Te Akau Racing announce head of new Cranbourne stable

Te Akau Racing Australia has officially appointed Ben Gleeson as Assistant Trainer for their new stable set to be based in Cranbourne, Victoria.
The announcement has generated excitement within the industry, given Gleeson’s exceptional credentials and experience.
Expressing his pride in welcoming Gleeson to the team, David Ellis CNZM, Managing Director of Te Akau Racing, stated, “I am very proud to welcome Ben to the Te Akau team.”
“His appointment as Assistant Trainer for our new Australian operation is a key one and he brings an outstanding CV to the role, rich in Australian and international experience.”
Gleeson, who recently concluded five years as Assistant Trainer to Danny O’Brien, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Te Akau Racing.
“Mark Walker and I have met a number of times over the last month,” Gleeson revealed.
“David Ellis and Mark offered me the role, which is obviously a position too good not to take up, and I’m both humbled and excited about the appointment and glad to be joining the Te Akau team.”
Coming from a racing and breeding family and armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Gleeson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
His previous experience working for top trainers in Australia, as well as his exposure to European racing during his time in the United Kingdom, have further enhanced his skills.
Gleeson’s immediate plans involve spending time at Te Akau’s Matamata stable in New Zealand and Te Akau Stud before transitioning to the Cranbourne stable.
“I arrive on 13 August and am looking forward to seeing all the horses and finding out the details of the stable operations,” Gleeson shared.
With the stable aiming to have horses in training by September, Gleeson is excited to contribute his own experience to the team’s endeavors.
Te Akau Racing has set ambitious goals for their Australian stable, with the aim of having 20 horses training by November and expanding to a roster of 60-80 horses within 12 to 18 months.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...









