In his latest Rowe On Monday column, Tim Rowe reports on the loss of a New Zealand industry legend, provides an insight into Japan-based Umanity Racing's plans for Australia and details the competition between auction houses for 2026 yearlings.
‘One of a kind’ Yorke remembered for lasting legacy on New Zealand’s equine industry
The New Zealand thoroughbred industry lost a legend on Sunday with the sudden death of Olympian and renowned horseman Joe Yorke.
A Central Districts icon, Yorke is believed to have suffered an aneurysm and came just two days after he and his champion show jumping horse Big Red were inducted into Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall of Fame. Yorke was 77.
Yorke represented New Zealand at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, competing in the individual jumping equestrian event on his horse Big Red before becoming one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent horse breakers and pre-trainers.
He also sold yearlings and ready-to-run two-year-olds under his Sandhaven Stables banner based out of Manawatu.
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