Racing: Benjamins call it quits

Ill-health has forced two of New Zealand's foremost thoroughbred breeders to quit the industry.

Less than a year after David and Masey Benjamin traded their picturesque 132ha Fayette Park stud at Tirau for a smaller, boutique unit on Cambridge's Kaipaki Rd, the couple are set to farewell the industry that has been their life for 33 years.

David Benjamin confirmed the new Fayette Park had also been put up for tender.

For the past few years, David Benjamin has battled cancer and, more recently, has had a coronary bypass.

Meanwhile, Masey Benjamin had surgery to remove a brain tumour.

"The move is about health and a way of life, because my wife has followed me for 33 years," Mr Benjamin said.

The couple had planned to build on a "stunning" site overlooking the Waikato River, but ongoing illness forced a rethink.

Once the stud is sold, the pair - last year named New Zealand thoroughbred breeders of the year - will move to a nearby 4.45ha property ringed by century-old trees.

"We will miss it terribly," David Benjamin said.

"But I hope we will remain involved with the industry in some way."

San Miguel Derby winner Don Eduardo will be relocated, as will stallion Postponed.

Postponed's first crop sold for an average $57,500.

- NZPA