Photo: Trish Dunell
The New Zealand thoroughbred industry is mourning the loss of respected horseman Peter Stanaway, who passed away peacefully late last week following a short illness, aged 80.
For decades, Stanaway was a familiar and highly respected figure throughout New Zealand's thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
A prominent member of staff at Cambridge Stud under Sir Patrick Hogan for more than a quarter of a century, Stanaway was an outstanding horseman and often the man tasked with leading elite-level lots through the sales ring.
“Peter Stanaway was a rough diamond. He was very hard working and an exceptionally good horseman that never panicked under pressure,” said Marcus Corban, long-time manager of Cambridge Stud.
“He led all the very good yearling colts and was a great family man.
“He was little, always had a cigarette in his mouth and a very care-free attitude.
“He had a very good eye for a horse and there were people who used to ask Peter his opinion on what horses he liked.
“There were a couple of big owners in Australia in particular that always used to seek out Pete’s opinion and he was very direct and very honest and he could really pick a horse.”
More recently, Stanaway assisted Graeme and Debbie Rogerson taking horses to trials and race meetings around New Zealand.
Photo: Trish Dunell
“He was a ball of knowledge and drove to trucks to and from the races and everyone loved talking to him,” Corban said.
“He was just one of the good guys and another person that probably didn’t get the recognition that he deserved but he was held in very high regard by all his peers and taught a lot of young people in this industry.”
Having grown up in Matamata, Stanaway worked for Norm Crawford at Willow Stables, father of trainer Karen Fursdon.
He later played a pivotal role in sourcing Fursdon’s Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Upsetthym from Cambridge Stud, with Sir Patrick Hogan famously gifting the Group One winner to the lease syndicate in return for a bottle of brandy.
Stanaway is survived by his beloved wife, Nevis, and his family, who were at the centre of his life throughout his years in the industry.
A memorial service to celebrate Peter Stanaway's life will be held at Woodside Estate, Woodside Road, Matangi, on Thursday, 2nd July 2026 at 1.00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Waikato would be appreciated and may be left at the service.
