Staff Profile – Emma Dench

Emma & Brampton Loco

The WS foaling unit will be bustling with activity in no time so, this week we caught up with Day Foaling Unit Manager Emma Dench to find out how she got involved in the Thoroughbred Industry and why she loves working in the foaling unit.

Q How did you get involved in the thoroughbred industry?
A Through riding trackwork for David Haworth, he’s good friends with Mark and I came to Waikato Stud for a yearling prep and never left.

Q What attracted you to working in the foaling unit?
If I’m really honest, it was the cute foals.

Q Do you have a favourite broodmare on the farm?
A Eudora, and reason being is she’s an overall sweetheart and easy to do anything with. She might only have one eye but she sure does keep a firm one on her foals and is such a good mother.

Q What is your favourite part of what you do?
A Bringing life into the world and being a huge part of a promising and bright future.

Q If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to get involved in the thoroughbred breeding industry what would it be?
Experience all parts/departments of the industry. You may find a hidden passion you never knew was there.

Q What are you watching on Netflix at the moment?
I just finished watching Orphan Black and would highly recommend.

Q What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?
I can backflip.

Q What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?
I wouldn’t say crazy but shooting my first stag was certainly an adrenaline rush and spiked a new hobby for me.

 

Recent News
11 January 2026

Ammirati Eyes NZ Derby After Gingernuts Win

Listed win adds an exciting pedigree update to Ammirati’s full brother ahead of NZB Yearling Sale! Off the back of his victory in the G3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki two starts back, 3yo Savavbeel …

Read More
6 January 2026

Golden Family Keeps Shining

Waikato Stud-bred filly La Dorada continues to add further honours to her richly decorated family. The daughter of resident sire Super Seth enjoyed an outstanding juvenile season with success in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce …

Read More