Meet The Team
Brad Molander, Yearling Manager
Brad was born in NZ but raised in Australia before making the move to Cambridge. He started leading for Wentwood at Karaka in 2016/17 before coming on as full time yearling manager in August 2017.
He was originally going to be at Wentwood for 18 months though nearly five years later he is still here!
Brad has an extensive knowledge of the racing and bloodstock industries after working for the likes of Lee and Anthony Freedman, Blue Gum Farm in Australia and Lanes End Farm in Kentucky.
Brad has a retired greyhound called Duke and you’ll always hear late 90s/early 2000s bangers on full volume around the yearling barn.
Pictured: Brad and the Pierro x Pica Pica filly at Karaka 2022
Where does your passion for horses come from?
Not to be cliché but I was basically born into it. My parents are walking encyclopedias of New Zealand racing and breeding and my father has been training racehorses the majority of my life so I caught the bug at a very young age.
How did you get started in the thoroughbred industry?
I got my start when I went to a Brisbane Bloodstock Yearling Sale when I was 12 with my dad. We walked away with a chestnut colt by Chateau Istana we named “Bob”. That colt ended up in work in Beaudesert with Diane Murphy (another kiwi abroad) so most weekends we would drive down from Brisbane to see him work and from that I started strapping race day and doing school holiday work for Diane and the passion just grew and grew from there!
What is your favourite part about working at Wentwood Grange?
It’s horse heaven. The pasture and land is just incredible horse country! It’s a beautiful spot in the Waikato and the farms have been meticulously designed, it makes waking up in the morning very easy; the Hawkins Family take so much pride in everything they do.
What is your favourite time of year?
Spring but particularly September. The temperature is starting to warm up, there’s plenty of foals hitting the ground that we’ve all waited 11 months to see, the yearling farm is starting to ramp-up, the spring racing is starting to heat up; It’s just a great time on farm.
What is your proudest moment or best memory since you started with Wentwood Grange?
There is honestly so many. Putting Kolding through the ring, Our Abbadean winning the Travis Stakes, anytime Mai Tai won, Lickity Split winning the G1 Sistema, preparing so many amazing yearlings, working with so many fantastic people, every Christmas party, every Karaka celebration and watching countless people and horses grow up and go on to have great blossoming careers.
Do you have a favourite broodmare?
Zoccoli d’Oro, Magic Star, Lithograph, Our Abbadean, Goldiluva there’s so many.
Who is someone that inspires you?
Gai Waterhouse, hands down anyone that knows me knows I am the biggest Gai Waterhouse fan.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs 100%
Fillies or Colts?
Either, race a filly sell a colt.
If you could sit down and have a drink with any three people (alive or passed) who would you choose?
Gai Waterhouse (duh).
My Pop, he was so wise and knowledgeable and unfortunately has passed away, what I would give for another hour to pick his brain and just listen.
My mum, because the conversation between those three would just be incredible to listen to.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
Going to the races, having a punt and a glass of champagne, nothing can beat it when you have a runner on a big day!
If someone approached you eager to enter to thoroughbred industry, what words of wisdom would you have for them?
Just listen, there are some fascinating and incredibly knowledgeable people from all walks of life in this industry you can learn so much off of. The beautiful part is it can take you anywhere around the world and hard work, determination and passion go a really long way!
Richelle Rashford, Broodmare Manager
Originally from Upstate New York, Richelle joined the Wentwood Grange team in October 2019 and she has recently been promoted to the role of broodmare manager.
Richelle has a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Management, specialising in equine reproduction.
We put a few questions to Richelle to find out more about how she came to work at Wentwood Grange and what she loves about our industry.
Pictured: Richelle and the Time Test x Joy Anna colt at Karaka 2022
Where does your passion for horses come from?
My aunt and uncle had horses growing up, so I fell in love with them at a young age.
How did you get started in the thoroughbred industry?
I studied Equine Reproduction in college in New York and worked with Standardbreds for years. Moving to New Zealand was my first step into the thoroughbred industry.
What is your favourite part about working at Wentwood Grange?
I enjoy working for such a caring, family run business and getting to do fun things as a team, such as going to the races to watch our horses run.
What is your favourite time of year?
Breeding/foaling season! I love getting to foal the mares and then watch the foals grow.
What is your proudest moment or best memory since you started with Wentwood Grange?
Getting to take my first yearling through the ring! In America they have complex staff that put them through the ring so it was very rewarding to finally get to do this.
Do you have a favourite broodmare?
I have a few! I really like Vinzky, Storm Fronts, Super Trooper and Realta!
Who inspires you?
My parents! They have both worked hard to help me get to where I am and have been very supportive of me moving across the world.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs! (I’m allergic to cats)
Fillies or Colts?
Colts, they usually have quite fun personalities.
If you could sit down and have a drink with any three people (alive or passed) who would you choose?
My Aunt and Uncle who have both passed but got me into horses and my cousin Stefanie who has stage 4 breast cancer.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights.
If someone approached you eager to enter the thoroughbred industry, what words of wisdom would you have for them?
Work hard, listen and learn and challenge yourself to keep getting better. It can be a tough job but it’s also a very rewarding job.
