Eion and Megan Kemp have created a business that specialises in the education of young thoroughbred race horses. Eion has developed methods of breaking in, that blend the best practices from the past and today.
Eion is innovative and forward thinking and his goal is always for well turned out professional race horses. His sound, practical knowledge is further supported by his Bachelor of Science degree and his diploma in Horse Business Management from Marcus Oldham College in Australia.
Eion gained valuable experience working for Paul Jenkins, Watson Bloodstock, Antrim Lodge and Waikato Stud. He has enjoyed some success as an amateur jockey including winning the Duke of Gloucester Cup.
Kilgravin Lodge has 75 acres at its disposal with quality purpose built facilities.
Consistency and high standards, combined with the hard work of Eion and the dedicated team ensures great service and results.
Eion is very hands on and is involved in all aspects of the care and education of these young thoroughbreds.
Kilgravin Lodge acknowledges that owners like to know how their horse are going and so endeavours to keep owners up to date with progress reports through phone calls and emails.
Rich Hill Stud has firmly established itself as one of New Zealand's leading thoroughbred nurseries. Its picturesque location and superb facilities provide a safe and natural environment for its you
Waikato Stud is a world-renowned thoroughbred nursery owned and operated by the Chittick family.
The stud was originally established by American Nelson Bunker Hunt in 1967.
Its reputation as a ‘Birthplace of Champions’ was founded in 1975 with Dulcify, whose 6 G1 wins saw him hailed as the best racehorse ever prepared by Australian Hall of Fame trainer, Colin Hayes.
The Matamata-based stud’s G1 reputation soared to an international level in the wake of 1993, following its procurement by Garry and Mary Chittick.
Currently owned and operated by son Mark and his wife Lisa, Waikato Stud is acclaimed as New Zealand’s first Breeder of a G1 winner in Europe thanks to the five time G1 winner Starcraft and is widely regarded as Australasia’s leading source for G1 winners.
To this end, Waikato Stud’s G1 accomplishments number 27 G1 individual winners of 58 G1 races.
Waikato Stud hit an all-time high in 2008/09, when it trailblazed an Australasian record of six individual G1 winners in a season.
WAIKATO STUD FACTS
• 25 G1 Winners of 56 G1 races.
• Champion Australasian G1 Breeder of the Decade.
• Awarded New Zealand’s Champion Breeder 5 times.
• 1st ever NZ Breeder of a G1 winner in the Northern Hemisphere (Starcraft).
• Created history in 2005/06 with 5 G1 winners in 5 different countries.
• Later rewrote these very history books with 6 G1 winners in 2008/09.
• leading NZ black-type breeder.
• Garry Chittick honoured with the Racing Excellence and Outstanding Contribution Award in 2006.
• Average Stakes Winners Bred Per Season: 12
• Sired three of the five Australasian Gr.1 Derby winners in 2011/12.
