Welcome to ‘Stephen Ralph Racing’
‘Class A’ Public Trainers Licence
The Training Complex
Stephen and his partner Melanie Sutton set up their operation at Pukekohe on approximately 26 acres and now they generally have 15 horses in work. The training complex is established on 5 acres with adjoining blocks and boxing for 15 and situated only 400 metres from the Pukekohe racetrack.
Melanie manages the ground operations, while Stephen still continues to ride track work every morning.
Prior to setting up his operations at Pukekohe, Stephen was Stable Foreman for the Graeme Rogerson/Stephen Autridge training partnership, a very successful partnership of its time.
Previous Experience
A typical Pony Club/farming kid, Stephen had worked as a ‘strapper’ and rider for his father before moving to Sydney at the age of 21. There he worked for well known and successful Australian trainer V.P. Sutherland – with teams in both Sydney and Melbourne, he was second in the Premiership that year.
It was during one of his trips to the Melbourne Cup (with ‘ The Message’) that he received an offer to move to Hong Kong, one that he took up. This provided him the opportunity to work with and watch international trainers. And several visits to the Cox Plates and Melbourne Cups meetings have added to his experiences, from which he has learnt a considerable amount.
Winners To Watch…
“I have been lucky to have shared some great moments with owners and I enjoy getting results for them.
In the future, my aim is to win a Cox Plate – it is definitely achieveable!”
Since gaining his Class A Trainers Licence in 2008/09 season Stephen has amassed $732k in stake monies.
Some special types coming through:
One Cool Message – Winner of 5 including the Premier Zest 1200 (July 2015)
The Names Bond —- Winner of two this month, including the K S Browne Premier Hurdle 2015. Watch this horse!
Martiniz Special - not out of the money in 5 starts.
Miss Pareto - 1 winner at 1200m from 5 starts.
ThenamesBond - Winner on the flat and 2 Wins over hurdles 2014 – watch this jumper 2015!
One Cool Message - Winner of 5.
Adrenaline Rush - Winner of 4, including 1 at Premier level.
Polyatomic - 3 Wins.
About Stephen Ralph
Pukekohe based trainer Stephen Ralph comes from a background of both racing and farming. As well as farming, riding work and strapping for his father, Stephen also became involved in the breeding side of their operation and breaking in the yearlings. “This cross section of experience has provided me with a broad perspective of what it takes to develop a great racehorse”, says Stephen.
Te Puninga
One particular thrill whilst working for his Dad was strapping and track riding Te Puninga who ran second in the Golden Slipper and later returned to New Zealand to undertake stud duties. Interestingly, Te Puninga was purchased at a Ready To Run sale in the 1980’s and was the highest price paid that year. Stephen believes it proved to be a wonderful opportunity to be in Australia working with the best and at such a major race day event. Certainly a highlight of his career at that time.
Contact ‘Stephen Ralph Racing’
Stephen Ralph
Mobile: 021 689 267
Email: sbralph@xtra.co.nz
Address: 54a Hartstone Road, R.D.8, Hamilton 3288
