NZB Standardbred Spotlight: Nigel Fahy

Nigel Fahy is well known for his dedication to standardbreds and can now found as Farm Manager at the renowned Breckon Farms. We caught up to learn more about the emerging industry leader, while he and the team are busy preparing 36 yearlings ahead of the 2026 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale.

 

How did you get involved in the industry?
Dad always had broodmares and foals. I would find myself helping him, mucking them out and handling them. I went off to study Sport Management at Otago, but I quickly realised there might be more out there for me in the equine side of things, while still wanting to travel in my mid 20’s. I ended up at Seelster Farms in Toronto Canada for two years. I then came home, and I was stallion manager at Alabar Farm’s for ten years. An opportunity then came up here at Breckon Farm’s and six years later, I’m still loving it.
 

What do you look for when picking a yearling out heading for sales?
Type. Pedigree pages play a big part, yes, but a horse must catch your eye.  
Over ten years ago, I did nightshift for at the thoroughbred sales for Curraghmore’s Gordon Cunningham, and I really remember one colt I saw there a few barns down at Windsor Park Stud. Every time he was pulled out, he caught my eye. He went on to Hong Kong and won quite a bit up there. So, I thought from there, a horse must catch your eye and have some presence about it. How they handle fuss, preps, atmospheres, and how they walk also plays a big part.
 

Do you have any favourite stallions?
I’ve always had a soft spot for Father Patrick. I did a short stint at Diamond Creek and ‘Paddy’ is a hard case of a character. Bettor’s Delight of course too, he can give everyone a chance at having a bit of success. He’s a marvel.
 

What has been your favourite highlight(s) so far in your career?
Being a manager here at Breckon Farms. I’ve been allowed to make it my own, with the backing of Ken and Karen. With that the achievements have rolled on from there together. Selling the top priced filly a couple of years ago, and the equal top priced colt last year was a high. I get a real kick out of seeing every horse we sell go on and do well and join that honour roll. A lot of it is down to Ken & Karen and what they put into the game, but I’m grateful to be part of it.
 

What race do you dream of winning as a breeder or owner?
New Zealand Cup – Without a doubt!
 

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Graeme Henley gave me a break starting at Alabar. He’s been there done that and he’s still there 30 years on. He’s managed a lot of horses and people and
now I’m doing a similar thing but still not to his scale. He really encourages you or any young person to keep improving yourself and your career.
 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given that you would share to a younger person looking to be more invloved in the standardbred industry?
Go fit it! Keep trying to improve. Better yourself for your staff, business, pedigrees or anything at all. Just keep learning too. The industry can expose you to a world of opportunites. Keep open-minded.
 

How do you relax away from work? 
Ironically enough, racing. I don’t see it as work at all. I love it.
You’re soaking it up as a fan.
 

You can catch Nigel at Karaka in February, in Barn B, where they will be presenting 36 yearlings.  Selling kicks off at Karaka on Monday 16 February from 1pm (NZT). Attention will then turn to the Canterbury Agricultural Park where selling begins on Weds 18 February at 11am (NZT).

All horses purchased at the Sale are eligible for NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series. The Series consists of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, where NZB Standardbred graduates can contest for their share in a one million dollar prizepool.

View the catalogue online here.