A respected figure in the thoroughbred industry, Keith Lunn has long been associated with the racing game. A bloodstock manager for the past 45 years, Keith has also tried his hand in ownership and enjoyed some great success along the way (spoiler alert: Keith has been involved in a New Zealand Cup winning horse!).
We sat down with Keith to learn a little more about his background in racing and present involvement...
How did you first get involved in the racing industry?
My involvement in racing came from joining a syndicate with some golfing buddies on a trip to Moloolabaa 20 years ago. Our first horse was Everswindell and she went on to win the New Zealand Cup in 2007. We also raced Chatterbox and between them, they won 11 races. I'm currently in a few horses with BAX Syndications. Most recently, I've had good success with Cakebytheocean winning three races in a row.
I worked at BNZ and in May 2022, racked up 45 years of service. The last 20 years I have been an equine/bloodstock manager. I got a huge thrill out of clients growing their business and watching their horses develop. I also spent 12 years on the Waikato branch of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the last three as president.
What is your current role at Wexford?
When I finished up at the bank earlier this year, Lance and Andrew were clients and were good enough to give me a job mixing the feeds. The hours suit me as I'm now semi-retired.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It's good to be working within a team of people with common interests. Everybody does their bit to try and get the best out of the horse. As the saying goes, 'It won't work unless we all row the canoe in the same direction.' Wexford is a great team to be part of.
Do you have a soft spot for one horse in particular?
I do have a share in an unraced 3YO named Little Bit Of Love. He has had one trial and is now spelling. We hope to be racing in the Autumn. Scotty says he's better than useless, so we will see how good a judge he is!
What is your favorite thing about Wexford Stables?
I'm looking forward to seeing the big guns come out to race this season (Dragon Leap, Asterix, Karman Line). Waiting on the weather is frustrating for all at the moment. The sun will come out eventually, but would be nice if it was sooner. There's nothing like that 'winning' feeling.