanne Richards said.

‘‘I guess it was a dream, really. I have been very fortunate and had a few lucky breaks and it has worked out really well.’’

Long before making his mark as a trainer, the former Otago Boys’ High School pupil juggled university study with stable work.

He credits graduating from the University of Otago with a bachelor of commerce in management and accounting and a postgraduate diploma in marketing as a crucial part of his success.

Soon after his capping, Richards was awarded a scholarship that enabled him to travel the world and work with leading studs and stables.

Those two educational experiences were key stepping stones in being ushered up the Te Akau ranks by boss David Ellis.

‘‘It has certainly helped David promote me, the fact that I went to university,’’ Richards said. ‘‘Certainly having that university education and doing a bit of travel and having that scholarship has been a big help.

‘‘I think that is important in this day and age, getting an education; it’s been a big help.’’

Richards got his grounding in training while working alongside his parents. Their roles will soon reverse, as Paul Richards is set to join Te Akau Racing and work under his son’s direction.

Paul, who moved to Karaka in 2014, will take on a range of responsibilities, including travel ling with horses to Australia.

‘‘Obviously he was a big part of me growing up and ending up where I have, so to have him back involved again is really exciting,’’ Jamie said.

‘‘We are wanting to do a bit more travelling. Obviously we take out horses to do Cup Week, but we want to have a bit more of a presence in Australia as well, and he will be involved in that.

‘‘He will be a bit of a sounding board to me, like Steve [Autridge] has been in the partnership, and a bit of an older head to throw some ideas at.’’