After 25 years of mostly voluntary service to the New Zealand Standardbred Breeders’ Association, including 14 years as Chairman and more recently a few years as Executive Manager on an honorarium —it’s time for Rebecca and me to step back from administrative and organising roles after giving the executive notice in November last. I will be remaining the CSBA representative on the Executive.

Our journey with NZSBA has been one of purpose, passion, and partnership. We’ve been privileged to work alongside breeders, clubs, international friends and industry leaders in striving to support and promote the standardbred breeding community in New Zealand.

It’s been deeply rewarding, and we’ve always approached our roles with a shared belief in the power of service and stewardship.

From day one, I believed that NZSBA should be more than an organisation—it should feel like a family. A family that stands together through the highs and lows of breeding, that celebrates the thrill of success and supports one another when the numbers don’t fall our way. A family that shares a collective pride in the extraordinary quality and global reputation of the New Zealand standardbred horse.

Among the initiatives I’m proud of are Breeding Matters magazine which is well received, together with the emailed Breeders News  opened by 1,200 people a week, both of which recognise breeder’s achievements. Recognition motivates us all.

The Register of New Zealand Standardbred Stallions, which nearly folded 15 years ago, is a cornerstone for breeders. Known by many as the breeding bible, it offers trusted, high-quality, and accurate information—supporting that most vital of decisions: breeding the mare.

The annual NZ Cup Eve Breeders Awards function is another highlight.  It is a truly special evening—recognising the achievements of our mares and the breeders who shape the success of the breed across New Zealand and Australia. Celebrating those stories, in the company of peers and friends, has always felt like the heartbeat of our community.

NZSBA sits in a no-man’s land. It cannot force breeders to breed a mare.  It has no influence over what stallions come to NZ or are developed here from our local champions. However, a personal passion of mine has always been advocacy. Representing our breeders—particularly in discussions with HRNZ across a wide range of issues—has been both a responsibility and a privilege.

Creating a positive environment to race a horse, with good stakes and racing opportunities that owners and breeders perceive to be fair is vital. Ownership and stakes drive our sport’s vitality.

I’ve also been proud to serve on the Equine Bloodstock Taxation Group, which has achieved several important wins for the industry, including a major GST success in recent months. And it’s been a pleasure to contribute to the HRNZ Annual Awards Committee, helping ensure that excellence within our sport is recognised and celebrated.

Rebecca and I also want to express our thanks for the many friendships and the immense pleasure we’ve gained from organising functions for breeder-members, both in Canterbury and nationally. The camaraderie and shared stories have been among the true joys of our time with the Association.

By total coincidence, just last week our Australian Breeders’ News correspondent Peter Wharton sent through an article for Breeders’ News about the wonderful race mare Libertybelle Midfrew—a mare we bred from our grand Live or Die matron Lucinda Midfrew, raced, and eventually sold to Albert Walmsley in WA. Her progeny is now carrying the legacy forward with promise, including Libby Lou (Sweet Lou 1.52.8,retired) Wishing Belle (Bettor’s Wish, 1.56.3), the leading 2YO filly in Perth, and Freedom Art (Art Major, 1.54), who’s chalked up two wins in the last week in NSW.

Taking the Lu Baker (Don Baker), Lucinda Midfrew family from five dams on a yearling sales catalogue page to only two, will resonant with my breeder friends. It is reflections like this that remind us why we fall in love with breeding.

Finally, I record my deep thanks and affection for Rebecca and Charlotte—for accommodating what has often been a selfish passion for breeding and the sport, and for joining me 100 percent in advancing the cause of standardbred breeding. I couldn’t have done it without you.  You will see me about supporting Rebecca, a race meeting steward, in the Breckon Winners Bar at Addington, the happiest place on a racecourse!

Warm regards,
John Mooney

ps: Over the next weeks I’ll personally thank those of you who I admire as friends and mentors. To those who may be on the other side of that coin I embrace you, taking Churchill to heart – “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”