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.