Young Guns Series: Thomas Bamford

After taking out his first Group One training win with NZB Standardbred graduate Rakero Rocket (NZ) (Rock n Roll Heaven) at the end of last year, Thomas Bamford has put his hand up as one of New Zealand’s emerging young guns. We had a chat with Thomas ahead of the 2025 National Yearling Sale, where he will be on the search for his next racetrack star.
 

What was your earliest memory in the standardbred industry?

My dad had a share in a few horses growing up, but one that stands out is Captain Peacock (NZ) (Live Or Die) who won the Derby in 2010. I used to love going and watching him and it all grew from there.
 

What has been your favourite highlight so far?

Winning my first training Group One with Rakero Rocket (NZ). It doesn’t get much better than that. It is a feeling I won’t forget. He was just a $16,000 yearling purchase.

 

What do you look for when buying a yearling?
First, I look at the product. It’s got to stand out before you read the pedigree page. There are other specific things too but a great presence, and it being able to catch your eye before you study the page.

 

Which horse has given you the most satisfaction to work with or follow?
Most will expect me to say Rakero Rocket here, but recently, Ebury Street (NZ) (Bettor's Delight). Towards the back end of last year, she won four in a row. I retired her a few years ago, and used her as a galloping pacemaker, she just improved. We hoppled her and she went from strength to strength. That has been quite satisfying.

 

Do you have any favourite stallions?
Bettor’s Delight would be an obvious one, but they are hard to get my hands on.
I would have to say Rock n Roll Heaven, he’s been good to us.

 

Who do you look up to in the industry?
Probably Regan Todd. I spent four years working for him. I implement some, if not a lot of his training techniques. I really admire him as a horseman.

 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Just listen to everybody. Take everyone’s advice in, one day it will come in handy.

 

What advice would you give to a young person looking to be more involved in the standardbred industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
 

How do you relax away from work? Do you have a non-racing hobby?

Probably by not doing a whole lot, anything at all to switch off  from the horses helps.
 

We look forward to catching Thomas at the sales with selling kicking off at Karaka on Saturday 15 February from 1pm (NZT). Attention will then turn to the Canterbury Agricultural Park where selling begins on Tuesday 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.