Macz Brother NZ | Off to A Flying Start to His Career!

New Zealand bred standardbred gelding, Macz Brother NZ, has begun his off the track career with great success. Born in 2016, Macz Brother first took to the track in early 2019 with trainer, Mark Reed. With Reed training, Macz Brother trialed and raced in 17 starts before moving into the stables and guidance of Aldo Cortopassi. Throughout his career, Macz Brother was never far from the placings, with a career of seven wins, one second, four thirds and three fourths. Macz Brother retired from racing in April of 2022 with lifetime stakes totaling $38,488.

Following retirement, Aldo Cortopassi passed Macz Brother over to talented Standardbred re-trainer and rider, Bayley Thomas of Lokenzo Park.

“I knew from the moment Aldo dropped him off here that he was a standout show type,” said Bayley. “He started to saddle so easily that after just 12 days under saddle we took him to the SPPHAWA Matchy Matchy show and he won Champion Walk/Trot Standardbred with young rider, Lily Hennessy.”

While Bayley had hoped to keep Mac for her own show team, time restrictions meant that the decision was made to find him an appropriate home. In 2023, when Jo Watson and daughter, Naomi Crowder, contacted Bayley looking for a mount, Bayley knew she had found the perfect family for Macz Brother. After meeting and seeing Mac perform so well at his first show, Jo and Naomi knew Mac was the horse for them.

“Mac is a little gem. He has the best nature and loves carrots and cuddles. Nothing is a hassle for him,” commented Jo.

Since joining the Watson family, Mac has taken everything in his stride. He is regularly ridden by a green rider for lessons on and off property with a dressage coach and has proven to be a real talent in the show ring, just as Bayley thought he would.

“We decided that a standardbred was the right fit for our family as my youngest daughter has been out of riding for many years and we needed a kind, calm and level-headed horse for her to grow her confidence on, and for myself to enjoy on trails,” said Jo.

In his short five weeks with Jo and family, Mac has accomplished winning Supreme Walk and Trot Horse, and Standardbred Walk Trot Classic winner at the SPPHAWA Dual Code Spectacular, ridden by Naomi Crowder. Connections to Macz Brother could not be prouder, commenting that he did not put a foot wrong all day.

OTTWA wish Mac and his family all the best for the future, where he will be enjoying plenty more trail rides, lessons, clinics and events.