Staff Profile | Kathleen Verry

She’s a qualified nurse and loves watching young horses grow and develop. Meet Kathleen Verry, a member of our ‘Wet Mare’ team.

Q How did you get involved in the Thoroughbred Industry and what path did you take to get where you are now?
I have always had horses growing up and during the uni holidays I wanted an outdoors job so came to Waikato for yearling prep and they haven’t gotten rid of me since! I enjoyed the yearlings but had more of an interest for the breeding side/looking after mares and foals.

Q What aspect of stud work are you most passionate about?
I really enjoy being a part of the development of young thoroughbred athletes. Being a part of the first year of their development is really rewarding as they grow and develop so quickly.

Q What does a typical day on the farm for you involve?
A Every day is different! During the breeding season my day consists of checking up, vet work, breeding’s (matings), moving horses around the farm and anything else that pops up.

Q How do you explain what you do for a job to a non-horsey person?
(It depends on who’s asking!) I’m a wing women for the mares and a nurse to the foals! Otherwise the PC answer is I help to get mares pregnant again and look after foals.

Q What is something that not many people know about you?
I’m a qualified human nurse.

Q What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Gaining my nursing qualification.

Q What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I have my own horse who I enjoy hunting on or going to the beach.

Recent News
11 January 2025

Lovaci headed to stakes company

Lovaci, a well-related Waikato Stud graduate, showcased her talent at Tauranga with a dominant 2.8-length victory. Trained by Stephen Marsh and ridden by Courtney Barnes, the mare surged along the fence to triumph. By Sacred Falls’ family, she’s poised for black-type success, boasting two wins and five placings from eight starts.

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8 January 2025

Bonny result for glamour mare

Bonneval, a two-time Horse of the Year, starred on the track with seven wins, including Group 1 victories in the New Zealand and Australian Oaks. Now flourishing as a broodmare for Garry Chittick, her first foal Mary Eliza claimed a strong win at Mornington, showcasing Bonneval’s continued influence in racing.

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