Welcome to 'Graeme Hughes Trainer''Class A' Public Trainer
The Training Complex
Graeme is a 'Class A Public Trainer', with racing stables situated close to the Cambridge training centre and race track. Graeme and his wife Renee also have their Fencourt Road property which is situated 4 kms away and this gives them some good options, including spelling the horses away from their racing stables.
Usually the couple have around 8 horses regulary in work. They find this to be a good manageable number, but at times this number does increase to as many as 14.
Past Experience
Renee and Graeme's gained considerable experience in preparing thoroughbreds for racing through pre-training and breaking for Graeme Rogerson - while they were also operating a dairy farm.
It was in 2007 that Graeme acquired his 'Class A' trainer status. At that stage, a lot of the horses they were responsible for pre-training and agisting on their property were moved on to other trainers but, at one owners request, Graeme took out his Public Trainer's Licence ....... and has never looked back!
Ambitions
Graeme's ambition is to win a NZ Cup – " ..... something my father set out to do but didn’t quite pull it off", says Graeme. "It would be a dream to have a horse with the capabilities to win a Melbourne Cup – that would be a huge thrill."
Our aim at all times is to target black type races in NZ and appreciate that we have some very good owners.
The Early Years
Graeme Hughes has spent a lifetime working with and around horses in both the recreational and competitive arenas of Hunting, Showjumping and Polo. Brought up on a sheep and beef property in southern Hawkes Bay’s Waipukurau, Graeme’s involvement in horse racing started at a very young age - by asspociation of his father owning and training Dundee Road, a horse that actually beat Horlicks, just before the latter won the Japan Cup.
His passion and livelihood in horses progressed when he made the move to the Waikato in his early 20’s, breaking in and riding work in the local racing stables. This led to him venturing to Sydney where he rode work for the late great TJ (Tommy) Smith at Randwick and several others who trained there.
Graeme’s partner Renee also came from a racing background. Originally from the Central Districts (Wairarapa and Woodville), Renee was riding trackwork at the age of 9! Meanwhile, her mother was involved in pre-training for the late Noel Eales.
Horses To Watch - November 2015
- Classcoroc - 5 wins including the 2014 Group Hawkes Bay Gold Cup
- Custer- consistently placed, winner of a 1200m (Waikato)
- Rock n Pop yearling – very happy with this one at this stage.
- Stylish Attack – 4yo, by Tavistock, 1 win this time in – a lot of time for this one
Contact Details
Graeme Hughes
Owner: Graeme Hughes
Address: 449 Fencourt Road, Cambridge
Mobile: 021 022 52777
Email: reneegraeme.hughes@xtra.co.nz
