What started as a hobby has grown into a successful business focused on breeding top quality racehorses
Established by Tony Rider (pictured right) in 2007, Milan Park is a successful thoroughbred breeding farm located over 250 acres on the golden mile of Maungatautari Rd in the heart of the fertile Waikato region of New Zealand.
The Rider Family initially purchased 50 acres, formerly known as Fayette Park, from David Benjamin on Kaipaki Rd. The property came with three weanlings which kickstarted their journey into the thoroughbred racing industry.
One of those weanlings was named Vickezzchardonnay, after Tony’s wife and business partner Vicki. She went on to win the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup and got the Riders hooked on racing.
In 2015 Rider purchased Belvedere Farm on Maungatautari Rd from Bob and Yvonne Emery, up-sizing Milan Park to 100 acres. A further addition of a neighbouring property in 2018 took the total to 250 acres.
Milan Park is home to a quality broodmare band and cattle, which support the pasture maintenance of the property.
A keen pedigree enthusiast, Tony’s approach when it comes to breeding is to breed the best to the best, taking a statistical approach to mating decisions. It’s a proven recipe for success.
A background in dairy farming, hospitality and retail set the Riders in good stead when establishing Milan Park.
Their business nous combined with farm manager Grant Bennett’s experience and sound advice from friends Mark Chittick of Waikato Stud and bloodstock agent Bruce Perry among others has created a fruitful breeding operation.
A graduate of the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship, Grant brings to the table over 25 years of industry experience, having previously worked in management positions at Stoneybridge Farm and Westbury Stud.
"We have world class facilities, with no expense spared in ensuring our bloodstock are raised to the highest possible standard."
TONY RIDER - OWNER MILAN PARK
Your next opportunity to buy
Our next sale draft will be offered at the NZB National Yearling Sale Series beginning January 29, 2022