Georgie Noyes
From Cheshire, England, Georgie joined the Wentwood Grange team in November 2020. She is a vital part of the team who excels educating the young horses and during yearling prep. She's no one trick pony though and is a fantastic all-rounder!
Pictured: Georgie and Embellish x Champagne Katie colt
Where does your passion for horses come from?
I started riding at a very young age and like all young girls became obsessed. Then from the age of 12 I started helping out at my local riding school on weekends.
How did you get started in the thoroughbred industry?
I went to college and studied a Diploma in Equine Management back home in England. I then graduated college, went traveling around the world, found myself in Australia and started working at Rheinwood Pastoral Co in the Southern Highlands of NSW. I made the decision to move to New Zealand and started working for Wentwood Grange and here I am; never looked back.
What is your favourite part about working at Wentwood Grange?
I love how Wentwood Grange is a close knit, family run business and since the day I started everyone has made me feel so welcome and at home. That is especially amazing and unique with being from England and having family spread around the world but none in New Zealand .
What is your favourite time of year?
Autumn
What is your proudest moment or best memory since you started with Wentwood Grange?
My proudest moment would be when I lead my first yearling through the ring, which was a filly by Iffraaj out of Berg En Dal; she was always a special filly to me, she sold for $120,000 to Peachester Lodge and I can’t wait to see her hit the track!
Do you have a favourite broodmare?
Berg En Dal
Who is someone that inspires you?
My Partner, Gareth Allis. He works so hard and supports me with everything that I choose to do.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Fillies or Colts?
Colts
If you could sit down and have a drink with any three people (alive or passed) who would you choose?
My mum, who sadly passed away in 2017, Johnny Depp, Queen Liz
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
My Partner Gareth and I live on our own farm, so we are often busy playing on that whether it’s shifting stock, fencing etc. We love it. You’ll regularly catch me with a glass of Chardonnay in hand sitting on the deck looking at the hills
If someone approached you eager to enter to thoroughbred industry, what words of wisdom would you have for them?
Work hard, listen, try your best and you can't go wrong.
Hannah Rose Cook
Hannah has been at Wentwood since 2020 and is a versatile member of the team doing everything from handling weanlings in the Autumn and Winter to working with the dry mares in the Spring. She’s also part of the yearling prep crew over the summer.
Pictured: Hannah with the Darci Brahma x Nancy colt
Where does your passion for horses come from?
As a child I started riding lessons and quickly got the bug for horses.
How did you get started in the thoroughbred industry?
My singing teacher suggested I should do a yearling prep at Wentwood and I haven’t looked back.
What is your favourite part about working at Wentwood Grange?
Being able to learn from people with so much experience in the industry has been invaluable. I have gained so much as both a staff member and as someone who has always had a keen eye for the work Wentwood Grange do!
What is your favourite time of year?
Definitely autumn or spring.
What is your proudest moment or best memory since you started with Wentwood Grange?
The full circle moment of watching the weanlings grow into yearlings and seeing them go through the ring.
Do you have a favourite broodmare?
I have quite a few so my top three are: Mewstone Rock, Conch and Bay Meadows
Who is someone that inspires you?
Definitely my Aunty Juby, she has worked so hard for what she has achieved and inspires many people not just myself to live authentically.
Cats or Dogs?
Oh cats for sure.
Fillies or Colts?
Probably fillies.
If you could sit down and have a drink with any three people who would you choose?
Jacob Collier, Tom Hiddleston, Meryl Streep
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
The performing arts has always been a passion of mine, especially Shakespeare and musical theatre.
If someone approached you eager to enter to thoroughbred industry, what words of wisdom would you have for them?
Just keep asking questions!
Ruby Gleave
Ruby started fulltime at Wentwood in November 2021 after doing the yearling prep in 2020/21. She is a real foodie who loves a good curry. Ruby has come a long way in her time at Wentwood and is always keen to learn about everything breeding and racing related.
Pictured: with the Time Test x Joy Anna colt.
Where does your passion for horses come from?
My dad got me a pony when I was 8 and it grew from there.
How did you get started in the thoroughbred industry?
I had just graduated from high school and wanted to get into horses and Wentwood Grange employed me. From the start I loved it and this year I will be onto my third yearling prep which I am really looking forward to.
What is your favourite part about working at Wentwood Grange?
That it is a family owned business which is very supportive and provides the opportunity to young people. Followed very closely by Jan's toasties at smoko break!
Favourite time of year?
Spring.
Proudest moment at Wentwood Grange?
When I led my first horse through the ring at Karaka this year. She was a Written By filly out of Before Dawn, I just adored her and it made me so proud.
Favourite broodmare?
Before Dawn and Joy Anna. They are just beautiful mares and I loved both their progeny that sold at Karaka this year.
Who inspires you?
My father, he is amazing!
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
Colts of fillies?
Colts.
If you could have a drink with three people who would they be?
My mother who has sadly passed away, Gordon Ramsey, Pete Davidson.
Hobbies?
I love to cook and bake, you will find me in the kitchen at night and on the weekends.
Any words of wisdom for someone keen to enter the thoroughbred industry?
Keep trying and don't give up. It gets tough at times but it makes it all the mor rewarding at the end.
