Marcus Corban

Bloodstock Manager

Few names carry the weight of experience and respect in New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry quite like Marcus Corban.

Marcus joined Te Akau’s buying team in 2022, bringing with him a lifetime of unparalleled knowledge in bloodstock, pedigree analysis, and horse selection. His legacy was cemented long before that — having spent nearly four decades at the iconic Cambridge Stud, where he served as General Manager from 1981 until his retirement in 2020.

Those years marked a golden era under the leadership of Sir Patrick Hogan, with Cambridge Stud and Corban at the forefront of Australasian racing and breeding. The arrival of Sir Tristram’s second crop in 1981 was just the beginning of a reign that saw them become leading vendors at Karaka for over 30 years. From breeding and foaling to preparing world-class yearlings, Marcus was involved in every stage of the process — earning a reputation as one of the most credentialled and respected figures in the game.

Today, Marcus plays a vital role at Te Akau, working closely alongside Principal David Ellis CNZM as a trusted member of the bloodstock team. His insight into pedigrees, thoroughbred families, and the global bloodstock landscape allows Te Akau to identify and secure the best possible horses for our owners.

Calm, meticulous, and deeply dedicated, Marcus approaches each sale with tireless preparation. He studies catalogues, inspects yearlings, refines shortlists, and applies a sharp eye backed by decades of instinct and experience — all with one goal: to help bring top-quality racehorses into the Tangerine team.

His knowledge is an asset. His judgement is trusted. And his presence is part of what keeps Te Akau at the forefront of the industry.