Every month HRNZ selects a Breeder and Owner of the Month award. It is chosen randomly with the only proviso being that your horse must have won a race during the month.
In February Brian and Marie Borcoskie were picked as “Breeders of the Month” following Tessamae’s win at Rangiora on February 6 and Rodney and Deirdre Stewart were selected as “Owners of the Month” after Hayley Mhor’s win at Alexandra Park on February 28.
Breeder of the Month : Brian and Marie Borcoskie
For the Borcoskies Tessamae’s win was especially poignant.
“It’s always very satisfying to win any race and especially so on this occasion as Brian passed away (on March 7, 2025),” says Marie, “so this was to be his final win.”
While Brian and Marie bred Tessamae she is trained and was driven by son Brent Borcoskie.
The Borcoskies were on course for the Amberley Trotting Club’s meeting at Rangiora for what was Tessamae’s maiden win. The family has a long association with the club, having served on the committee. Brian also served as president and patron.
They have bred many horses over the years including Silk Brocade who won the Ladyship Mile at Harold Park in Sydney as well as the 1999 New Zealand Premier Mares Championships at Addington and Brownie who won nine in this country between 2008-2012 and 17 overall.
More recently they also bred Jaffa Josh (Auckland Reactor – Silk Rose) who won 20 races, mainly in the USA.
Owner of the Month : Rodney and Deirdre Stewart
The Stewarts were also on course to see Hayley Mhor’s victory at Alexandra Park.
“After 22 starts, some of which were close seconds and thirds, it was gratifying to see her win,” says Rodney Stewart.
The Stewarts have had an interest in a number of horses, either individually or with others, and have raced them predominantly at Alexandra Park and Cambridge.
The best of the horses were four-race winner In A Frenzy, Eyres Abovetheground (5 wins) and Kip Keino who had 11 wins on both sides of the Tasman.
“Sunny Pegasus (2 wins) is also now competing with distinction as a show horse.”
“We were roped in to harness racing by Richard and Julija Brosnan being part of the syndicate ownership of In A Frenzy,” says Stewart, “we intend to continue owning and racing horses having two yearling geldings by Marcoola and Locharburn at a farm we have an interest in.”
Congratulations to this month’s winners and your plaques are on their way.
