Haunui Farm clients up for Small Breeder of the Year Award

Two of Haunui Farm's valued clients have made the final list of nominees for New Zealand Small Breeder of the Year.

The 2026 Property Brokers National Breeding Awards, to be held this Saturday in Cambridge, celebrates the elite performances of the industry's horses and participants.

The Small Breeder of the Year, sponsored by Luigi Muollo, has four finalists including Haunui Farm clients Don and Dame Wendy Pye and Marie Leicester.

The Pyes are nominated courtesty of the feats of Lollapalooza and War Princess, both contenders of this year's NZB Kiwi. Lollapalooza was the winner of the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes in August 2025, and has since placed second in the Gr.1 NZ 1000 Guineas, Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic and Gr.3 Sunline Vase. War Princess was a winner of the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes and runner up in the Listed The O'Leary's Fillies Stakes. 

Leicester's nomination is based on the performances of Romanoff and Cellarmaster. Romanoff, also an NZB Kiwi contender, ran third in the Gr.3 James and Annie Sarten Memorial before winning the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas. Cellarmaster placed in the Gr.2 Phar Lap Stakes at Rosehill before winning the Gr.3 Winx Stakes earlier this month.

"It is wonderful to be see Haunui Farm clients recognised at our national awards," Mark Chitty said. "I wish them the best of luck and no matter the outcome we are incredibly proud of their achievements."