Milan Park Stud principal Tony Rider has purchased The Oaks Stud, with the renowned Waikato nursery to come under his ownership from the beginning of the 2027/28 racing season.
The sale of the 200+ hectare property closes a chapter for one of New Zealand’s most respected thoroughbred breeding operations and opens another under Rider’s stewardship.
Held by Queenslander Dick Karreman since 2002 and managed by Rick Williams, The Oaks Stud has produced a host of elite performers for decades, headed by seven-time Group 1 winner Seachange (Cape Cross), along with fellow top-level winners Recite (Darci Brahma), Artistic (Darci Brahma), Risqué (Darci Brahma), Devise (Darci Brahma), Keepa Cruisin (Keeper) and Catalyst (Darci Brahma).
Rider’s Milan Park property borders The Oaks Stud and the opportunity to unite the two farms was a long held ambition. The acquisition caps a significant 12 months for Rider and Milan Park, whose property footprint will effectively triple in size through the purchase.
A significant investor in the breeding industry, Rider has held shares in several leading stallions, including Super Seth (Dundeel), Wrote (High Chaparral), the late champion sire Savabeel (Zabeel) and his son The Chosen One.
Success on the racetrack has also highlighted a strong period for the operation, with homebred mare Provence securing her third Group 1 victory in the Mufhasa Classic last December before selling for $1.8 million to Yulong at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale in May.
The transition will not take place until July 31, 2027, a timeline designed to benefit both parties. The Oaks Stud will continue operating as normal, selling through the 2026 NZB Ready to Run Sale and the 2027 Yearling Sales, while also restructuring its bloodstock portfolio.
