Meet the Team: Nigel Fahy

Nigel Fahy’s path to Breckon Farms has been shaped by a lifelong passion for horses and decades of hands-on experience. As Farm Manager, Nigel plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations and long-term success of Breckon’s breeding programme - bringing both practical knowledge and a deep care for the animals under his watch. We sat down with Nigel to learn more about his background, what drives him, and what makes Breckon-bred horses stand out.

How did you first get involved in the Standardbred industry?

I grew up with Dad breeding a few horses each year and spending weekends at the harness tracks in Southland. But my first actual role in the Standardbred industry was over in Canada at Seelster Farms. I wanted to do a bit of travelling overseas, so I emailed some stud farms in the USA and Canada, and Seelster were the first to respond — so I got a visa and off I went. I was originally going for 6–12 months but ended up staying for two years. I loved it up there, and they taught me so much. I started out doing foal watch, then helped out with the stallions, and later with yearling prep.

When I came home from North America, I worked at Alabar NZ for 10 seasons as Stallion Manager before taking up a role here at Breckon Farms in 2019.


What do you enjoy most about your role as Farm Manager?

I do like the variety of the role, every day is a little different from the previous one.

What is your favourite horse on the property at present at Breckon Farms?

High Gait – she has an amazing nature, kind to other mares and foals. She’s also a great nanny mare, which makes my job a lot easier. For example, a couple of years ago we had an orphan foal and High Gait had just foaled, so we put the other foal on her and she took it straight away (see photo below). Saved us a lot of sleepless nights. She was also a top racehorse and can leave a good one too!

High Gait.

... And your favourite Breckon-bred horse that is currently racing?

That’s a hard one, as we love following all the Breckon-breds. It’s been great seeing the 2YO Allamericanplayer develop from race to race and put it all together now (he was my pick of the yearlings in 2024). Also, Bet N Win winning the Rowe Cup was a big thrill for Dave, Stacey, and the ownership group. It will be exciting seeing him compete in Aussie at the Inter Dominions next month.
But I’d have to say Higher Power. I own a share in him, and he’s had me yelling at the TV and jumping up and down cheering him on.

What do you think defines 'the Breckon-bred difference'?

I’m not quite sure what defines a Breckon-bred horse, as it’s hard to put your finger on it, but I know that they’ve been given every possibility to succeed.
We try to match mares with stallions we think will produce the best animal and athlete. Right from when they’re born, they’re well cared for and fed. They’re educated well as young horses, and running around on the rolling hills here naturally strengthens and conditions them.

What part of the Breckon Farms operation are you most proud to be part of – and why?

I’m proud to be a part of a great team. From Ken and Karen through to the employees we have here, it’s a great place to work. But I’m also proud of the horses that come off the farm and are able to compete throughout Australasia in some of the best races. That’s pretty cool.