Bergerson claims supreme title at Industry Excellence Awards
Sam Bergerson has capped a stellar season with the supreme Entain Excellence Award, recognised at a gala evening at Ellerslie on Sunday.
The 31-year-old, who co-trains with Mark Walker at Te Akau Racing, has steered the powerhouse stable to another runaway New Zealand Trainers’ Premiership victory and shattered the stakes earnings record with over $9 million banked.
With Walker now largely based in Australia, Bergerson has taken the reins at home and his leadership earned him the Equine Licence Holder Excellence category award, before he was named overall winner, beating eight other top young industry professionals.
“It’s fantastic to be recognised by Entain, who are doing so much for the industry,” Bergerson said.
“I feel very privileged to receive these awards, and privileged to be in the position I’m in. I love what I do, and I don’t think I could do what I do without loving it.”
The night also celebrated the likes of Nathan Purdon (Leadership Excellence), Olivia Blane (Stud, Stable & Kennel Excellence), Emma Thompson (Administration & Innovation), and Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle (National Racing Woman of the Year), with each category winner receiving $10,000.
Entain NZ’s Jessica Meech praised the rising stars, saying: “The younger generation are making their mark in a huge way, and we’re blessed with the talented leaders and influential Kiwis who were nominated, finalists, or won their categories.
“Sam Bergerson is the perfect example of a Kiwi in the racing industry grabbing an opportunity with both hands, then building on it to scale new and impressive heights.
“We congratulate Sam, the eight other category winners, and everyone who was nominated for the 2025 Industry Excellence Awards.”