Photo: Cornege Media
Widely admired Windsor Park Stud principal Rodney Schick has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to New Zealand's thoroughbred breeding industry, receiving the NZTBA Personality of the Year, sponsored by Entain AU & NZ, at the Property Brokers National Breeding Awards in Karapiro on Saturday night.
The prestigious accolade recognises an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to New Zealand thoroughbred breeding over many years, acknowledging Schick's achievements as a breeder and stud master, along with his leadership, generosity, mentorship and passion for helping the industry thrive.
"It's an absolute privilege to receive this award from your peers," an emotional Schick said as he accepted the honour alongside his son Oli.
"It's an industry that I love, and I have been part of for a long time."
Raised at Windsor Park Stud near Cambridge, Schick grew up immersed in thoroughbred breeding after his parents, Nelson and Sue Schick, established what would become one of New Zealand's most respected stud farms. After attending St Paul's Collegiate and spending a year at Lincoln University, he headed overseas to broaden his experience, working in Australia, England and the United States before returning home with fresh ideas and a determination to help lead the family business into a new era.
One experience in particular proved career-defining.
"Probably that statement that was read out where I went to London with the idea of working in a pub and I worked out that actually, I wanted to work with horses. That was probably the defining moment in my career that this was what I really wanted to do.
"To get away from home and actually work it out for yourself was really important."
Returning to New Zealand, Schick assumed a leading role at Windsor Park Stud, helping build on the foundations established by his parents while forging strong international relationships and contributing to the success of an operation associated with more than 50 individual Group One winners. Away from the farm, he has also earned widespread respect through his willingness to mentor young people, contribute to industry leadership and support charitable causes.
The past 18 months have presented Schick and his family with challenges few could imagine. In May last year he suffered life-threatening injuries in an ATV accident that tragically claimed the life of his son Jimmy. His recovery and return to Windsor Park have been warmly embraced by an industry that has long admired his resilience and generosity.
Accepting the award, Schick paid heartfelt tribute to his wife Gina and the Windsor Park team for carrying the operation through that difficult period.
"First you need a bloody good wife, and Gina has been the absolute backbone for me for all our married life, but especially over these past 18 months, she has been unbelievable, along with the team at the farm,” he said.
"My parents taught me a long time ago to surround yourself with good people and certainly we have that at Windsor Park. It's an absolute family.
"To all my team, who have supported us through this past year or so, they have been unbelievable. The farm probably ran better without me than with me."
Photo: Cornege Media
Despite everything he has endured, Schick said he remained as passionate as ever about the future of Windsor Park and the wider thoroughbred industry.
"We are certainly not slowing down,” Schick said. “We have a new farm that we are developing, which is exciting and we have got plenty of young stallions coming through including Savaglee who is new this year and standing in partnership with Simms Davison at Mapperley Stud.
"We love the industry and see a bright future. There are certainly a few things we need to work on, and I think getting together is most important.
"Working together to make a better future for racing, for me, is the most important thing, getting the right people together and making it happen. And we need to make it happen and I am very passionate about that."
For Schick, however, the greatest reward remains the horses themselves and the people who make the industry special.
"I just love it. We have lots of ups and lots of downs but the horse is what it's all about,” he said.
"Watching these horses win, whether it's a Group One or a midweek maiden, is just as exciting.
"It's a beautiful game with great people. We have got wonderful clients and wonderful friends, and it has just been awesome."
The warmth in which Schick is held was evident as he concluded his speech, with his peers rising as one to deliver a standing ovation.
