Ring at forefront of next generation in NZ racing
Cameron Ring couldn’t have asked for a better education in New Zealand thoroughbred racing, and he’s putting that to exceptional use, judging by his results at the inaugural Entain Excellence Awards in Auckland on Sunday.
Ring, who turns 30 at the end of August, is the bloodstock manager at Cambridge Stud, having earned his stripes through stints with Vanessa and Wayne Hillis, Waikato Stud, Trelawney Stud and – for the last five years – at Cambridge Stud.
In his role as bloodstock manager, he manages approximately 40 staff across two farms, with Bevan McCallum – a 30-year veteran at the stud – providing great guidance as Ring makes strong headway in the leadership role.
His efforts to date earned him the Leadership Award at Sunday’s awards ceremony, but he was surprised and delighted to hear his name read out for the supreme Entain Excellence Award – the night after he received the Mary-Lynne Ryan Young Achiever Award at the National Breeding Awards.
“It's unreal, to be fair,” Ring said,
“It was an amazing awards night filled with incredibly talented people in all three codes. It was pretty incredible to get the big prize.”
Ring was nominated for the Leadership Award by one of his mentors, Henry Plumptre, the CEO of Cambridge Stud. Plumptre had been someone Ring looked up to, even before he joined Cambridge Stud.
“There's no greater mentor than that man,” Ring said.
“He's been incredible. It's been a huge help throughout my career. I can't thank him enough, and also Brendan and Jo Lindsay for giving me the opportunity at Cambridge Stud.
“They're amazing people, and we all want to do the best for them because they deserve every bit of success they get.”
Ring has racing interests in his pedigree, going back to his late grandfather Bill Ring, a former president of the Matamata Racing Club, and his great-grandfather Calvin Ring, who was a president of the Auckland Racing Club. Ring himself is currently a member of the Matamata Racing Club board.
His immediate family was not directly involved in racing, but as soon as he could drive at age 15, he was off to the stables of Vanessa and Wayne Hillis to muck out.
After finishing school at Matamata College, Ring headed south to attend Lincoln University to complete a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture), where he enjoyed all aspects of university life.
“I wasn't an exemplary student. I partied hard and didn't really love what I studied, but managed to get through it anyway,” Ring laughed.
During some of his university holidays, he worked at Waikato Stud, before moving into a full-time role there after he finished his degree.
"That’s where the passion really flourished, and I knew I wanted to make a career out of it,” Ring said.
“They show you all different facets of the business, which is great. They're pound-for-pound the best breeders in Australasia in terms of producing Group One runners. It's just a really good foundation to learn from.”
Ring still calls on his former Waikato Stud colleague David McKinnon on a weekly basis, who taught him how to break in horses and care for mares.
Ring was the recipient of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association (NZTBA) Keith and Faith Taylor Equine Scholarship in 2017, and he travelled to Ireland, where he excelled at the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeders Course, graduating from the Diploma course with honours.
After a stint at Trelawney Stud upon his return, he joined up with Cambridge Stud, dipped away to work as a bloodstock consultant for Waterford Bloodstock for a few months before returning to Cambridge Stud, where he has been ever since, firstly in sales and nominations before becoming bloodstock manager six months ago.
“It's rewarding seeing young staff getting an opportunity and coming through and learning as they go,” Ring said.
“It's all about building the right team and building a good culture. It is hard work, and it’s long hours, but if you're having fun while you're doing it, then it makes everything so much easier.”
With nine category winners spread across the three racing codes, Ring is confident the next generation is ready to carry on the hard work and make the most of the strategic partnership with Entain Australia and New Zealand.
“We've been left a great foundation from the older generation.,” he said.
“We just need to pick up where they left off and continue to have dynamic mindsets and make change for the better because you can't rest on your laurels on any business, and especially not in the racing industry.
“I definitely think we've got enough emerging talent to make our industries great. If Entain succeeds, we all succeed.”
Ring, who has two children, Addison (two) and Tommy (five months), with partner Libby Richards, received $15,000 cash for his two awards, as well as a $5000 educational package, which he intends to use to enhance his management and people skills.
Category winners at the Entain Excellence Awards:
Administrative and Ancillary Services Award: Jo Stevens
Newcomer Award: Matia Grace
Equine Handling (Stud or Stable): Michaela Sobieska
Care and Welfare Award (joint winners): Chanelle Dickie/Anna Baigent
Dedication to Breeding Award: Ryan Figgins
Dedication to Racing Award: Emma Smith
The Greyhound Excellence Award: Mikayla Clark
National Racing Woman of the Year: Elizabeth Whelan
Leadership Award: Cameron Ring
Entain Excellence Award: Cameron Ring