About us
Virginia and I have spent 27-years founding and building NZ’s Premier Premium Online Wine Retailer… www.finewinedelivery.co.nz we began from a spare bedroom at home and built a respected, nationally regarded wine business based on integrity in wine, hard work and pure passion. Along the journey we have gathered thousands of new friends.
4-years ago we began a new journey fuelled by a passion for Thoroughbred Horses. We bought and raced a beautiful filly “Sanzera” … whom we and close friends purchased from Koru Thoroughbreds. When I identified her at the Karaka Yearlings sales, I contracted a leading Australian Trainer for a second opinion. In his words,
"She's the nicest filly I've seen at the sales Jeff."
Pictured: Sanzera at home in Clevedon
New generation
We sent Sanzera to Australia to race, she won 2/4 as a late 2-year-old. Due to a troublesome tendon, we retired her early, had her served by upcoming Australian Stallion “Dubious” and bought her back to our Clevedon property. She foaled a powerful, intelligent colt 4/09/2023, which we intend to race in Australia in 2025.
Pictured: Jeff with 'Coffee'
Partnerships
Driven by a love for Thoroughbreds and my abundance of entrepreneurialism and passion… I collaborated with Koru Thoroughbreds to purchase 4 of their best yearlings each year to syndicate with family & friends. Our innovative 4 horse model mitigates the risk of investment in a single horse, maximises returns and quadruples the racing opportunities. We include two colts and two fillies in each syndicate. Koru Thoroughbreds retain a 20% share in each syndicate (reflection of their regard for these horses) - Virginia, and I retain 20% and manage each syndication on behalf of owners placing the horses with Australia’s finest trainers including Chris Waller, Peter & Paul Snowden, Tony McEvoy. Peter Moody, Tony Gollan.
Pictured: Jeff & Virginia Poole, Julie & Kevin Taylor (Koru Thoroughbreds).
AHA Syndicate Racing
We exclusively race syndicate horses in Australia, the prizemoney is several times greater and the breadth of racing opportunities incomparable. All syndicate owners % of ownership is registered with Racing Australia and winnings are paid directly. Similarly training costs are billed to owners directly relative to % ownership. We do not handle any money ensuring the process is 100% transparent and trustworthy.
We have a single horse syndication plus three fully subscribed 4-horse syndicates now in Australia, of the first 5 horses to race so far, 3 have been first up Maiden winners. An impressive beginning by any standards. Syndicate owners have turned down combined offers of $2.1m for 3 horses to date, preferring as a group to own and race them. Of course, there can always come a time when the money is too irresistible, and a democratic decision made by all to accept it.
In each 4-horse syndications we include two colts plus two fillies. The colts offer a chance of remaining entire and providing a lottery like return should they successfully get to Group Racing level. Most colts are unable to remain entire and race successfully, so are gelded to focus on a racing career. Conversely when fillies have a successful racing career their post racing value as a broodmare can be significant, potentially many times their original purchase price.
We purchase all our horses as yearlings, from there it is circa 18-24 months before they race. It is important to be patient, too many horses are pushed too hard as 2-year-olds resulting in shorter racing careers, or career ending injuries. At Aha, we care for our horses, their physical and mental well-being is paramount. This approach is invariably followed by greater success. It’s why we work with the calibre and quality of trainers we do.
AS KEVIN TAYLOR OF KORU THOROUGHBREDS SAYS...
“select horses on athleticism, confirmation, attitude and good breeding… place them with the best trainers and luck can play its part”.
Join our email list
Be kept in the loop with current and future projects.