Brad Molander has been an integral part of Wentwood Grange’s Cambridge operation and he was recognised for his contribution to the local breeding industry at the Property Brokers National Breeding Awards at Karapiro last weekend.

The Wentwood Grange yearling manager was this year’s recipient of the LOVERACING.NZ-sponsored Mary Lynne Ryan Young Achiever Award, which is presented to a rising young star within New Zealand’s breeding industry to recognise their passion and dedication to the sector.

New Zealand born, but Queensland raised, Molander’s interest in horses was piqued at the age of 12 when he attended the Brisbane Bloodstock Yearling Sale with his father.

After purchasing a chestnut colt by Chateau Istana, he spent most weekends heading down to watch him work and eventually started to strap the colt, and from there he was hooked.

He continued to pursue his passion, which led him to move back to New Zealand in 2016 to experience what was meant to be and 18-month working stint at Wentwood Grange.

However, he loved his time so much he made the move permanent and has enjoyed moving up the ranks at the Cambridge farm.

“I came over originally just to do the 18 months and had a slight change of plans. I ended up absolutely loving it, loving Cambridge and the Hawkins family are amazing,” Molander told SENZ’s Afternoons with Staffy.

Listen to Molander’s interview with Mark Stafford on ‘Afternoons with Staffy’ below.