Rusty, a multiple stakes winner and G2 placed was an exceptionally fast horse running fractions of 21.49 (400m) and 43.46 (800) posted against his name. The N.Z. record for 800 metres is 44.79!

The team who own and operate Totara Park are no strangers to most within the industry. Les Donaldson, stud master and founder of the stud in the late 1960’s has been passionate about horses and racing all his life.

Les began importing mares and stallions from England in the 70’s and has always owned a band of fashionably bred broodmares. It seemed a natural progression for Les to branch out into the administration side of racing, sitting on the Judicial Committee on race days and contributing as a Committee Member and then President of the Whangarei Racing Club, add to that his a keen eye for horseflesh, and a life time farming and you have a wealth of experience that is hard to find. During his time as stud master of Totara Park, Les has had the pleasure of breeding and being involved with some impressive animals. Uncle Remus, born and bred at Totara Park is the first to spring to mind, Les imported the stallion Bandmaster who was leading sire for NZ for the 77/78 season and the mare Tusitala (owned by his mother) dam of “The Uncle” was broodmare of the year. Other great names bred at the stud over the years include, Sousa, Coruba, Regal Band, Vain Ana, Little Recruit (dam of Clangalang) and Gold Strike.

Les’s daughter Nicci inherited her father’s love of the land and animals, so 10 years ago Nicci and her husband Dirk Oberholster joined the business. Dirk originally from South Africa is a local GP, and previously a well known representative golfer in Northland, add to this a seasonal stint as rugby doctor for the Northland rugby team and it’s a case of “what hat to wear today” however his involvement in the breeding  industry has been like his other achievements – in boots and all! Dirk spends every morning inspecting mares and is at all foalings during the breeding season, he spends many hours liaising with vets, researching nutrition, studying pedigrees, sales results etc.                                                                                                                             Nicci spent 5 years as Marketing Manager for the Racing club, before being required full time on the stud. Nicci now oversees the weaning and yearling operations and prides herself on turning out healthy, well adjusted youngsters. The beauty about the hands on, daily involvement is everyone knows every horse and what stage it is at, making the care and attention to detail paramount.