Julian Corban is a young man with a thoroughbred gift that has been acknowledged as this year’s winner of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Mary Lynne Ryan Young Achiever Award.
The award recognises the dedication and passion of a talented young person in the industry and Corban is a more than worthy recipient.
The 28-year-old has a lifetime association with Cambridge Stud where his father Marcus was General Manager for nearly four decades. His love for horses was evident from a young age and all his school holidays were spent working with the team on the stud.
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Waikato Branch President Dave Duley presented the award at the stud during the week.
“I much appreciate the award and I’d like to thank all the team at Cambridge Stud,” Corban said. “I’ve been here nine years and work with the mares and stallions and do the yearling preps.
“I really enjoy working with the team at the stud, I just love the horses and always have.”
“I really enjoy working with the team at the stud, I just love the horses and always have.” - Julian Corban
Corban has had to overcome adversity to succeed in his chosen profession.
“He’s been able to get through his autism, get his licence, he’s bought a house and he’s worked very hard,” his father Marcus said.
“He’s a dedicated worker and in the stud world today to have someone who can do stallions, lead your best colts, foaling and do all the mare work with a smile on his face is a big asset. He’s just a marvel and I’m very proud.”
Watch: Julian's team members speak about his achievement
Prized staff member
At age 17, Julian Corban joined the permanent staff under the guidance of former Cambridge Stud owner Sir Patrick Hogan and worked initially with the broodmare team, advancing through to weanlings, yearlings and stallions in all aspects of hands on work.
He progressed to becoming a familiar face as a leader of colts in the sales ring for Cambridge Stud, along with leading yearlings for Coolmore Stud at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sales each year.
He was also the dedicated groom to ill-fated stallion Burgundy (NZ) and has become an essential part of the Cambridge Stud team.
“It’s quite an achievement and it couldn’t go to a more deserving character. He’s got a very kind nature and that rubs off on the horses,” Farm Manager Bevan McCullum said.
“I’ve known Julian all of his life and he’s had his challenges in life, as we all do at different stages, but Julian’s have been a bit bigger than most.
“He’s a dedicated young man with a great gift with the horses. We’re all very proud of him.”
