Whitsbury Manor's Ben Tappenden appointed general manager at Cambridge Stud in native New Zealand

Cambridge Stud in New Zealand has announced the appointment of Ben Tappenden as general manager. 

Tappenden is returning home after spending eight years at Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire, working for the Harper family.‍

He began his career at 17, working at Curraghmore with Gordon Cunningham, where he met his future wife, Naomi. He went on to work with the stallions at Coolmore Stud for three years before spending ten years managing The Oaks Stud in Cambridge.

‍As part of his role as manager at Whitsbury, he foaled Classic hero turned Juddmonte and Cambridge Stud sire Chaldean, and led the team that sold his sister for a record-equalling 2.5 million guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale last year.

Tappenden said: "Cambridge Stud is a New Zealand treasure with an illustrious heritage. I am excited and privileged to become a part of this iconic nursery’s family and future under the ownership of Brendan and Jo Lindsay. I would also like to mention my undying gratitude to the team at Whitsbury Manor Stud.

"Ed Harper, along with Rick Williams at The Oaks Stud, have allowed me to grow and develop as a manager over the last 18 years.‍

"I'm looking forward to returning home and being immersed in the New Zealand industry once again, getting to know the team, the bloodstock, and reacquainting myself with owners and breeders."‍

Cambridge Stud chief executive Henry Plumptre said: "Ben brings a wealth of experience to Cambridge that can be gained only from working at studs like The Oaks and Whitsbury Manor, and we are delighted to have him."

‍Whitsbury proprietor Ed Harper said: "We wish Ben all the best in his new role at Cambridge Stud. It has been a pleasure working with him for the past eight years."

‍Ben and Naomi, along with their three children, Keira, Jonathan, and Eloise, will relocate to New Zealand in June.

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